Knitting Factory Entertainment and The Finn Group Partner To Operate Baltimore’s Pier Six Pavilion

Knitting Factory Entertainment (KFE) and local promoter/event marketer The Finn Group  announced a new partnership managing operations and talent buying for Baltimore venue Pier Six Pavilion. 

The city-owned, 4,600-seat amphitheater built in 1981 sits on the waterfront of the Inner Harbor, located just south of downtown Baltimore, Maryland, and is best known for its seasonal concerts that appeal to residents and attract visitors.

KFE’s talent buying duties will be handled by Talent Buyer & Event Producer Peter J. Manning, who has more than 20 years of experience spearheading national bookings for a broad portfolio of venues. As an alumnus of Loyola College of Maryland, he brings hometown knowledge and industry connections. Manning specializes in market development and creative programming, bridging high-level talent identification and acquisition with complex on-site production logistics.

“Returning to Baltimore to book the historic Pier Six Pavilion is a true homecoming for me,” stated Manning in the announcement. “Having spent my college years in this city, I know firsthand how vital this waterfront stage is to the community’s spirit. Working with The Finn Group, Knitting Factory Entertainment is committed to elevating that legacy by bringing a vibrant, diverse mix of national talent to the Inner Harbor. Our goal is to ensure the Pavilion remains a premier destination for world-class entertainment that reflects the beautiful diversity of Baltimore itself.”

The Finn Group is a Baltimore-based marketing and events firm that is responsible for long-running cultural activations, such as AfroPreak and Jazzy Summer Nights. The group is led by Founder & President LaRian Finney, who has more than 30 years of experience working with leading nonprofits, Fortune 500 companies and growing businesses. According to a statement released by the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), Director of the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment Linzy Jackson III, stated: The Finn Group “understands the energy, talent and entrepreneurial spirit that defines our city.”

The partnership will focus on appealing to both national and local audiences, expanding opportunities for artists, producers and vendors in the region, while also offering a wide-ranging lineup of live performances that spans genres including Latin, Afrobeats, soul, rock, R&B, jazz and symphony. The content strategy, combined with a profit-sharing arrangement, is consistent with the long-term goals of the city, which BDC President & CEO Otis Rolley describes as continuing “to showcase world-class talent, deliver memorable experiences for audiences, and generate meaningful economic impact for Baltimore.”

Through commitment to and collaboration with the creative community, the partnership imagines an enhanced look and experience for this sprawling venue, fostering cultural exchange at a place ‘Where We Gather.’”

With a number of existing concerts already on the books for 2026, the leadership hand-off hopes to begin ahead of this summer to ensure continuity for artists and fans. Patrons can likely start looking for additional programming announcements and updates this spring, as new shows are added to the concert calendar.