The solstice is still a few weeks out, but summer vibes are already in the air as outdoor concerts, block parties and festivals stack up. Now there’s another reason to get outside: Waterfront Week, a new event series with more than 60 activities by Baltimore’s harbor, kicks off Friday. Think dance cardio, floating karaoke, group kayaking and walking tours over 10 days.
Waterfront Week ties in with Baltimore by Baltimore, the monthly local music and makers fest at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. The theme for Saturday’s edition is “Ladies on Deck,” an all-female DJ lineup produced by Ty Alexander. Take the water trolley to get there — it’s $5 to ride all day as part of the Waterfront Partnership’s festivities — then hop back on to see the Beach Boys perform live at Pier 6 Pavilion.
Here’s what else is happening in and around town this weekend.
Thursday, June 4
Kali Uchis’ ‘For the Girls Tour’
Once upon a time, Colombian-American singer Kali Uchis was just another kid in a Virginia suburb. Now a global star, she’s back in the region on tour. R&B artist Mariah The Scientist is on the bill, and there’s a pretty good chance the duo will perform their hit single “Is It a Crime.”
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Price: $51.50-$149.75
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia)
Family friendly? Yes
Baltimore by Baltimore Unplugged
The unplugged version of Baltimore by Baltimore pops up in different neighborhoods throughout the summer. First up: Baltimore-based vibraphonist, pianist and drummer Warren Wolf brings live jazz to Bond Street Wharf.
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Bond Street Wharf (910 S. Bond St, Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Friday, June 5
Kitty’s Rave
This roaming Hello Kitty-inspired dance party stops at Baltimore Soundstage with early 2000s electronic dance and techno hits. Dress to impress: Outfit competitions and dance-offs will be had.
Time: 9 p.m.
Price: $25.80
Location: Baltimore Soundstage (124 Market Place, Baltimore)
Family friendly? 21 and over
‘The Divine Sister’
Many a great story has been told by a nun. Now one takes the stage at Vagabond Players to close out its 110th season. In this campy comedy, Mother Superior is on a mission to build a new school for her Pittsburgh convent, but must contend with wild visions, sexual hysteria and a former suitor along the way.
Time: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
Price: $25-$30
Location: Vagabond Players (806 S. Broadway, Baltimore)
Family friendly? Recommended for mature audiences
The Greenberry Woods record release party
It’s been more than three decades since The Greenberry Woods, a local indie guitar pop band, released an album. Head to Towson to hear them play songs from their latest release, and some old tunes, too. Bel Air-based band E. Joseph and The Sparrows open the show.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Price: $30.31
Location: The Recher (512 York Road, Towson)
Family friendly? All ages
Saturday, June 6
‘A Night with Nick’ tour
Not Nick Carter. Not Nick Cannon. Nick Jonas, folks. The Hall at Live brings the child actor turned teen pop star and adult hitmaker to Hanover this weekend. Can’t imagine “Jealous” won’t be on the set list.
Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Price: $50.20-$233.10
Location: The Hall at Live! Casino & Hotel (7002 Arundel Mills, Circle #7777, Hanover)
Family friendly? 21+
Charles Street Promenade
Shop local during this pedestrian takeover of Charles Street. Up and down the corridor, find clothing, furniture, books and more. Check out the website to see who’s participating block by block.
Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Charles Street between Saratoga Street and North Avenue, Baltimore
Family friendly? Yes
Paint Annapolis Pop-Up Gallery
Annapolis’ weeklong plein air painting competition comes to an end this weekend. Stop by the opening reception for the consequential exhibition, spread across two pop-up galleries within walking distance of each other, to see the results. Everything is for sale, so you can support a local artist.
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Circle Gallery (18 State Circle) and Pop-Up Gallery (13 School St.), Annapolis
Family friendly? Yes
Hampden Highlights Festival
It’s often nonprofits that organize big galas to raise money. But a festival to raise money for nonprofits? Nice. Dubbed a “festival with purpose,” the event features over 150 local vendors and has supposedly raised over $31,000 since it started. It’s on, rain or shine.
Time: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: West 36th Street, Baltimore
Family friendly? Yes
Music in the Woods: Sounds of Summer
Expect bluegrass bands, sing-a-longs and animal encounters at this Cockeysville concert among the trees. Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs. Pack a picnic or stop at one of the food trucks for a bite.
Time: 1-5 p.m.
Price: $5
Location: Oregon Ridge Nature Center (13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville)
Family friendly? Yes
Pride @ AVAM
The American Visionary Art Museum celebrates Pride Month with an afternoon of creativity. Sit in on drag storytime with Lemon X Fluiditea, take a queer-centered docent tour and chat with staff from the Pride Center of Maryland. For an additional $10, join a hands-on workshop to make your own paper doll replica of Divine.
Time: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Price: Free with admission
Location: American Visionary Art Museum (800 Key Highway, Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Sincerely Yours, Pauli Murray
A civil rights activist, an Episcopal priest, a lawyer, scholar and poet — all rolled into one person born right here in Baltimore. The New Wave Singers of Baltimore and several other LGBT choruses commissioned this musical performance to bring the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray’s life to the stage. Stick around afterward for a panel discussion about Murray’s legacy.
Time: 7 p.m. Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday
Price: $25
Location: Grace United Methodist Church (5407 N. Charles St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? All ages
Painted Screens Workshop
Join artist Michael Seipp to do something uniquely Baltimore: paint a screen. His workshop includes a short film on the history of painted screens and a live demonstration followed by the opportunity to paint your own folk art masterpiece.
Time: Noon-2:30 p.m.
Price: $45
Location: Creativity Center (3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Ages 7 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult
Sip + Shoot
It’s not every day that someone hands you a bow and arrow and a glass of wine, but that’s exactly what’s happening here. Learn basic archery skills for an hour and finish with a pour from Penn Oaks’ own family vineyard. No prior archery experience needed.
Time: Noon, 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Price: $45
Location: Penn Oaks Winery (14607 Riggs Meadow Drive, Cooksville)
Family friendly? 21+
Sunday, June 7
Pollinator Fest
Buzz about this festival devoted to the bees, butterflies, birds and moths who help our food grow. Bringing the kids? Make insect-themed crafts, play games and meet animals while bands play in the background.
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Howard County Conservancy (10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock)
Family friendly? All ages
Prelude to Pride
Step inside the architectural stunner First & Franklin Presbyterian Church for its annual Pride Month concert. For the first time in the event’s history, the concert serves as a fundraiser, with a curated art auction featuring over 30 local artists. All proceeds benefit AIDS Action Baltimore, Maryland’s oldest surviving HIV/AIDS organization.
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Price: Free; donations accepted
Location: First & Franklin Presbyterian Church (210 W. Madison St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Geared toward adults
Wine on the Water
Also known as the Caribbean Wine & Arts Festival, this event lands on the waterfront with a full lineup of vendors — Boordy Vineyards, Soca Wines, Tree of Kings and Misfit Winery, to name a few. Kurlou Reggae AllStars, Stryker Posse and Davon “The Percussionist” entertain on the main stage. DJ Tanz and Mr. Muzik are on the turntables.
Time: Noon-6 p.m.
Price: $44.52
Location: Middle Branch Park Waterfront (3301 Waterview Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Geared toward adults
Downtown Columbia Culinary Walking Tour
Get your eat on during this 2.5-mile walk to seven different spots: Clove & Cardamon, Cured Table & Tap, 18th & 21st, Medium Rare, Peter Chang, Seasons 52 and Takumi Japanese Bistro & Bar. Bring an appetite — and pants that stretch.
Time: 3 p.m.
Price: $39.19
Location: Check-in locations to be announced
Family friendly? All ages
Nicole J. Caruth is a Baltimore-based freelance journalist covering the intersections of food, health and environmental justice.
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