SAVE THE DATE!
Park After Dark returns Saturday, June 28th, 2025!
NOTE: This year’s event will take place behind the marble fountain off of Patterson Park Avenue.
The Park After Dark Campout is back in Patterson Park! Registration will be available soon to sign up and pitch a tent and spend the night in the park with neighbors and fellow campers.
Park After Dark is a free event and provides an opportunity for park users to immerse themselves in the great outdoors right in the heart of Baltimore. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Participate in a guided night hike, play camp games, roast s’mores, and swap stories with fellow campers as we create lasting memories together.
Park After Dark is a free, family-friendly event for nature lovers of all ages. So pack your tent, grab your sleeping bag, and join us for a night to remember in Patterson Park!
PARK AFTER DARK 2025 FAQs
Day of Registration/Parking/Set Up
Registration/set up is from 3pm - 5pm and we request that you are set up by 7pm. (Driving is not permitted inside the park. Campers are encouraged to walk in all camping gear or may use the drop off zone at Lombard and Patterson Park Ave). The event is over at 9am on Sunday morning.
Schedule:
Saturday: Arrival 3-5pm (please be set up by 7pm)
Saturday/Sunday: Quiet hours 10pm - 7am
Sunday: Optional prayer service (outside of event perimeter) offered by
community partner Breath of God Lutheran Church 7:30am
Light breakfast 7:30am
Event closes at 9am on Sunday
Meals
Saturday night dinner/snacks are on your own (you may reach out to fellow campers to coordinate a potluck!). S’mores will be provided Saturday night, courtesy of Rebecca Hall, Realtor, and Breath of God Lutheran Church and Leftover Love will provide coffee and a light breakfast (bagels) on Sunday morning at 7:30am.
Activities
Feel free to bring an outdoor game to share (corn hole, ladder golf, etc), and we’ll have a night-time nature hike (so bring your flashlight!). We encourage you to make this a low or no-tech time!
What to bring?
Tent with a tarp/shower curtain underneath, sleeping bag/bedroll
Saturday dinner and snacks
Camping chairs
Change of clothes/layers
Bottled water for drinking and hand washing
Flashlights
Sun hat/sunscreen/sunglasses
Baby wipes
Light sleepers, bring ear plugs/eye shades
Tissues
Plastic bag for personal trash
Not permitted
Pets
Balloons
Open flames/fireworks
Smoking inside the Park After Dark camp area
Why no dogs? We love our furry friends, but for the safety and comfort of all attendees, dogs and other pets are not allowed at the family campout. With park wildlife and children in close quarters, even the friendliest dogs can become stressed in unfamiliar environments. This policy helps us ensure a safe, relaxed, and enjoyable experience for everyone. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!
Facilities
Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 7 am.. We will have private security overnight.
Porta-pots will be available for use.
Volunteers
Thank you to our team of volunteers who help set-up, register campers, run the s’more station, serve breakfast, and breakdown! If you are interested in volunteering at Park After Dark, please email volunteer@pattersonpark.com.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact programs@pattersonpark.com.
Leave No Trace
Respect wildlife and other campers. Leave what you find and take all trash with you.
Food and food waste should be placed in a cooler or in the trunk of the car at night to avoid attracting animals.
First Time Tent Camping?
Here are a few helpful tent tips:
Do not use aerosol sprays (bug spray/sunscreen) inside a tent, as they break down waterproofing.
Keep food (including gum/mints) out of tents, as it can attract wildlife.
Remove shoes before entering your tent, to help keep it clean.
