Orioles announce Countdown to Opening Day events across the region

(WBFF) — With Opening Day rapidly approaching, the Baltimore Orioles invited fans across the region to a weeklong “Countdown to Opening Day” celebration featuring mascot meet-and-greets, alumni appearances and community events.

The Orioles announced March 9, 2026, that the preseason events will run from March 14-22 at multiple locations throughout the region. The schedule includes meet-and-greet photo opportunities, a fan rally and school assemblies across Maryland.

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The celebration begins Saturday, March 14, at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda with a rally open to fans of all ages. The event will include live in-person interviews with Orioles alumni, including Orioles Hall of Famers Al Bumbry and Joe Orsulak and former pitchers Tommy Hunter and Dave Johnson, along with appearances by Orioles mascots.

On Sunday, March 15, the Oriole Bird is scheduled to march in Baltimore’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Families are also invited to “Family and Friends Story Time with The Bird” on Wednesday, March 18, at the Baltimore County Public Library’s Cockeysville Branch. The Oriole Bird will participate in storytelling, songs and rhymes aimed at helping young children develop language and early literacy skills. Siblings of all ages and abilities are welcome. Seating for the free event is first come, first served.

Additional meet-and-greet events are planned at Weis Markets locations. On Thursday, March 19, fans can meet the Oriole Bird and Mr. Splash at Weis Markets in Ijamsville. On Saturday, March 21, fans can meet and take photos with the Camden Franks, Oriole Park’s racing hot dog mascots, at Weis Markets in Bel Air.

The Orioles’ annual preseason matchup against the Washington Nationals is also part of the celebration. The Orioles will host the Nationals at Oriole Park on Sunday, March 22, at 1:35 p.m. for their first exhibition game after last year’s matchup was canceled due to inclement weather. The Nationals will then host the Orioles on Monday, March 23, at 1:05 p.m. Tickets are available on the Orioles website.

To conclude the Countdown to Opening Day celebration, the Orioles will hold school assemblies from March 23-25 across five counties and Baltimore City. The assemblies are not open to the public and will include appearances by Orioles broadcasters and the Oriole Bird, along with teamwork-related games.

The Orioles’ home Opening Day is set for Thursday, March 26, when they play the Minnesota Twins at 3:05 p.m.