Saturday, October 10th, 2026
Something wicked this way rows…
Poets, paddlers, and anyone with a taste for the macabre are invited to join us for Baltimore’s first-ever Edgar Allan Row, a free paddling meet up with a distinctly Baltimore twist.
Paddling and Poe—it doesn’t get more Baltimore than that.
Grab a kayak, canoe, rowboat, or stand-up paddleboard, don your best Poe-inspired attire, and launch from anywhere along the Baltimore Blueway and then make your way to Fells Point. Paddlers will gather on the water in front of Pitango Bakery in Fells Point at 4:00 PM before setting out on a spooky journey through Baltimore Harbor featuring readings of Edgar Allan Poe classics. The evening will culminate at Mr. Trash Wheel with a reading of fan favorite “The Raven.”
And, of course, we have to know: How many Poes will row? We’ll gather all of our Poe-inspired paddlers for an unforgettable group photo and see just how many Poes, ravens, and other characters from the eerie mind of Baltimore’s legendary writer we can assemble at once.
Don’t have a boat? Fear nevermore! The Baltimore Harbor is home to a variety of rental companies and self-service kayak rental kiosks, making it easy to join the fun. For more information about public launches and rentals, visitBaltimoreBlueway.org.
Costumes are highly encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Groups have been paddling safely in the Baltimore Harbor for many years, but we do not take safety for granted. Please read through these Safety Tips & Resources for before Edgar Allan Row and traveling on the Baltimore Blueway.
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Yes, water quality is always a concern in urban waterways and you should take time to familiarize yourself with local water issues by reviewing the Healthy Harbor Report Card or checking the most recent water quality data on swimguide.org. In the case of a major water pollution event in the days leading up to the Edgar Allan Row, we may ask participants to take extra precautions such as not participating if they have compromised immune systems or open wounds and asking participants to consider wearing gloves and waterproof clothing.
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Edgar Allan Row is a rain or shine meet up, however, it will be cancelled by 6:00 A.M. on the morning of the meet up if there is a small craft advisory or if other weather events make paddling unsafe (thunder, lightning, etc.).
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We would love your participation in Edgar Allan Row! You can meet us at Fells Point in front of Pitango at 4PM and watch as all the Poe inspired paddlers meet up.
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We recommend that paddlers under the age of 18 be accompanied by a parent or guardian for Edgar Allan Row. If you are going with a paddling group or rental company please make sure to reference their age guidelines.
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No, paddlers do not need to register for Edgar Allan Row. However, they should sign up to receive meet up updates HERE.
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To participate in Edgar Allan Row you must either bring your own boat or rent a vessel from one of several rental options along the Baltimore Blueway. Learn where you can rent a kayak HERE.
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To celebrate the ecological and recreational progress of the Baltimore Harbor.Let’s show our city and our harbor some love in this new oh so Baltimore way.
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Paddlers should arrive on water in front of Pitango in Fells Point no later than 4:00 PM.
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Yes! Email chelsea@waterfrontpartnership.org for more information.
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You should come prepared to be outside and exposed to the elements for the duration of the event. Paddlers should have a kayak, canoe or paddleboard, a paddle, a life jacket, and a large bottle of water. You should also consider bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, shoes, and clothing that you won’t mind getting wet and/or dirty.
Don’t forget to dress up! Come in your best Poe-inspired attire. Paddlers can also dress up their vessels with spider web, ravens, or anything in the spooky spirit they can think of.
Help Us Work Towards A Healthy Harbor
Waterfront Partnership's Healthy Harbor Initiative works to restore and protect our city's most valuable asset, the harbor. Through our growing list of projects, programs, and partnerships, the Healthy Harbor Initiative is educating the public about what lives beneath the surface and how we can all fight for the urban ecosystem through actions we take.