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Events

Artscape

Maryland’s major celebration of the visual, literary and performing arts has been making headlines for nearly a quarter of a century. Artscape in Baltimore involves local, regional and national acts in a first-class schedule of dance, theatre, opera, street performers and family fun, most of which is free of charge. In addition a huge array of visual arts is on offer from more than 200 artisans, craftspeople and cultural exhibitors. The range covers everything from sculpture to ‘art cars’ and books to ballet.

Venue: Mount Royal Cultural Area; Date: 20-22 July 2007; Time: 12pm to 10pm (until 8pm on Sunday); Website: www.artscape.org

Preakness Stakes, Hot Air Balloon © Middleton Evans

Preakness Celebration

The United States racing circuit features three main events, known collectively as the ‘Triple Crown’. Baltimore’s Preakness Stakes is one of these (the others being the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes). So important is this race on the city’s annual calendar that the event has now become the culmination of a week or more of festivities which make up Preakness Celebration in May each year. Events include hot air ascensions, block parties, parades, fun runs and a sailpast of tall ships. The actual race is the grand finale when top three-year-old Thoroughbreds compete for a million Dollar prize.

Venue: Preakness Stakes: Pimlico Race Course; Date: 17 May 2008; Website: www.preaknesscelebration.org

SoWeBo Arts Festival

For more than 20 years, the Sowebohemian Festival has been held every Sunday of the Memorial Day weekend. Coined a 'Topsy Turvy Excursion into Art and Music', the festival presents Baltimore's largest music venue (40 + bands), a sizeable non-juried art exhibit, puppet shows, glass blowing demos, outdoor sculpture, kid's art and fun. The aim is to 'foster community development through the promotion of art and music', by showcasing the talents of neighborhood artist, musicians, and working professionals.

Venue: SoWeBo, around Hollins Market; Date: 25 May 2008; Time: 12pm to 9pm; Website: www.soweboarts.org

Baltimore Book Festival

Cultural Mount Vernon Place, the heart of Baltimore, becomes a bibliophile's paradise each September with the staging of the Baltimore Book Festival, a celebration of the literary arts. Famous authors are on hand for book signings and there are poetry readings, cookbook and home and garden demonstrations, live music, and bookstalls of more than 125 exhibitors.

Venue: Mount Vernon Place; Date: 26-28 September 2008; Website: www.baltimorebookfestival.com

Baltimore Marathon

Baltimore’s renowned Marathon is a qualifying race for the famous Boston Marathon, but the field is limited to 4,000 strongly competitive runners. The marathon is run each year as part of a one-day running festival, including the marathon itself, a half-marathon, relay race and kid’s fun run. Part of the reason for the Baltimore marathon’s popularity is probably the fact that the contestants run through the scenic part of this pretty city, along the inner harbour waterfront area, through charming Fells Point and historic Federal Hill.

Venue: Starts at Russell and Camden Streets; Date: 11 October 2008; Time: 8am; Website: www.thebaltimoremarathon.com