In TRAVELER’s May/June issue, we bring you the joys of spending 48 hours in Baltimore. Here, we offer details on three of Baltimore’s delightful, must-visit summer festivals.

Little Italy Open-Air Film Festival
Popcorn, a delicacy in Little Italy? Thanks to an outdoor movie extravaganza, popcorn reigns supreme. Bring lawn chairs for the whole family to enjoy films projected onto the outer wall of Ciaobella. Movies range from classics such as “Casablanca,” to children’s films, such as “Babe,” and some Italian-themed movies, such as “Cinema Paradiso,” “Il Postino,” and “Moonstruck.” Friday evenings from June 22 to August 24, High and Stiles streets. Free. +1 410-528-1096.

Artscape
“I’ve never seen another event where gospel singers, demonic square dancers, puppets, sitars and burger stands can so happily co-exist,” says Keri Burneston about Artscape. Burneston’s performance troupe, “Fluid Movement,” and an eclectic group of 1,000 other local and regional artists fuel Artscape each year. Chamber musicians, glassmakers, salsa dancers, poets, painters, sculptors, and thespians converge on this outdoor festival, now in its 20th year. July 13-15, Mt. Royal Avenue. Free. +1 410-396-4575.

Lexington Market Summer Jubilee
During a sticky Baltimore summer you’ll hear at least one local lament, “It’s not the heat that’s so bad, it’s the humidity.” But the folks at Lexington Market venerate summer’s hottest weather with the coolest celebration. Chill out to live music as you stroll through tropical decor, complete with palm trees and grass skirts. Vendors scoop ice cream, pour iced drinks, and hawk fresh fruit and other summer fare to revive participants of hula-hoop contests. July 13 and 14, 400 W. Lexington Street. Free. +1 410-685-6169.

—Shannon Carey

Shannon Carey, TRAVELER’s photo assistant, grew up in Baltimore.