The International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards
Visitors can explore an outdoor street faire featuring Poe-themed merchandise, booksellers, artwork, and local food concessions. The main stage hosts live music, theatrical readings, dance interpretations of Poe's stories, and an open costume contest parade. Guests can also visit community educational booths, creative workshops, and a themed beer garden.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Free admission to the outdoor Festival Grounds.
Hours
Festival Grounds: 11 AM to 4 PM, Saturday and Sunday, October 3–4.
Neighborhood
Downtown Baltimore
Food & Drink
Festival concessions feature the 21+ RavenBeer Garden, a Poe Toaster cocktail and mocktail tasting tent, a Sunday Bloody Mary brunch, and dining inside Lexington Market.
Parking
Several public garages are nearby. Weekend hours vary, so please check availability before arrival. • Baltimore Grand Garage — 5 N. Paca Street | Saturday & Sunday, 24 hrs • Centerpoint Garage — 310 W. Baltimore Street | Saturday & Sunday, 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM • Lexington Market West Market Garage — entrances on Paca & Greene Streets | Saturday Only, 9:30 AM–7 PM • Market Center Garage — 221 N. Paca Street | Saturday Only, 6 AM–8 PM.
Accessibility
Festival activities take place outdoors on Lexington Market Plaza and indoors in The Baltimore Room, though some separate historic partner sites include stairs without ramps or elevators.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Use the intersection of Paca and West Lexington Streets for rideshare pickups and drop-offs.
- Hop on the free courtesy shuttle operating between Lexington Market, the Edgar Allan Poe House, and the Baltimore Visitor Center.
- Reserve tickets well in advance if you wish to tour the historic Edgar Allan Poe House, as museum capacity is extremely limited.
Special Events & Promotions
- The festival grounds move to Lexington Market for 2026 because of construction at Poe House.
- The Black Cat Ball is the official festival party at Westminster Hall on Saturday, October 3; guests must be 21 or older.
- Festival guests can book exclusive discounted rates at the Lord Baltimore Hotel.
- The Red Masque Festival Pass saves $49 compared with purchasing its included events separately.
Links & Contact
Run by Poe Baltimore
Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the festival be canceled if it rains?
The festival runs rain or shine, though outdoor activities will pause if the National Weather Service issues an inclement weather warning in the area.
Is the festival family-friendly?
Yes, the festival grounds offer family-friendly programming, including art-making and workshops, though parents should expect gothic themes and costumes.
Can anyone participate in the costume contest?
Yes, attendees in haunting attire or period dress can enter the Costume POErade competition for free or simply walk along in the procession.
Where can I find an ATM on site?
An ATM is available inside Lexington Market in the Lower Market area near the restrooms.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.