What To Do This Weekend: Festival Fun In Baltimore

If you are putting together your to-do list for the Oct. 15 weekend, we have some big festivals happening in the Baltimore area that are sure to please the athlete, the culture-geek, the foodie and everyone who loves autumn.

The Baltimore Running Festival

M&T Bank Stadium (outside parking lots)
1101 Russell St.
Baltimore, Md. 21230
410-605-9381
Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011
Hours: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Admission to festival:Free
Participation in races:Fees vary

Reviews, Directions & More Info

Thousands of runners, live music, drink, food and a good time, describes one of Baltimore's biggest and most exciting sporting events: the Baltimore Running Festival.  The festival is a combination of several races, including The Under Armour Baltimore Marathon, that attracts athletes from around the globe competing to cross the finish line first.  For the not-so-serious runner, a half-marathon, team-relay, 5k and a kids fun run also take place. And for those of you just looking to cheer on runners and take in all the excitement, Celebration Village is the place for you, with music, food, drink and interactive games.  Registration is required ahead of time for all races.

Komen Maryland Marathon for the Cure

M&T Bank Stadium (outside parking lots)
1101 Russell St.
Baltimore, Md. 21230
410-938-8990
Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011
Hours: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: Participants expected to raise $1,000.

Reviews, Directions & More Info 

For the first year, The Komen Maryland Marathon for the Cure has signed on as an official Charity Partner of the 2011 Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival.   All of the Komen Maryland participants can compete in the marathon, half-marathon and the team-relay.  Funds raised support breast cancer awareness, education, screening support and treatment services.

Russian Festival

Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church
1723 East Fairmount Avenue
Baltimore, Md. 21231
Friday, Oct. 14, noon-9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 15, noon- 9 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 16, noon - 5 p.m.
Admission:  $2

Reviews, Directions & More Info

Celebrate all things about Russia at the 38th Annual Russian Festival.  At this spirited and culturally significant event, expect to experience Russia's rich heritage and interesting people.   Enjoy many traditional Russian foods including, homemade sweet breads, Blini's,Blinchkies and Kolbasa. Music, dances, choirs and other performances are scheduled throughout the festival. Фестиваль! (Festival!)

4th Annual Harbor Harvest Event

West Shore Park 
401 Light Street
Baltimore, Md. 21202
410-528-1523
Sunday, Oct. 17, 2011
Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  
Admission: Free
Directions, Reviews & More Info

Who says you need to head out to the country to pick pumpkins?  Right in Baltimore's Inner Harbor the 4^th Annual Harbor Harvest Event is the perfect place to find the perfect pumpkin.  Also enjoy a petting zoo, straw maze, pie-eating contest, crafts for the kids and live music.  With lots for kids and adults to do, the Harbor Festival Event is a must-do!

44th Annual Autumn Glory Festival

Downtown Oakland, Maryland
3^rd and Center Streets
Oct. 12 – 16, 2011
Admission: free
Directions, Reviews & More Info 

Don't miss this year's 44^th Annual Autumn Glory Festival in Maryland's Garrett County.  This five-day event is often hailed as the number one fall festival in the world.  The festival takes place in one of Maryland's top-spots to see glorious fall foliage and is jam packed with parades, crafts, live entertainment, an Oktoberfest celebration, Oom-Pah band, a dogsled event, corn maze, pumpkin picking, music competitions and so much more.  Plan to spend a couple days.  There is so much to do - one day will leave you hungry for more!  

Christian Kendzierski spends most of his time as a media specialist at Mount St. Mary's University in Maryland.  He also works as a freelance writer and lives in Baltimore.  See what's going in Christian's world by following him on Twitter @ck1media.