8/24-27, 8/31-9/4. 9/7-10: MARYLAND STATE FAIR
Yes it’s bittersweet, but at least the end of summer brings us this adored Old Line State tradition. Beginning Aug. 24, and continued over the course of three consecutive weekends, the Maryland State Fair heads back to Timonium with handheld eats, eye-popping sights, games, rides, and nonstop entertainment. During the festival’s 13 days, you’ll enjoy thoroughbred horse racing, live musical performances by acts including Towson-native rock band All Time Low, and several world-class competitions in such categories as livestock, home arts, and gardening. Watch as food vendors face off to see which booth serves up the tastiest cuisine, or beat the heat with indoor shopping for things like jewelry, candles, and handmade keepsakes. 2200 York Road. Times vary. $8-10.

8/1: JOHN FRECE: SELF-DESTRUCTION
The author hits The Ivy Bookshop’s patio to share his new book, Self-Destruction: The rise, fall, and redemption of U.S. Senator Daniel B. Brewster. The Ivy Bookshop. 6 p.m. 

8/2: BEYOND BALTIMORE YOUR TICKET TO TRAVEL
At Enoch Pratt, Brian K. Oliver, the founder of Beyond Bmore, shares tips on all things traveling, from getting over fears to finding cheap airfare. Enoch Pratt Free Library. 6 p.m. 

8/3: WTMD FIRST THURSDAY FESTIVAL
The Towson radio station’s much-loved summer concert series starts its second-to-last leg with tunes by Deer Tick, Abraham Alexander, and Modern Nomad. Canton Waterfront Park. 5:30 p.m. 

8/4: AKUA ALLRICH & THE TRIBE
Soak in the sounds of freedom with the D.C.-native jazz artist and her band on Eastern Avenue. Creative Alliance. 8 p.m. $15-25. 

8/4: BOOK LAUNCH AND HAPPY HOUR FOR IRENA STEIN: AREPA
Alma Cocina Latina’s Irena Stein heads to The Ivy to launch her new cookbook, Arepa. Sip cocktails made by Bird in Hand while Stein details her tasty book of recipes. The Ivy Bookshop. 6 p.m. 

8/4: HIGHLANDTOWN FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Spend time in Southeast Baltimore exploring the creations of our city’s gifted artists while enjoying local food and drink by vendors such as Snake Hill Grill. Highlandtown Arts District. 5 p.m. 

8/4: IN THE MEDIUM
In a creative slump? Join fellow local makers at this Highlandtown arts fixture for a night of crafts and mingling. Find prompts to get those artsy juices flowing and sip cocktails at the venue’s bar. Creative Alliance. 6 p.m. 

8/4: MISS MISTRESS OF SMUT
Scour antique store Rust-N-Shine for vintage treasures, catch a scandalous smut reading, and watch as Baltimore “naughties” compete to win the title of “Miss Mistress of Smut.” Local drag queen and burlesque performer Betty O’Hellno judges. An Evening of Vintage Smut. 5-8 p.m. 

8/4: THE STRING QUEENS
In Harbor East, the spirited jazz string trio leads an evening filled with genre-spanning works. Keystone Korner. 7 p.m. $10-45. 

8/4-6: URBAN OPEN
Watch out: This annual axe-throwing competition brings three days of pointed, sharp events to Baltimore. Stay tuned to see who wins the coveted Clutch Jacket. Urban Axes. Times vary. Free-$120. 

8/5: BALTIMORE BY BALTIMORE
Baltimore interdisciplinary artist and activist Yesenia Mejia Herrera hosts this installment of the arts and culture festival, which honors Latin heritage. Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore. Times vary. 

8/5: VINTAGE BLACK EXPO
On North Howard Street, support local Black vendors as you shop for household wares, art, music, vintage clothing, books, and more. Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $10. 

8/10: ART TO THE PEOPLE WORKSHOP: AWARENESS
In Highlandtown, Baltimore visual artist and arts-in-health specialist Zoë Lintzeris shares tips for maintaining your sense of well-being, keeping calm, and restoring your energy levels. Creative Alliance. 6:30 p.m. $23- 25. 

8/10: SUMMIT SOIRÉE
This night of camp games, campfire stories, climbing tips, and local eats supports rec center Pigtown Climbs in raising money for its brick-and-mortar site. Pigtown Climbs. 7-9:30 p.m. $10-20. 

8/10: QUEER BOOK CLUB: HIJAB BUTCH BLUES
In Fells Point, Greedy Reads bookseller Katya Castro leads a discussion of Lamya H’s recent memoir. Greedy Reads. 7 p.m.

TO 8/12: THE BIG SHOW
In its 28th year, the Creative Alliance event invites members to hang their own art and perform on the stage at its Highlandtown venue. Creative Alliance. Times vary. Free for members. 

8/12: 10TH ANNUAL HALAL FOOD FESTIVAL
A sampling of the area’s beloved halal eateries will be on-site as part of this all-day family event, which features an indoor bazaar, live cooking demonstrations, and a series of performances. Islamic Society of Baltimore. 12 p.m. 

8/12: MESS FEST
Throw on a smock and shoes and prepare to get dirty at this sticky, sloppy party at the Science Center, which includes a group art project and some giant booger picking. Maryland Science Center. 12-4 p.m. Free with paid admission. 

8/12-13: MOONRISE
Experience the best of dubstep, trance, and techno sounds when this beloved live music festival returns. Pimlico Race Course. $99-225. 

8/12: PUPPY DAYS OF SUMMER BLOCK PARTY
For this event, Creative Alliance will close off its surrounding streets so Fido and his (leashed) best buds can spend some time together. Play pup-and-owner games, hit up the Puppy Pool Party, and catch a costume contest. Creative Alliance. 4:30 p.m. 

8/13: JPEGMAFIA AND DANNY BROWN
Rapper Danny Brown joins the Baltimore musician in his element to promote their collaborative album, Scaring the Hoes. Rams Head Live! 8 p.m. Prices vary. 

8/13: TASTE OF NORTHWEST FESTIVAL
This ode to Northwest Baltimore includes live steel drum music, local grub, an African fashion show, a marching band, and fun for tots. Northwest Baltimore Partnership. 3-8 p.m. 

8/15: GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT FUNKADELIC
Funk luminary George Clinton and his band stop in Baltimore as part of his “Just For The Funk Of It” tour. The Lyric. 7:30 p.m. $45-350. 

8/18-20: NEW/NEXT FILM FESTIVAL
WYPR presents this new film festival, featuring local, national, and international works and in-person filmmaker discussions. The Charles Theatre, times and pricing TBD. 

8/19: HONEY CHILE FEST
At Enoch Pratt, this one-day festival highlights the talents of Black Femme film- makers and creators. Enoch Pratt. 1-5 p.m. $15-50.

8/19: HOT AUGUST MUSIC FESTIVAL
At Oregon Ridge Park, the music festival rings in three decades with performances by Little Feat, Oteil & Friends, and more. Oregon Ridge Park. 11 a.m. Free-$239. 

8/19: LIONEL RICHIE AND EARTH, WIND & FIRE
The “Hello” singer and funky R&B trailblazers team up for a groovy evening at CFG Bank Arena. CFG Bank Arena. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary.

8/19: MARYLAND FOLK METAL FEST
Baltimore-native folk-metal bands Isenmore and Sekengard join this year’s festival lineup, which heads to the Metro Gallery. Metro Gallery. 5 p.m. $27. 

8/25: BILLIE HOLIDAY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
Named in honor of the one-time Baltimore resident and legendary jazz singer, this annual display of local music and art excellence boasts live tunes, local vendors, tasty eats, and more. Robert C. Marshall Recreation Center. 12-8 p.m. 

8/25: BRANDON WOODY & UPENDO X NO PIX AFTER DARK
The Baltimore musician joins podcast host Aaron Dante at Enoch Pratt for an evening full of song and conversation. Enoch Pratt Free Library. 6 p.m. 

8/25: CUPCAKKE
The risque rapper with a cult-like following and hits including “Toys ‘R’ Us” performs in downtown Baltimore with our own Dapper Dan Midas. Rams Head Live! 8 p.m. $27-35. 

8/26: BALTIMORE MET GALA
Schmooze, mingle, graze gourmet bites, sip cocktails, and catch a fashion show while dressed to the nines for this star-studded bash. Hippodrome Theatre. 6-11 p.m. $100. 

8/26: CHARM CITY LIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Singer-songwriter H.E.R. headlines this bonanza on Holliday Street, highlighting the city’s rich culture with food, local vendors, and ample fun happenings. War Memorial Plaza. 12-8 p.m. 

8/26: FORTUNE FEIMSTER
Well-known for starring on The Mindy Project, the stand-up comedian and actor will perform in Baltimore as part of her “Live, Laugh, Love!” tour. The Lyric. 7:30 p.m. $25-120. 

8/26: THE HONEY DEWDROPS
In Monkton, see the Maryland-born folk duo behind such tracks as “Remington” envelop the stage with melody. Manor Mill. 7 p.m. $27.50. 

8/26: MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
In its 47th season, this beloved event in Crownsville boasts over-the-top fair concessions, handmade art, time-transcending performances, and cool medieval costumes. Maryland Renaissance Festival. Times and pricing TBD. 

TO 12/30: THE JIM HENSON EXHIBITION
Exhibits. At Maryland Center for History and Culture, view the works of the Hyattsville-reared puppeteer and feel childlike joy. Maryland Center for History and Culture. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$19.