Baltimore announces traffic changes, transit enhancements for Sail 250 Maryland, Airshow

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Baltimore officials are preparing for an influx of visitors as Sail 250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore arrives this week, bringing tall ships, military vessels, aerial demonstrations and waterfront festivals to the city.

The free, family-friendly event runs from June 24 through July 1 and is expected to draw thousands of residents and tourists to locations throughout Baltimore, including the Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point, North Locust Point and Baltimore Peninsula.

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Festival activities are scheduled for June 26-28 and will feature international tall ships, U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels, performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron, military and historic aircraft flyovers, and a variety of community events.

Watch as Peru’s BAP Unión was towed into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on Tuesday:

To accommodate increased crowds and ensure public safety, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation announced a series of temporary road closures, parking restrictions and expanded transportation services.

Road Closures

In preparation for the festivals, the following roads will be closed with parking restrictions in effect:

• Cromwell St. closed between House St. and Terrapin Way Thursday, June 25th at 7pm through Sunday June 28th at 8pm.
• Cromwell St. closed between Rye and Distillery Sts. Thursday, June 25th at 7pm through Sunday June 28th at 8pm.
• Tidewater Street (Circle) closed south of E. Cromwell St. Thursday, June 25th at 7pm through Sunday June 28th at 8pm.
• Fort Ave closed at Andre Street (access maintained for local traffic only) Friday, June 26th through Sunday, June 28th from 7am-6pm each day. Only credentialed vehicles may travel east of the railroad bridge.
• East Coast Greenway closed at West Shore Park from Lee to Barre Sts (bike lane to remain open) Tuesday, June 23rd at 7am through Tuesday, June 30th at 4pm.

Transit Service

Harbor Connector free water taxi will operate Monday–Friday with expanded HC2 service.

• HC1: Locust Point, Maritime Park 6am to 8pm, every 15 minutes.
• HC2: Canton, Locust Point, Maritime Park 7:15am to 8pm clockwise loop until 2:05pm; counterclockwise afterward, every 45 minutes.
• HC3: Federal Hill, Pier 5 7am to 8pm, every 15 minutes.

Charm City Circulator will operate its normal schedule and routes, with added service near Fort McHenry and Baltimore Peninsula.

Charm City Circulator hours of operation:

• 6/24-6/25: 7am-8pm
• 6/26: 7am-12am
• 6/27: 9am-12am
• 6/28: 9am-7pm
• 6/29-7/1: 7am-8pm

Extra buses on the Banner and Cherry routes

MDOT MTA will provide regular bus service and a special shuttle to Fort McHenry along Fort Avenue.

Micromobility

Dockless vehicles (rentable scooters and e-bikes) are a great way to visit festival locations during Sail 250. Options such as Spin and Lime scooters/ebikes will be available, with discounts for parking in designated corrals.

South Baltimore Parking

Public parking, including both free and paid options, will be available in South Baltimore on a first-come, first-served basis. Conveniently located near Key Highway and Hull Street, the participating lots include:

• Cheer South Lot (free)
• Cheer North Lot (free)
• Tide Lot (free)
• Dawn Lot (free)
• Lower Joy Lot (free)
• Upper Joy Lot (free)
• Triangle Lot (paid)

View the Sail 250 DOT Services and Road Closures.

The Department of Transportation encourages attendees to plan ahead, use transit when possible, and allow extra travel time.