Fall has arrived, bringing cooler weather and, supposedly, a slower pace. But you wouldn’t know it from how many festivals are happening this weekend.
All Things Go Festival tops the list, bringing Hayley Williams, Zara Larsson and over 40 other artists to the Merriweather Post Pavilion over three days. For more live music, check out the Fall Jazz Festival in Baltimore County, the Baltimore Rhythm Festival in Greenmount West and the live bands performing at the Pigtown Festival.
Also, don’t miss the reveal of six new murals by Baltimore artists at Brush Mural Fest, or the Mooooncake Festival with over 80 vendors serving up Asian street food. Let’s jump into the details about all this and more.
Thursday, Sept. 24
‘American Doctor’ and ‘Traces of Home’
Mahmoud Khalil’s book talk at the SNF Parkway Theatre is sold out, but you can still get tickets to the Parkway’s screening of “American Doctor” that same night. This new documentary follows three American physicians — Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrian — who travel to Gaza to provide medical aid.
Then on Sunday, the Parkway will screen “Traces of Home,” about filmmaker Colette Ghunim’s journey with her parents to find the ancestral homes they fled in Mexico and Palestine. Stick around for a virtual Q&A with Ghunim after the screening.
Time: “American Doctor” at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; “Traces of Home” at 4 p.m. Sunday
Price: $16.79
Location: SNF Parkway Theatre (5 W. North Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Use your best judgment
‘Gather’
Released in 2020, this acclaimed documentary looks at the movement among Native Americans to reclaim sovereignty and heal generational trauma through ancestral food traditions. Join the post-screening discussion hosted by the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity.
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: East Columbia 50+ Senior Center (6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia)
Family friendly? Yes
Friday, Sept. 25
Colin Kaepernick book signing
Been following Colin Kaepernick’s book tour? Well, it’s making a stop in Baltimore. The activist and former NFL quarterback will sit down with journalist Van Lathan for a discussion about his new book, “The Perilous Fight.” You’ll get a chance to ask questions, too, during the audience Q&A.
Time: 6 p.m.
Price: $57.86-$108.55
Location: Coppin State University, James Weldon Johnson Auditorium (2500 W. North Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
All Things Go Festival
What started as a small D.C.-based festival is now three days of music in three cities: New York, Toronto and Columbia. Woman- and queer-centered, this year’s lineup includes Hayley Williams, Brandi Carlile, Lola Young, Mitski and Zara Larsson. Grab your tickets now, because prices are going up.
Time: 3:30 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
Price: $169.25-$398.20
Location: Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia)
Family friendly? All ages
Mooooncake Festival Baltimore
Dig into bao buns and chili garlic noodles at this three-day festival with over 80 food vendors. Although food is the draw, there’s lots to get into here: Compete in cosplay and karaoke contests. Try your hand at Chinese calligraphy. Dance at the two-hour K-pop party. Keep the kids busy with face painting and bounce houses.
Time: 5-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Price: $13.78-$41.81
Location: West Covington Park (101 W. Cromwell St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Calling All Clowns
Happy clown, creepy clown — be any kind of clown you want at this early Halloween costume party. Hosted by Peabody Heights Brewery in collaboration with Queer Clown House, expect a clown drag show and a dance floor full of clowns. That’ll be a sight.
Time: 7-10:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Peabody Heights Brewery (401 E. 30th St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Geared toward adults, though children are permitted with a guardian.
Saturday, Sept. 26
Pet Parade: Mutt Gala
Furry friends, are you known for serving looks on your block? Bring all that fabulousness to the American Visionary Art Museum, where you can strut the red carpet dressed like your favorite fashion icons to compete for trophies like the Celebrity Look Alike Award, Best Visionary Hair-Do and Best Dressed Most Visionary Pet. While divas are expected, the organizers ask that participants be well-behaved. Tell your human to RSVP.
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Price: Free
Location: American Visionary Art Museum (800 Key Highway, Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Pigtown Festival
At this year’s Pigtown Festival, three is the magic number: three pig races, three pie-eating contests and three live bands. Grown-ups, you’ll have plenty to do, but the real party seems to be in the kid zone, where little ones can take part in wall climbing, make a flute, meet the Oriole mascot and take over the street with their very own dance party.
Time: Noon-7 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Pigtown Main Street (763 Washington Blvd., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Internet Killed the Video Star
Step back in time at this MTV-themed dance party and happy hour. Expect ‘80s and ‘90s MTV hits played live with their music videos as a backdrop, plus MTV trivia between sets. The event is free for those with tickets to Ottobar’s “Pretty in Pink 80’s Prom” later that night, which will be deejayed by ‘80s icon and Johns Hopkins professor Thomas Dolby.
Time: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Price: $16.04 online
Location: Ottobar upstairs (2549 N. Howard St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes, all ages.
Brush Mural Fest
Twelve Baltimore artists have been hard at work, literally painting the town with six new murals. Head to Fells Point for the big reveal. While you’re there, grab a bite from local joints like Arepi and vibe to a set by DJ Blaqstarr.
Time: Noon-3 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Saints & Sinners Tattoo (1610 Thames St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Baltimore Rhythm Festival
This Greenmount West event is all about music and movement. Join a drum circle and learn West African dance. Or sit back and enjoy live performances by folks like local percussionist Moziah Saleem and dancers from Goucher College. Check out the full schedule here.
Time: Noon-6 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School (1600 Guilford Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Fall Jazz Festival: A Coltrane Tribute
Six jazz bands and six food trucks at one vineyard. That’s 13 reasons to spend your Saturday at this festival. Need another reason? It’s organized by Contemporary Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to jazz appreciation. Get out and support them.
Time: Noon-8 p.m.
Price: $11.20 for adults; free for anyone under 21
Location: Boordy Vineyards (12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes)
Family friendly? Yes
Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival
When Alex Haley wrote the saga “Roots,” his research led him to Annapolis and later inspired this festival celebrating people of African descent. This year marks the book’s 50th anniversary and the festival’s 36th edition. Expect over 100 vendors, including a new farmers market in partnership with local Black growers, and a performance by Grammy-nominated artist Mumu Fresh.
Time: Noon-7 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Ave., Annapolis)
Family friendly? Yes
Oktoberfest
If you’re a fan of Oktoberfest, you have three to choose from this weekend. First up is the event at Holy Cross in Federal Hill to raise money for Catholic education. Grab a cold beer to pair with your spaetzle and pretzels, then burn off some calories with a polka lesson.
If you want to make a weekend of it, head to Sapwood Cellars Brewery in Columbia (11 a.m.-10 p.m., 8980 MD-108, Suite MNO), which also has an Oktoberfest on Saturday. West Annapolis Oktoberfest has theirs on Sunday (11 a.m.-4 p.m., Annapolis Street).
Time: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Holy Cross (110 E. West St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Sailabration
Dive into maritime culture at this waterfront celebration, where you can learn all about life at sea. Step aboard the ship Pride of Baltimore II to walk the deck and meet the crew. Watch traditional tattooing demonstrations by ”handpoke tattooer” Owen Payette McGarry. And hear about the ukulele from local musician Katie Long.
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Broadway Pier (920 S. Broadway, Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Sankofa Children’s African Festival
Bring a chair or blanket to this afternoon of storytelling, art-making and games organized by the Sankofa Children’s Museum of African Cultures. The first 100 kids registered in advance get free African food during the first two hours of the event.
Time: Noon-5 p.m.
Price: Free with registration
Location: Sankofa Children’s Museum (4847 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ 40th anniversary screening
It’s the 40th anniversary of the cult classic “Little Shop of Horrors” and you’re in for a special treat: a screening hosted by Ellen Greene, who played the character Audrey in the film and original stage musical. V.I.P. tickets not only get you the best seats in the house but also a photo with Greene.
Time: 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
Price: $49-$175
Location: M&T Bank Exchange (401 W Fayette St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? The film is rated PG-13 and includes strong language and mature content.
Anne Arundel County Literacy Council Annual Book Fair
Browse thousands of used books priced between $1 and $5. We’re talking new bestsellers, romance novels, memoirs, mysteries, thrillers, cookbooks and children’s books. Proceeds support the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council’s free adult tutoring programs.
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Annapolis Mall (80 West St., Suite A, Annapolis)
Family friendly? Yes
Peninsula Playhouse: Broadway in Baltimore
Experience Broadway without taking the train to New York. This youth-focused theatrical event features selections from “Les Misérables,” “West Side Story,” “The Sound of Music” and “Sweeney Todd.” Seating is first-come, first-served, so get there early to claim your spot.
Time: 6 p.m. doors; 7:30 p.m. performance
Price: Free
Location: The Community Stage (201 E. Cromwell St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Open Cockpit & Car Show
Get a look at Maryland’s finest engines up close. Climb into historic aircraft cockpits and have all your questions answered by knowledgeable volunteers. Or wander rows of classic vehicles parked on-site for the day. Have your own fancy ride? Join the competition for Best Vehicle in Show.
Time: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. car show; 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. open cockpit show
Price: Free
Location: Maryland Aerospace Heritage Center (2323 Eastern Blvd., Middle River)
Family friendly? Yes
Sunday, Sept. 27
‘La Sylphide’ Storytime
Bring the kids for storytime at the William Paca Garden with the Ballet Theatre of Maryland performing “La Sylphide.” The show includes Highland dancing and graceful, fairy-like spirits. During this interacting event, kids get to move with the dancers and meet them after the show.
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
Price: $15-$25
Location: William Paca House & Garden (186 Prince George St., Annapolis)
Family friendly? Yes
Nicole J. Caruth is a Baltimore-based freelance journalist covering the intersections of food, health and environmental justice.
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