The Cookout 2026

Associated Black Charities (ABC) will bring The Cookout back on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Pikesville Armory, 640 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208.

Presented by SECU for the second consecutive year, The Cookout is a free, family-friendly celebration centered on Black culture, community, connection and opportunity. While the event proudly celebrates Black culture and community, all are welcome to join ABC for a day designed to bring people together.

The Cookout will feature entertainment, food, family activities, career connections, health and wellness resources, local businesses, interactive experiences, giveaways and opportunities to engage with organizations from across the Baltimore region. SECU’s continued partnership helps make this community celebration possible while supporting ABC’s broader work to advance economic mobility and opportunity throughout Maryland.

This year’s celebration will be hosted by GREEYO, with DJ Tanz providing music throughout the day.

“The Cookout is about creating the kind of space where culture, joy, community and opportunity can exist together,” said Chrissy M. Thornton, President & CEO of Associated Black Charities. “We want people to come out, bring their families, enjoy themselves, connect with resources and opportunities, support local businesses and simply experience community. We are proudly centering Black culture while opening our arms to everyone who wants to celebrate with us. All are invited to The Cookout.”

ABC is partnering with the Pikesville Armory Foundation to host The Cookout at the historic Pikesville Armory, creating a welcoming gathering space for hundreds of attendees from throughout the region.

The Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare (BACH) will host The Cookout’s Workforce Development Area, where attendees can learn about career pathways, explore employment opportunities and connect with professional development resources and support.

The Cookout reflects ABC’s year-round commitment to economic mobility by bringing people together in a space that celebrates culture while creating meaningful connections and opportunities for individuals, families and communities to thrive.

Admission to The Cookout is free and open to everyone.

ABC is grateful to the sponsors and partners whose support makes this community celebration possible. In addition to Presenting Sponsor SECU, this year’s sponsors include LifeBridge Health, Elocin Global Logistics, The Arc Baltimore, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, Capital Workforce & Financial Solutions, University of Maryland Medical Center, IBEW Local 24, M&T Bank, the AFRO, UTZ and Wegmans.

ABC also recognizes the Pikesville Armory Foundation and Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare for their partnership and contributions to this year’s event.

For more information about The Cookout, media inquiries or opportunities to get involved, please contact Shevelle Montgomery at [email protected].