An annual program put on by the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore (DPOB), Downtown Discovery Days offers visitors and Baltimoreans of all ages the opportunity to experience some of Baltimore's most popular attractions at an affordable price.

From January 2–12, 2024, you can get free or discounted tickets to museums, monuments, and more. Here is a list of this year's participating attractions:

Many of the participating organizations require advance registration to reserve tickets — but not all of them do. Visit DPOB's website to learn more about each deal and how to make the most of Downtown Discovery Days.

In support of this awesome yearly event, BOPA is proud to offer FREE admission to Top of the World Observation Level at the Baltimore World Trade Center from January 5–7, 2024. Top of the World is open from 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Keep in mind, the last entry is always 30 minutes prior to close.

Take a trip to the 27th floor to appreciate the spectacular 360-degree view of Baltimore. Bring your camera to capture a different perspective of some of our city's most recognizable landmarks. Learn about many Baltimore “firsts,” milestones, and local legends and stop by the gift shop to pick up a souvenir commemorating your visit.

We encourage you to take the opportunity to tour Top for the World for free because it is the last weekend to see the Holiday Train Garden before it's packed away until next year. This new holiday tradition — which is in its second year — features Lionel O gauge trains and classic holiday scenes in the 6’ by 18’ train garden designed by Annie Noel Applegarth, Senior Director of The Cloisters for BOPA, and her brother, Ted Applegarth. These creative siblings also designed the Christmas Garden at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Spectacular. 

While you're at the Top, you can also visit the 9/11 Memorial of Maryland. This permanent exhibition includes artifacts from the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and Flight 93 National Memorial, and honors the lives of the Marylanders who died on September 11, 2001.

Tickets to Top of the World can be purchased in the lobby of the Baltimore World Trade Center. They are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and military with ID, $5 for children 3–12 years of age, and free for children under 3. Top also offers a $5 parking voucher for visitors who park at Harbor Park Garage, located at 55 Market Place.

Top of the World Observation Level is just one of the places you can explore at a reduced cost during Downtown Discovery Days. Spend a day downtown and see how many you can visit. Click the button below for details and directions.

On Sunday, December 31, revelers flocked to the Inner Harbor to bid farewell to 2023 and ring in 2024 with music, dancing, skating, and an awesome drone show designed by Image Engineering. The drones took flight just before midnight and transformed into some of Baltimore's most iconic images to enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Pairing this new technology with the traditional fireworks produced a spectacle like the city has never seen before and we hope to carry that innovative energy into 2024. The sky's the limit!

“WATCH YOUR STEP” is an immersive exhibition by twin Baltimore-based artists Hope & Faith (Eleisha Faith McCorkle and Tonisha Hope McCorkle) co-curated by Arthur Fitzhugh. The collective’s work is on view through January 13, 2024. Hosted by BOPA at School 33 Art Center, “WATCH YOUR STEP” is supported by a Creativity Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

On January 13, 2024, the twins are hosting a closing celebration and family dinner. The event is free to attend and there will be food and drink vendors with meals and refreshments for sale in order to support Black-owned and small businesses. To RSVP, click the button below.

The Cloisters invites newly engaged couples and their families to tour the castle and meet with local vendors at two open houses this month. On Saturday, January 13, and Saturday, January 27, from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., head up to this historic home in Lutherville for the Open House Plus.

This event offers a tour of the rental facility’s stunning architecture while connecting guests to a full array of excellent wedding vendors. Caterers, photographers, florists, and more will be available to help with all planning needs to create a memorable event. The open house is free to attend and all are welcome. Click the button below for details and directions.

Visit the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and explore this landmark building from bottom to top. For $8, you can visit the clock room, home of the world’s largest, four dial, gravity-driven, non-chiming clock. The iconic industrial clock room boasts 24 ft. clock dials which have been the romantic backdrop for many engagements, movies, videos, books and more. For rental information, email building manager Eliza Kurtz. For details and directions to Bromo, click below.

BOPA provides programming and technical support to Baltimore City's Arts & Entertainment Districts. Your tax-deductible donation helps us to support the artists and arts organizations who make Baltimore beautiful!

CELEBRATE A FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN HIGHLANDTOWN: Head down to the Dreamers & Make-Believers bookstore in the Highlandtown Arts & Entertainment District on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 5:00–9:00 p.m. for a first anniversary party! All are welcome. In addition to cake and drinks, there will be a 20% off sale, new merchandise, the return of the famous Dreamers Prize Wheel, cafe specials, and more. Click below for details.

HIT UP A CLOSING RECEPTION IN STATION NORTH: Visit Night Owl Gallery in the Station North Arts & Entertainment District this weekend to see the exhibition, "Cerebro: Noche," before it closes. The gallery is open on Friday, January 5, from 4:00–8:00 p.m.; Saturday, January 6, from 11:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; and by appointment. There is a closing reception on Friday night, which is free to attend. Click below for details.

ATTEND AN AUTHOR TALK IN THE BROMO DISTRICT: On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., the Central Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library is hosting author, queer icon, and activist Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore. This free program is co-sponsored by the Jewish Museum of Maryland and will also be available to watch virtually. Click the button below for more information and to register for the in-person event.

SIGN UP FOR A CLASS IN THE BLACK ARTS DISTRICT: Creative community center Jubilee Arts will resume winter classes for all ages on January 16, 2024. Classes include creative crafts, clay, sewing, candle making, hip hop dance, yoga, drumming, digital arts, and more. There is a fee for each class, and there are scholarships available. Click the button below to browse the full course schedule and register.

BOPA is proud to serve as your arts council, event center, and film office. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to supporting the city’s artists and making art free and accessible to the community.

But we cannot do it without your support! Please join us in ensuring that Baltimore continues to be a city that supports, retains, and celebrates its creative talent by donating to BOPA today!