Happy opening day, one of Baltimore’s best unofficial holidays. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, there’s plenty to do throughout the city — and nearby counties.
Yes, we’re trying something new. We’re all often on the go, spending an afternoon in one town before heading to the city at night, and vice versa.
With that in mind, you’ll now find our weekend options for the city, Baltimore County and Howard County all here in one place.
Thursday, March 26
Orioles opening day
O’s pitcher Trevor Rogers may throw his first pitch at 3:05 p.m. Thursday, but many fans will already be several Orange Crushes deep by then. There are morning outdoor tailgates by the stadium, including one headlined by “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” singer Mike Posner, and numerous bars and breweries will open early and offer specials, too. Drink some water and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Frances Palmer
The author and ceramicist will discuss her book, “Life with Flowers,” along with her favorite varieties, gardening tips and arranging ideas, at Ladew Topiary Gardens. All attendees will receive a copy of the 2025 book, while guests of the 9 a.m. breakfast bites session will get to meet Palmer.
Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Price: $40-$75
Location: Ladew Topiary Gardens (3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, Baltimore County)
Family friendly? Yes
Friday, March 27
Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton
Grammy-winning R&B singer Fantasia returns to Baltimore less than a year after headlining Artscape. The “American Idol” winner co-headlines CFG Bank Arena with Anthony Hamilton.
If one night of R&B isn’t enough, a blast of 2000s nostalgia hits the arena stage on Sunday — including B2K, Bow Wow, Amerie, Pretty Ricky, Yung Joc, Franchize Boyz and more.
Time: 7 p.m.
Price: $96.90-$446.40
Location: CFG Bank Arena (201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? All ages
Light the Night
Start off spring break doing some good. Runners and walkers will gather in the name of suicide prevention at Oakland Mills High School for this fifth annual 5K.
Time: 6 p.m.
Price: $45 on-site
Location: Oakland Mills High School track (9410 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia, Howard County)
Family friendly? Yes
Saturday, March 28
Maryland Day Festival
You know that friend that really, really loves Maryland? The one with the Natty Boh tattoo and the flag license plate? (Hell, maybe it’s you!) This day festival at Power Plant Live! is for them. A spirited celebration of the Old Line State will include a Renaissance-themed market, live music from cover band Here’s to the Night, a comedy roast of Maryland, local food vendors and much more.
Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Price: $23.18
Location: Power Plant Live! (34 Market Place, Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes. Kids 12 and under are free.
Key Bridge: Building a Baltimore Landmark
Opening Saturday, this new Baltimore Museum of Industry exhibition traces the history of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which tragically collapsed two years ago. The exhibit shows — through photographs, artifacts and first-person accounts — how the landmark was debated and designed, and how skillful workers bravely executed the plans.
Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: Included with admission ($8-$15)
Location: Baltimore Museum of Industry (1415 Key Highway, Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Spring Eggstravaganza
The Robinson Nature Center turns into a spring wonderland this weekend. Kid-friendly activities include egg hunts, making crafts and visiting bunnies, all of whom are adoptable through the Friends of Rabbits rescue organization.
If you’re searching for an egg hunt in Baltimore County, check out Saturday’s free event at the Glen Meadows retirement community in Glen Arm, 10 a.m.-noon. For kids 10 and under.
Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Price: $7 for adults; $10 for kids
Location: Robinson Nature Center (6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, Howard County)
Family friendly? You bet. Children under 1 are free.
Super Art Fight
Since 2008, this improvised art competition has made audiences laugh, cheer and, most essentially, vote (based on applause) which artist’s live-drawn work deserves to advance to the next round, all to eventually crown the title-holder of Super Art Fight. Expect an extra celebratory mood on Saturday night — it’s a send-off for veteran co-host Marty Day.
Time: 5 p.m.
Price: $26.31
Location: The Ottobar (2549 N. Howard St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? All ages
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Fest
Feeling gluttonous? This two-day festival at the Maryland State Fairgrounds offers “all-you-care-to-taste” samples of 60-plus beers and 40-plus bourbons, along with barbecue options to help soak it up. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Spirit of Hope Children’s Foundation.
A word to the wise: Pace yourself. I’ve learned the hard way here.
Time: 6-10 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday
Price: $43.29-$87.69
Location: Maryland State Fairgrounds (2200 York Road, Timonium, Baltimore County)
Family friendly? Yes, kids 12 and under are free.
Sunday, March 29
Ohana Family Funday
Gameday Firehouse will supply the breezy island vibes at this kid-friendly day event. Attendees will hang out with Lilo and Stitch, enjoy food trucks and meet live animals in the on-site petting zoo.
Time: Noon-5 p.m.
Price: Free admission. The petting zoo costs $9 cash or $11 for card payment.
Location: Gameday Firehouse (1202 Ridgely St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
‘Screaming Queens’ screening
In honor of Trans Day of Visibility on Tuesday, the 2005 documentary “Screaming Queens: The Riot at Compton’s Cafeteria” — about the transgender people and drag queens who fought back against police harassment in San Francisco in the ’60s — screens at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center.
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Price: Free. Register here.
Location: Harriet Tubman Cultural Center (8045 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia, Howard County)
Family friendly? Under 18 needs a parent or legal guardian
Sam Seider
Before the weekend ends, sip a wine flight by Boordy Vineyards’ outdoor cauldron as local singer Sam Seider plays familiar, sing-along covers on her guitar.
Time: Noon-5 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Boordy Vineyards (12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes, Baltimore County)
Family friendly? Yes
Just announced
Pop-rock hitmaker Bryan Adams brings his “Roll With the Punches” tour to CFG Bank Arena with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo on Aug. 9. Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Friday.
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