June is quickly winding down, and with July right around the corner, here are some ideas of things to do around Baltimore next month!

• My absolute favorite thing to do in July, and something I (Rochelle) look forward to every year, is Artscape! (July 20th-22nd.) As America’s largest free arts festival, this amazing event is not one to be missed: free admission, exhibits, concerts, and hundreds of local and national vendors selling everything from art to jewelry to clothing. Oh, and there’s funnel cake too!
• Every year the amazing event that is Otakon (July 27-29th) takes over Baltimore’s Inner Harbor for 3 days. This is one of the nation’s biggest largest anime/cosplay conventions, including “anime, manga, and all facets of Asian pop culture!”
• Looking for an awesome outdoor concert? Be sure to check out the Ladew Topiary Gardens Summer Concert Series (Sundays in July except for the 29th.) Expect an “eclectic mix of music including Cajun, swing/blues, steel drums.”
• Looking to see a play? Located in a beautiful outdoor theatre in a historical building ruins, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company Presents Romeo & Juliet, Pride & Prejudice at Patapsco Female Institute (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in July.)
• There’s nothing like watching a movie under the stars. Grab your camping chair and head on down to Little Italy for Movie Night in Little Italy (Friday nights in July & August.) Free to attend, and free popcorn is provided as well!
• Celebrate the 4th of July with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, at their annual event, The BSO’s Star Spangled Spectacular in Oregon Ridge (July 3rd & 4th.) This outdoor concert is choreographed to fireworks and is a spectacle not to be missed!
• Take a moment this week to disconnect from technology. It’s seemingly impossible to do these days, with the world at our fingertips (hello, iPhone), but it is great to stop and slow down once in a while. Pick an activity to do with your significant other that does not involve the TV, gaming system, phone, or internet. Purposely turn off your phone. Some ideas: Look through some old photo albums. (Remember those?) Mix up some drinks and play your favorite board game. Talk a walk around the neighborhood and see what new things you may discover.

Happy July, LoveBirds!