Inside Light City Baltimore

When I first heard that Light City was returning to Baltimore for a second year, I couldn't wait! This International display of light installations, music and dance performances, and innovative art throughout Charm City is an amazing, unique, and super FUN festival. To add to my excitement, we were invited to go behind the scenes and meet with various artists and installers before it even started.   

Many amazingly talented attendees were available to answer questions and show off their fantastic exhibits. From dancers, singers, sculpture artists, and more, the excitement in the tent was contagious. Numerous artists are here from different countries and obviously enjoyed meeting locals from Maryland.  

What a great idea to have a special place for the artists and hardworking staff to have a place to relax and socialize. In this VIP tent, Baltimore themed specialty drinks and food are featured to enjoy in a cool club style area. This private area will be open for them to enjoy throughout the week. ​

For the main attraction starting on March 31st through April 8th, head over to Light City throughout the Inner Harbor area from 7 to 11 PM (until 12 AM on Saturdays and Sundays). You can also enjoy concerts and food stands that open at 5 PM nightly. For a full schedule of events, visit www.lightcity.org. 

If you want to "pre-party" Light City, a few of my favorite hotels are offering fantastic themed events and specials.

First stop...don't miss the amazing cocktails and appetizers at the Lord Baltimore Hotel. Head to the LB Speakeasy between 5:30 to 7PM on select nights and sample the "Ignite the Night" menu featuring delicious cocktails (in light up glasses, of course.) They all sound delicious, I'm not sure which I'm going to try first!

• The Orange ($7) - Moonshine, peach brandy, lemon juice, simple syrup, orange bitters, egg white, maraschino cherries
• The Red ($7) - White whiskey, Aperol, watermelon juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, rosemary, garnished with a watermelon slice
• The Purple ($7) - Pomegranate liqueur, Grey Goose vodka, grapefruit juice, lemon, garnished with sugar
• The Green ($7) -  Grey Goose vodka, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, Green Chartreuse, fresh limes, soda
• Champagne Special ($40) -  Bottle served in a light-up bucket and rock candy in each flute

The Green

The Red

Photographs and information courtesy of Lord Baltimore Hotel.

The chef at the Lord Baltimore Hotel is the best! Order a few of Lord Baltimore's tasty "Ignite the Night" appetizers and it's definitely the perfect way to start off your Light City night.

• Crab Cake Sliders ($16) - Mini crab cakes, spicy aioli, lettuce and tomatoes, baby brioche roll
  
• Crispy Risotto Balls ($12) - Stuffed With Taleggio cheese and served with pomodoro sauce
  
• Duck Confit Quesadilla ($14) - Shredded duck confit, Jack cheese and honey chipotle mayo
  
• Artisan Plate ($16)- Chef’s selection of cured meat with imported cheese and served with house jam, crostini and nuts
  
• Buffalo Cauliflower ($10) - Served with blue cheese dip
  
• Shrimp Cocktail $16 - Chilled poached shrimp served with lemon and horseradish sauce

Or if you want to experience more than one night of Light City, stay over in another one of my favorite hotels, Kimpton Hotel Monaco. We've even stayed here and we live in Baltimore! With wonderful accommodations (think bunk bed rooms and video games), delicious dining, and a great Inner Harbor location, it's perfect for families. 

Photograph and information courtesy of Kimpton Hotel Monaco.

The gorgeous Kimpton Hotel Monaco is running a "Brilliant Baltimore" package (still available!) only through April 8th.  This amazing package is perfect for a vacation or staycation and includes:

• Deluxe accommodations at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore Inner Harbor
• Complimentary continental breakfast for two at Hotel Monaco’s award-winning restaurant, B&O American Brasserie
• Two tickets to the American Visionary Art Museum

Rates for the “Brilliant Baltimore” package start at just $259 per night. Use rate code BRILL when booking online or calling direct.

Video courtesy of Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts.

I'm SO proud and excited that my city of Baltimore has brought such a wonderful and innovative event for residents and visitors to experience. It's going to be an amazing and bright week ahead!