EAT

Nov. 9: All Things Apple

Union Collective, 1700 W. 41st St. 12-5 p.m. Free.

Move over pumpkin, apple is winning this round of the great fall flavor throwdown. This Saturday, Union Collective businesses will pledge their allegiance to the superior fall fruit with this first-ever apple festival, featuring everything from apple pie shakes and ice cream at The Charmery to an apple-themed climb at Earth Treks Hampden. Mosey throughout the space to sample an apple-takeover menu at Well Crafted Kitchen, a special release at Baltimore Spirits Company, and fall-inspired syrups at Vent Coffee Roasters. Plus, get a first look at new neighbor The Wine Collective, which will be open for tours during the festivities.

DRINK

Nov. 9: Fall Fling & Golden Edition Release

Old Line Spirits, 200 S. Janney St. 3-11 p.m. Free

It’s been a big week for Old Line Spirits: The distillery opened its long-anticipated cocktail and wine bar at Cross Street Market on Tuesday, and on Saturday, it will host its annual fall fling and whiskey release. Stop by the Highlandtown spot on Saturday to be one of the first people to sample Golden Edition, the nation’s oldest American single-malt whiskey made from 100 percent malted barley and aged in white-oak barrels. After snagging a bottle of this rare spirit, stick around for live music, eats from Charm’d Kitchen, beer by Monument City Brewing Company, and sips from Old Line’s fall cocktail menu.

SEE

Nov. 9: Maryland Art Place Fall Benefit

Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $40.

Don your finest Great Gatsby-inspired garb (flapper dresses and fedoras encouraged) and head to Maryland Art Place for a jam-packed night of art, entertainment, and roaring ’20s debauchery. Watch live performances by artists from the gallery’s Tri-Annual MSAC Juried Show, including the likes of Dominique Zeltzman, Shonnita Johnson, and Stephanie Barber, before exploring the second and fifth floors to see new interactive works. In the main gallery, cheer on local cabaret singer Mariah Bonner, rockabilly band Jumpin’ Jupiter, and Baltimore drag queens Bambi Galore and Miss Calculated during this rousing all-night fundraiser for the contemporary art space.

HEAR

Nov. 8: LUXE

Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl. 9 p.m.-12 a.m. $5-10.

If there’s one local drag queen who can guarantee a turnout from all corners of the music, fashion, and entertainment sectors of the city—it’s Baby. Pack the Baltimore Soundstage on Friday night to hear beats from DJKB, Trillnatured, and Lemz, along with live shows by drag performers Betty O’Hellno, Iyana Deschanel, Pussy Noir, and Baby herself. Start planning your looks early for this all-night performance party and dance the night away alongside hosts like punk queen Alastor and musician Hunter Hooligan.

DO

Nov. 8: Lit City Baltimore

400 St. Paul St., 8-11 p.m. $40.

Although the first-ever Brilliant Baltimore festival comes to a close at the end of the weekend, the party isn’t over yet. Join hundreds of glow-in-the-dark revelers in the light tunnel on Saint Paul Street for this all-inclusive bash, featuring an open bar, snacks from local spots like SoBo Café and Refocused Vegan, and nonstop beats by DJ CoryT. Wave your glow sticks to the beat and celebrate another year of transforming downtown into a truly lit city.

The first-ever Brilliant Baltimore—the lovechild of the Light City and the Baltimore Book festivals—will kick off this weekend with 10 days of free activities along the Inner Harbor. From November 1 through November 10, catch local musicians performing live outside at the main Brilliant Baltimore Concert Stage adjacent to the Maryland Science Center, as well as other locations throughout the neighborhood. Here are more than a dozen not to miss.

Marian McLaughlin
11/1, 12 p.m., Brilliant Baltimore Concert Stage
Start things off with a mid-day set by this dynamic chamber-folk singer-songwriter. Combining acoustic instruments, stream-of-consciousness storytelling, and a focus on the natural world, her poetic music is a meditative listen in this fast-paced world.

Afro House
11/2, 8 p.m., pop-up performances
This inventive performance art group (and Best of Baltimore winner) brings its Astronaut Symphony—a futuristic fusion of beat box, opera, punk, and funk—to the city streets with roaming performances around the harbor on Saturday evening.

Rufus Roundtree & Da B’More Brass Factory
11/3, 4:30 p.m., Brilliant Baltimore Concert Stage
Keep the Sunday scaries at bay with an afternoon powerhouse performance by this funk-fueled Baltimore institution, always bringing a Charm City-meets-New Orleans get-down that should incite a second line.

Outcalls

11/3, 7:30 p.m., Brilliant Baltimore Concert Stage
Behold the vocal power of Britt Olsen-Ecker and Melissa Wimbish. The two classically trained opera singers make up this pop-opera duo, as they’ve called it, bringing ethereal harmonies, synth-power ballads, and all-around female empowerment to every stage they play.

Abdu Ali

11/3, 9 p.m., Brilliant Baltimore Concert Stage
This avant-garde rap artists first captivated the city’s art scene as the MC of their Kahlon dance parties at The Crown. Years later, Abdu Ali’s talents have only continued to grow, as has their stage presence, with their live performances now backed by a full band and more fiery energy than ever before.

Clarence Ward III & Dat Feel Good
11/6, Brilliant Baltimore Concert Stage, 7:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, this skilled Baltimore brass player takes to the stage with his full band for, as the name rightfully implies, a feel good show filled with influences by jazz, hip-hop, and funk. Ward himself commands the horn and saxophone, while his bandmates keep the vibes high on keys and drums.

MovaKween
11/7, 9 p.m., Brilliant Baltimore Concert Stage
This New Age R&B singer offers a smooth way to slide into the weekend, with jazz-infused melodies, earthy vocals, and an empowering message for all listeners, especially women, on Thursday night.

Wendel Patrick
11/8, 5 p.m. Brilliant Baltimore Concert Stage.
It’s hard to know exactly what type of music this composer, producer, rapper, radio host, and more will be bringing to this Friday evening set. But we do know, no matter what, this Baltimore music veteran and mad scientist is sure to be a showstopper.

Super City

11/8, 7:30 p.m., Brilliant Baltimore Concert Stage
A perfect way to kick off your Friday night, this infectious indie-pop band puts on one of the best live shows in the city with high-powered hits (new go-tos like “Stay” and old favorites like “Artificial Sin”) and killer choreography (fancy feet, low-low dips) that make it impossible to not dance along.

Billy Price & The Charm City Rhythm Band
11/9, 6:15 p.m., Brilliant Baltimore Concert Stage
This veteran blues-and-soul singer brings his six-piece band for an old-school sound and Saturday night shakedown fit for all ages. A newcomer to Baltimore, Price brings funky grooves, rollicking rock-and-roll numbers, and soulful, belt-out ballads.

Joy Postell
11/10, 6:15 p.m., Brilliant Baltimore Concert Stage
One of the most soulful voices in the city, Postell packs a punch on every song she performs, be it socially minded hip-hop tracks, jazzy neo-soul croons, or old-school R&B slow jams. Prepare to be mesmerized.

Patrick McAvinue

11/10, 7:30 p.m., Brilliant Baltimore Concert Stage
This young musician is quickly becoming one of the most regarded bluegrass fiddle players with national awards and a regular gig at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. Expect a Sunday set of fast-flying, feel-good tunes when he comes back to his Baltimore roots.

Eze Jackson & The Backwudz Band

11/10, 9 p.m., Brilliant Baltimore Concert Stage
A guiding force of the local music scene, this dynamic rap artist and front-man of hip-hop collective Soul Cannon will perform with his Backwudz band for a Sunday evening set of high-octane energy and only-in-Baltimore rhymes.

EAT

Nov. 2: Stars, Stripes, and Chow

South Point, Port Covington. 1-4:30 p.m. Free-$50.

There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of chili on a brisk fall evening. Presented by the Baltimore Orioles, The Baltimore Station will host this fifth chili cook-off fundraiser to further its mission of helping veterans overcome daily obstacles and regain self-sufficiency. Come hungry and judge unlimited chili samples made by local teams competing for awards such as Best Chili, Best Decorated Booth, and the crowd-selected People’s Choice Award. In between bites, entertain the kiddos with activities like sack racing and face painting.

DRINK

Nov. 1: Skeleton Spirit Halloween Dance Party Extraordinaire

Union Collective, 1700 W. 41st St. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $10.

Who says that costume parties and spooky shenanigans have to end on October 31? This Friday, don your Halloween costume one last time and head to Union Collective for an all-out dance party, featuring a cocktail and beer bar by Sugarvale, eats by Dooby’s, and tunes by DJ Cian Noteman. This ghouly shindig also marks the fourth birthday of The Baltimore Spirits Company, and to celebrate, the award-winning distillery will debut its latest concoction, the Skeleton Spirit, during this bone-shaking anniversary party.

SEE

Nov. 2: DÍa de los Muertos

The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

This beloved Mexican holiday—translated to “Day of the Dead”—is a colorful celebration filled with music, sugar skulls, and marigolds that honor family members and loved ones who have passed. Luckily for locals, the Walters Art Museum hosts one of the largest celebrations in the region, bringing traditional dance performances, Mexican folk-art activities for families, authentic snacks and drinks, and a community altar to its halls. After the festivities, stick around to take tours of the collection in English or Spanish.

HEAR

Nov. 2: BMORE Lit!

Patterson Park, 27 S. Patterson Ave. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

Although Light City and the Baltimore Book Festival have combined to create Brilliant Baltimore (see more below), there are still some fan-favorite traditions from the original events that will continue on, including the Light City Neighborhood Lights program. Kick off the first weekend of the citywide extravaganza with the lighting of the Patterson Park Pagoda followed by a glow-in-the-dark dance party set to classic soul and funk tunes spun by DJ Rob Macy of Save Your Soul. Dance in the light of the park’s historic observatory and be sure to check out the full itinerary of Brilliant Baltimore events running through November 10.

DO

Nov. 1-10: Brilliant Baltimore

Locations, times, and prices vary.

For the first time ever, two of the city’s much-anticipated festivals—Light City and the Baltimore Book Festival—will be combined into one free celebration called Brilliant Baltimore, which will take place across Charm City over the next 10 days. Billed as a festival of literature and light, this one-of-a-kind event features everything from author talks and panel discussions to live music by local acts and world-class light installations. Feeling overwhelmed by the number of can’t-miss sights and sounds? Check out our activity-based guide to tailor your Brilliant Baltimore experience.

You probably know Karyn Parsons best from her role as Hilary Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, the beloved ‘90s sitcom that still lives on today through its memorable dance sequences and catchy theme song. Though she hasn’t been acting as much, Parsons has kept busy. She runs a production company, Sweet Blackberry, which aims to tell stories of history’s forgotten African-American heroes in a way that is digestible for young children.

More recently, she’s become a published author with her novel, How High the Moon, a 1940s-set young-adult story based partly on her mother’s experiences growing up in the Jim Crow South. The book, which follows 12-year-old Ella and her friends coming of age in South Carolina in 1944, has drawn universal praise for its fleshed-out characters and ability to capture an important moment in our nation’s history.

Parsons will appear at the Baltimore Book Festival’s Literary Salon on East Pratt Street on November 3 at 3 p.m., alongside Ava Joy Burnett of WJZ. In anticipation of her festival debut, we spoke with Parsons about her novel, plans for a second book, and those Fresh Prince spinoff rumors.

You’ve said it took you around three years to write How High the Moon. What was that process like?
I didn’t have the pressure that I have now. At first it was like nobody was really watching. Sometimes I wondered what I had gotten myself into. I always try to remind myself and tell other people, my one little grain of knowledge is to give yourself permission to suck and be terrible.

Now, I’m expected to write a book. Before, I was writing and I knew what I wanted to explore. And then I found myself bumping up against things. Things kept calling my attention along the way and the story starts to tell you what it wants to say, or characters get fleshed out that you didn’t intend on having, and they start to become very important. It’s a beautiful gift.

When moving to your second novel, was there any muscle memory that started to kick in? Or is it more about rediscovering the process?
Both things co-exist. I’m rediscovering it, but it also feels very different than the last time. I had a hard year. My book came out, but I also had the tragedy of my mother passing away. They were happening simultaneously. It’s been an odd year filled with incredible highs and the most ridiculous lows. I would be locked into the book, and then I would be so detached from it. That was nothing like my relationship before where I was able to be with my story. It’s been harder for me this time to be able to have that relationship with it. It’s made the process very, very different. But the other part is true, too. It’s not so much muscle memory as it is knowledge that I did this before.

You’ve spoken about how with How High the Moon, some of the stories that you gathered to inform the novel were from talking with your mother about what it was like for her growing up. Has your relationship to the book and discussing it changed since her passing?
In the beginning, it was hard. I was right in the middle of talking about the book as she was dying and right after she passed. It definitely deepened my gratitude for having had that time with her, and her getting to experience the book and read it and be in the hospital shaking it at everybody that walked by—“Look what my daughter did!” The fact that we got to go down memory lane together and she got to unveil so many things to me I didn’t know until I was writing the book. I never knew about her upbringing, which was so important for me to know. I’m forever grateful for the experience and for her getting to see it all the way through.

Your production company shines a light on historical figures in animated films for children. How has How High the Moon similarly allowed you a platform to further speak about issues you’re passionate about?
I like getting the word out about the importance of history. I’m not a historian. I just kind of accidentally fell into this stuff. Again, my mom’s to blame, turning me on to stories that were so enlightening and exciting and inspiring. And that’s what made Sweet Blackberry happen, as well as the book. I’m not intentionally political by any means, but of course, it’s hard to avoid what’s going on with you when you’re writing.

What are you most excited about for the Book Festival?
I love Baltimore. I’ve been a few times. I’m not sure how much time I’ll have to explore. I’m excited to be a part of the festival. This whole thing has been very exciting for me with this being my first book, and I’ve loved the welcome that I’ve received. It’s been tremendous.

We have to ask—there have been reports that Will Smith is working on a Fresh Prince spinoff. Have you been contacted and would you be interested?
Well, it’s a spinoff not a reboot, which is important. I read it like everybody else. I have no idea what he’s thinking about. I’m curious, obviously, but I have no idea. My guess is that I’m not involved. I’m sure I would have heard something by now. If I was asked to do something, sure. I had such a great experience with everyone doing that project that it would have to be pretty lousy for me to say no. And he wouldn’t do anything lousy.

Traditionally, drone light shows are done within the context of an event on the world stage. (Think the Olympics or the World Cup.) But with the arrival of Brilliant Baltimore—which will combine Light City and the Baltimore Book Festival into one mega-event for the first time November 1-10—comes the same type of installations on a grand scale.

To kick things off on November 1, Baltimore-based Global Air Media will be shepherding a one-of-a-kind drone light show for audiences of all ages. Visible from all areas surrounding the Inner Harbor (we imagine Federal Hill will be a popular viewing spot), the show will begin at 7 p.m. with an encore at 8:30 p.m.

“We’ve gone through a creative process and determined what will go best with Baltimore history,” says Austin Brown, co-founder of Global Air Media. “I call them ‘computer ballerinas.’”

Brown was tight-lipped when asked exactly what onlookers will see in the night sky, but he did reveal that a lighthouse and a ship are some of the formations that the drones are programmed to make.

The show is one of Light City’s many ingenuitive exhibits perfect for photo opportunities. With this in mind, here are six other can’t-miss exhibits among the event’s 20 light art installations scattered across the Inner Harbor.

RADIANT FLUX

Baltimore-based digital media artist Kevin Blackistone is behind this interactive and kinetic triangular art. More than 100 independent mirrors work together to illustrate the capabilities of light, showcasing solar reflections during the day and moonbeams at night. Expect to see a cornucopia of different colors reflecting and refracting.

WATERLIGHT GRAFFITI

The concept behind this exhibit by French artist Antonin Forneau is a wall of thousands of LED lights that only come alive when in contact with water. Truly interactive, participants are encouraged to draw or write on a luminous surface, where their images will emerge and fade. The exhibit is described as being comparable to a switch, lighting up as soon as it touches water, and disintegrating when the water goes away.

LOOP

Though you may have never heard the word zoetrope (a device that produces the illusion of motion from static pictures), after taking in Loop, you’ll be sure to understand the concept. The device is the key to this exhibit billed as a cross between a music box, zoetrope, and railway handcar. The images here are animated black and white fairy tales that are activated by patrons, Steamboat Willie-style. The coolest part of this exhibit: participants control how fast the images move and the light flickers, as well as the audio rhythm depending on the pace they set.

MASTER OF THE EDIFICE

Baltimore’s own artist Ellis L. Marsalis is the brains behind these city mural-inspired photographic lightbox reproductions. It’s a way to recontextualize them into the Inner Harbor as an amalgamation of all the great street art across the city. Walk around an “alley” as you listen to audio of ambient sound recordings designed to accompany the exhibit. There will be two rows of 60 to 80-foot long frames to observe.

(off) LINES

Consisting of 320 linear meters of square bars equipped with an LED light tube, this structure is a series of different shapes and colors that come together to form and fade in short order. More than 7,000 LEDs are a part of a versatile sculpture that can take many different forms to dazzle the senses.

SHROOMS

Amigo and Amigo’s giant astronaut statues were a hit at Artscape earlier this year, and now they’re back with, Shrooms, which continues the artists’ penchant for larger-than-life installations. The kid-friendly exhibit showcases 13 inflatable, glowing mushrooms—which are often a symbol of good luck.

For the first time ever, two of the city’s wildly popular festivals—Light City and the Baltimore Book Festival—will be combined into one free celebration called Brilliant Baltimore, which is taking over the Inner Harbor November 1-10. Since this first-of-its-kind festival is packed with tons of interactive light-art installations, thought-provoking panel discussions, kids’ activities, and everything in between, use our guide to create your own itinerary of things to do and see.

If you want to learn more about local history:

Nov. 1-10: An Abstract Baltimore Story
View area painter Jeffrey Kent’s installation, An Abstract Baltimore Story, which will display his animated abstractions about the history of Henrietta Lacks—whose immortal cells were harvested and cultured without her knowledge at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1951—on a large outdoor LED screen. 5-10 p.m. Inner Harbor.

Nov. 2: Cherry Hill: Raising Successful Black Children in Jim Crow Baltimore
Hear Linda Morris discuss her new book, Cherry Hill: Raising Successful Black Children in Jim Crow Baltimore, as well as the politics surrounding the first planned community for African Americans with fellow local leaders. 12 p.m. The Inspire Stage, 401 E. Pratt St., 27th floor.

If you want to entertain your kids:

Nov. 1: Book Buggy with Miss Kelly
During Book Buggy with Miss Kelly, dance the day away as part of a Zumbini music and movement class for children under 3 years old. 12:30 p.m. Enoch Pratt Free Library Children’s Stage.

Nov. 1-10: Waterlight Graffiti Installation
Draw or write a message on the Waterlight Graffiti installation, and then watch it fade away thanks to the wall’s thousands of LEDs that light up when in contact with water. 5-10 p.m. Inner Harbor.

If you want to rub elbows with celebrities:

Nov. 3: Karyn Parsons in Conversation with CBS Baltimore’s Ava-joye Burnett
Hear from producer and author Karyn Parsons, best known for her role as Will Smith’s cousin Hillary on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as she discusses her award-winning series of children’s animated films and debut novel. 3 p.m. Literary Salon, 701 E. Pratt St.

Nov. 5: Meet Celebrity Chef Carla Hall
Learn a few new culinary tips and tricks from beloved celebrity chef Carla Hall during her one-day appearance at the festival. 6 p.m. Literary Salon, 701 E. Pratt St.

Nov. 6: Meet Hill Harper
Pack the festival’s literary salon to hear author, actor, and activist Hill Harper, known for his roles on The Good Doctor and CSI, talk with audiences about his life’s work, including four New York Times bestsellers and seven NAACP Image Awards for his writing and acting. 6 p.m. Literary Salon, 701 E. Pratt St.

If you want to avoid the Inner Harbor crowds:

Nov. 1-3: Opening Weekend at The Ivy Bookshop
During the festival’s opening weekend, attend readings and roundtables at The Ivy Bookshop, including a panel on the city’s small presses and a presentation from revered local author D. Watkins. Times vary. 6080 Falls Rd.

Nov. 1-10: Neighborhood Lights
As per Light City tradition, bop around Baltimore to see how various neighborhood centers and library branches light up their outdoor spaces in honor of the annual festival. Times and locations vary.

If you want to jumpstart your literary career:

Nov. 1: The Business and Craft of Self-Publishing
The first day of the festival kicks off with a discussion at the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America stage about what it takes to self-publish your work. Learn about the business savvy needed to publish and promote personal literary works from authors Scott King, Natasha D. Lane, and Alex Shvartsman. 12 p.m. 701 E. Pratt St.

Nov. 1: Welcome to the Hive: Collaborative Writing with Jamaila Brinkley, Rebecca Norinne, Terri Brisbin, and Christi Barth
Learn about the pitfalls and potential rewards of writing collaboratively during this roundtable talk with best-selling authors. Topics ranging from dividing up responsibilities between writers and settling creative arguments are fair game during this in-depth discussion at the Maryland Romance Writers stage. 3 p.m. 701 E. Pratt St.