The Baltimore Orioles baseball team, more affectionately known as the Birds or the O’s to locals, is named for the black and orange state bird of Maryland. The team plays ball at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, a natural grass ballpark built in 1992, just minutes away from Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor.

Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a quintessential Baltimore experience, an Orioles game is a must when you’re in Charm City. At Camden Yards, the atmosphere matters just as much as the game itself. Expect a packed stadium and energetic in-game activities like the Splash Zone and beloved condiments race. FYI: Fans shout the “O” in the national anthem, a nod to the Orioles’ nickname. Then, during the seventh-inning stretch, get on your feet to dance to “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.”

Read our full rundown of everything you need to know about Camden Yards to truly be game day ready.

Lucky fans get to dance with the Oriole bird during a game! Credit to Samantha Frank/Baltimore Orioles.

The Baltimore Ravens NFL football team was formed in 1996 after Art Modell moved the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore. The team name was changed to the Ravens to honor the acclaimed poet Edgar Allan Poe who wrote his famous poem “The Raven” while living here in the 1830s. The team has since won two Super Bowl championships in 2001 and 2013 and has qualified for the playoffs almost every season.

When the Ravens play at M&T Bank Stadium, the excitement is tangible as fans follow closely, rising and settling as the game unfolds. No football expertise required—a lively announcer, animated on-screen graphics, our beloved Poe Mascot and fellow fans will let you know when to get loud!

If you’re visiting during football season, a Ravens game is one of the best ways to experience Baltimore’s passion for sports firsthand. Read our complete guide to rooting for the Ravens like a local to fit right in.

Don a Ravens jersey and head to M&T Bank Stadium for an exciting football game!

Each year Baltimore sports enthusiasts turn out in full for these much-anticipated events. No matter which game you’re partial to, these tournaments and competitions are sure to get your adrenaline going.

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Basketball Tournament 

Baltimore is the host of the annual CIAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament. The event draws tens of thousands of fans to the city to watch 12 schools go head-to-head for a shot at the championship titles, plus all week there are fan events, seminars, parties and celebrations to enjoy. 

The CIAA tournament features athletes from HBCU universities along the East Coast.

Orioles Opening Day 

Baltimore and baseball go hand in hand and the city loves to celebrate Opening Day when the Orioles kick off the MLB season at their home stadium, Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Even if you aren’t enjoying the game from the beautiful, retro-style ballpark, there is fun to be had all across the city as bars and restaurants enjoy the local holiday with food and drink specials.

Preakness Stakes

Part of a long heritage of horse racing in Maryland, the Preakness Stakes takes place at Pimlico Race Course, the second oldest racetrack in the nation. The second jewel in the triple crown, Preakness is held on the third Saturday in May each year and is celebrated with events leading up to the race as well as a live music festival called Infield Fest, located in the center of the race track. With Pimlico currently undergoing redevelopment, the race is being held off-site this year at Laurel Park before returning to Baltimore in 2027.

Maryland Cycling Classic

America’s top one-day international pro cycling race sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale and USA Cycling features the best cyclists worldwide including Tour de France participants, National Champions, World Champions and Olympians from over 20 countries. The race is part of a three-day weekend community celebration of health and wellness featuring participatory events, an interactive festival, local foods and drinks, along with other fun family-friendly activities. 

Baltimore Running Festival

This running festival has been a Baltimore favorite for more than 20 years, and includes five distance options including marathon, half-marathon and relay. The course winds through Federal Hill and Fell’s Point before finishing in the scenic Inner Harbor waterfront area with a post-race celebration.  

The community gathers to watch participants cross the finish line during the Baltimore Running Festival every fall.

Can’t make it to the stadium? Even if you don’t have tickets to the game, Baltimore’s nearby sports bars offer an equally exciting way to experience the action. Explore our full guide to bars in Baltimore to find the right spot.