8/29-31: ZAP OUTDOORZ
The DMV loves its music festivals. There are those that have persisted the years, like WTMD First Thursdays, All Things Go, Hot August, Delfest, and Deathfest, too. There are newcomers, like Oceans Calling, and those we’ve lost along the way, like Moonrise and the (recently revived) HFStival. Now in its third year, Zap Outdoorz has also joined the fold, bringing together the region’s top DIY, electronic, and punk acts for a mountain campout over Labor Day Weekend. From August 29 through 31, skip the peak of Baltimore summer heat and head west, toward Camp Tall Timbers in West Virginia. Hear more than two dozen performances from the local likes of electronic artist Dan Deacon, sitarist Ami Dang, hardcore band Jivebomb, and DJs Trillnatured, Kotic Couture, and Tromac. On top of that, attend a pool party, lounging lakeside, sunbathing on the scenic deck, and partake in wellness activities like yoga and hikes. Much like the late Fields Festival in Baltimore County, it’s a 21-and-up, BYO-tent, rain-or-shine festival for those seeking a peek into the surrounding underground music scene, with $10 of every ticket benefitting discounted entrance for individuals in marginalized communities. (And for those less inclined to the great outdoors, there are glamping and cabin rentals, too.)

8/1-2: JERRY’S BIRTHDAY PARTY
Music. Join Cris Jacobs and fellow musician friends for a night in honor of one of the legendary Grateful Dead frontman. The 8×10, 10 E. Cross St. 7 p.m. $41.72. 

8/1-9/12: EROSCAPE
Exhibitions. This group show explores sensuality, desire, and the many forms of erotic connection with an opening reception on August 8. Night Owl Gallery, 1735 Maryland Ave. Thurs.-Fri. 4-8 p.m., Sat. 12-5 p.m. Free. 

8/2: CASEY CARES FOUNDATION’S 5K RUN/WALK
Fundraisers & Galas. Run or walk through the zoo to support programs for families with critically ill children. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl. 8-10 a.m. $11.60-43.40. 

8/2: BALTIMORE BY BALTIMORE
Festivals. Every first Saturday through October, local artists light up the Inner Harbor with live music, food, vendors, and more. Harborplace Amphitheater, 200 E. Pratt St. Sat. 12-8 p.m. Free.

8/2: TCHAIKOVSKY SPECTACULAR
Music. This all-Tchaikovsky performance features a mix of classic symphonies and a concerto by pianist Maxim Lando. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7:30 p.m. $30-104. 

8/2-3: FLUID MOVEMENT [Editor’s Pick]
Performance. In a celebratory performance of resistance and joy, this year’s water ballet from Baltimore’s creative aquatic troupe dives into five books that a parent is attempting to ban. Clifton Park Pool, 2027 Sinclair Ln. 5 & 7 p.m. $23.18.

8/4: KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD
Music. These Australian rockers team up with Sarah Hicks and the National Symphony Orchestra for an incredible outdoor show. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 6:30 p.m. $68-112. 

8/6-2/15: PAWS ON PARCHMENT
Exhibitions. See how cats were depicted in medieval manuscripts as beloved pets, hunters, and important symbols in the period’s culture. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 1-8 p.m. Free.

8/6: PROXIMA ARCANUM
Festivals. Check out this bimonthly queer reading series and mystical market hosted by local artists. Current Space, 421 Tyson St. 7 p.m. Free.

8/6: POSTMODERN JUKEBOX
Music. Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox hits the stage with pop classics and today’s top tracks. The Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. 8 p.m. $50.65-228.15. 

8/7: DROPKICK MURPHYS & BAD RELIGION
Music. These two iconic punk duos outside along the waterfront. Pier Six Pavilion, 731 Eastern Ave. 7 p.m. $30-137+. 

8/7: JOHN SALVAGE
Music. Following the release of his latest single “Break the Wall,” this Detroit-based singer-songwriter performs before the release of his new album. Dangerously Delicious, 810 W. 36th St. 7 p.m. Free

TO 8/8: WAXCAST
Exhibitions. This showcase celebrates local artist Earl Jones with jewelry, sculpture, wall hangings, and ephemera from his life. Baltimore Jewelry Center, 10 E. North Ave. Mon.-Tues. 1-10 p.m., Wed.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 12-6 p.m. Free. 

8/8: KHUMARIYAAN
Music. Marrying traditional Pashtun music with rock-and-roll, this Pakistani band performs with Punjabi punk-rockers Bumbu Sauce. Current Space, 421 Tyson St. 6 p.m. $22-25.

8/8: WHITNEY
Music. This Chicago-based folk-rock band performs with Australian rockers Folk Bitch Trio. The Recher, 512 York Rd. 7 p.m. $38.80.

8/8-17: BALTIMORE PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL [Editor’s Pick]
Theater. This performance features the first full production of a new play by a local playwright, “Floating Down to Camelot.” Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St. Thurs.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $24. 

TO 8/9: BRIGHTER SKIES
Exhibitions. A collection of works by seven local artists explores the contrast between renewal and hopelessness when it comes to the environment, society, and politics. CPM Gallery, 1512 Bolton St. By appointment only. Free.

8/9: STEWARDSHIP WORK DAY
Outdoors. Help remove invasive species and restore trail habitats at the future site of the Woodland Restoration Garden in Baltimore County. Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville. 9-11 a.m. Free.

8/9: BOARDS & BREAKFAST
Sports. Kids under 12 can snack and learn to skate with local pro Joey Jett and other shredders from the Skatepark of Baltimore and Shape Skate Foundation. Jake’s Skate Park, 300 Key Hwy. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free.

8/9: SET SAIL FOR SCHOOL
Family. Local kids can come together to engage in activities and get excited about the upcoming school year. Port Discovery Children’s Museum, 35 Market Pl. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$24.95.

8/9: SHINY HAPPY THINGS
Lectures & Classes. Join Eileen Gillan and Bob Benson to create your own “flashies,” aka sparkling decorations made of glass and other dazzling things. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 1:30-4 p.m. $50-65. 

8/9: WHAT FREEDOM COST
Exhibitions. This multi-part visual and performance-based project explores the systemic violence against people of the African Diaspora. Area 405, 405 E. Oliver St. 3-6 p.m. Free. 

8/9: NOAH PIERRE BAND
Music. This local music collective their jazzy rock sound in Baltimore County. Stages Music Arts, 10 Stenerson Ln. 6-7:30 p.m. $28.52.

8/9: NEW WORKS FILM SCREENING [Editor’s Pick]
Film. For one evening, new short films made in Baltimore are screened outside in this gallery’s courtyard bar. Current Space, 421 N. Howard St. 7-11 p.m. $5-10.

8/9: SIMPLY CHARMING MOZART
Music. In this summer series, be swept away by some of Mozart’s very best symphonies. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7:30 p.m. $30-104. 

8/15: CYPRESS HILL & ATMOSPHERE
Music. These rap legends perform with Lupe Fiasco and The Pharcyde outside along the waterfront. Pier Six Pavilion, 731 Eastern Ave. 6:30 p.m. $30-176+. livenation.com.

8/15-17: HOPFEST
Food & Drink. Sip on more than 60 hoppy beer varieties during this weekend-long Fells Point festival. Max’s Taphouse, 737 S. Broadway. 11:30-2 a.m. Free.

TO 8/16: THE 2025 BIG SHOW
Exhibitions. Creative Alliance members are invited to submit one piece of artwork for display at this salon-style gallery. Creative Alliance. 3134 Eastern Ave. Tues.-Sat. 12-5 p.m. Free.

8/16: WHISKEY ON THE WATERFRONT
Food & Drink. Sip on Sagamore whiskey and enjoy live music and food trucks with beautiful views from the Baltimore Peninsula. Sagamore Distillery, 301 E. Cromwell St. 12-6 p.m. Free.

8/16: HALAL FOOD FEST
Food & Drink. The region’s best halal vendors come together for fantastic food, decadent desserts, over 50 bazaar vendors, live performances, and even fireworks. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, 6631 Johnnycake Rd., Crownsville. 12-10 p.m. $12-60.

8/16: NOCTURNAL ADVENTURES
Outdoors. On this guided night hike, learn how animals thrive after sunset through fun activities. Lake Roland, 1000 Lakeside Dr. 8:30 p.m. $6.

8/16: UNCRUEL SUMMER
Music. Bring all your friends to this girly-pop dance party, spinning everyone from Sabrina to Lady Gaga. The Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m. $23.24. 

8/16-17: ALL MIGHTY SENATORS [Editor’s Pick]
Music. Catch a set from this beloved genre-defying band from Baltimore. The 8×10, 10 E. Cross St. Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 5 p.m. $36.05. the8x10.com.

8/16-17: MESS FEST
Family. Get slimy and sticky with a weekend of fun for the whole family, including a giant soda eruption and a paint-filled balloon drop. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 12-4 p.m. Free-$29.95. 

TO 8/17: EARTH AS MEDIUM
Exhibitions. This exhibition’s artworks all have a connection to nature, whether they were made from natural elements or with sustainable practices. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free.

TO 8/17: COLAB: ART AND MUSIC FROM BALTIMORE AND BEYOND
Exhibitions. View a collection of works on loan from important collections of African-American art and artists, paired with musical compositions selected by the Peabody Institute. Eubie Blake Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard St. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

TO 8/17: OF YESTERDAY AND TOMORROW
Exhibitions. Explore a collection of works from Muse 360’s 2025 New Generation Scholars Young Artist Archival Fellowship. The Peale, 225 Holliday St. Thurs-Fri. 3-7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 

8/17-21: EXTENSIONS [Editor’s Pick]
Exhibitions. View works by rising painter (and past “Best of Baltimore” winner) Monica Ikegwu, featuring hyper-realistic portraits of African Americans on canvas. Galerie Myrtis, 2224 N. Charles St. Wed.-Sat. 2-6 p.m. $35. 

8/21: CLASSIC COUNTRY KARAOKE & DANCE NIGHT
Music. Get up on stage and sing country hits with a live band during this dress-your-best dance party. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 6 p.m. $30. 

8/21-22: NATE BARGATZE
Comedy. This Grammy-nominated comedian brings laughs on his Big Dumb Eyes World Tour. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 6 p.m. $60-231+. 

8/21-9/7: MARYLAND STATE FAIR [Editor’s Pick]
Festivals. Close out the summer with thrilling rides, performances, farm animals, fried food, and more. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd. Thurs. 5-9 p.m., Fri-Mon. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Free-$15. 

8/22-9/19: SWEATY EYEBALLS [Editor’s Pick]
Exhibitions. This beloved annual animation festival coincides with this Greenmount exhibition with an opening reception on August 22. Area 405, 405 E. Oliver St. Thurs.-Sat. 1-4 p.m. Free.

8/22: NAKED
Theater. Stoop Storytellers come together to bare bodies, souls, and secrets, with special musical guest Danah Denice. Checkerspot Brewing Company, 1421 Ridgely St. 7 p.m. $16.30-26.50. 

8/22-9/14: THE TENTH 10X10X10
Theater. This aptly named short-play showcase features 10 short plays written by 10 local playwrights, performed by 10 actors. Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann St. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $24. 

8/23: POE LIVE
Theater. Watch as The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre records a live radio drama of “The Spectacles.” Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 11 a.m. Free. 

8/23: THE HOT AUGUST HAPPENING
Music. This year’s Hot August Music Festival will be bringing a cover-band lineup, including The Dancing Bears (the Grateful Dead) and Yellow Dubmarine (the Beatles), to Union’s outdoor stage. Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. Times vary. $35-40. 

8/23-10/19: MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL [Editor’s Pick]
Festivals. Be transported to a world of old-time whimsy with everything from turkey legs to medieval sword fights during this beloved annual festival in Anne Arundel County. 1821 Crownsville Rd., Crownsville. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $11.82-310.91. 

TO 8/24: SCHAUN CHAMPION
Exhibitions. A solo show by this celebrated local photographer is on display in Greenmount West. Gallery CA, 440 E. Oliver St. Mon.-Fri. 12-4 p.m. Free. 

TO 8/24: YOUNG BLOOD
Exhibitions. Recent Masters of Fine Art graduates from local institutions display works from their thesis projects. Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. Tues.-Sat. 12-4 p.m. Free.

8/27-1/4/26: DECONSTRUCTING NATURE
Exhibitions. This collection of over 50 19th-century works on paper explores artist roles in transforming the environment into an industrial resource. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. 

TO 8/28: LIVING ROOM [Editor’s Pick]
Exhibitions. Baltimore’s Black community is invited to showcase one framed photo depicting a special moment in their family history for display in this collection. Black Baltimore Digital Database, 3100 Greenmount Ave. Times vary. Free. 

8/29: 9TH ANNUAL BALTIMORE COMEDY FEST
Comedy. As one stop on this six-day festival, dozens of comedians from across the country bring live laughable acts to multiple local venues. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

8/30: BILLIE HOLIDAY MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL [Editor’s Pick]
Festivals. Hear live music, eat homemade food, and shop local vendors in honor of this legendary jazz musician who once lived in Baltimore. Robert C. Marshall Recreation Center, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.

8/30: WPOC’S SATURDAY IN THE COUNTRY
Music: Throw on your boots and spend the day listening to some of today’s best country artists including Shaboozey, Kane Brown, and more. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 1 p.m. $68-145.

8/30: MARTIN LAWRENCE
Comedy. This Bad Boys movie star and comedian brings the laughs with his latest stand-up routine. The HALL at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, 7002 Arundel Mills Cl., Hanover. 8 p.m. $72-627.

8/29-31: MIRYOKUCON
Festivals. Baltimore area artists, cosplayers, and creators join together to celebrate anime, video games, and Japanese culture. Lord Baltimore Hotel, 10 W. Baltimore St. 10 a.m.-2 a.m. $30-50. 

8/30-9/1: WILD WATER SPLASH DAYS
Family. Kids of all ages can cool off with water slides, splash pads, and bounce houses as zoo animals join in on the fun. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $33. 

TO 8/31: GOOD SPORTS
Exhibitions. Get to the heart of our universal enjoyment of play and celebrate wellness of mind, body, and spirit through works from both local and global visionary artists. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

TO 8/31: HISTORY THROUGH POETRY
Exhibitions. New original poems inspired by the Homewood Museum’s period rooms and the lives of the enslaved people who once lived and worked there. Homewood Museum, 3400 N. Charles St. Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 

8/31: WORKING ON THE RAILROAD
Exhibitions. This morning tour focuses on railroad employees and their labor rights during the 19th and 20th centuries. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St. 11 a.m. Free-$20. 

8/31: COLLECTIVE MINDS FESTIVAL [Editor’s Pick]
Festivals. This local house-music festival celebrates in South Baltimore with DJ sets, local shopping, and more. West Covington Park, 101 W. Cromwell St. 11:30 a.m. Times & prices vary.

8/31: TATE MCRAE
Music. This skyrocketing superstar performs hits from her latest album. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 6 p.m. $53-629+

8/31-9/28: AUGUST WILSON’S THE PIANO LESSON
Theater. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play follows a pair of siblings with a cherished family heirloom: a piano carved with images of their ancestors previously owned by the family’s former enslavers. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. Times & prices vary.

TO 9/1: iWITNESS
Exhibitions. Through artifacts, photographs, and history, this exhibit explores how media impacted the modern American Civil Rights Movement. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. Mon., Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. Free-$12. 

TO 9/1: KIDS ROOM: SUMMER SCIENCE
Family. Go on an imaginative camping trip to learn about thunderstorms and ways to keep cool with science. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. Tues.-Sun. Times vary. Free-$29.95. 

TO 9/8: NEW PERSPECTIVES OF HISTORIC EVERGREEN
Exhibitions. See the work of three Baltimore School for the Arts seniors who explored the museum through the lens of traditional 4×5 land cameras. Evergreen Museum & Library, 4545 N. Charles St. Available via guided tour. Free-$12.

TO 9/19: SUMMER SOUNDS AT THE SQUARE
Music. Belvedere Square’s parking lot transforms into an open-air market every Friday through fall with local live music, food and drink, and more. Belvedere Square, 529 E. Belvedere Ave. Fri. 6-9 p.m. Free.

TO 9/21: ONE CHILIAD
Exhibitions. Jann Rosen-Queralt presents three photographic series on environmental loss and potential for change in arctic and marine environments. The Peale, 225 Holliday St. Thurs.-Fri. 3-7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

TO 9/21: BLACK EARTH RISING
Exhibitions. This showcase contains paintings, sculptures, films, and other creative works by artists of color and Native identity that explore our complex connection to nature. 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.

TO 9/29: HIGH SCHOOL JURIED ART SHOW
Exhibitions. This collection honors the legacies of local leaders and entrepreneurs by student artists from all 25 school districts across the state. The Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. Mon. & Thurs-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. Free-$12. 

TO 9/29: IT’S A SNAP
Exhibitions. View contest photographs depicting the beauty and diversity of the city and those who live in it. The Peale, 225 Holliday St. Thurs.-Fri. 3-7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

TO 10/3: ROTUNDA ROCKS CONCERT SERIES
Music. On Friday nights, catch performances from local bands along with food, drink, and family-friednly games. The Rotunda, 711 W. 40th St. Fri. 6-9 p.m. Free. 

TO 10/10: LINDA DAY CLARK
Exhibitions. View the work of this Baltimore-born photographer, known for artfully capturing the everyday life of African Americans. Morgan State University, James E. Lewis Museum of Art, 2201 Argonne Dr. Tues.-Fri. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 

TO 10/19: PSYCHEDELICATESSEN
Exhibitions. Take a trip into the cartoon universe of NYC artist Steve Marcus with his new series of Jewish pop art inspired by 1960s psychedelic hippie culture. Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd St. Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Wed. 12-4 p.m. Free-$10.

TO 10/25: STUDIO COMPANION
Exhibitions. See how a simple object became a cherished pet for painter Raoul Middleman in this new exhibit. Raoul Middleman Studio Museum, 943 N. Calvert St. Sat. 2-4 p.m. by appt. Free. 

TO 12/22: BALTIMORE FARMERS MARKET
Festivals. Maryland’s largest farmers market brings the community together with local farms, food vendors, and live performances. Saratoga & Holliday St. Sun. 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Free.

TO 12/31: COLLECTIVE ACTION
Exhibitions. Explore the effort to improve organized labor throughout the 21st century through the stories and experiences of working Baltimoreans. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. Wed.- Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

TO 12/31: CROSSCURRENTS
Exhibitions. The Contemporary Wing galleries contain works reflecting everything from environment and ecology to social protest, recuperation, and migration. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free.

TO 4/27/26: TITAN
Exhibitions. Through rare photos and artifacts, take an in-depth look into the life of Maryland native Reginald F. Lewis, the first African American to lead a billion-dollar company. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. Mon., Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. Free.

ONGOING: LATIN AMERICAN ART/ARTE LATINOAMERICANO
Exhibitions. For the first time, see over 200 artworks from the museum’s collection from South, Central, and North America and the Caribbean in one space. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs. 1-8 p.m. Free.