2/16. UNION PINEWOOD DERBY 
Festivals. For the past decade, competitors and spectators alike have gathered amidst the kegs at Union Craft Brewing to watch tiny, hand-made cars fly down an epic wood track for the chance at old-school glory. In fact, the Hampden-Medfield brewery’s Pinewood Derby is modeled after a Cub Scout troop tradition dating back to the early 1950s.

Now in its 10th year at Union, the annual derby—this year taking place on the afternoon of February 16—has become a beloved mid-winter event. To participate, you must make your own miniature automobile, with the final product judged on both speed and style (first place gets a trophy). Get involved during one of several “build days” leading up to the main event, then grab a local beer or two to root on your prized pick as it flies down a sky-high ramp of pine.

TO 2/1. POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
Fundraisers & Galas. Jump into the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis to help raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Maryland. Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E. College Pkwy., Annapolis. Times vary. $100+. 

2/1. LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: YEAR OF THE SNAKE
Festivals. Celebrate the year of the snake at The Walters with live performance, art-making, story-time sessions, a photo-booth, and more. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 

2/1. OPERA BALTIMORE GALA
Fundraisers & Galas. Dress to impress and support the Baltimore Opera with dinner, drinks, and performances at Mt. Vernon Place. The Engineers Club at the Garrett-Jacobs Mansion, 11 W. Mount Vernon Pl. 6-9:30 p.m. $250-2,500.  

2/1. HOPS & VINES
Food & Drink. Sip the best from local breweries and wineries while tapping into your inner child during this after-hours fundraising party for Port Discovery. Port Discovery, 35 Market Pl. 7-10 p.m. $65-75

2/1. BELOW THE SURFACE: PERCUSSION AND LIGHT PERFORMANCE
Theater. Visual artist Farida Hughes and percussionist Matt Keown join forces for an immersive, hour-long show of music and dazzling light art. Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. 7:30 p.m., $20-30. 

2/1-3/1. ART OF THE COLLECTORS X ♦ Editor’s Pick♦
Exhibitions. In this curated exhibit of work from private art collections, explore 20th- and 21st-century artworks by African and African American artists, including Victor Epuk and Godrey Ndaba. Galerie Myrtis, 2224 N. Charles St. Tues.-Fri. 2-6 p.m. galeriemyrtis.net. 

TO 2/2. WORKING FOR CRUMBS
Theater. After their boss chokes on an oatmeal-raisin cookie, coworkers Grace and Amy watch as their corporate world crumbles one piece at a time. Spotlighters Theatre, 817 Saint Paul St. Times vary. $24. 

2/2. FROST FEST ’25
Music. Student bands of all ages from Stages Music Arts will showcase their talents at this local rock concert. The Recher, 512 York Rd., Towson. 12 p.m. $5-10.

2/2. CHAMBER MUSIC MARYLAND: FAZIL SAY
Music. Hear Turkish music from renowned composer and pianist Fazil Say, followed by an artist meet-and-greet and refreshments. The Peale, 225 Holliday St. 3 p.m. $25.

2/2. GROUND AND SKY ♦ Editor’s Pick♦
Dance. The Ballet Theatre of Maryland and the Full Circle Dance Company combine modern dance with traditional ballet into one compelling performance. The Gordon Center, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills. 4 p.m. $20-25. 

2/2-3/2. PRIMARY TRUST
Theater. After losing his job at a bookstore, Kenneth rebuilds his courage, meets new friends, and welcomes new beginnings. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. Times vary. $5-89. 

2/4-5. MIKE BIRBIGLIA
Comedy. Comedian, writer, director, and actor Mike Birbiglia brings the laughs with an all-new hour of stand-up. Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. 7 p.m. $49-125.

2/6. OBSCURED LEGACY
Film. Enjoy a screening and director Q&A of “Obscured Legacy: Baltimore’s Forgotten Heroes,” a film paying tribute to some of Baltimore’s icons of the Civil Rights Movement. Maryland Center for History & Culture, 610 Park Ave. 6 p.m. 

2/6. SYMPHONY IN THE CITY ♦ Editor’s Pick♦
Music. Celebrate Black History Month with a free community performance by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 7 p.m. 

2/7. BSA BLACK HISTORY MONTH SHOWCASE
Exhibitions. Baltimore School for the Arts students showcase works across multiple disciplines, all dedicated to Black History Month. Baltimore School for the Arts, 712 Cathedral St. 6 p.m. $5. 

2/7. HANS ZIMMER LIVE
Music. After a year of sold-out shows, catch award-winning film composer Hans Zimmer in downtown Baltimore. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 8 p.m. $74-531+.

2/7-9. BALTIMORE CRANKIE FESTIVAL ♦ Editor’s Pick♦
Festivals. For its 11th year, this folk-art festival celebrates the visual panoramic storytelling tradition of “crankies” through immersive family-friendly performances. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Times vary. $20-35. 

2/8. MOSAIC HEART WORKSHOP
Classes & Lectures. Local art teacher Barbara Svoboda helps participants create a heart-shaped mosaic and two glass heart pendants. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $75.

2/8. ASTRO ADVENTURE
Exhibitions. This interactive event lets visitors train like an astronaut, land a simulated spacecraft, analyze space dust, and more intergalactic exploration. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 12-4 p.m. Free-$34.95. 

2/8. WEI ZHU
Music. This winner of the 2024 Yale Gordon Competition and one of Peabody Conservatory’s top talents performance a recital at the BMA. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 3-5 p.m. Donations encouraged.  

2/8. ORNAMENTA ♦ Editor’s Pick♦
Fundraisers & Galas. Celebrate the Baltimore Jewelry Center during its annual fundraising party featuring an open bar, food by Blacksauce Kitchen, a silent auction, and dancing amongst the who’s-who of the local arts. 2460 Space, 2640 St. Paul St. 7-11 p.m. $100-5,000.  

2/8. BSO FUSION: BRAHMS X RADIOHEAD
Music. Conductor Steve Hackman seamlessly intertwines Radiohead’s OK Computer with Brahms’ lush “First Symphony,” performed by the BSO and three pop vocalists. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 8 p.m. $35-63. 

2/8-3/3. DA LOVE WE SHARE
Echibitions. Artist Charles Mason III curates this new show features works by local creatives about the love of community. Gallery CA, 440 E. Oliver St. Mon.-Fri. 12-4 p.m. Free.

2/9. GALENTINE’S DAY FLAMINGLE
Food & Drink. Dress up as a pop-star and spend Galentine’s at the zoo with a brunch buffet, open bar, drag performances, and visits from the animals. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl. 12-4 p.m. $110-160. 

2/9-22. AIR QUALITY 
Exhibitions. As part of the BMA’s new environmental initiative, Turn Again to the Earth, display of 15 famous works explores the relationship between burning fossil fuels and the emergence of European modernism. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m-9 p.m.

2/9-7/27. WATERSHED 
Exhibitions. As part of the BMA’s new environmental initiative, Turn Again to the Earth, a curated selection of 40 works from the BMA’s collection explores water and landscape and how they impacted the early modern Dutch Republic. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m-9 p.m. 

 2/12. EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION IN BALTIMORE HOSPITALITY
Classes & Lectures. Join Aaron Dante of the “No Pix After Dark” podcast for a conversation with four hospitality professionals who are actively molding the industry locally and beyond.  Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 6:30 p.m. 

2/12-16. HEART FOR ART
Exhibitions. Throughout the week of Valentine’s Day, visitors can show their love for their favorite artworks by placing provided paper hearts next to those that speak to them, with a special museum tour on Thursday evening. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs. 1-8 p.m. 

2/12-3/2. THE LION KING
Theater. This six-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical comes to Baltimore with its classic soundtrack, incredible costumes, and more. The Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St. Showtimes vary. Prices TBD. 

2/13. MORE ROOM IN A BROKEN HEART
Theater. Join the Stoop Storytelling Series to hear tales of love, loss, and rebuilding with musical guests Outcalls. Checkerspot Brewing Company, 1421 Ridgely St. 7 p.m. $16.75-27.25. 

2/13-3/9. EVERYTHING THAT NEVER HAPPENED
Theater. Follow the story of Jessica and Lorenzo for a deep dive into Jewish history, forbidden romance, and the sacrifices that come with freedom. Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. Times vary. $10-49.  

2/13-16. LA CALISTO
Theater. The Peabody Chamber Opera presents a comic 17th-century adaptation of the Greek myth about Jupiter and Calisto. Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. Thurs.-Fri. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 4 p.m. $10-25. 

2/14. B&O TRAIN VALENTINES
Kids. Head to the B&O Railroad Roundhouse to create a train-themed Valentine for your favorite B&O locomotive or train car. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free-$28. 

2/14. MAX’S BELGIAN BEER FEST
Food & Drink. Indulge in the largest selection of Belgian beer on draft in the nation with over 100 kegs from renowned breweries and specialty snacks at Max’s in Fells Point. Max’s Taphouse, 737 S. Broadway St. 11 a.m. 

2/14. MORTIFIED VALENTINES
Theater. Everyday adults share their most embarrassing teenage love stories from diary entries, poems, letters, lyrics, and locker notes. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7 & 9:30 p.m. $15-30. 

2/14. A DATE WITH JOHN WATERS ♦ Editor’s Pick♦
Comedy. Spend Valentine’s with the Pope of Trash during his annual one-man show that delves into his most devious thoughts on all things love, life, and more. Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl. 8 p.m. $55-80.

2/14-3/9. BLOOD AT THE ROOT
Theater. This groundbreaking play examines the racial double standards that occurred during student protests on campus following the Jena Six case on a southern campus in 2006. Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann St. Times vary. $24. 

2/14-3/9. THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
Comedy. This Baltimore take on a Shakespeare classic tells the story of two identical twins separated at birth, complete with flamingos, marble stoops, and plenty of hons. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St. Showtimes vary. $25-69. 

2/15. PSYCHO KILLERS
Music. This beloved Talking Heads tribute band performs fan favorites and assorted love songs in honor of Valentine’s Day at Union. Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. 7 p.m. $30.69. 

2/15. TASSELS & CHAMPAGNE
Dance. Join Baltimore’s reigning “Mistress of Smut,” Jocelyn Loverling, for a retro-themed night of burlesque and variety entertainment with a pre-show cocktail and mocktail hour. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7 p.m. $19-171. 

2/15 & 2/22. MOON’S RAMADAN
Classes & Lectures. Listen to a reading and short discussion of this Natasha Khan Kazi children’s book, followed by a family-friendly activity, with free copies while supplies last. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 5108 Roland Ave. 11 a.m. 

TO 2/16. PREOCCUPIED: INDIGENIZING THE MUSEUM
Exhibitions. Explore the final works of the BMA’s recent initiative to center Indigenous artists throughout the museum, with works by Nicholas Galanin still on display. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. artbma.org. 

2/15-4/19. TOM MILLER ♦ Editor’s Pick♦
Exhibitions. In honor of Tom Miller Week, explore a variety of well-known and never-before-seen artworks by the late Baltimore artist. Eubie Blake Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard St. Wed.-Fri. 1-6 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 

2/16. TOM MILLER DAY
Exhibitions. Enjoy free museum admission, view the artist’s “Summer in Baltimore” screen-print, and participate in a family-friendly art-making activity. Maryland Center for History and Culture, 610 Park Ave. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.   

2/16. MUSIC AT EVERGREEN: VISION DUO
Music. This talented marimba and violin duo performs at Evergreen, followed by a meet-and-greet reception. Evergreen Museum & Library, Bakst Theatre, 4545 N. Charles St. 2-4 p.m. $10-20. 

2/17. SCRIPT TEASE ♦ Editor’s Pick♦
Theater. In this new reading series, get an inside look at “The Sandwich Ministry” by Miranda Rose Hall, a new play currently in the works at Everyman. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. 6 p.m. Pay-what-you-choose.

2/17-18. MAPLE MAGIC
Festivals. For the 19th year, guests of all ages can experience the process of making real maple syrup, from identifying trees to collecting sap, in Baltimore County. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike., Monkton. Times vary. Free-$15. 

2/19. SWAN LAKE
Dance. Be enchanted by Tchaikovsky’s legendary score as talented dancers from the State Ballet of Ukraine gracefully spring across the stage. The Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. 7 p.m. $57-116.

2/20. MAPLES & MIMOSAS
Festivals. Eat, drink, and learn with Irvine’s environmental educators in this immersive history lesson about making local maple syrup. Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. 6:30-9 p.m. $55-65. 

2/21. SCIENCE TRIVIA CRAWL
Fun. In this adults-only event, play your way through a science trivia-themed scavenger hunt with drinks in hand to win prizes. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 7-9 p.m. $30. 

2/21-22. TRACING STEPS  ♦ Editor’s Pick♦
Music. Celebrate the life of Baltimore’s greatest tap dancer Baby Laurence with Creative Alliance’s inaugural performing artist-in-residence, tap dancer and vocalist Brinae Ali, along with her bandmates of the Baltimore Jazz Collective. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7:30 p.m. $15-30. 

2/21-23. AMERICAN CRAFT MADE ♦ Editor’s Pick♦
Festivals. The American Craft Council presents the largest juried craft fair on the East Coast, featuring 400 amazing artists and craft makers, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free-$26. 

2/21-3/16. ART
Theater. This Tony Award-winning play explores the question of what is actually considered art. Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway St. Showtimes vary. $21-24. 

2/22. BALTIMORE BORN & SUPREME COURT BOUND
Classes & Lectures. Part of the Building Baltimore lecture series, Dr. Tiesha Dupree-Wilson of Coppin State University discusses the life of local civil rights leader Thurgood Marshall. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St. Free-$28.

2/22. QUEERING THE COLLECTION
Classes & Lectures. Join curator Jo Briggs and writer-prison abolitionist Sylvia Jones on a walk through the Walters galleries as they discuss the hidden labor and societal constraints of 19th-century artists. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 2 p.m. 

2/22. ANIME NIGHT
Music. Dress as your favorite anime characters and spend the night jamming out to Tiara and the Gemstones as they perform music from Dragonball Z and more. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 6 p.m. $27.45-34.54. 

2/23. AN EVENING WITH ASHANTI, JA RULE, KELLY PRICE, AND LYFE JENNINGS
Music. Four icons of R&B and hip-hop come together for an unforgettable concert in Baltimore County. Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, 1000 Hilltop Cl., Catonsville. 7 p.m. $89-250. 

2/25-3/1. CIAA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Sports. The nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference returns to Baltimore for men’s and women’s championship basketball tournaments with week-long fun including Fan Fest, Step Shows, and more. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. Times vary. $46-123. 

2/27. VOICES OF CHANGE: A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE
Festivals. In honor of Black History Month, celebrate individuals and organizations that have made an impact in the community with speakers, awards, food, drinks, music, and fun. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 6-8 p.m. 

2/28. LIQUID COURAGE
Food & Drink. For one night, indulge the city’s vibrant mixology scene with cocktail competitions, interactive workshops, live music, and more. The Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 5-10 p.m. $75-125. 

TO 3/1. I’VE ENDURED 
Exhibition. Explore the stories of local women music legends behind the old-time genre like Mother Maybelle, Sara Carter, and Ola Belle Reed. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Fri.-Sat. 12-6 p.m.  

TO 3/2. GERTRUDE STEIN IN CIRCLES
Exhibitions. In honor of her legacy in literature and LGBTQ+ communities, an array of rarely exhibited first editions, drafts, and other works linked to American writer and editor Gertrude Stein are now on display in Mt. Vernon. George Peabody Library, 17 E. Mt. Vernon Pl. Mon.-Wed. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

TO 3/8. WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Exhibitions. Explore the work of five contemporary ceramic artists depicting mythical creature inspired by Maurice Sendak’s children’s classic. Baltimore Clayworks, 5707 Smith Ave. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun.-Mon. 12-5 p.m. 

TO 3/9. ART AND PROCESS
Exhibitions. This large-scale exhibition reveals a collection of preliminary artist works alongside their finished counterparts with themes of gender equality and access in art education. 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.

TO 3/9. LAYERS: THE ART OF CONTEMPORARY COLLAGE
Exhibitions. Curated by MICA exhibitions director Andrea Dixon and Baltimore Beat arts editor Teri Henderson, this impressive exhibition explores the multifaceted nature of collage, featuring dozens of artists, including local talents such as Derrick Adams, SHAN Wallace, Devin N. Morris, Bria Sterling-Wilson, and more. Swing by the opening reception on January 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. Maryland Institute College of Art, Decker Gallery, 1305 W. Mount Royal Ave. Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

TO 4/1. THE CIVIC PRIDE OF THE BALTIMORE SALT BOX ♦ Editor’s Pick♦
Exhibitions. Inspired by the recent renovation efforts of local artist Juliet Ames, browse a photo collection of Baltimore’s salt boxes, wooden containers of salt placed on city sidewalks for civilian snow and ice management dating back to the 1960s. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

TO 4/6. MORE THAN CONQUERORS 
Exhibitions. In the first work of the BMA’s new Turn Again to the Earth environment- and science-focused initiative, artist Latoya Ruby Fraizer presents portraits and narratives of essential workers through the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

TO 4/19. REVERIE & ALCHEMY
Exhibitions. Student artists present their Cabinets of Curiosity to tell creative stories about existentialism, self, and community. Towson University, Center for the Arts, 7700 Osler Dr., Towson. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.   

TO 6/8. LEAVE NO TRACE
Exhibitions. At Evergreen, examine the impact that the great outdoors had on B&O Railroad head John Work Garrett II through archival photographs, diary entries, artifacts, and more. Evergreen Museum & Library, 4545 N. Charles St. Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free-$12.

TO 8/5. IF BOOKS COULD KILL
Exhibitions. Discover the dangerous materials and techniques used to illustrate ancient manuscripts within the Walters’ vast collection. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 1-8 p.m.  

TO 8/31. GOOD SPORTS
Exhibitions. In this new “mega” exhibit, 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. Free-$15.95. 

TO 8/31. HISTORY THROUGH POETRY
Exhibitions. New original poems inspired by the Homewood Museum’s period rooms bring artifacts to life and honor 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.  

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. l

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.