This vibrant festival will have something for everyone—enjoy live music, delicious
food and drinks, artists and makers, and interactive games. Join us for this unforgettable
celebration of UBalt’s 100th anniversary!
a birthday block party
As its Centennial year continues, UBalt proudly presents a “supersized” edition of
Rock the Block, its annual spring tradition. Taking place on a Saturday so that the
citywide community can attend, this free family-friendly festival celebrates UBalt’s
proud past and bright future with live music and dancing in the streets, delicious
food and drinks, strolling entertainment and street theater, interactive games/giveaways
and an Artists & Makers Market featuring talented UBalt staff, students and alumni.
Join us Saturday, April 12!
We'll be partying from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on The University of Baltimore's Gordon Plaza
and Mount Royal Avenue. We'll have some special activities you won't want to miss.
event schedule:
11 a.m.: opening ceremony, including a spoken word performance by Maryland poet laureate Lady Brion, MFA '19, and cupcake giveaway, courtesy of KayTell's Sweets, owned by Kayla Tellington, B.A. '18, current MFA student
11:15 a.m.: music by DJ Co.
12 p.m.: country-inspired pop music by Shelby Blondell, B.A. '18, MBA '20
1:30 p.m.: jazz, funk and rock music by The Shrapnels
3 p.m.: ska/reggae music by The Players Band
Happening all day:
mUSeum, a fine art exhibition by professor Rachael Zeleny, featuring her students
a history of UBalt exhibit, put together by Lexzander Ernst, B.A. in History student
an artists and makers market featuring alumni and students
pictures with Eubie, the University's bee mascot
a raffle for a bobblehead of Kurt L. Schmoke, UBalt president and former Baltimore
mayor
giveaways
live music
food and drinks
yard games.
LOOKING BACK AT UBALT'S BLOCK PARTY
From its early days in the mid-70s to today, UBalt's best tradition has always
drawn a swarm.
Come support our students and alumni!
So many of our vendors are current students, alumni or both, and there's something
for everyone.
Artists and Makers Market
ABT Collective Soy Candles, owned by Shajira Brown, MPA '18
Baltimore Beauty Bubble, owned by Charda Watkins, B.S. in Business Administration
student
C.P. Hale Innovations Estate LLC, owned by Charnice Hale, B.A. '15
Crafts by Lia, owned by Lia White, M.S. ’22, CERT 23
CreatedbyIlly, owned by Shardae “Illy” Turner
Emiline’s Divine Candles, owned by Jess Robey, M.A. '24
HEART SAM LLC, owned by Samantha Mellerson, B.S. '21, MBA '23
N-Bolt (The Series), by James Ryan Demery, M.A. ‘17
Nerdcore Studio, owned by Ned Gonzalez, B.S. '13, M.A. '19
Nicole Munchel Photography, owned by Nicole Munchel, MFA '16
Robyn's Homemade Sorrel, owned by Robyn Bernard
Spira Spiritual, owned by Toni Hornes Sullivan, MFA ‘26
Styled By Maj, owned by Majesty Qiydaar, B.S. '15, M.A. '22
The Sacred Space, owned by Angie Jones, M.S. '17
Yanique Elliston, B.A. ‘20, and Robyn Bernard's art, stickers and more
Food and Drinks
Deddle’s Mini Donuts, delicious hot donut creations with creative toppings
owned by Robin Holmes, B.A. '12
Eubie’s Knees, the bespoke bottled UBalt Centennial cocktail by Baltimore Spirits
Company
owned by Joyson BaLisamore, B.A. '23, current MBA student
Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, crab cakes, crabby fries, crab soup, crab cake egg rolls &
more
Kooper’s Chowhound, gourmet burgers & sides
Kuramo, authentic Nigeria and & West African cuisine
owned by Ade Abolarin, UBalt alum
Paradise Island – Caribbean Asian fusion woks to order/vegan options
Wet City Brewing, craft beer inspired by UBalt’s Centennial
owned by Peter "PJ" Sullivan, M.A. '04
featuring exclusive Eubie and Edgar Allen Poe cans designed by Matt Laumann, MFA in
Integrated Design student
Zeke’s Coffee, specialty coffee created especially for UBalt’s Centennial
More information
This event is rain or shine. All are welcome to join. Some activities will be for
UBalt students only. Students can register via Bee Involved (sign-in required).
Parking is available for a special $7 event rate in The Fitzgerald Garage, located
at 80 W. Oliver St. Street parking is available on the blocks around the campus.
