8/29. LOVE GROOVE FESTIVAL
Festivals. Ten years ago, local musician John Tyler got an idea. The Baltimore music scene was full of talented artists and only had so many platforms to showcase them. Sure, there were plenty of local venues, but most of the city’s big festivals looked to national acts to fill their lineups. The Hoes Heights native wanted to change that.

Enter the Love Groove Festival, which has grown from a small concert to a showcase of Baltimore’s talent. Not only are many of the musicians local, but so are the stage designers, event photographers, day-of staffers, and more, with this event also working to foster economic growth and build community.

This year, find big-name headliners like experimental pianist Robert Glasper and rising rapper Saba alongside local heavyweights like the Grammy Award-winning D.K. The Punisher, up-and-coming DJs Styles Bond and Tromac, and Tyler himself. Plus, peruse an art gallery, pop into stalls featuring local restaurants and boutique shops, and soak up the Harbor Point waterfront with friends and family. Admission is free for kids 12 and under. Point Park, 1215 Willis St. 12-8 p.m.$29-209.

8/1-2. FLUID MOVEMENT
Dance. In Candy Land of Pleasant Living, the city’s beloved water ballet troupe takes you on a flavor-filled journey to save the Domino Sugar Factory from the evil Lord Natty Boh. Clifton Park Pool, 2013 Sinclair Ln. Sat-Sun. 5 & 7 p.m. $23.18. 

8/5 -10/21: LIGHTS TO THE LAMP
Exhibitions. Curated by local painting legend Ernest Shaw, this showcase of visual art teachers and instructors from Baltimore City and County highlights these educators’ roles as both creators and cultivators within our communities. Motor House, 120 W. North Ave. Times vary. Free. 

8/6. FINDING YOUR REVOLUTIONARY ANCESTORS
Lectures & Classes. Librarian Francis O’Neill and research coordinator Micah Connor teach participants how to search genealogy records dating back to the Revolutionary War. Maryland Center for History & Culture, 610 Park Ave. 5-7 p.m. Free. 

8/6. BEST OF BALTIMORE
Festivals. Baltimore magazine’s Best of Baltimore Party is back with one big night of celebrating this city and all the artists, restaurants, and businesses, and organizations that make it special. Come dressed to impress for live music curated by the aforementioned Love Groove Music Festival, food and drink from dozens of local dining establishments, dancing, games, and much more. M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St. 7-11 p.m. $150-175. 

8/6. PINKSHIFT
Music. What started as a group of friends at Johns Hopkins University is now a fast-rising rock group known for their high-octane shows. Celebrate the re-release of their debut EP with five demos that never made the cut. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 7 p.m. $28.37-48.91.

8/6. CHARM CITY BURLESQUE FUNDTEASER 
Fundraisers & Galas. Enjoy an evening of burlesque and variety shows by local performers to support the upcoming Charm City Burlesque and Variety Festival. Mobtown Ballroom, 30 W. North Ave. 7-9:30 p.m. $20-30. 

8/7-30. 10X10X10
Theater. This aptly named short play showcase features 10 short plays written by 10 local playwrights performed by 10 Baltimore performers. When the curtain falls, the audience votes on the winning play. Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann St. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $25-50. 

8/8-15. BALTIMORE FASHION WEEK
Festivals. The latest collections from Baltimore designers debut during multiple events throughout the city, from a kick-off Fashion Remix mixer at the Walters Art Museum coinciding with the Douriean Fletcher jewelry exhibition on Aug. 9 to two nights of runways at the Baltimore War Memorial on Aug. 14-15. Locations, times, and prices vary.

8/10-11. BTS WORLD TOUR 2026
Music. These global K-pop superstars take the stage at M&T Bank Stadium with iconic dance performances and fan-favorite songs. M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St. 8 p.m. $136-11,634.

8/13-16. THE RECORDS & THE RUSE
Theater. This one-of-a-kind documentary theater performance turns undisclosed law-enforcement files and cross-border state archives into scripted re-enactments of a Baltimore Black Panther frame-up. Projected archival media, news footage, and evidence immerse the audience into real archives that complement the story. The Voxel, 9 W. 25th St. 7:30 p.m. Free-$40. 

8/14-9/6. BOCKING
Theater. Attend the world premiere of this new on-stage satire that begins when two children unknowingly embarrass their parents by repeating what they overheard at home. In the principal’s office, more secrets unravel with humor and a dose of the unexpected. Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. Times vary. $25-80. 

8/20-22. STEVE-O
Comedy. Following the recent Jackass finale, this comedian and stunt legend presents his all-new Crash and Burn Tour, featuring never-before-seen footage, outrageous stories, and untamed humor. Magooby’s Joke House, 9603 Deereco Rd. Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 7 & 9:30 p.m. $34.99-46.99. 

8/26-2/7. DIVINE INSPIRATION
Exhibitions. To commemorate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death, the Walters showcases the St. Francis Missal, a 12th-century manuscript that is believed to be a relic of St. Francis himself. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 1-8 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 

8/27. THE LIFE OF KINGS
Theater. Stoop Storytellers share true tales of the challenging, strange, and sometimes silly work of journalism, with live tunes from City Paper Music. Featured speakers include reporters, editors, photographers, and others who have found themselves in the throes of hunting leads, breaking headlines, and history itself. Checkerspot Brewing Company, 1421 Ridgely St. 7 p.m. $25. 

8/27-9/13. MARYLAND STATE FAIR
Festivals. Step right up! It wouldn’t be a Maryland summer without a weekend at the fair. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re in it for the thrill of the Midway rides or the crunch of the kettle corn. Stroll through the Exhibition Hall’s endless vendors, where you can spot blue-ribbon tomatoes, canned jams, and more. Plus, witness all the livestock in the Cow Palace and even sign up for puppy or goat yoga. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. Thurs. 5-9 p.m., Fri.-Mon. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. $8.25-55.50. 

8/28. DEEP SUGAR TRANSMUTATION VOYEUR
Exhibitions. With inspiration from works on view at the BMA, Alice and Franklin Cooley Composer in Residence Ultra Naté performs dancefloor classics paired with movement and visual artistry. This powerful live production invites you to move and explore themes of evolution, identity, and transcendence. Baltimore Museum of Art Wurtzburger Sculpture Garden, 10 Art Museum Dr. 7-11 p.m. $30. 

8/28-30. SUBSCAPE
Music. During this growing annual music festival, Baltimore’s boisterous underground music scene boils over for a weekend of 60+ local punk, alternative, and metal bands at Current Space and Le Mondo. This year, catch Super City, Natural Velvet, Gasket, The Beach People, and many more. Locations vary. Fri. 6 p.m.- 1 a.m., Sat. 12 p.m.-1 a.m., Sun. 12-6 p.m. Free. 

8/29-30. EKIBEN NIGHT MARKET
Festivals. Ekiben’s culinary wizards recreate the magic of Taiwanese open-air markets with an array of food and drink offerings, local vendors, music, and much more along the Fells Point waterfront. Jackson’s Wharf, 1500 Thames St. Sat. 4-10 p.m., Sun. 12-4 p.m. $25-125. 

8/29-10/25. MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Festivals. For two months, the woods of Anne Arundel County transform into King Henry VIII’s kingdom, complete with 140 artisans, 200 performers, old-time eateries, and much more. Extra points for arriving in period garb. 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. Days & times vary. $17-31. 

8/30-9/27. KIM’S CONVENIENCE
Theater. Now a hit Netflix series, Ins Choi’s award-winning comedy follows a South Korean family and the ins and outs of their convenience store. Stroll through the aisles with proud owner and immigrant Mr. Kim as he works tirelessly to keep the business thriving. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. Times & prices vary.