Fells Point Rock Bar The Rockwell to Close After 12 Years

Owner cites end of an era for the popular music venue in Baltimore's historic neighborhood.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring jagged, overlapping black silhouettes of music equipment and bar elements against a deep red background, conceptually representing the closure of a rock music venue.As a beloved Fells Point music venue shutters, the vibrant energy of Baltimore's rock scene faces an uncertain future.Baltimore Today

The Rockwell, a rock bar in Baltimore's Fells Point neighborhood that has been open since 2014, announced it will be closing its doors for good on June 6. Owner Bryan Burkert thanked co-owner Scott Chmielewski and patrons for the years of support, saying 'everything has to come to an end.' The bar was co-owned by All Time Low guitarist Jack Barakat and featured music videos, cityscapes, and artistic imagery on its walls.

Why it matters

The Rockwell was a beloved music venue and gathering place in Fells Point, a historic neighborhood in Baltimore that has seen significant changes in recent years with the rise of new development and businesses. Its closure marks the end of an era for the local rock music scene and community.

The details

The Rockwell first opened in 2014 under the name 'Vale Tudo' before Barakat came on as a co-owner. It featured wall-to-wall screens displaying music videos, cityscapes, and artistic imagery, along with live music. The owners announced the bar's last day will be June 6, 2026, thanking staff and patrons for their support over the past 12 years.

  • The Rockwell first opened in 2014 under the name 'Vale Tudo'.
  • All Time Low guitarist Jack Barakat became a co-owner in 2014.
  • The Rockwell announced its last day will be June 6, 2026.

The players

Bryan Burkert

The owner of The Rockwell who announced the bar's closure and thanked patrons and co-owner Scott Chmielewski for their support over the years.

Scott Chmielewski

The co-owner of The Rockwell who worked alongside Bryan Burkert to operate the popular Fells Point music venue.

Jack Barakat

The All Time Low guitarist who became a co-owner of The Rockwell in 2014.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's just been a great place for me and, I think, a special place for Baltimore but everything has to come to an end.”

— Bryan Burkert, Owner, The Rockwell

What’s next

The Rockwell has promised that the events during its final two months of operation will 'honor' the Fells Point staple before it closes for good on June 6.

The takeaway

The closure of The Rockwell, a beloved music venue and gathering place in Baltimore's historic Fells Point neighborhood, marks the end of an era for the local rock music scene and community. Its 12-year run reflects the changing landscape of the area, as new development and businesses reshape the character of this iconic Baltimore destination.