Dust off your dancing shoes. The Baltimore Old Time Music Festival kicks off this weekend, bringing days of fiddling and foot stomping to the city. Friday’s performances are already sold out, but don’t worry — there’s entertainment for all ages at the main event on Saturday.
There’s also plenty more happening this weekend, from concerts and art openings to festivals serving up all-you-can-eat food. Here’s a taste of what’s ahead.
Thursday, April 16
From Truth to Punchlines
Not everyone knows how to use their story to make people laugh. Join hometown comedian Fred “Big Fred” Watkins for this one-hour workshop at the public library, where he’ll guide you on turning your real-life experiences into comedy that lands. Registration required.
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Enoch Pratt Free Library (400 Cathedral St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? More geared toward teens, adults and seniors
‘Holes’
What starts as a freak accident — a teenager hit by a falling pair of sneakers — spirals into a wrongful conviction and a sentence spent digging holes at a mysterious camp. That’s the premise of “Holes,” an award-winning novel turned theatrical production at Baltimore Center Stage. Preview shows start Thursday and run through the weekend. The show is open through May 10.
Time: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.; 3 p.m. Sunday
Price: $30-$60, with discounted options for children, seniors and students
Location: Baltimore Center Stage (700 N. Calvert St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
From Homewood to Hollywood
Johns Hopkins isn’t just training future doctors; it’s also been a launchpad for Hollywood filmmakers. To celebrate the university’s 150th anniversary and the Maryland Institute College of Art’s 200th, three award-winning alumni — Caleb Deschanel (“The Right Stuff”), Walter Murch (“Apocalypse Now”) and Matthew Robbins (“Jaws”) — take the stage to reflect on their paths, from their early filmmaking days in Baltimore to the big screen.
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: SNF Parkway Theatre (5 W. North Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Likely
Friday, April 17
‘Resonant Site’
Maryland artist duo Collis Donadio (Shannon Collis and Liz Donadio) has taken over the drill hall at the historic Pikesville Armory. Step inside to be immersed in a video installation that unfolds across suspended screens, all set to the sounds of Baltimore’s waterfront and industrial terrain.
Time: 1-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Price: Free
Location: Pikesville Armory (640 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville)
Family friendly? Yes
Ten Tiny Dances
Sometimes, tight constraints lead to the most imaginative art. Go see for yourself as Le Mondo artists-in-residence, the B & B Collective, and local dancers embrace the challenge of performing on a 4-by-4-foot stage — about the size of a small dining table.
Time: 7 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday
Price: $20-$25 sliding scale
Location: Le Mondo (406 N. Howard St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Mortified Baltimore
Mortified Baltimore is back for its Spring Break edition. Watch brave adults take the stage to reveal their most cringe high school material — dramatic diary entries, earnest love letters and secret locker notes – to a room full of strangers.
Time: 7 p.m.
Price: $35-$45, or $18 to watch virtually
Location: Creative Alliance (3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Most content is PG/PG-13
Saturday, April 18
Baltimore Old Time Music Festival
Head to the waterfront for the 7th annual Baltimore Old Time Music Festival. The lineup includes festival co-founders, Ken and Brad Kolodner, Baltimore’s own writer and fiddler, Kristina R. Gaddy and many more. Plus, there’s a free outdoor concert for the kids to let loose. Check out the full schedule here.
Time: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Price: $30-$250. Kids 12 & younger get in free
Location: Baltimore Museum of Industry (1415 Key Highway, Baltimore)
Family friendly? All ages
Orchestra Noir
Not just anyone gets invited to perform at Cardi B’s baby shower. That honor went to Orchestra Noir, the Atlanta-based orchestra bringing 2000s hip-hop and R&B hits to Lyric Baltimore. Come ready to sing along.
Time: 8 p.m.
Price: $80.15 to $116.15
Location: Lyric Baltimore (140 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Geared toward adults
Empty Bowls Family Festival
Visit the Maryland State Fairgrounds for handmade ceramics, unlimited soup and a kids’ fun zone that’ll keep the little ones entertained while you go back for seconds. Best of all, proceeds go to St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, a nonprofit lifting up our neighbors impacted by poverty.
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Price: $40-$500. Kids 9 & under get in free
Location: Maryland State Fairgrounds (2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium)
Family friendly? Yes
Spring Fix-It Fair
Station North Tool Library’s Fix-It Fair is back to give your favorite things a second life. Bring small appliances, ripped clothing, damaged jewelry and other broken treasures to get hands-on help with repairs. Over 300 people showed up to the last Fix-It Fair, so register in advance and expect a short wait at check-in.
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (arrive no later than 2 p.m.)
Price: Free
Location: Station North Tool Library (417 E. Oliver St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Douriean Fletcher Opening Day Celebration
It’s a jam-packed day at The Walters Museum to celebrate the opening of “Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture.” The exhibition showcases over 100 works by Fletcher, an artist noted for her contributions to the Black Panther films and “Coming to America.” Enjoy food, music, jewelry-making and a talk with the artist herself.
Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Walters Art Museum (600 N. Charles St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Yes
Cross Street Oysterfest
Unlimited oysters. Cold beer. Live music. What more do you need on a spring day? The Cross Street Oysterfest returns to Federal Hill for its sophomore event. Baltimore’s own modern rock band, Star Crush, performs. DJ iBob will be on the turntables. The Oyster Recovery Partnership gets a cut of the proceeds to support the important work of oyster restoration in the Chesapeake Bay.
Time: 1 p.m.-10 p.m.
Price: $10 admission, plus $25 for an all-you-can-eat oyster ticket
Location: One Star Country Club (38 E. Cross St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? 21 and over
Station North Marsuri Sakura Market
Pick up original artist creations from vendors like Otaku Clan, an anime shop in Baltimore, at this all-day celebration of Japanese subculture. Hosted by Mobtown Ballroom, the after-party promises Japanese rock by four live bands, including Eternal Hoshi, and three DJs spinning anime mixes.
Time: Market: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; after-party: 6-10 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Mobtown Ballroom (30 W. North Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? 18 and over
Maryland Chicken Wing Festival
Not all chicken wings are created equal. Want to find the best ones? Hit this wing festival and sample everything you can. Musical entertainment includes none other than the Annapolis rock band, Jimmie’s Chicken Shack.
Time: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Price: $13.12-$86.39. Kids 12 & under get in free
Location: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds (1450 Generals Highway, Crownsville)
Family friendly? Yes
Snail Mail
Ellicott City native Lindsey Jordan is back in Baltimore with her indie rock project Snail Mail. Performing songs from her third album, “Ricochet,” she’s joined by tour mates The Swirlies and Sharp Pins. The outdoor show takes place rain or shine — and the weather looks perfect.
Time: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Price: $39.67
Location: Union Craft Brewing (1700 W. 41st St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? All ages
Earth Day Celebration
Bring the whole family to Color Burst Park for a few hours of nature appreciation. Make sure to get there early: The first 100 children to arrive get free butterfly wing capes and antennae, and the first 100 families score complimentary native tree seedlings.
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Price: Free, but RSVP in advance
Location: Color Burst Park (6221 Mango Tree Road, Columbia)
Family friendly? All ages
Sunday, April 19
Rise Bmore
Freddie Gray, the young man who died from injuries sustained in a police van, would have turned 36 this year. Composer and pianist Judah Adashi helps keep Gray’s memory alive through Rise Bmore, an annual event bringing artists together to mark the day of Gray’s death. This year includes performances by Ché Ray, David Diongue, Joseph M. Giordano, Bartees Strange, VIAA and Erricka Bridgeford reading poetry by Lucille Clifton.
Time: 8 p.m.
Price: Free, reserve your spot online
Location: 2640 Space (2640 St. Paul St., Baltimore)
Family friendly? Use your discretion
Luther 75
“Never Too Much.” “Dance with My Father.” “The Glow of Love.” Luther Vandross’s songs continue to resonate with fans across generations. Pay tribute to the late icon on the eve of his 75th birthday at the Baltimore Museum of Art. The lineup features Tamba Giles, the Travis Higgins Band, the Singing Sensations Youth Choir and saxophonist Craig Alston.
Time: Shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Price: $49.50 online, $55 at the door
Location: Baltimore Museum of Art (10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore)
Family friendly: Yes
Profs & Pints Baltimore: The Way of Cosplay
Can’t understand why your grown friends are dressing like elves? Dr. Luxx Mishou joins this pop-up lecture series to answer your burning questions about the world of cosplay. She’ll cover everything from its history to its politics to its future.
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Price: $17 at the door, $15 with student ID
Location: Guilford Hall Brewery (1611 Guilford Ave., Baltimore)
Family friendly? 21 and over
The Annapolis Opera Vocal Competition
Some of opera’s most talented singers are headed to Annapolis for the 38th edition of this annual competition. As an audience member, you’ll have the power to influence the winner of this year’s Opera Guild Audience Choice Award. Show up and cast your vote.
Time: 3 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Maryland Hall (801 Chase 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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