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 Halloween paddle 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 before making your way to Fells Point. Paddlers will gather on the water near the intersection of South Ann and Thames Streets 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 macabre 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, visit BaltimoreBlueway.org.
Costumes are highly encouraged.
POE PADDLE PLANNING
Plan your Edgar Allan Row meet up experience by checking out our Baltimore Blueway resources.
Learn about rental companies, kayak launches, and get your Poe inspiration!
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 the Floatilla you must either bring your own boat or rent a kayak or stand up paddle board with Ultimate Watersports through the registration page.
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The Baltimore Harbor is under a tremendous amount of environmental stress caused by sewage overflows, trash, and polluted stormwater runoff. We are coming together in solidarity to support the environmental restoration of this ecosystem because we value the health of our city, our harbor, our bay, and our oceans.
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If you are paddling, please arrive no later than 7:30am, ready to launch by 8am. If you are rallying only, meet us by the Harbor Place Amphitheater between 10am and 11am to join in! The After Party will begin at 12pm
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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. To participate, you will need to bring 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.
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.