Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL INFORMATION
Q: What is the See Beyond Festival?
A: The See Beyond Festival is a free, all-ages community event hosted by The Maryland School for the Blind. It’s a day filled with interactive, immersive activities that highlight the power of adaptation and accessibility. Attendees are invited to experience what it’s like to navigate the world using adaptive tools and techniques—just like our students do every day.
Q: When and where is the festival?
A:
📅 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: The Maryland School for the Blind
3501 Taylor Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21236
Q: Is the event free to attend?
A: Yes! Thanks to our generous sponsors, all activities at the See Beyond Festival are completely free and open to the public.
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: The See Beyond Festival is a rain-or-shine event. All activities will still take place outdoors, so come prepared with weather-appropriate clothing. There is no rain date, and no tents are provided for attendees or vendors.
Q: Who should attend?
A: Everyone! The festival is designed for families, individuals, educators, community leaders, and anyone interested in experiencing the world through a lens of accessibility and inclusion. Activities are available for all ages and abilities.
ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES
Q: What kinds of activities will be available?
A: You’ll experience a wide variety of accessible and inclusive experiences, including:
- STEM Exhibits: Adapted gaming, robotics, accessible coding, and low-vision photography
- Blind Sports: Beep baseball, blind soccer, sprint races, and lacrosse
- Art Projects: Participate in the Community Braille Tile Mural with Baltimore Clayworks
- Sensory Activities: Blind taste tests, tactile crafts, and more
- Live Entertainment: Local performers and musicians
- Food Trucks & Local Vendors
- Maker’s Market featuring local artists and MSB student businesses
Q: What’s new this year?
A: Our 2025 festival features an expanded STEM theme, showcasing how technology, engineering, and design can create inclusive experiences for people of all abilities.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: No, pets are not allowed. At this event there will be many working service animals so we ask you to leave your pets at home to help keep the environment as distraction free as possible for the working animals.
REGISTRATION & PARTICIPATION
Q: Do I need to register to attend?
A: Pre-registration is highly encouraged, though not required. Those who register in advance are automatically entered into weekly prize drawings featuring items like Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses and Meta Quest 3 VR goggles!
🔗 Register here
Q: How can I volunteer?
A: We’d love your help! It takes over 150 volunteers to run the festival. Sign up to assist with activity stations, sports, KidZone, and more.
🔗 Volunteer here
Q: How can my company or organization become a sponsor?
A: Sponsorships are what make this event possible. By becoming a sponsor, your organization gets visibility with thousands of attendees and supports inclusive education for Maryland’s blind and low-vision students.
🔗 View sponsorship opportunities
ACCESSIBILITY
Q: Is the festival accessible to individuals with disabilities?
A: Absolutely. The entire event is designed with accessibility in mind. All activities are inclusive, and our staff and volunteers are trained to support guests of all abilities.
Q: Are service animals allowed?
A: Yes! Service animals are welcome. Please ensure they are properly identified and under control at all times.
Q: Will there be accessible parking and drop-off areas?
A: Yes, accessible parking and drop-off zones will be clearly marked and available near the event entrance.
Q: Is food available on site?
A: Yes! There will be a variety of local food trucks and vendors offering delicious, diverse options. Please note that food purchases are not covered by the festival and are pay-as-you-go.
Q: Will the food trucks and vendors be accessible?
A: All vendors are required to provide accessible pricing, large print menus, and QR codes for digital access. Need help? We provide vendor resources and support to ensure accessibility is a priority.
Q: Is there seating or shaded space?
A: While limited seating will be available throughout the grounds, we encourage guests to bring portable chairs or picnic blankets. There is very limited covered area so bring your own sun/rain protection.
VENDORS & MAKERS
Q: How do I apply to be a Maker or vendor at the festival?
A: Applications for the 2025 Maker’s Market are now closed.
Q: Can I share a booth with another vendor?
A: No. To keep traffic manageable and provide each vendor with visibility, only one vendor is allowed per booth.
Q: Do vendors get electricity?
A: No, electricity is not provided. Vendors must bring their own battery-powered devices if needed.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Feel free to reach out to our team at 📧 info@mdschblind.org or visit 🔗 SeeBeyondFestival.org for the latest updates and details.
We can’t wait to See Beyond with you!