Things to do in Baltimore this week: Running Festival, Garden Glow & Comic‑Con (Oct 13–19 2025)

Things to Do in Baltimore This Week (Mon, Oct 13 – Sun, Oct 19, 2025)

Fall weather is setting in with highs around 66 °F and lows near 52 °F. From races and glowing gardens to comics, costumes and farm‑fresh dining, here’s your guide to mid‑October in Charm City.

  • Run, cheer and celebrate: Join thousands of athletes for the Baltimore Running Festival’s marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K with a lively post‑race party.
  • Experience magical nights: Garden Glow at Ladew Gardens lights up the topiary with illuminated sculptures, jack‑o’‑lanterns, music and food vendors.
  • Meet your heroes: Baltimore Comic‑Con brings comic creators, celebrity guests, cosplay events and panels to the Convention Center.
  • Have spooky family fun: Zoo BOO! offers hay mazes, costume contests and trick‑or‑treating — all included with zoo admission.
  • Dine like a local: Reserve tables at Woodberry Kitchen, Thames Street Oyster House, Alma Cocina Latina and The Food Market for unforgettable meals.
Runners racing through downtown Baltimore during the Baltimore Running Festival

Running Festival • Citywide

Baltimore Running Festival (Oct 18)

Celebrate the 25th year of Charm City’s Running Festival with a marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K that wind past Camden Yards, the Maryland Zoo and through nearly every corner of Baltimore. Start times are 7:30 a.m. (5K), 8 a.m. (marathon & 10K) and 9:30 a.m. (half marathon), with a post‑race celebration at the Inner Harbor from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Distance from hotel: ~0.4 mi (≈8 min walk / 2 min drive)

Starting line: Pratt & Light St (5K); Paca St & Camden St (marathon & 10K); Light St & Pratt St (half marathon)

Cost: See official site for registration fees

More info: thebaltimoremarathon.com

Image credit: Baltimore Running Festival

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Illuminated jack-o’-lanterns and sculptures at Garden Glow in Ladew Gardens

Illuminated Garden • Monkton

Garden Glow at Ladew Gardens (Oct 15 – 18)

Ladew Topiary Gardens’ signature fall event transforms the grounds into a glowing wonderland of illuminated sculptures, hundreds of carved jack‑o’-lanterns, live music, strolling performers and family‑friendly activities. The festivities run 5–9 p.m. nightly, rain or shine.

Distance from hotel: ~26 mi (≈40 min drive)

Address: 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111 • Phone: (410) 638‑3414

Cost: Members – Adults $40, Young Adults (13–18) & Seniors $33, Children (2–12) $10; Non‑members – Adults $50, Young Adults & Seniors $43, Children $18

More info: ladewgardens.com

Image credit: Ladew Gardens

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Stay near Camden Yards & Harborfront

Set at 1 East Redwood Street in downtown Baltimore, Sonesta Baltimore Inner Harbor places you steps from the Convention Center, Inner Harbor and Camden Yards. Spacious rooms with free Wi‑Fi, a 24‑hour fitness center and a rooftop pool make it easy to unwind after marathon cheering or an evening at Garden Glow.

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Comic book fans and cosplayers at the Baltimore Comic-Con

Comic Convention • Downtown

Baltimore Comic‑Con (Oct 17 – 19)

“America’s Greatest Comic Book Convention” returns for its 26th year with guest artists, celebrity panels, cosplay contests and hundreds of exhibitors. Show hours are Friday 1–7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Baltimore Convention Center.

Distance from hotel: ~0.3 mi (≈6 min walk / 2 min drive)

Address: Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21201

Cost: See official site for ticket pricing

More info: baltimorecomiccon.com

Image credit: Baltimore Comic‑Con

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Children in costumes enjoying Zoo BOO! activities at the Maryland Zoo

Halloween Festival • Maryland Zoo

Zoo BOO! (Oct 17 – 19)

Dress up and head to the Maryland Zoo for hay mazes, costume contests, crafts, trick‑or‑treating, food trucks, magic shows, a bounce house and even a teddy bear clinic. Zoo BOO! runs 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Friday through Sunday and is included with zoo admission.

Distance from hotel: ~2 mi (≈7 min drive)

Address: One Safari Place, Baltimore, MD 21217 • Phone: (410) 396‑7102

Cost: Included with zoo admission (additional fees for games & activities)

More info: marylandzoo.org

Image credit: Maryland Zoo

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Best Places to Eat in Baltimore This Week

Farm-to-table dishes at Woodberry Kitchen

Farm‑to‑Table • Clipper Mill

Woodberry Kitchen

Woodberry Kitchen partners with Chesapeake farmers to craft regenerative, farm‑to‑table cuisine that celebrates the region’s abundance and traditions. Enjoy seasonal dishes and sustainable meats in a cozy tavern setting. Dinner is served Wednesday–Saturday 5–9:30 p.m. and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Distance from hotel: ~2.4 mi (≈10 min drive)

Address: 2010 Clipper Park Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211 • Phone: (443) 524‑5097

Website: woodberrykitchen.com

Image credit: Woodberry Kitchen

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Fresh oysters and seafood dishes at Thames Street Oyster House

Seafood & Raw Bar • Fells Point

Thames Street Oyster House

On the historic Thames Street waterfront, Chef Eric Houseknecht’s restaurant serves traditional and modern Maryland, Mid‑Atlantic and New England seafood, including a spectacular à la carte raw bar. Enjoy warm service in a converted row home. Hours: Mon–Thu 4:30–9:30 p.m.; Fri–Sun lunch 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and dinner 5–9:30 p.m.

Distance from hotel: ~1.1 mi (≈22 min walk / 5 min drive)

Address: 1728 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231 • Phone: (443) 449‑7726

Website: thamesstreetoysterhouse.com

Image credit: Thames Street Oyster House

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Venezuelan dishes and cocktails at Alma Cocina Latina

Venezuelan Cuisine • Station North

Alma Cocina Latina

Alma transports guests into Venezuelan culture through imaginative dishes, cocktails and lush décor. Chef Hector Romero blends indigenous ingredients with immigrant influences for a menu that’s both traditional and contemporary. Dinner is served Wednesday–Sunday from 5 p.m.; closed Monday & Tuesday.

Distance from hotel: ~1.2 mi (≈25 min walk / 6 min drive)

Address: 1701 North Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201 • Phone: (667) 212‑4273

Website: almacocinalatina.com

Image credit: Alma Cocina Latina

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Comfort food dishes at The Food Market in Hampden

Modern Comfort Food • Hampden

The Food Market

Located on “The Avenue” in Hampden, The Food Market delivers approachable, seriously good comfort food in a smart industrial‑modern space. Chef Chad Gauss and his talented team serve creative small plates, brunch favorites and craft cocktails with outstanding service.

Distance from hotel: ~2.7 mi (≈10 min drive)

Address: 1017 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211 • Phone: (410) 366‑0606

Website: the-food-market.com

Image credit: The Food Market

Get Directions

Sonesta Baltimore Inner Harbor

After days filled with races, glowing gardens, comics and zoo fun, relax in a modern room just minutes from every attraction. Sonesta Baltimore Inner Harbor offers free Wi‑Fi, a rooftop pool and unbeatable proximity to Camden Yards and the Inner Harbor.

Check availability

Sources & Credits

  • Running Festival description and schedule from the official Baltimore Running Festival website.
  • Garden Glow dates, activities and pricing from Ladew Topiary Gardens’ event page.
  • Baltimore Comic‑Con dates and show hours from the official Baltimore Comic‑Con site.
  • Zoo BOO! dates, hours and activities from the Maryland Zoo’s event listing.
  • Woodberry Kitchen’s farm‑to‑table philosophy from their “Our Approach” page.
  • Thames Street Oyster House description and hours from the restaurant’s official site.
  • Alma Cocina Latina’s story, cultural mission and hours from their website.
  • The Food Market description from the restaurant’s Hampden location page.
  • Weather statistics for mid‑October in Baltimore from Climate‑Data.org.
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