Summer is finally here and Maryland casinos are bringing the heat with a fresh slate of live entertainment options.
From Flintstone to Berlin and everywhere in between, there’s something for everybody to enjoy. In need of a laugh? Catch a stand-up comedy act. A nice meal? Dig into one of the many premium dining experiences. A cool spot to watch the game? Check out some of the casual lounge bars. The bottom line: don’t miss out on turning your next casino visit, into your most memorable.
To make that happen, here’s a rundown of what the six Maryland casinos have on tap for this summer.
Hollywood Casino Perryville
Located on the northern tip of the Chesapeake Bay, Hollywood Casino Perryville has put together quite the catalogue. In addition to its more traditional offerings, for example, a Barstool sportsbook and off-track betting, Perryville also offers a fine selection of live music and theme nights.
Here, customers are treated to free live entertainment on the Barstool Sports Restaurant Stage every Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The seven acts scheduled during the month of July, are:
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Saturday, July 1 (10 p.m.): Lobster Tot Martini
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Friday, July 7 (5 p.m.): Oracle
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Friday, July 14 (10 p.m.): Sons of Pirates
- Saturday, July 15 (Time TBA): Juke Box Heroes (Foreigner Tribute)
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Friday, July 21 (Time TBA): Signature
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Friday, July 28 (Time TBA): Awaken
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Saturday, July 29 (Time TBA): Thomas Scott Trio
But that’s not all Maryland’s oldest casino has to offer. Fans of Family Feud can get in on the action with Perryville’s own rendition of the timeless game show, Team Feud, every Monday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. And just like the Steve Harvey-led game, there are real prizes to be won. The top three winning teams will receive up to $60 in dining credits to use at the Barstool Sportsbook Restaurant or Hollywood Express.
Survey says, get those buzzer hands ready.
Horseshoe Baltimore Casino
Despite being one of the newer attractions in Downtown Baltimore, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, has certainly emerged as a key player in the city’s historic sports scene. And, not just because of the Caesars Sportsbook inside.
While the gaming site does not have a concert hall, that hasn’t stopped it from injecting its vibrant nightlife environment with live entertainment.
Undeniably, the party starts at Poe’s Nest, Baltimore’s only Ravens-themed bar, which remains open year-round. The sleek three-story lounge boasts a circular bar surrounded by a collection of HD screens, all while providing unfettered access to the 122,000-square-foot gaming floor. Every Friday and Saturday night, Poe’s Nest features a DJ set from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. This weekend’s attractions are DJ Trakklaya (June 30) and DJ Dynasty (July 1).
But, if that doesn’t sound enticing, don’t worry, Horseshoe has a few more tricks up its sleeve. For a more, shall we say, tame evening, there are four restaurants on the premises altogether, headlined by the fine dining establishment, Gordon Ramsay Steak.
Additionally, for those interested in working on their swing, the Horseshoe property houses the first Topgolf “Swing Suite.” The space also contains two golf simulator bays and a strong menu of virtual non-golf games.
Live! Casino and Hotel
This Hanover hotspot combines entertainment and hospitality into one, all-encompassing can’t-miss destination. Backed by a FanDuel Maryland Sportsbook, the largest poker room in the Old Line State (50 tables), and 310-room hotel, the facility’s greatest offering might, in fact, be its concert venue, The Hall.
The 75,000-square-foot, 4,000-seat theatre has a complete array of performances lined up for the summer. In particular, keep an eye out for:
- Friday, July 7 (6:30 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.): 98 Rock: The Justin, Scott, and Spiegel Birthday Bash | Tickets: $10
- Sunday, July 9 (11:30 a.m., doors open at 11:00 a.m.): Drag Brunch | Tickets: $50 (sold by 4-person table only)
- Saturday, July 15 (6:30 p.m., doors open at 6:00 p.m.): A Night of Championship Boxing | Tickets: $65-$150
- Friday, August 11 (9:00 p.m., doors open at 7:30 p.m.): The O’Jays: Last Stop on the Love Train, The Final Tour | Tickets: $54.99-$285
- Saturday, August 12 (8:00 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.): Absolute Queen | Tickets: Starting at $19.99
Important note: accessible tickets for special seating accommodations are also available for all of the shows listed above.
MGM National Harbor
MGM National Harbor is said to mimic that of a Las Vegas-style mega-casino. Therefore, it’s not the least bit surprising that the MGM-branded property ranks as Maryland’s largest and most successful casino.
There is virtually nothing players won’t be able to find at the Forest Heights facility. Specifically, it features a BetMGM Sportsbook, premier off-track betting site, 125,000-square foot gaming floor, 300 room hotel, and 3,000-seat theater, and that’s not even the half of it.
On top of all this, the lineup for the next few months is loaded with talent from all genres of the entertainment world.
- Thursday, July 6 (8:00 p.m.): Boyz II Men | Tickets: $88-$425
- Wednesday, July 19 (7:30 p.m.): Kard | Tickets: $59-$528
- Thursday, July 20 (8:00 p.m.): Peter Frampton | Tickets: $69-$296.50
- Wednesday, July 26 (8:00 p.m.): Santana | Tickets: $179.50-$604
- Sunday, July 30 (8:00 p.m.): Penn & Teller | Tickets: $49.50-$233
- Wednesday, Aug. 2 (8:00 p.m.): Donny Osmond | Tickets: $59.50-$600
- Saturday, Aug. 5 (8:00 p.m.): Russell Peters | Tickets: $59.50-$235
- Friday, Aug. 18 (8:00 p.m.): Theresa Caputo | Tickets: $38-$137
- Thursday, Aug. 24 (8:00 p.m.): Tiwa Savage | Tickets: $42-$175
- Saturday, Aug. 23 (8:00 p.m.): Rupaul’s Drag Race Werq the World | Tickets: $55-$205
- Sunday, Aug. 27 (8:00 p.m.): aespa Live Tour 2023 ‘SYNK” HYPER LINE’ | Tickets: $120-$2,750
- Friday, Sept. 1 (8:00 p.m.): Earthquake | Tickets: $49.50-$318
- Saturday, Sept. 9 (8:00 p.m.): Rickey Smiley | Tickets: $39.50-$195.50
- Sunday, Sept. 24 (8:00 p.m.): Raphael Saadiq Revists Tony! Toni! Toné! | Tickets: $149-$333
- Wednesday, Sept. 27 (8:00 p.m.): Adekunle Gold – Tequila Ever After Tour | Tickets: $36.50-$99
Additionally, there are 14 restaurants on the MGM National Harbor property, highlighted by Frederick, Maryland natives Bryan and Michael Voltaggio’s, Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse.
MGM National Harbor also provides guests with accessible tickets for special seating accommodations.
Ocean Downs Casino
Before turning into Ocean Downs Casino, Racebook, and Sportsbook, the Berlin, MD gaming site was originally called Ocean Downs Racetrack when it first opened more than 70 years ago. Now owned by Churchill Downs, the facility features a TwinSpires sportsbook, as well as a wealth of in-house promotions.
In particular, Ocean Downs’ Summer of Fun Giveaway is the ultimate ‘conquer the dog days’ kind of event. Before the end of July, you’ll have the chance to win a brand-new jet ski and/or Ford Bronco Sport SUV. If that sounds appealing, then read closely.
Contest participants will convert points into entries, which will later go towards draws for the two prizes. According to Ocean Downs’ website, 100 points equals one entry. However, on Sundays entries are multiplied by six, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, two.
As such, the draw for the jet ski will take place on Saturday, July 15 at 9 p.m. Following the initial draw, the raffle for the SUV will happen on Saturday, July 29, at 9 p.m.
For more information or any additional questions, consult the promotion page on the Ocean Down Casino website.
Rocky Gap Casino Resort
By comparison, Rocky Gap Casino Resort‘s calling card is different from that of its peers. It doesn’t have a sportsbook, poker room, or off-track betting site, but that doesn’t mean the lakeside resort isn’t worth visiting.
For instance, the 200-room hotel features a spa, 4,000-square-foot grill overlooking the lake, and a main attraction that no other casino in the state can rival: a 7,000-yard, par 72 Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Altogether, the course named after The Golden Bear is equipped with a 50-stall driving range, two large putting greens, and two spacious chipping areas.
Not too bad compared to the competition.
Rocky Gap also has a collection of comedic and musical performances scheduled for the coming months.
- Friday, July 7 (7:00 p.m., doors open at 6:00 p.m.): Earth to Mars | Tickets: $30
- Thursday, July 27 (8:00 p.m., doors open at 7:00 p.m.): Brett Ernst | Tickets: $25-$30
- Thursday, August 31 (8:00 p.m., doors open at 7:00 p.m.): Alli Breen & Ryan Reiss | Tickets: $25-$30
- Saturday, September 9 (7:00 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.): U2 Decades | Tickets: $30-$40
- Thursday, September 14 (8:00 p.m., doors open at 7:00 p.m.): Ian Lara | Tickets: $25-$30
