The 27th annual Maryland Film Festival kicked off in Baltimore on Wednesday, back in its familiar spring slot after the 2025 edition took place in November.

The five-day event at the SNF Parkway Theatre in Station North will feature a documentary on Leslie King Hammond, founding director of the Maryland Institute College of Art’s Center for Race and Culture, along with the U.S. premiere of the crime drama “Misper.” And that’s just a tiny fraction of the programming — check out the full slate here.

For non-movie buffs, this weekend also offers tons of events and activities, including the return of Maryland spring favorites. Let’s dive in.

Thursday, April 9

Penny & Sparrow

Indie-folk act Penny & Sparrow, ex-college roommates Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnke, stops by Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis in support of the duo’s latest album, last year’s “Lefty.” Singer-songwriter Caleb Elliott opens.

Time: 7 p.m.

Price: $37.65-$47.68

Location: Rams Head On Stage (33 West St., Annapolis, Anne Arundel County)

Family friendly? All ages

Friday, April 10

‘The Heidi Chronicles’

Wendy Wasserstein’s dramedy about a woman art historian’s journey through the rapidly changing ’60s, ’70s and ’80s won a Pulitzer Prize in 1989. Now, it’s the Vagabond Players’ turn to bring the celebrated story to life in Fells Point. The production debuts Friday and runs through May 3.

Time: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday

Price: $22-$25

Location: Vagabond Players (806 S. Broadway, Baltimore)

Family friendly? More geared toward teens and adults

Saturday, April 11

CityLit Festival

Adrian Matejka, Michaela Angela Davis, Reyna Grande and former Banner reporter Lawrence Burney are just some of the authors scheduled to appear at the 23rd CityLit Festival at the Maryland Center for History and Culture. For $10, aspiring writers can get one-on-one critiques of their work on a first-come, first-served basis.

Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Price: Free. Register here.

Location: Maryland Center for History and Culture (610 Park Ave., Baltimore)

Family friendly? Yes

The Big Baltimore Kite Fest

Knock on wood, but Saturday’s forecast, tentatively sunny and mid-60s, looks perfect for this annual kite festival at Patterson Park. Aside from eye-catching kite flying, expect food vendors, pop-up live performances and a workshop to learn more about kites. No kite? Don’t worry: Creative Alliance will sell them on-site.

Time: Noon-4 p.m.

Price: Free

Location: Meet by the Patterson Park Observatory (2601-A E. Baltimore St., Baltimore)

Family friendly? Absolutely

Romeo Santos & Prince Royce

In November, two of the biggest stars in bachata, the rhythmic, Dominican Republic-born music style, surprised fans with their collaborative album, “Better Late Than Never.” Now the singers’ Mejor Tarde Que Nunca tour hits CFG Bank Arena on Saturday night.

Time: 7 p.m.

Price: $103.50-$264.20

Location: CFG Bank Arena (201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore)

Family friendly? All ages

GreenFest

Want to be a better person? (At least environmentally speaking.) Howard County’s annual Earth Day celebration offers local resources like workshops, demos and green vendors to improve your relationship with Mother Nature.

Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Price: Free

Location: Howard Community College, Academic Commons (10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Howard County)

Family friendly? Yes

Summer of Possibilities Fair

In search of summer programs and camps? From the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund, this free city fair at R. House in Remington will connect parents and guardians with community organizations to find the right options for your kids. There will be activities, live performances, music and food.

Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Price: Free. Register here.

Location: R. House (301 W. 29th St.)

Family friendly? Yes

The Best Flippin’ Card Show

Calling all card hobbyists: Whether you collect NBA rookie cards or chase the thrill of rare Pokémon finds, the Baltimore Convention Center is where you want to be this weekend. Voice actors like Emily Bauer (“Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl”) and Matthew Sussman (“Pokémon the Movie 2000”) will also be on-site to meet fans and sign autographs.

Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday

Price: $20 for Saturday; $15 for Sunday; $140 for early admission at 9 a.m. both days. Tickets are available here.

Location: Baltimore Convention Center (1 W. Pratt St., Hall D, Baltimore)

Family friendly? Yes

Repticon

Check out snakes, lizards, geckos and reptiles galore at this touring, two-day exotic animal convention at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. And yes, you can buy some and take them home.

Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday

Price: $7-$20

Location: Maryland State Fairgrounds (2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, Baltimore County)

Family friendly? Yes. Kids 4 and under get in free.

Sunday, April 12

Baltimore Farmers’ Market

The city’s beloved farmers market, located underneath the Jones Falls Expressway, is back with local vendors selling all types of produce and prepared food, from barbecue and beignets to tacos and organic juices. Maryland-made artwork and crafts will also be sold. OK, spring is really here.

Time: 7 a.m.-noon

Price: Free to attend

Location: 400 E. Saratoga St., Baltimore

Family friendly? Yes