As The University of Baltimore's Centennial continues, the University will host a "supersized" edition of its annual spring party, known as "Rock the Block," on Saturday, April 12. With the campus's Gordon Plaza serving as a hub for activities, this day-long, rain-or-shine event will celebrate UBalt's Proud Past, Bright Future with a slew of family-friendly choices, including games, live music, dance, food and beverages, giveaways, theater, and an open market for artists and makers. The festival is free and open to the public. The plaza is located at the intersection of Mt. Royal Avenue and Charles Street to the east, and Mt. Royal and Maryland avenues to the west.

"We're inviting all of Baltimore to join us in celebrating a century of higher education, city life, and the many things that make the University a unique part of our thriving, beautiful midtown," says UBalt President Kurt L. Schmoke. "Come join us at this fun, new festival, as we soak up some warm weather, have some fun, and get to know each other a little better. We're showing off our best, especially the talented folks that make up our community, and we'd love to see you there."

The day-long festival starts at 11 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m.

Highlights of Rock the Block include:

• Opening ceremony, featuring a spoken-word performance by Maryland poet laureate and UBalt alumna Lady Brion
• Centennial birthday cupcakes, provided by KayTell's Sweets, a UBalt student-run business
• Artists and Makers Market, featuring goods handcrafted by more than a dozen UBalt alumni and student entrepreneurs including ABT Collective Soy Candles; Baltimore Beauty Bubble, C.P. Hale Innovations Estate's Beauty: Affirmation Coloring Book; Crafts by Lia; Clothing by Createdbyllly; Emiline's Divine Candles, Afrocentric art pieces by HEART SAM; N-Bolt Comic Series; t-shirts and merch from Nerdcore Studio; Nicole Munchel Photography; Orange Sloth Art & Press; plants, jewelry and art by The Sacred Space; artwork and crafts from Spira Spiritual; graphic tees and stickers by Maj, and art, cards, stickers and more by Yanique Elliston & Robyn Bernard
• Food and beverages provided by several alumni vendors, including Deddle's Mini Donuts and Jay's Watermelonade; and West African cuisine by Kuramo; alongside vendors including Jimmy's Famous Seafood; Kooper's Chowhound, Fiamme del Forno Pizza, and Paradise Island, featuring vegan options
• Three handcrafted beverages, all celebrating UBalt's Centennial, including Eubie's Knees, a bespoke cocktail created by Baltimore Spirits; a specialty craft beer made by Wet City Brewing; and a Centennial coffee blend created by Zeke's Coffee
• Fun and games provide by the UBalt Student Events Board, including Triple Play Sports; Giant Tic Tac Toe; Giant Connect Four; a 360-degree photo booth; yard games, and free treats
• Big Whimsy stilt walkers, dressed in UBalt gear
• Music by members of the UBalt community, including Shelby Blondell, The Shrapnels, plus DJ Co and The Players Band
• "mUSeum," a UBalt-centric fine art exhibition
• Shopping at The Hive campus store
• Special student programming at UBalt's Inclusion Alley adjacent to the Thumel Business Center and the Liberal Arts and Policy Building
• UBalt student-curated UBalt Centennial Exhibit
• Screenings of UBalt's Centennial video

Parking for Rock the Block will be available for a special $7 event rate in The Fitzgerald Garage, 80 West Oliver St. Street parking also is available on the blocks around the campus.

UBalt's Centennial sponsors include Whiting Turner, Baltimore Spirits, Wet City Brewing, and Zeke’s Coffee. WBAL serves as UBalt's media partner for all Centennial activities.