The List: October 2026

10/1-4. NEW/NEXT FILM FESTIVAL
Film. This love letter to indie cinema has quickly become a Baltimore tradition. At the suggestion of local composer Dan Deacon—now a Hollywood go-to for movie and TV-show scores—this festival was dreamed up by longtime WTMD radio host Sam Sessa and Beyond Video co-owner and curator Eric Hatch. Presented by Baltimore Public Media, it’s now in its fourth year, serving up four days of all things film at The Charles Theatre in Station North. For one long weekend, see more than 100 films (read some of our reviews, here), including shorts, docs, full-length features, and conversations with filmmakers from Baltimore and beyond. The Charles Theatre. 1711 N. Charles St. Times & prices vary. 

10/1-31. BALTIMORE BLAQ PRIDE
Festivals. In this month-long celebration, partake in cookouts, block parties, pageants, happy hours, and more to the imaginative theme of “Wondaland.” Locations, times, & prices vary.

10/1-18. NEVERMORE
Dance. Experience Edgar Allan Poe’s work as never seen before in this water-drenched dance and media performance inspired by “The Raven” and his other gothic masterpieces. The Voxel, 9 W. 25th St. Times vary. $25-75. 

10/1-20. DANCE OF THE NIPPLES
Exhibitions. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, view works by artists and individuals who have been personally affected by breast cancer, from those currently undergoing treatment to loved ones and caregivers. XOXO Gallery, 218 W. Saratoga St. Tues.-Sat. 12-4 p.m. Free. 

10/2-3. CHARM CITY BURLESQUE & VARIETY FESTIVAL
Festivals. This is the weekend to get a window into the city’s vibrant performance scene, with two nights of burlesque, belly dancing, sideshows, circus acts, and drag, followed by a dance party with DJ Villainess. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7:30 p.m. $51-222. . 

10/2-4. FELLS POINT FUN FESTIVAL
Festivals. Six blocks of this historic waterfront neighborhood fill for a full weekend of food, fun, live music, local shopping, and community. 812 S. Ann St. Fri. 5-9 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. Free. 

10/2-4. MAMA, I’M A BIG GIRL NOW
Theater. Thespians Kerry Butler, Laura Bell Bundy, Marissa Jaret Winokur return to the city that inspired the film-turned-Broadway adaptation of Hairspray, where the trio met as Tracy, Penny, and Amber. They spend the evening reminiscing about the show and performing hits from their musical repertoire. Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. Showtimes vary. $40-70.      

10/2-4. THE INTERNATIONAL EDGAR ALLEN POE FESTIVAL
Festivals. Edgar Allan Poe passed away in Baltimore 177 years ago. Commemorate the anniversary of the famous poet’s death with the next generation of writers and artists who are inspired by his legacy through live performances, poetry reading, booksellers, and more. Lexington Market, 112 N. Eutaw St. Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Prices vary.

10/3-31. NO IDEA BUT IN THINGS
Exhibitions. Ruminate on this collision of works by artists Jim Condron and Dean Kessman, approaching perception from opposite directions. Mono Practice, 212 McAllister St. Fri. 1-5 p.m. Sat. 12-4 p.m. Free. 

10/3-4. CHARM CITY CROSS
Sports. One of North America’s largest professional cyclocross races, this two-day competition features over 1.600 international professional and regional cyclists racing through an exciting city course. Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Dr. 7:45 a.m. $33.20-214.25. 

10/4. BLUE WATER BASH
Festivals. Celebrate the efforts of Blue Water Baltimore to protect our local tributaries with educational  opportunities, family-friendly activities, lunch from Blue Pit BBQ, a full bar, and more. Whitehall Mill, 3300 Clipper Mill Rd. 12-4 p.m. $40-100. 

10/4-2/21. FLASHBACK: TWO CENTURIES OF BALTIMORE PHOTOGRAPHY
Exhibitions. Explore how Baltimore shaped the history and evolution of photography through more than 200 images taken over the past 185 years by the likes of A. Aubrey Bodine, Devin Allen, SHAN Wallace, J.M. Giordano, and many more. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free.  

10/8-11. THE 8X10 GRAND REOPENING
Music. The next chapter of this beloved Federal Hill music venue returns this fall with a weekend-long lineup and already stacked month of live music. The 8×10, 10 E. Cross St. Times & prices vary. 

10/8-6/27. WITH PROFIT AND PLEASURE: THE LEGACY OF JAPANESE PRINTS
Exhibitions. Discover the legacy of Japanese prints and their unexpected influence on the Evergreen’s collection, with a special screening of the original 1954 Godzilla on Oct. 22.  Evergreen Museum & Library. 4545 N. Charles St. Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 

10/9-11. MOZART’S DON GIOVANNI
Music. One of Mozart’s masterpieces, this fully staged opera tells the tale of Don Giovanni, a man who can swindle with charm. He unapologetically leaves behind a trail of lies and hurt until a supernatural warning tries to stop him. Watch his fate unwind to the beautiful sounds of a live orchestra. Stephens Hall, 8000 York Rd., Towson. $15-119.15. 

10/9-11/1. MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN
Theater. Playwright David Catlin spins this iconic tale of epic monstrosity through the perspective of Mary Shelley and friends, who spent an evening challenging one another to create scary stories. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St. Showtimes vary. $35-111.  

10/9-12/4. TERRA ALMOST FIRMA
Exhibitions. This group show brings together science and art featuring land-based art made using soil and other natural materials in the Bromo Art District. Zo Gallery, 1905 N. Howard St. Wed. 12-3 p.m. Free. 

10/10. HORSE LORDS
Music. This Baltimore-born experimental rock group performs its one local show of the year, following the release of their second studio album, Demand to be Taken to Heaven Alive! The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 7 p.m.

10/10-11. BALTIMORE OPEN STUDIO TOUR WEEKEND
Exhibitions. Meet, connect with, and purchase works from some of the city’s most talented artists right from their studios. Get sneak peeks into their creative process and works in progress where the magic happens. Locations vary. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 

10/10-9/5. FLAUNT
Exhibitions. AVAM’s 31st major thematic exhibit features over 60 works from artists across various disciplines who transform everyday materials into amazing creations, ultimately asking visitors to examine how the extraordinary is often right in front of us. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$20.  

10/2-11/15. THE PANSY HOUR
Theater. Submersive Productions transports viewers to the “Pansy Crazy,” a moment of mainstream acclaim for queer culture and creative expression in the late 1920s, exploring personal stories of Maryland history through a cabaret drag show, live music, dance, comedy, and more. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $37.35-155.75. 

10/13. RAUL MIDON
Music. This two-time local Grammy nominee gives an intimate performance of his Latin-infused jazz music featuring both his voice and guitar. An die Musik, 409 N. Charles St. 7 p.m. $10-30. 

10/14-17. GARDEN GLOW
Exhibitions. During this annual autumn party, stroll through gardens filled with hundreds of intricate jack-o-lanterns and illuminated sculptures made by local artists. Plus, enjoy live music, educational activities, food, and drink. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pke., Monkton. 5-9 p.m. $10-50. 

10/16-2/5. STARS AND STRIPES
Exhibitions. Galerie Myrtis’s 20th anniversary show revisits the topic of its inaugural exhibition in 2008, exploring new interpretations of the symbols and stories that shape the nation. Galerie Myrtis, 2224 N. Charles St. Thurs.-Sat. 2-6 p.m. Free. 

10/17. BALTIMORE RUNNING FESTIVAL
Sports. This multi-race event sends runners across the city to reach a finish line of fun. Whether you are running the marathon or the new Balti-MORON-athon, each race raises money for local charities. Locations & times vary. $71.18-213.53. 

10/18. AMERICAN BELONGING
Music. The Baltimore Choral Arts Society joins author Judith Krummeck to weave listeners through a journey of American music that touches on our nation’s ideals and its history of migration. Goucher College. 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson. 4 p.m. $65.60-176. 

10/18-11/1. DAY OF THE DEAD COMMUNITY ALTAR & CEREMONY
Festivals. Created by local Mexican-American artist Laura Irene, this immersive exhibition reclaims Día de los Muertos through a community-built altar and participatory installations that invite visitors to remember loved ones, concluding with a community candlelight ceremony with Mexican hot chocolate and pastries. Making Space, 709 N. Howard St. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. 

10/18-11/15. DIFFERENT WORDS FOR HAPPINESS
Theater. Everyman’s Katie Kleiger presents a story full of heart and humanity. When a late-night phone call from an ex-lover forces Ava to confront the ghosts of her past, it leads her to meet an older woman and learn how to harness happiness. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. Times vary. $12.50-105.50.

10/21. SOUR BEEF DINNER
Festivals. Experience this long-standing local tradition of Baltimore’s German community with a feast of marinated sour beef served with homemade potato dumplings, rich gravy, red cabbage, green beans, and other classic accompaniments at this historic downtown church. Zion Church of the City of Baltimore, 400 E. Lexington St. 4 p.m. Prices vary. 

10/23. ARBOORETUM
Festivals. Celebrate the spooky season set against the Cylburn mansion decked out in Halloween décor with guided nature walks through spooky trails, arts and crafts, food vendors, and more. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave. Times & prices vary. 

10/23. HELLRAISERS
Theater. Join The Stoop for an evening of shared stories about rebels, rabble-rousers, and the moments we decided to stop playing nice, set inside a Baltimore landmark, with musical guest Glorian. Historic Mount Vernon Place Church, 10 E. Mt. Vernon Pl. 7 p.m. $25.

10/23-25. THE MAKADO: MAKE AMERICA KINGLY AGAIN!
Theater. Based on “The Mikado” by Gilbert and Sullivan, this musical parody set in a gilded oval office is a wry scrutiny of the Victorian British establishment, with new texts fit for modern American. Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2:30 p.m. $25-35. 

10/24. BARCSTOBERFEST
Festivals. Have lots of pet-friendly fun with the Howl-o-Ween pet costume contest, Barkin’ Beer Garden vendors, the “Ready, Set, SNIFF!” 5K run, and more at this annual festival supporting the Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter. Patterson Park. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Baltimore St. Prices vary. 

10/24. THE GREAT BALTIMORE LANTERN PARADE
Festivals. Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos with a kids’ costume contest, art-making activities, pop-up performances, and that iconic evening procession of glowing lanterns that light up Patterson Park. Patterson Park, 2601 E. Baltimore St. 4 p.m. Free. 

10/24. THE WALTERS GALA & PARTY
Fundraisers. Join hundreds of local leaders, community partners, and arts supporters to celebrate the impact of the Walters Art Museum with dinner and dancing in the galleries. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 6 p.m. $250-50,000.

10/24. HALLOWEEN BALTIMORE
Festivals. Creep through multiple floors of immersive experiences toward a rooftop dance party during the Science Center’s annual costumed bash, this year featuring funk bands and an outer-space theme. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $55-120.

10/24. DOORS OPEN BALTIMORE
Exhibitions. For one day only, up to 50 typically closed historic buildings open their doors to the public. Wander through these architectural masterpieces and learn about their chapters in local history. Locations & times vary. Free. 

10/30-11/1. PSYCHO IN CONCERT
Music. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs the iconic score of this Alfred Hitchcock thriller, bringing that hair-raising music to life alongside a screening of film. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $29-133. 

10/29-31. ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
Film. Just in time to honor the late Tim Curry, join these screenings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show’s new restored film with a live shadow cast, costume contest, and audience participation. The Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St. Times vary. $36-80. . 

10/30-11/7. THE ORB OF PONDERING
Theater. The Baltimore Rock Opera Society presents a concert opera inspired by tabletop, fantasy, role-playing games, in which a clumsy caravan of wise-cracking warriors must work together to save their city from tyrannical evil. Zion Church of the City of Baltimore, 400 E. Lexington St. Times & prices vary. 

10/31. HALLOWEN ATP
Music. This is a tradition not to miss. Come dressed in costume for this unique concert experience featuring local musicians performing ten-minute, one-time-only shows. Current Space, 421 N. Howard St. 6 p.m. $17.19-19.30.  

10/31. SUN RA ARKESTRA HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR
Music. Come dressed in costume for a Halloween celebration with this legendary outer-space jazz-meets-big-band musical collective. Keystone Korner, 1350 Lancaster St. 6 & 9 p.m. $55-65.

10/31. MONSTER MENAGERIE
Party. Grab your most ghoulish garb for a dazzling show featuring all-star Baltimore drag performers, plus games, dance, and prizes for best costume. Manor Mill, 2029 Monkton Rd., Monkton. 7-10 p.m. $24-40.