10 Reasons why Baltimore’s Birthday Bash 2022 was the Best Bash to Date

Every year, on the last Friday in July, Live Baltimore throws a birthday party for Baltimore City to celebrate its residents, new and old.

This year, Baltimore turned 293, and we’re happy to report that it was the biggest bash yet! Look at the highlights from the 8th annual Baltimore’s Birthday Bash held on Friday, July 29, 2022, at the brand-new Lexington Market.

1. Packed to Max

The 8th annual Baltimore’s Birthday Bash was the most well-attended to date. Our exclusive venue hosted more than 700 guests, who enjoyed great music, entertainment, food, drinks, treats, and, of course, presents.

2. Fundraising off the Charts

Although Baltimore’s Birthday Bash is a great way to have fun and celebrate our beautiful city, it is ultimately a fundraiser that supports Live Baltimore. Every dollar collected from this event is used toward our mission of fostering population and economic growth in Baltimore City. Our sponsors, “Good Neighbors,” and volunteers outdid themselves this year! With the help of our monetary and in-kind donors, we made Baltimore’s Birthday Bash 2022 the most successful yet, raising more than $243,000.

3. Over The Top Décor

This year’s neon theme was one for the books. Brightly colored signage, furniture, and drapery could be seen throughout the venue. Not to mention the blue and pink neon-colored LED lights giving a nod to the older market’s iconic vendor stalls. The entire night was Instagram-ready.

4. Performances to New Heights

This isn’t a metaphor. Entertainment included aerial artists (more than 40 feet in the air), stilt walkers, and unicyclists from In The Dark – Circus Arts, who performed to the musical stylings of a special guest DJ.

5. An Adult Petting Zoo… Kind Of

How could we forget the sweetest guest of all, Honey, the horse? Baltimore’s Birthday Bash 2022 featured a special animal guest for the first time.  Accompanied by the famous Arabbers, Honey pulled their signature wagon and posed for photos with guests. She was quite the model!

6. More Signature Cocktails, Anyone?

We’ve heard time and time again how great the signature Birthday Bash cocktails are. So, this year we’ve partnered with our spirits provider, Old Line Spirits, and doubled the cocktail selection. Not surprisingly, we didn’t get any complaints.

7. A New Look for an Old Baltimore City Fave

Baltimore’s 293rd birthday was held at a well-known venue. The World-Famous Lexington Market has been a staple in Baltimore City since 1782. Known as “America’s First Market,” the historical significance is a great point of pride for Baltimore natives.

This year, however, the historic Lexington Market is being completely rebuilt. With the new location actively undergoing construction, the Live Baltimore team thought, “let’s give our guests a sneak peek! After a bit of design ingenuity, we were able to transform the space and give guests a preview of their soon-to-be-opened, new Lexington Market. (Lexington Market is scheduled to reopen to the public in the fall of 2022.)

8. Treats Galore

A birthday isn’t a birthday without some treats to share—especially a birthday cake! Thanks to our 13 fantastic treat vendors, there was no shortage of cake…or candy, ice cream, donuts, or cookies. If it’s sweet and edible, it was probably at Birthday Bash 2022.

9. A Break from COVID Woes

Although we still face some COVID restrictions worldwide, this was the first time in a long time that Baltimore’s Birthday Bash didn’t require proof of vaccination or other special accommodations. Not only could we meet in person, but guests were not required to wear masks. Makes for better pictures when you can see everyone’s smiles, huh?

10. Surprise Hometown DJ

Last but certainly not least, we must send a massive shoutout to Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott for showing up and showing out! Mayor Scott stepped up to the turn tables and mixed a crowd-pleasing set like none other. Did you all know he could do that?

The 9th installment of our annual Baltimore’s Birthday Bash will be Friday, July 28, 2023! Stay tuned to see how we’ll outdo ourselves next year. To view more photos of Birthday Bash 2022, check out our Facebook album. To inquire about sponsoring Baltimore’s Birthday Bash, contact Live Baltimore’s Executive Director, Annie Milli, at amilli@livebaltimore.com.