Is your kid’s idea of fun brushing a baby goat? Or do they really dig dinosaurs? Perhaps they prefer practicing kickflips or traversing hiking trails. Whether your child is into Picasso or planets, skipping rocks or riding roller coasters, there is something for every interest, every age, and every family in the Baltimore area.

For Rachel Zillig, a mom of two in Baltimore County, the pandemic had a huge impact on her family’s activities. With libraries, museums, and just about every other kid-friendly place shut down, “We had to seek out other stuff or we’d have gone insane just sitting in the house,” says Zillig, whose Instagram account, @BaltimoreFamilyFun, details their adventures in the area. Now that most places have opened back up, she’s looking forward to visiting old favorites like Port Discovery and the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, but she’s not giving up the local parks and outdoor activities they enjoyed during COVID-19. “Just walking around the Inner Harbor during the day is a fun activity for my kids. They love looking at the boats.”

If your family has a particular place you love to visit again and again, consider purchasing a membership. The pandemic had a devastating impact on the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector, with nearly 60 percent of museums forced to cut back on education, programming, and other public services, according to Artnet News.

But things are looking up, with plenty of Baltimore regional destinations open and ready to safely do business. Check out our guide to find out what’s happening at new and old family favorites throughout the region this summer.

PORT DISCOVERY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
35 Market Pl., Baltimore, MD 21202.
Three floors of interactive exhibits and settings for imaginative play will keep toddlers and preschoolers entertained for hours. Kids ages 5-12 can build confidence and motor skills as they scale the multi-story SkyClimber. This always-changing museum is “huge but never seems crowded,” says Zillig, whose family’s favorites include the replica Royal Farms, a delightfully realistic pretend diner, and a water playroom. (Pro tip: bring a change of clothes!)

THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM
501 E Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
No matter how many times you visit the Aquarium, there’s always something new to see. You could spend an entire day searching for the sloths in the tropical rainforest or being mesmerized by all the different kinds of jellyfish. With more than 20,000 aquatic creatures, an enormous shark tank, and hands-on exhibits, kids will be educated and entertained every time. Note: strollers are not permitted.

MARYLAND SCIENCE CENTER
601 Light St., Baltimore, MD 21230.
Come for the dinosaurs, stay for the interactive science exhibits. Kids can create their own inventions, lie on a bed of nails, learn about the human body, and experience the electromagnetic spectrum through light and prisms. Don’t miss the planetarium, rooftop observatory, and IMAX theater, too.

THE MARYLAND ZOO
1 Safari Pl., Baltimore, MD 21217.
From the perky prairie dogs to the gentle giraffes to the cheeky chimpanzees, this world-class zoo is home to more than 1,500 amazing animals—including the largest African penguin breeding colony in North America. Your wild things can run amok along the shady paved paths and ride the new zero emissions electric shuttles back to the free parking lot when they’re tired.

BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART
10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, MD 21218.
There’s more to the BMA than the Cone Collection’s Matisses and Monets. Kids who like dollhouses will adore the Cheney Miniatures Gallery, and the museum’s African art collection features 2,500
masks, textiles, and other works from more than 200 cultures. Indoor voices are not required to explore the outdoor sculpture garden. Currently, reservations are required for free admission. Strollers and front baby carriers are permitted in the museum.

LAKE ROLAND PARK & NATURE CENTER
1000 Lakeside Dr., Baltimore, MD, 21210.
The Lake Roland Dam is the focal point of this 500-acre sanctuary in the middle of Baltimore. Popular among pet owners for its fenced-in Paw Point dog park (membership required), Lake Roland features a unique playground, a new nature center, various hiking and biking trails, and a boardwalk from the Falls Road Light Rail station. Stop by Tropicool Italian Ice afterward for a sweet treat.

OREGON RIDGE PARK & NATURE CENTER
13555 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville, MD 21030.
This 1000-plus-acre park is a great place to burn off energy. It features several playgrounds, picnic areas, plenty of trails ranging from easy to challenging, and a quarry where you can skip rocks and watch the ducks. Several animal enclosures house bunnies, geese, chickens and more, and the nature center hosts educational events and storytimes.

LADEW TOPIARY GARDENS
3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111.
Unicorn-shaped shrubs, windows carved into hedges, koi ponds, an enchanting teahouse, butterfly house, and gift shop are just some of the delights you’ll find here, along with 22 acres of space to run wild and enjoy nature. Admission required; children under two are free.

RASH FIELD PARK
300 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230.
Baltimore’s newest park opened last November in the heart of the Inner Harbor. Kids can clamber up a pair of 35-foot wooden towers in the Adventure Park, slip down a giant slide, soar on the swings, dig in the sand pit, or bring their board and drop into the skate park.

THE GO-KART TRACK
10907 Pulaski Hwy., White Marsh, MD 21162.
Feel the need for speed? With three different go-kart tracks, a mini-golf course (half price on weekdays), and all the classic arcade games, there’s something for everyone here. Kids aged 3 and up can join a driver age 16+ on the Family Track, and speed demons at least 52” tall can drop the pedal to the medal on the Drift Track.

SKATEPARK OF BALTIMORE
1121 W 36th St., Baltimore, MD 21211.
Got a budding skateboarder or trick scooter rider? Strap on your pads and helmet and hit this Hampden hotspot. It’s free and open daily from dawn to dusk. If you need some new grip tape, Vu Skate Shop is just around the corner on Falls Road.

EASTERN WATERSPORTS
4001 Bay Dr., 7200 Graces Quarters Rd., and 7400 Graces Quarters Rd., Middle River, MD 21220.
You don’t have to drive to Annapolis or Ocean City to get a taste of salt life. With three locations, two within Gunpowder Falls State Park and two with legitimate sandy beaches, this seasonal shop rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes by the hour. Children under 10 can accompany a parent or guardian on a tandem kayak or paddleboard. Kids 10 and up can rent their own with a renting adult.

SPLASH PADS
Multiple locations.
Looking to cool down and get wet on a hot day, no pool membership required? Baltimore City is home to several splash pads, including at West Shore Park in the Inner Harbor, Mt. Vernon Children’s Park, and The Rotunda. Visit BaltimoreFamilies.org/pools for locations.

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY “STORYVILLE”
There’s more to the library than storytime. Storyville, located at Baltimore County Public Library’s Rosedale and Woodlawn branches, is a play-and-learn center designed to promote early literacy and school-readiness skills in children ages 0-5. This enchanting child-sized village features books, toys, and activities for tots and their parents or caregivers.

DUTCH WONDERLAND
2249 Lincoln Hwy. E, Lancaster, PA 17602.
This amusement park in Amish country is extremely popular with young families for a reason. The 48-acre layout is accessible, not overwhelming, and the rides are geared toward little kids. Duke’s Lagoon is a water park within the park that’s worth a visit all on its own.

HERSHEYPARK
100 Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, PA 17033.
Thrillseekers throng to this family theme park, created by the famous chocolatier Milton S. Hershey, which features tons of rides, including 15 roller coasters. There are plenty of attractions for the littler set, too. The one-price admission includes all the rides, the water park, and ZooAmerica.

SIX FLAGS AMERICA
13710 Central Ave., Bowie, MD 20721.
Six Flags is home to some of the fastest, tallest, wildest rides in the country, including Firebird, billed as “America’s only floorless roller coaster.” Younger kids can enjoy at least a dozen rides all by themselves. Admission includes access to the Hurricane Harbor waterpark, featuring an 800,000-gallon wave pool and 25 water slides.

KINGS DOMINION
16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047.
Got tweens and teens? Take a three-hour drive to this amusement park near Richmond. Already home to 13 roller coasters, the park will introduce Tumbili, a brand-new, 4D spin coaster, as part of its new-in-2022 immersive Jungle X-pedition. For the little ones, there’s Planet Snoopy. Admission includes access to the Soak City waterpark.

GROWN UP DINING, KID APPROVED

Dining out with kids doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful if you choose one of these family-friendly eateries, offering everything from pizza to medieval feasts.

R. HOUSE
301 W. 29th St., Baltimore, MD 21211.
Food courts and food halls, like this one located in Remington, are great options for dining with kids for a few reasons. First, there’s something for even the pickiest eater. Choose from 10 stalls offering a variety of fare, from pizza and fried chicken sandwiches to poké bowls and Korean BBQ. Second, the kids can be as loud as they like, and there’s room to stretch your legs when sitting at a table gets tiresome.

BELVEDERE SQUARE MARKET
529 E Belvedere Ave., Baltimore, MD 21212.
More than a food market, this North Baltimore hotspot near The Senator Theatre is a great place to dine indoors or out at any time of day. Food vendors include Atwater’s, Ejji Ramen, Plantbar, and The Pizza Trust. The Square hosts a Friday night concert series during the summer months.

STONE MILL BAKERY & CAFE
10751 Falls Rd. Suite 123, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093.
If you’re shopping at Greenspring Station or have a kids’ sporting event across the street at Meadowood Regional Park, pop into this bustling cafe for refreshments. Choose from salads, soups, sandwiches, and unparalleled sugar cookies. If the weather’s nice, sit outside by a babbling brook and let the kids climb on the stone turtles.

JASON’S DELI
8874 McGaw Rd., Columbia, MD 21045.
With menus for kids, vegetarians, and gluten-sensitive diners, this reasonably priced chain has long been a favorite for families. (The free ice cream doesn’t hurt!) Sadly, the Timonium location closed during COVID, but the Columbia restaurant is open for business.

MEDIEVAL TIMES
7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD 21076.
If you dread family dinners or just want something different, there’s nothing like a meal and a show set in a medieval Spanish “castle.” Feast on turkey legs–or a surprisingly tasty vegetarian option–as you watch knights on horseback jousting for a fair maiden’s hand. Yes, it’s a bit sexist and over-the-top, but the spectacle is part of the fun. If you’re looking to get your kids off screens and into a real-life adventure, this is it.

Ever wonder how much elbow grease it takes to burn the calories of one banana? What about a piece of celery? Or have you ever stopped to think about the role that nose hairs play in keeping germs at bay?

The answers to these inquiries and others like them pertaining to the human body and how it functions are scattered throughout the sprawling, colorful second level of the Maryland Science Center in the Inner Harbor. This past November, the veteran field trip destination unveiled You—The Inside Story, a new permanent exhibit that explores the complexities of every human.

“We try to [highlight] all the major disciplines of science, and, obviously, biology—the human body—is an important piece of that,” says the center’s CEO Mark Potter. “I enjoy the look of curiosity and exploration, and I think that’s what we’re seeing with the kids that are coming here—and with the adults as well. Everyone’s engaged. This is experiential learning.”

The museum has covered the topic of the body before, but the upgrade now involves a partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine, whose faculty hopes the exhibit will inspire the next generation of scientists and medical professionals. After three years of planning, some of which was done online during the COVID-19 pandemic, the center unveiled a 12,000-square-foot, 35-piece fixture meant to stimulate the senses (yes, all five, including taste—there’s a jelly-bean dispenser for that).

“We tried to pay attention to the curriculum needs of local schools,” says Stacey Prinzing, pictured left, the center’s education director, who helped curate the exhibit. “We wanted to tackle a handful of things that would hopefully help teachers along the way.”

Also among the exhibit’s recent highlights—which join mainstays like the center’s painless bed of nails—is a brainwave-powered Mindball table and a fart simulator with realistic sounds. Other amenities include a hand-eye-coordination-twisting bean bag toss, an operation-style game of parasite removal, and the sensory-distorting Ames Room, which is even popular among the museum’s staff.

“It’s a powerful illusion—so powerful that even when you know how it works, it still works,” says the center’s senior educator Pete Yancone, pictured right, who also helped curate the exhibit.

This is the sort of interactive experience the entire team hopes will leave an imprint on its visitors. Says Prinzing, “We don’t believe that everybody needs to walk away having learned from every part of the exhibit, but if they walk away asking great questions afterwards, or remembering a moment, I think that’s what really matters.”

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EAT

July 10-26: Maryland Food Truck Week

Locations vary. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Maryland’s annual two-week-long celebration of our local kitchens on wheels kicks off this weekend with a special focus on the trucks that have been serving frontline workers throughout the pandemic. More than 75 trucks will be out and about on a daily basis, ready to serve up everything from classic American dishes to international fare. On opening day, Wolo Eats will be bringing hand-breaded fried chicken, crabby creations, and grilled burgers to Harbor Market. Presented by the Maryland Mobile Food Vending Association, the event benefits Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland—which delivers meals to state residents who are unable to leave their homes.

DRINK

July 10: Pints in the Park

Center Plaza. 120 W Fayette St. 5-8 p.m. Free.

Downtown Partnership’s beloved outdoor happy hour has returned—with proper social distancing measures, of course. Fill up the cooler with your favorite beer or wine and spend the evening taking in the sights and sounds at Center Plaza. Local vendors will also be on site offering ice-cold libations in case your cooler needs to be restocked. Folk rockers Polar Opposites will kick off the live music for the ongoing summer series, which continues on the second Friday of the month in August and September.

SEE

July 11-12: Bubble Days

Maryland Science Center. 601 Light St. 12-4 p.m. Prices vary.

The team at the Maryland Science Center has missed their favorite scientists, so what better way to celebrate their reopening than with a bubble party? You and your youngsters will have the chance to create bubbles out of dry ice and engineer a way to drive bubbles through air. World-renowned bubble artist Casey Carle will also pop in to put on his show Bubble-Ology 101: The Secret Science of Soap. Head to the Inner Harbor museum on Saturday or Sunday for the sudsy celebration. If you’d prefer to tune in virtually, visit the Science Center’s Facebook page to celebrate Bubble Day online.

HEAR

July 10-12: Cyrus Chestnut at Keystone Korner

1350 Lancaster St. Times and prices vary.

Legendary pianist Cyrus Chestnut will take the stage at Harbor East jazz club Keystone Korner this weekend, performing two shows of his remarkable rhythm and riffs each day. The Fells Point venue knows one way to relax during these challenging times is by listening to jazz, so they’ve put in the work to ensure visitors can escape from the chaos while remaining socially distant and safe. Plus, livestream passes are available for those who would like to enjoy the smooth sounds from the comfort of their own homes.

DO

July 10: Rotunda Garden Party

Rotunda. 711 W 40th St. 1-9 p.m. Free.

It’s hard to beat a Friday spent outside with fresh air, cocktails, food, and live music—which is why The Rotunda’s Garden Party classifies itself as Hampden’s best socially distant outdoor event. Spend your afternoon on the green while enjoying poke bowls, barbecue, and cupbap provided by Poke Max. As the sun sets, listen to the soulful sounds of Washington, D.C.-based Brent & Co. Just don’t forget to bring the lawn chairs and picnic blankets to secure a comfortable seat six feet apart.

This week our Diamond Nature School of America—the name we gave our homeschool—grinded to a halt.

Not only has Governor Larry Hogan issued a stricter stay-at-home order (yes, we can still be outside on hikes, but more limited locations), but also we found a crazy looking engorged tick on our 9-year-old’s head.

In a way, seeing our pediatrician (though it was initially in the parking lot) felt normal, but as we moved inside the office (since we were both healthy) it all felt so surreal. Empty waiting rooms, doctors in masks. She was able to remove the tick and we have started two weeks of antibiotics.

“Well this was my most interesting case today,” she told me. I laughed. Imagine being told that in the middle of a pandemic. (And now add Lyme disease to my—long—list of worries.)

And while we aren’t afraid of being outside and have added tick checks after all our hand washing, I was happy to compile this list of indoor activities from some beloved local institutions.

I’ll just add that all these options, while well intentioned, can also feel overwhelming. I’m here to say you don’t have to do everything. You can let your kids choose or write each program/video/activity down and choose one or two a day from a bowl. These should only bring joy.

The Maryland Zoo is hosting a new “Zoo To You” Instagram series with animal check-ins every weekday at 11 a.m. We especially love an occasional photo of chimp babies, Lola and Violet.

Center Stage’s “Camp at Home” DIY learning series features eight weeks of interactive at-home storytelling with simple activities and a new unit released each week on Facebook.

The Maryland Science Center has created a “Let’s Science Together” page that includes a massive catalogue of at-home experiments and star maps, along with some live-streaming at home activities (like Maker Monday) and the five-object challenge every Thursday.

The American Visionary Art Museum offers at-home art projects, downloadable coloring pages, educational materials for pre-K through middle school kids, and even a how-to guide on making their beloved sock monkeys at home.

Port Discovery’s Instagram has great #PlayatHome projects for kids, from a simple slime recipe (plus info about animals who create their own slime naturally) to painting with slinky to creating sensory rice bins.

Baltimore County Public Library has a “Storyline” where kids can choose between six different stories each week, read aloud by the librarians. It can be accessed by simply calling 410-887-6116.

National Aquarium has at-home aquatic activities from word finds to coloring books to octopus mask-making, but our favorites are the tank cams of the blue blubber jellies, Pacific coral reef, and the Blacktip Reef exhibit. (Though we really miss Calypso the sea turtle.)

Kevin Sherry, a local kids book illustrator, is doing sing-along’s and live readings of his books on Instagram and his YouTube channel, along with lots of drawings to download and color, and our favorite, “COVID Quarantine with Kinkos,” a short comic about Sherry and his cat.

WTMD’s Home School with Sam Gallant is spinning educational songs every day at 10 a.m. on 89.7 FM or online at wtmd.org. We also love the station’s Young At Heart marathons hosted daily by Lisa Matthews, the lead singer of the Grammy-nominated kids rock band, Milkshake.

Irvine Nature Center has been posting tips for exploring nature at home, plus videos including songs, easy activities, and even some feeding time with their resident vulture, along with sharing their Nature Preschool’s YouTube channel.

Other favorites include pirate story time from Urban Pirates, The Creative Alliance’s Storytime with Drag Queens, and Route One Apparel’s awesome Baltimore coloring book. It’s a free download, but any donation will go straight to their employees.

Feel free to send any other great, local activities to: djanelle@baltimoremagazine.net.

EAT

Jan. 10-18: Baltimore Restaurant Week

Locations & times vary. $15-45.

To understand just how much locals love the city’s Restaurant Week, please direct your attention to the clock on the event’s website that counts down how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds are left until the deals begin. Through next Saturday, more than 90 local eateries will serve up fixed menus at a sweet price: two-course brunch or lunch for $15 to $20 and three-course dinner for $25 to $45. Map out a game plan, make your reservations, and prepare to indulge in a week of special selections from newcomers like Orto and True Chesapeake Oyster Co. and city staples like Tio Pepe Restaurant and The Prime Rib.

DRINK

Jan. 11: Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans

Locations, times, & prices vary.

There’s no doubt about it: Baltimore is ready to paint the town purple and watch Lamar Jackson lead the Ravens into the playoffs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of options for where and how to cheer on the 14-2 giants, no worries, we rounded up the best pre-games, parties, and Ravens Flock festivities for you. Check out our picks for the best spots to throw on a jersey, crack a beer, and celebrate the Ravens’ stellar season, including stand-out favorites like the Purple Patio at Mother’s Grille and Charles Village Pub in Towson.

SEE

Jan. 11: Harbor Point Ice Festival

Harbor Point, 1310 Point St. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Free.

It’s that time of year when Baltimoreans typically stay inside to avoid the blustering wind and bitter cold, but the Harbor Point Ice Festival gives locals and visitors alike the chance to wrap up and come together in this magical winter wonderland. Visit Harbor Point during this one-day affair to marvel at handmade ice sculptures, enjoy live music, explore eats from area food vendors, and participate in tons of family-friendly activities.

HEAR

Jan. 10: Music Under the Dome: Ziggy Stardust

Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 9-10 p.m. $15.

Even if you’re the biggest David Bowie fan out there, you’ve (probably) never experienced his cult-favorite album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, quite like this. Head to the Maryland Science Center on Friday night to experience the museum’s popular Music Under the Dome series, where the 360-degree sights and sounds of this out-of-this-world album will fill the planetarium dome. Since the first showing is already sold out, snag tickets to the 9 p.m. seating and then prepare to fly through galaxies and constellations during this alien-rock show.

DO

Jan. 11: Girls Rule! Dance Party

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 11 p.m-2 a.m. Free.

The first full work week of the new year has been long, to say the least. If you’re in need of a serious pick-me-up, end your Saturday night on the Ottobar’s dance floor, belting out the lyrics to “Truth Hurts” and “Call Your Girlfriend.” DJ Pancakes will be spinning the latest and greatest hits from all female artists until closing time, so dance off the week’s stress with three hours of tunes by the likes of Madonna, Missy Elliott, and more.

Jen Reardon and Jenny Hamilton see the National Aquarium’s Dollar Days this weekend as a celebration. The annual tradition, where admission to the National Aquarium and other museums around the city is $1 or less, has inspired fanfare among Baltimoreans and made one of the city’s most visible attractions more accessible.

“We understand that it’s programs like these that allow so many locals to get in our door,” says Reardon, the public relations manager at the aquarium. “We have our full programming this weekend and it still feels fresh and new.”

Aside from the aquarium, other attractions including the Maryland Science Center, the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and Christmas Village, are also discounted at $1 this weekend. At the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, officials are offering special activities such as interactive claymaking for children and a screening of a new documentary from Stanley Nelson that “brings the largely unknown stories of enterprising African Americans to the forefront examining more than 150 years of African Americans.”

At the aquarium, officials are preparing for what will be an understandably busy weekend. Entry times will be staggered from when visitors buy tickets to when they are allowed inside to create an easy flow in and out. While patrons wait in line, there will be entertainment including stilt walkers, interactive hula hoops, and live music to occupy those with children. Aquarium concessions, merch, and access to partner parking garages will also be discounted to acknowledge that this is a special weekend for the aquarium—and the downtown area as a whole.

As for the aquarium itself, with 20,000 animals, there is always something new to see. The space’s dolphin exhibit is a good example of how no one visit is the same. Because each guide approaches feeding and education with their own style, visitors can get a unique experience at every demonstration.

“Our trainers share why we are doing this and things we do to keep the dolphins healthy and engaged,” Reardon says, “and about what it’s like to be a dolphin.” Officials are still working on finding a seaside sanctuary site for the dolphins, who currently reside in the Dolphins Discovery exhibit on Pier 4.

Also on the horizon for the aquarium is the recently announced $11 million in funding wetlands project between Pier 3 and Pier 4 in the Inner Harbor. Aquarium officials say that the goal for the initiative is to “bring the natural, living Chesapeake Bay back to the Inner Harbor.” A prototype that Hamilton, community programs manager at the aquarium, says has attracted new species and is already working to improve the harbor’s water quality. The goal is for the project, which is estimated to cost $14 million total, to start construction in 2021 and be finished in 2022.

“We’re priming the next generation for conservation, learning about species, and having an interest in science,” Hamilton says. “There is a symbiotic relationship between the wetlands project and the harbor, especially with education.”

The project feeds into staff’s greater mission of inspiring conservation and emphasizing its importance. That education is aided by events like Dollar Days, where the aquarium will see a high capacity of visitors taking in all that it has to offer.

“It’s one thing to read about it in a book or watch a documentary,” Hamilton says. “But to actually see animals in person in other places—it’s why these days are so important.”

About halfway through summer, many of us, especially with temperatures steadily in the nineties for a few weeks now, are readily looking toward fall. And with that, this week, comes the announcement of the hottest Halloween party in Baltimore, when Believe in Music teams up with the Maryland Science Center for its annual October bash.

For one evening, the exhibits—kid-friendly learning experiences on the likes of dinosaurs, space, and physics—transform into a full-on music festival on the Inner Harbor, featuring more than a dozen bands, a wild costume contest, and overflowing craft beer, all to benefit the educational center and local arts nonprofit.

The event, now in its eighth year, has just announced its 2019 lineup, featuring familiar faces who have performed at past parties, as well as exciting new acts. On Saturday October 26, some two dozen Baltimore artists will perform across multiples stages, from the planetarium to the rooftop to beneath a gigantic Tyrannosaurus Rex.

The main stage will feature big-name headliners: head-banging rock band J. Roddy Walston and The Business, beloved rap star DDm, and Talking Heads tribute group, Psycho Killers. Meanwhile, the Friends of Friends [Records] Stage will highlight rising DIY acts—post-punk duo Ed Schrader’s Music Beat, alt-hip-hop collective Soul Cannon, indie-pop singer Eyas, and electro-femme pair HexGirlfriends—while the planetarium will host a handful of techno and house, and dance music artists. As in years past, the Charm City Bluegrass Stage will be dedicated to Americana musicians, such as bluegrass rebels The Dirty Grass Players and folk-pop septet Haint Blue. And both DJs Rob Macy of Save Your Soul and James Nasty will be back on the ones and twos into the wee hours of the nights.

Exhibits will be open throughout the evening, as will the IMAX theater, where Future Islands bassist William Cashion and psychedelic electronic artist DeltaNine will curate immersive experiences.
Tickets usually sell out and are now on sale for general admission ($42) and VIP ($80).

Looking to add a bit of culture to your afternoon? There is no shortage of great museums around Baltimore. Whether it’s art, science, history, or a particular famous figure you’re interested in, there’s a place nearby to spend your day wandering and learning.

American Visionary Art Museum

This unique museum celebrating outsider art was named by Congress as the country’s official museum for self-taught art. Come for the elaborate sculptures, gorgeous drawings, and interesting assemblage pieces, then stick around to browse Sideshow, the treasure trove of a museum store downstairs. As a bonus, AVAM is free for federal employees (and up to three others) during the 2019 government shutdown with a valid ID.

For more visionary and local art, try: MICA Galleries, Eubie Blake Cultural Center

Baltimore Museum of Art

This free museum houses a collection of 95,000 works, so you’re sure to find something to interest everyone among its vast collection. Lovers of modern art will want to linger in the galleries housing the famed Cone Collection, while those looking for the more non-traditional can usually find something interesting and extraordinary in the Contemporary Wing or special exhibition galleries. Recent shows have included a John Waters retrospective, surreal visions of some of Europe’s great conflicts, and a look back at the BMA’s first exhibit to feature black artists.

For more art and antiques, try: Maryland Art Place, School 33 Art Center

Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History & Culture

The Smithsonian-affiliated Reginald F. Lewis Museum is home to art, photographs, sculptures, military antiques, and ephemera chronicling Maryland’s African-American history from 1784 to the present. Although it’s connected to the Smithsonian, the Lewis Museum remains open throughout the shutdown and is offering free admission to furloughed workers and up to three guests with a valid government I.D.

For more African-American history and culture, try: Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park, National Great Blacks in Wax Museum

The Walters Art Museum

Housed across three buildings (including a historic residence) in Mount Vernon, the Walters features an extensive collection of Asian antiquities and decorative arts. Wander the Chamber of Wonders to experience what a 1600s nobleman might have shown off in his lavish home, or head to the 1 West Mount Vernon Place to see contemporary art placed alongside the preserved architecture of a 19th-century townhouse.

For more historic homes and exhibits, try: The Johns Hopkins Museums, The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House

The Baltimore Museum of Industry

Explore Baltimore’s history as a hub of business and industry at this South Baltimore museum housed in a former cannery. Exhibits include a 1900s garment loft, a recreated soda fountain, a print shop, and a gallery dedicated to how Baltimore fueled the rise of the automobile. Don’t forget to stop by the Baltimore docked outside—she’s the oldest steam-powered tugboat in the United States.

For more transportation and industrial history, try: The B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore Streetcar Museum

Maryland Historical Society

The MdHS is the state’s oldest, continuously operating cultural institution, having been responsible for documenting Maryland history since 1844. With exhibits featuring figures such as The Catonsville Nine, Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte, and the Peale Family of painters, this collection is comprised of more than seven million items from pre-Colonial times to the present.

For more great figures from Baltimore’s past, try: The Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum, Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum

Maryland Science Center

With a history going back to 1797 with the Maryland Academy of Sciences, this Inner Harbor spot has evolved into a family-friendly exploration of the natural world, from the smallest cells to history’s largest creatures. Visitors can also take advantage of Davis Planetarium or catch a movie on the IMAX screen, which will reopen in March after theater renovations are complete.

For more hands-on learning, try: Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Historic Ships in Baltimore

National Aquarium

Plan to spend some serious time at this colorful spot. Beyond the normal fish, rays, and other aquatic critters, you’ll find sloths, puffins, crocodiles, and more scattered across the many habitats housed in this multi-level aquarium. An indoor rainforest, a stories-high shark tank, and a living reef featuring Calypso, a rescued sea turtle, are just a few of the highlights in this gem overlooking the Inner Harbor. Book your timed entry ticket online to avoid long lines, and go first thing in the morning or late in the day to avoid the field trip crowd.

For more nature encounters, try: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Rawlings Conservatory

New Year’s Eve is historically a night to class it up, toast champagne, and hopefully snag a kiss at midnight. And, while there’s certainly no shortage of adults-only events in this town, kids always love to get in on the festive fun, too.

This year, you can do it all because there’s tons of daytime action happening that your littles will gladly toot their noise-makers for. So, save the sparkly dresses and hors d’oeuvre for later and check out one of these kid-friendly events on NYE.

Midnight Noon at Maryland Science Center
At this annual New Year’s Eve celebration at the Maryland Science Center, kids can watch the ball drop long before bedtime. The ball drops at 12 noon, but there’s tons of celebrations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., like a live concert by the kid’s band Milkshake and tons of science-based play to be had. Plus, all the NYE activities are completely free with your admission, too, so you don’t have to worry about spending a ton to ring the new year in with the kids.

Kiddie Scoop Ball Drop at The Charmery

It’s a Baltimore holiday tradition to celebrate New Year’s at The Charmery. This year, the festivities take place at the ice cream factory’s newest location at Union Collective. The ball drops at 8 p.m. and it wouldn’t be complete without ice cream, shakes, beers, and the tunes of Bon Jovi by cover band Heart n Dagger. Doors open at 6:30, so come, eat, drink, and dance. But most importantly? Get those kids to bed before 2019.

Noontime New Year’s Eve at Port Discovery
The kid-fun is always endless at Port Discovery and New Year’s Eve is no different. Come December 31, there will be tons of celebrating happening all over the museum. With cool crafts, special performances, juggling, live animals, and more, it’s the perfect way for children to ring in the new year. Play and explore all day, but don’t miss the confetti-filled ball drop at noon, complete with a special snack of juice and cookies. It’s also a chance for kids to say goodbye to the KidWorks climbing structures that will soon be replaced in 2019.

Day of Family Bowling at Bowlero

If you’re looking for a little friendly competition, purchase a family bowling package at Bowlero. With two hours of unlimited bowling, champagne for the adults and cider for the kids, knocking down pins is the perfect way to spend a day together—not to mention, it’s both active and affordable. Try to stay out of the gutter and enjoy some quality time together both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (packages are available for both).

Skate Late at Pandora Ice Rink
While it’s not on the early side, older kids and parents alike will love to have a late skate at the Inner Harbor rink, which is open until 12:30 a.m. Aside from the skating fun at the gorgeous ice rink, the totally amazing view of the downtown fireworks display is a site to be seen and a pretty good reason to rent some skates (even if you hug the wall the entire time). If you’ve yet to practice your crossovers at the Inner Harbor, the NYE late skate is the perfect opportunity.

Read Your Way Into 2019 at Baltimore County Public Libraries
On New Year’s Eve, little bookworms can visit any one of the Baltimore County Public Library locations to ring in the new year at noon. Count down with some friends and check out some great titles. Because, really, what better way is there to head into a new year than with a whole bag of new books, aka, new adventures?

Every October, the Maryland Science Center transforms into what might be the biggest Halloween party to pop up in Baltimore City. By day, its dinosaur, space, and electricity-themed exhibits entice tots to learn about all things science, but by night, the institution turns into a full-on music festival in the Inner Harbor, featuring more than a dozen bands, a wild costume contest, and overflowing craft beer, all to benefit the center and youth education nonprofit Believe In Music.

While its only July, the event, now in its seventh year, has just announced its 2018 lineup, featuring familiar faces who have performed at past parties and exciting new acts. On Saturday October 27, some 22 Baltimore bands will perform across seven stages, from the planetarium to the rooftop to beneath a gigantic Tyrannosaurus Rex.

“In the same night, you can see a bluegrass band, an electronic band, and dance to James Nasty on the roof,” says Kenny Liner, founder and director of Believe In Music. “There will be so much to do and there will be so many talented, different people from Baltimore who deserve to be highlighted. I just wish we could include more.”

The main stage will feature big-name headliners: soulful sextet J Pope and the HearNow, funky jam band Electric Love Machine, and the main event, mad-scientist electronic artist Dan Deacon. “Dan is the perfect fit,” says Liner. “His shows are so fun and interactive. He makes the crowd feel special and allows them to have a really good time.”

Meanwhile, the Friends of Friends (Records) Stage will highlight rising DIY acts such as soulful R&B singer Joy Postell, experimental duo Wume, post-punk rockers Natural Velvet, and indie trio Outer Spaces, while the planetarium will host a handful of techno artists. As in years past, the Charm City Bluegrass Stage will be dedicated to Americana musicians, such as CCBG Battle of the Bands winner The Dirty Grass Players and folk bellwether Caleb Stine, and both DJs Rob Macy of Save Your Soul and James Nasty will be back on the ones and twos for an epic dance party into the wee hours of the nights.

Exhibits will be open throughout the evening, as will the IMAX theater, where electronic group Deltanine will perform a live score to an immersive film. Tickets usually sell out and are now on sale for general admission ($35) and VIP ($75).

“The best thing about this party is that we’re coming together to support Baltimore,” says Liner. “As much as the city needs to support organizations like Believe in Music, it needs to support institutions like the Science Center. Without it, there would be a huge void in Baltimore for kids to learn and experience cool science stuff. My daughter is only eight months old and she already absolutely loves it. In Baltimore, we’re all in it together.”

Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

 EAT

Oct. 28: Dovecote Café’s Two-Year Communiversary & Afrofuturistic Halloween Party

Dovecote Café, 2501 Madison Ave. 4-9 p.m. Free. 443-961-8677.

Nestled in the historically African-American neighborhood of Reservoir Hill, Dovecote Café has become known both locally and nationally (hello, recent Food & Wine feature!) for its mouthwatering baked goods, heavenly cups of coffee, and dedication to supporting the local community—especially Baltimore’s younger generation. This Saturday, the café is celebrating its second anniversary with an Afrofuturistic-themed Halloween party featuring Dovecote’s homemade eats, candy crafted by Glasshouse Goods, and live entertainment by local DJs Trillnatured and Butch Siggers. Don your best space-age apparel and be one of the first 100 attendants to receive a special thank you gift.

 DRINK

Oct. 27-29: Greek Food, Wine, & Culture Festival

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 24 W. Preston St. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. 12-6 p.m. Free-$10. 410-727-1831.

Forty-six years ago, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation launched a festival to celebrate their community’s Grecian heritage and the greater city of Baltimore. Since then, the party has evolved into an annual go-to event, headlining all things Greek—from traditional food and drink to live music and dances—and this year, the historical church is mixing things up with new attractions. Sip your way through the “Wines of Greece,” a vino-tasting program for those who want to experience the Greek isle’s more than 6,000 years of winemaking history. For $10, sample five Greek wines along with an assortment of Greek cheeses, olives, and other snacks that will have you yelling Opa! in no time.

 SEE

Oct. 28: The Great Halloween Lantern Parade

Patterson Park, Eastern & Linwood Aves. Festival: 3:30 p.m.; Parade: 7 p.m.; After party: 9:30 p.m. Free. 410-276-1651.

Every Halloween weekend, the hills of Patterson Park transform into a chilling spectacle as it becomes illuminated by a procession of spooky lights. But fear not: the glowing objects aren’t ghosts or ghouls but rather the little homemade lanterns of the Great Halloween Lantern Parade. For the 16th year, join or ogle the eclectic caravan as local puppeteers, marching bands, and costumed families and friends weave their way through Highlandtown carrying artist-made floats and glowing lanterns in celebration of All Hallow’s Eve. Before the dark creeps in, swing by the park for a pre-parade festival where you can imbibe in a beer garden and feast on food truck favorites as your kids compete in a costume contest and hitch a hayride. After you’ve passed the finish line, hop over to the Creative Alliance for a festive Glow Ball dance party to keep the supernatural festivities going.

 HEAR

Oct. 28: Believe in Music & Maryland Science Center’s Halloween

Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $35-70. 410-685-2370.

Leave trick-or-treating to the kiddos—this all-night music and dance party is for adults only. Now in its sixth year, the Maryland Science Center’s Halloween bash boasts lots of live, local music across several stages with a costume contest and access to all of the center’s exhibitions. Whether you’re dressed as a witch, wizard, or mummy, “Thriller” the night away to an impressive lineup. On the main stage, boogie down to the James Brown Dance Party, plus the funky Litz and the feel-good Electric Love Machine. On the rooftop, bump hips with Baltimore’s best DJs, featuring James Nasty on the ones and twos, and Rob Macy of Save Your Soul, and at the Charm City Bluegrass tribute stage, get down to the tunes of the Allman Brothers and Rolling Stones. We’re personally most excited about the Friends Records stage, where you can celebrate the local indie label with its top talents, like the bombastic Bond St. District, the sultry Blacksage, the fearless Hexgirlfriends, and the highly-anticipated Celebration-Aborteum collab, Rolled Gold. If monster mashing isn’t your thing, watch the IMAX 3D movie Wild Ocean with a live soundtrack of spooky synths and eerie bass lines by Deltanine and Pristine. Best of all, proceeds benefit Believe in Music’s non-profit education programs. 

 DO

Oct. 28: Star Wars Cosmic Cantina Party

Showroom, The Motor House, 120 W. North Ave. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. 410-637-8300.

If you missed the Game of Thrones pop-up bar in D.C. this summer, don’t fret. This Halloweekend, a Star Wars-themed party is coming to a galaxy near you at the brand-new Showroom café and bar at the Motor House in Station North. Grab your lightsabers and show up in your finest Darth Vader or Princess Leia. Channel the force as you dance to electro-grooves and funky beats by DJs Isabejja and Alexander Jorman, plus a special performance by local R&B queen Cas Mackenzie. Don’t miss out on the spacey drinks either—for one night only, Showroom’s bartender is making Luke’s Lightsaber (spicy margarita with Epsolon Tequila, orange liqueur, lime, agave, and habanero shrub), The Dark Side (vodka, grapefruit, fennel, activated charcoal, and soda water), and Ewok Party (whiskey, allspice, lemon, and bitters). 

Beach Music

Pratt Street
August 5, 2017

In 1892, Charles Douglass and his wife, Laura, were refused service at the Bay Ridge resort just south of Annapolis. “As they walked away, eventually crossing a channel bridge, they encountered a black farmer named Brashears,” historian Patsy Mose Fletcher, author of African American Destinations Around Washington, D.C., recounts before a packed audience at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Turns out, that farmer owned a small tract of bayfront land between Black Walnut Creek and Oyster Creek.

A conversation ensued and, soon enough, a deal was struck between the farmer and Douglass, whose family purchased the breathtaking, beach-accessible property—leading to the creation of a hassle-free vacation destination for African-Americans.

“Charles Douglass happened to be the son of Frederick Douglass, who later built a house there so he could look across the water and reflect upon his Eastern Shore origins.”

By the following August, Highland Beach had been formally established and Charles Douglass’ young son was writing his famous grandfather, telling him he was “going out fishing and crabbing every day” and that he “can swim over 100 yards without stopping to rest.”

Residents and guests would eventually include Paul Robeson, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, Langston Hughes, and Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Highland Beach did not remain the only beach for Maryland, D.C., and southern Pennsylvania African-Americans during segregation, however. In 1909, Frederick Carr, who had been born into slavery and spent decades working as a waiter and cook at the U.S. Naval Academy, purchased 180 acres of farmland, also on the Annapolis Neck peninsula, that his family later turned into Carr’s Beach. Over time, Carr’s Beach and nearby Sparrow’s Beach evolved into huge summer attractions, with Carr’s Beach becoming a major stop on Chitlin’ Circuit, attracting the likes of Little Richard, Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday, the Shirelles, James Brown, Otis Redding, and the Drifters.

Fletcher notes with a wry smile that while Highland Beach remains active today, the Bay Ridge resort is long gone. On the downside, after the civil rights victories of the mid-1960s, many black-owned businesses and destinations such as Carr’s Beach suffered as white businesses finally opened their doors to everyone.

“The last big crowd at Carr’s Beach was 1973. New owners were trying to make it a more integrated place and booked Frank Zappa, who was from Baltimore. The cover was $5 and he drew 7,000 people,” Fletcher says. “But that was it.  All those years, it wasn’t like black people said white people couldn’t come.”

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Sun Block

Inner Harbor
August 21, 2017

Rider Fulks, 7, wearing a T-shirt that reads “Big Dreamer,” patiently awaits a break in the afternoon cloud cover from atop the Maryland Science Center, where he’s hoping to glimpse the first eclipse in nearly a century to sweep across the U.S.

Suddenly, at 1:15 p.m., the sky breaks.

The awestruck Parkton resident, donning safety glasses, tries to describe the rare celestial occurrence to his mother and 5-year-old brother: “It looks like the moon is taking a bite out of the sun.”

The line outside the science center began forming a couple of hours before the Inner Harbor institution opened in anticipation of the eclipse, which turned night into day across a stretch of the U.S. from Oregon to South Carolina over the course of 90 minutes. In Baltimore, the eclipse wasn’t total, but estimated at 80 percent—though that hardly dimmed enthusiasm for the historic alignment.

“We sold out all 300 tickets for each of our five rooftop viewing slots,” says science center staffer Samantha Blau.

The day included an exhibition on the sun at the science center, which also had safety glasses and unused pizza boxes on hand to assist visitors in making their own pinhole viewing devices. Many families came equipped with their own pinhole devices as well, made from Corn Flakes and Cheerios boxes—which worked better for some than others.

“The tin foil got wrinkled on the drive over here,” says one mother, smiling as she shares safety glasses with her 5-year-old daughter. “Apparently, I needed to keep a better eye on the cereal box in the car.”

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Lucky Catch

14th Street, Ocean City
August 11, 2017

“You’ve seen Jaws, right?” Frank Massa asks a pair of crewmates with a mischievous smile, as he cranks a big reel in super-slow motion, imitating the foreboding click-click-click from the grizzled fictional fisherman Quint’s first encounter with the infamous movie shark. In the film, of course, that click-click-click, is the ever-so-subtle indication the killer fish has taken the bait and is readying for an epic run.

Around Massa’s boat, however, all is still. “That’s fishing: hours of boredom, interrupted by moments of chaos,” one of his crewmates says with a laugh.

Massa and his buddies are one of 353 teams, here this week for the 44th annual White Marlin Open, hoping to win a cut of the $5 million in prize money from the largest billfish tournament in the world.

Massa had hooked a thick, 64-inch white marlin this morning, but the ocean quickly turned quiet again—which it would remain for most of the tourney. On Wednesday, when a Delaware fisherman delivered an 86-pound white marlin to the dock—one of the biggest ever landed in White Marlin Open history—the competition for first place was believed over. If no one brought in a bigger white marlin, he stood to go home with $2.6 million.

“I had coffee with about 12 guys and offered a $100 bet no would top that fish over the next two days,” one local journalist commented later. “No one took me up.”

But on Friday, 40 minutes after the daily evening weigh-in begins at the Harbor Marina, Glen Frost, a Stevensville tax attorney, unloads the third largest white marlin—a 95.5-pounder—ever caught in the tournament. “Hooked it at 12:50 p.m.,” Frost says of his million-dollar-plus catch, noting it bit less than four hours before the official end of the tournament.  “First white marlin I ever caught.”

Rider Fulks, wearing a T-shirt that read “Big Dreamer,” patiently awaited a break in the cloud cover atop the Maryland Science Center rooftop Monday afternoon, hoping to glimpse the first eclipse in nearly a century to sweep across the country.

Suddenly, at about 1:15 p.m., the sky broke clear.

The awestruck Parkton 7-year-old, donning safety glasses, tried to describe the rare celestial occurrence to his mother and 5-year-old brother: “It looks like the moon is taking a bite out of the sun,” he said.

The line outside the Science Center began forming a couple of hours before the Inner Harbor institution opened in anticipation of the eclipse, which turned night into day in a stretch of the U.S. from Oregon to South Carolina over the course of 90 minutes. In Baltimore, the eclipse wasn’t total, but estimated at 80 percent—though that hardly dimmed enthusiasm for the witnessing the historic alignment.

“We sold out all 300 tickets for each of our five rooftop viewing time slots,” said Science Center program manager Samantha Blau. “We expect more 3,000 people overall. It’ll be our busiest day of the year.”

Eclipses actually occur every 18 months or so, but they rarely darken a path that traverses the entire length of the country; instead dropping the moon’s shadow across one of the oceans or some other continent. The next eclipse path across a significant swath of the United States will arrive in 2024 when the shadow of the moon will move from Texas to New England, coming closest to Baltimore—about 300 miles away—somewhere in its swing between Cleveland and Buffalo.

The Science Center passed out special eclipse safety glasses to all those purchasing a timed pass to the rooftop viewing party, which also included a special exhibition on the sun. The Science Center had also ordered small, unused pizza boxes in advance of the event, assisting visitors in making their own pinhole viewing devices. Many families came equipped with their own pinhole devices made from cereal boxes, which seemed to work better for some than others.

“The tin foil got wrinkled on the drive over here,” said one mother, smiling as she shared safety glasses with her 5-year-old daughter. “Apparently, I needed to keep a better eye on the cereal box in the car.”

Dr. Lisa Schocket, ophthalmologist, and associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, was on hand as well to remind visitors not to look at the sun without proper precautions—not just during eclipses, but anytime—because of the potential harm to the retina. 

Inside the Maryland Science Center, NASA’s livestream and coverage of the eclipse was screened at the Davis Planetarium.

In 2012, the Science Center partnered with NASA on a then-new permanent exhibition, Life Beyond Earth, which explores the solar system, and beyond, and also proved a popular destination for visitors Monday.

“The really cool thing is that today you don’t need to be an astronomer and you don’t need a telescope to watch something really cool in the sky,” said Blau.

Events

Toward Equity in the Arts
April 13, The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St.  This talk will examine how race and class have impacted access and inclusion practices for funding, promotion, and exhibition opportunities in the arts, and will look at efforts to improve equity in these areas. The conversation includes Jess Solomon of Art in Praxis, Sheila Gaskings, and Darryl Ratcliff. Jonothan Gray and Chelsea Gilmer will open the evening with performances of their spoken word poetry. The annual lecture is held in honor of the Walters’ founding Director of Education, Ted Low, and focuses on an important current topic in the museum field.

Starts Here Reading Series
April 15, Bird in Hand Coffee Shop, 11 E. 33rd St.  This latest reading in the series hosted by Best of Baltimore winner Jen Michalski features Elise Levin, the director of the MA in Writing program at Johns Hopkins University, and Meghan Kenny, who held the Tickner Writing Fellowship in Baltimore and now lives and teaches in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.     

Bromo Spectacular
April 22, 29, various locations in the Bromo Arts District
These free, 90-minute walking tours of the arts district that includes downtown and the Howard Street corridor will invite people into invisible public spaces and storied buildings while learning about the speculative and spectacular efforts shaping the neighborhood. This free, 90 minute New Public Sites walking tour will feature little known histories, urban design successes and challenges, and current artist-led redevelopment projects, including Le Mondo and Current Space.

Exhibits

Thought Forms
April 20-May 27, C. Grimaldis Gallery, 523 N. Charles St.  This exhibition of paintings by Lisa Beck, Lydia Dona and Joan Waltemath stages the work of these New York artists who have simultaneously developed distinct practices in conceptual abstract painting. They are united by their strategic approach, in which a painting operates as a structural field that animates the subject’s relationship to architecture, machinery, and the universe surrounding it. 

Sacrifice
April 13-May 14, Motor House, 120 W. North Ave.  About this exhibit, artist Rene Trevino writes: “History is subjective; there are many blurred lines and so much distortion.  Context and point of view are very important. One person’s hero is another person’s villain…it depends on who tells the story.  As a gay Mexican-American I have always felt excluded and under-represented by history.  By using a historical context as a backdrop for my work, I can reweave these “lessons” of the past.”

Performances

David London’s Weekend of Magic
April 13-15, Theater Project, 45 W. Preston St.  Magician David London combines magic with storytelling, comedy, puppetry, philosophy, surrealism, and that which cannot be defined, to create original shows of magic unlike anything you have experienced before.

Rise Bmore
April 19, Union Baptist Church, 1219 Druid Hill Ave.  This free evening of words and music, of and for Baltimore, is in honor of Freddie Gray, who died on April 19, 2015. The event starts with a conversation featuring writers Sharea Harris, LOVE the poet, Brittani McNeill, and Hannah V. Sawyerr. The concert that follows features music by Peabody Conservatory professor Judah Adashi, Tariq Al-Sabir, Ruby Fulton, Lafayette Gilchrist, Brooks Long, and Martina Lynch, as well as poetry by Tariq Touré and images by Joseph M. Giordano.  

A Short Reunion
April 20-30, Single Carrot Theatre, 2600 N. Howard St.  For its latest play, Single Carrot is breaking out of its theatre space and onto the streets of Remington. Local businesses have partnered with Single Carrot to help transform this sprawling piece – a Frankenstein hybrid of never-before-seen shorts – into a short walking tour of the neighborhood. Charmington’s, Miller’s Court, Parts & Labor, Sweet 27, B. Willow, and Brick and Board will all be stops on the journey, along with neighborhood landmarks like the Remington ‘R’. In addition to creating new foot traffic and introducing potential customers to the businesses, A Short Reunion will give audience a taste of the complex and changing flavor of the neighborhood as a whole.

Spectral Lines
April 23, Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St.  Digital art, science, and music meet on and under the Planetarium dome. Local artist, Kevin Blackistone, inspired by extrasolar planets, manipulates computer software to create digital art for the Planetarium dome. The immersive visual art is enhanced by live music performed by Baltimore band Wume. 

Charm City Bluegrass Festival
April 29, Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Dr.  This fifth iteration of this celebration of all things bluegrass (and in a stunning setting) has a heck of a lineup, including Supergroup, which blends members of Yonder Mountain String Band and Leftover Salmon, The Lone Bellow, and local boy Cris Jacobs.

News

The Enoch Pratt Free Library announced this week that Heidi Daniel would be taking over as president and chief executive officer. Daniel has served as the executive director of The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County in Ohio since 2012. Daniel called the Pratt “one of the crown jewels of public libraries in the country, and I believe it is an integral part of the future success of Baltimore.”

You might remember that a few months ago we brought you the story of Throw, a documentary that told the story of East Baltimore resident Coffin Nachtmahr, who found acceptance among a subculture of yo-yo “throwers” and it turns out, he’s a virtuoso. He now helps others find a creative and social outlet by sharing what inspired him. Earlier this week, Throw was named as a nominee in the 21st Annual Webby Awards by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences. The nomination for the Internet’s highest honor is in the category of Documentary – Branded, where it will be judged against four other films. Other Webby nominees include the Netflix series Stranger Things, Pokemon Go and Beyonce.

The students who are a part of the iRhyme program at  Lakeland Elementary Middle School have done something most of their peers have not—they’ve created and starred in a music video, Guns Weak. And that video won the grand prize earlier this month at an art contest sponsored by Shock Trauma’s Violence Prevention Program. Take a look at it here:

Oh, winter. The only purpose you serve is making sure we don’t take the other three, superior seasons for granted.

Last winter our kid was a tiny bundle that stayed put where we left him. This winter he’s a curious, fast-walking, babbling human being and we’ve had to adjust the daily schedule to keep up. In the warmer months it’s not too hard to fill the days—long walks, playing in parks, outdoor concerts, perhaps a nice dip if you have a membership or live near a public pool. But in winter, things get more complicated. I certainly don’t have the constitution of, say, the Scandinavians, whose children are required to play outside no matter the thermometer, which means Lou becomes a bit more of an indoor kid this time of year.

Below are some suggestions for things to bring into your home to alleviate bad weather blues, as well as three activities to consider when you can’t take being stuck in your house for another second. Obviously, attractions like the Science Center, Port Discovery, and AVAM are always great options, as are classes at your local Enoch Pratt Free Library branch, the Walters Art Museum, and the BMA. But the list below considers your interests, if your interests include being afforded the opportunity to sip coffee or fit in a workout or meet other parents.

Play Kitchen

This play kitchen was Lou’s Christmas present. It took a good two hours and as many glasses of wine per parent to set up, but this thing is solid. We filled it with cute wooden food and little kitchen utensils and pots and pans and he conducts his own live cooking show each day. He chats to himself and presents plates of food and holds out his spoon for us to taste his concoctions. I hide cheddar bunnies in various containers and let his own curiosity (and ability to sniff out food like a hungry dog) handle snack time.

If you have four feet of free space in your home and a desire to sit quietly, alone, for ten damn minutes, I highly recommend this purchase.

Ball Pit

This ball pit has been the work horse of Lou’s toys since he was able to sit up. It’s grown from a crazy new environment in which to rest—buoyed by 250 plastic balls—to its current iteration as a place to hide things like tiny Apple TV remote controls and unopened cans of cat food. Lou assigns tasks to himself like working spastically and doggedly to remove the balls, one at a time, placing them in another nearby location like his kitchen’s sink or along the sofa cushions.

He burrows down into the balls and covers his eyes with them and patiently waits for the adults in the room to wonder aloud where he could possibly be. He tries with absolutely no luck to coax our cats into the ball pit, and though he has failed to get them to physically join him, his consolation prize is the unbelievable amount of cat hair that floats in and static-clings to the balls. (I should mention that if you live in a home with no animals, or hairless ones, don’t fret-—your child will still find joy in this activity even without swimming in a sea of dander.) This toy is versatile and fun and will grow with him for the next few years. I hope.

Play Café

We discovered Play Café one morning at 7:30 when we’d already been up for an hour and a half, and we were hungry, bored, and needed to get out of the house. I think I Googled something like “activities in Baltimore for babies before noon and also I’m hungry and we could use more friends with kids” and up popped Play Café.

The space in Hampden is low key and set up with a little café with a simple menu on one side and a play area on the other. We ate bagels and eggs and fed bites to Lou while he played. We ran into a friend and sipped coffee in the sunny room without worrying about the balance of keeping Lou occupied and being overly polite to the diners around us. It’s a really, really great place to go with children when you have cabin fever but aren’t in the head space to commit to a larger activity.

Amuse Toys, Quarry Lake

On Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m., the back room of Amuse Toys is open for play. The toy set-up is fantastic—there are six or seven stations with things like trains and blocks, and it’s served as a good way for us to see what kinds of things Lou likes (or is ready) to play with. Now that he’s getting older and we’ve switched from survival mode to needing to actually nurture his brain, it’s getting way more expensive to keep this kid occupied. It’s been nice to let him loose in the play area and audition different types of toys before making the investment. Plus, much like Play Café, it’s pretty great to grab a coffee and interact with other grown-ups while your kid wanders around a room full of toys.

Stroller Strides

I joined this group in the brief interim between being healed enough from my C-section to do burpees and going back to work. In the summer, these fitness classes meet outside in Patterson Park and on Federal Hill, but in the winter they move indoors. I attended workouts in the Science Center and It. Was. Awesome. We ran through the exhibits, jumped up and down on the benches, and raced the stairs near the dinosaur area. Lou was too young to appreciate what was going on, but if your kid is 1 to 3 years, I bet they’d love it. The workouts are intense and include the kids where appropriate, and it was really nice to be around other moms while I was adjusting to my new role. The classes are not really scheduled for moms that work full time, so if you’re a fortunate lady who gets lots of time with your progeny and wants to fit in a workout, this class is for you.

FAMILY FRIGHTS

WITCHES & WIZARDS WEEKEND
10/22-10/23: Take the kids to this Halloween celebration featuring potion-making, wand-decorating, and a Wizard Show in the roundhouse. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St., 410-752-2490

ZOO BOO
10/28-30: Costumes are encouraged for treat-or-treating, carnival fun, and contests at the zoo. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1876 Mansion House Drive, 410-396-7102

GREAT LANTERN PARADE NIGHT
10/29: Follow the bright lights of the 17th lantern parade through the rolling hills of Patterson Park. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., 410-276-1651

SPOOKY SCIENCE
10/29: Make your own slime, carve your own pumpkin, and decorate trick-or-treat bags with activities, crafts, and demonstrations. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., 410-685-5225

HEATHER L. HURD 5K & TRICK OR TREAT WALK
10/29: Adults and kids alike can take part in this benefit run/walk with face painting and activities for the kids. Harford Community College, 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, 443-412-2000

KIDSPEACE TRICK OR TROT
10/29: Don your orange and black for this seventh annual 5K run or 1K walk through the Inner Harbor to the baseball field. Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 333 W. Camden St.

FALL-O-WEEN FAMILY FESTIVAL
10/29: Bring your mini mummies and witches for face-painting, activities, and treats at the museum. Port Discovery, 35 Market Place, 410-727-8120

LANTERN NIGHT
10/29: Show up in costume to receive half-priced admission to this family-friendly celebration featuring glowing antique lamps and lanterns, and stories from actors in period attire.The Fire Museum of Maryland, 1301 York Road, Lutherville, 410-321-7500

TRICK OR TREAT AT THE MARKET
10/29: Bring the family to sit-in on cooking tutorials led by Charm City’s own Chef Egg, dance to the steel drum sounds of Orlando Phillips, and gather treats from the merchants of Lexington Market at this second annual soiree. Lexington Market, 400 W. Lexington St., 410-685-6169

TRICK-OR-TREAT AT THE SQUARE
10/30: With pillow cases and plastic jack-o-lanterns in tow, round up the kids and head to Belvedere Square to receive treats from all of the merchants, partake in a “Thriller” dance tutorial, and see which outfit reigns supreme in the annual costume contest. 540 E. Belvedere Ave., 410-464-9773

SPIRITED SOIREES

PUMPKINFEST AT VICTORIA GASTRO PUB
10/10-10/11: Sip flights of local pumpkin beers paired with fall-inspired game dishes from executive chef Chad Wells at this Halloween-themed tasting event. 8201 Snowden River Parkway, 410-750-1880

FRIGHT NIGHT
10/20: Join the Stoop Storytellers for tales of nightmares, phobias, and old-fashion ghosts, alongside cocktails and karaoke. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., 410-276-1651

FEDERAL HILL-O-WEEN
10/29: Embark on this creepy crawl around Federal Hill to take advantage of devilish drink deals including $3 Miller Lites, $4 Blue Moons, and $4 Leinenkugel’s Harvest Patch Shandy’s at more than 10 participating spots. Registration at Mother’s, 1113 S. Charles St., 410-244-8686

SAINTS & SINNERS BLOCK PARTY
10/29: Show off your costume and stroll around O’Donnell Square at this annual moonlit meet up, where bars like Looney’s, El Bufalo, and Claddagh Pub will feature festive drink specials. Registration at Portside Tavern 2821 O’Donnell St., 410-522-7678

HALLOWEEN 2016: DEAD OR ALIVE
10/29: Cue the fog machine—the mainstage dance floor at Power Plant Live is transforming into a full-on tombstone graveyard in honor of the haunted holiday.Get down to the live sounds of DJ Janko and DJ Sal Flip all night long, while entering to win cash prizes in the costume contest. Power Plant Live, 34 Market Place, 410-727-5483

HALLOWEEN PARTY AT THE BREWER’S ART
10/29: Show up in costume to enter to win prizes and sip drink specials, like $3.75 craft drafts, at The Brewer’s Art’s annual basement bash. 1106 N. Charles St., 410-547-6925

SPOOKY SIGHTS

BALTIMORE BIKE PARTY: HALLOWEEN RIDE
10/28: Suit up in your Halloween best to join hundreds of other local cyclists on this annual glow-in-the-dark ride, complete with candy, costumes, and a post-ride party with plenty of Heavy Seas beer to go around. Ride departs from St. Mary’s Park, 600 N. Paca St.

MICA HAUNTED HOUSE: TIMESTREAM
10/20-10/22: MICA’s annual student-run haunted house is back with another eerie experience that is guaranteed to give you goosebumps. Take a walk around this year’s time travel-themed production to catch a glimpse of strobe lights, fog machines, and other mind-altering mischief. 1601 W. Mount Royal Ave.

AVAM FREE FALL HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION
10/27: Create a DIY lantern, embark on a glow-in-the-dark bicycle ride around Federal Hill, and kick back under the stars to enjoy a special screening of Young Frankenstein at the AVAM’s annual free event. 800 Key Highway, 410-244-1900

FELLS POINT GHOST TOURS
TO 11/22: Apparitions abound on this walking tour of historic Fells Point. Stop by a number of supernatural sites while learning about the neighborhood’s history as a rowdy seaport town along the way. Tours depart from Max’s Taphouse, 735 S. Broadway.

MIDNIGHT MUSIC

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
10/27-31: Head to the Motor House for eight performances of this cult classic musical. 120 W. North Ave., 410-637-8300

SINATRA 101
10/28: Dress in your favorite Sinatra-era getup and snap along to Ol’ Blue Eyes classics at this special pre-Halloween show featuring Baltimore native Angelo Divino. Cabaret at Germano’s Piattini, 300 S. High St., 410-752-4515

WITCHES, WIZARDS, GHOSTS AND GOBLINS
10/29: Celebrate Halloween with the spooky sounds of Fantasia-famous Night on Bald Mountain and the score of Harry Potter. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., 410-783-8000

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
10/29-30: The BSO performs a live score alongside a screening of Tim Burton’s cult classic, holiday-clashing film. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., 410-783-8000

PUMPKIN PARTIES

MARYLAND PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
10/8-9: Don’t miss this giant fall fiesta in Frederick with a corn maze, farm animals, hayrides, and all things pumpkin. Summers Farm, 5620 Butterfly Lane, 301-620-9316

PUMPKINFEST
10/15: Bring the family for pumpkin painting, sack races, hayrides, and more in Owings Mills. Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, 443-738-9200

FAMILY & FRIENDS PUMPKIN CARVING NIGHT
10/19-10/20: Watch
your little witches and warlocks learn how to carve pumpkins like a pro
at this event featuring candy-cornhole and a caramel apple fondue bar.
Adult activities will include boozy apple-bobbing and bottomless hot
toddies.
Das Bier Haus, 1542 Light St., 443-708-8854

HARBOR HARVEST
10/22: Celebrate fall with a family fun day of pumpkin patches, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and a petting zoo. West Shore Park, 401 Light St., 410-779-4700

WESTMINSTER HALLOWEEN PARADE
10/22: Head to Carroll County for this annual Halloween parade and town-wide celebration. East Main St., Downtown Westminster, 410-751-5501

With the holiday season fast approaching, there’s no better way to get in the spirit than to start celebrating early. Here are some of the best November events to get you in a festive mood.

WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS
11/19-1/3: Northside Park, Ocean City. Head downy ocean for a dazzling holiday light display with hot chocolate and pictures with Santa.

CIRQUE DREAMS: HOLIDAZE
11/20-21: Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric. Christmas ornaments come to life in this variety show full of mind-bending stunts, Broadway tunes, and holiday fun.

MARYLAND CHRISTMAS SHOW
11/20-22, 27-29: Frederick County Fairgrounds, Frederick. Browse gifts by local artisans, craftsmen, and merchants with a big-top tent holiday show.

A TUNA CHRISTMAS
11/20-12/20: Spotlighters Theatre. Follow local news reporters in this Christmas story set in small-town Tuna, TX.

A CARROLL’S CHRISTMAS
11/20-12/31: Mount Clare Museum House. Step back in time and experience a Colonial American Christmas with the Carroll family.

HOLIDAY MAKER SERIES: CANDY MAKING
11/21: Maryland Science Center. Make your own chocolate creations in this holiday-themed workshop, perfect for a homemade gift or holiday treat.

MAGICAL HOLIDAY EXPRESS
11/21-22 & 12/1-1/3: B&O Railroad Museum. lThe holidays mean all train everything at the B&O, with train rides, model train layouts, and special appearances by Santa throughout the holidays.

FESTIVAL OF TREES
11/27-29: Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium. This Land of Pleasant Living tradition features life-sized holiday scenes, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, and live entertainment.

FESTIVAL OF WREATHS
11/27-12/6: Carroll County Arts Council, Westminster. Deck your halls with one of 150 decorated wreaths from this annual silent auction.

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF TRAINS
11/27-1/24: B&O Railroad Museum, Ellicott City. Start the season with the museum’s annual celebration of toy trains.

WEINBERG WINTERFEST
11/28: Weinberg Center for the Arts, Frederick. Bring cash or canned-food donations to hear sing-alongs, see silent films, and enjoy Tuba Christmas, a four-part Christmas carol ensemble featuring 80 regional tuba and euphonium players.

JASON’S WOODS
OCT. 3-NOV. 8: Jason’s Woods, 99 Stehman Rd., Lancaster, PA. Fri-Sat. 7-10 p.m., Sun. 7-9 p.m. jasonswoods.com. Six attractions, including a Horrifying Hayride and a cursed corn maze.

MAKE-YOUR-OWN GLASS-BLOWN PUMPKIN
OCT. 23: Corradetti Glassblowing Studio & Gallery, 2010 Clipper Park Rd., Ste. 119. 6, 7, and 8 p.m. corradetti.com. Create your own four-inch pumpkin. Wine served!

ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
OCT. 24: Cromwell Valley Park, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Rd., Parkville. 6:30-8 p.m. cromwellvalleypark.org. Learn wilderness survival skills you would need if modern technology fails. Ages 10 and up.

ZOMBIE HORDE SCAVENGER HUNT
OCT. 24: Robert E. Lee Park, 1000 Lakeside Dr. 7 p.m. relpnc.org. Escape zombies and win prizes for collecting items along the trail.  Ages 12 and up.

ZOOBOOO!
OCT. 24-26:The Maryland Zoo, 1876 Mansion House Dr. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free-$17.50 marylandzoo.org. Celebration full of trick-or-treating, fun carnival games, and live entertainment. 

ANNUAL HALLOWMARINE CELEBRATION
OCT. 25-26: National Aquarium, 501 E. Pratt St. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. aqua.org. Celebration with crafts, a costume parade, and animal encounters.

SPOOKY SCIENCE
OCT. 25: Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 12-4 p.m. mdsci.org. Enjoy creepy crafts, activities, and fang-tastic demonstrations.

HARRY POTTER HALLOWEEN
OCT. 25-26: Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville. 1 p.m. oregonridgenaturecenter.org. Enter the world of Harry Potter with wizard crafts and a visit from a magical creature. Ages 5 and up. 

15TH ANNUAL GREAT HALLOWEEN LANTERN PARADE & FESTIVAL: KALEIDOSCOPE
OCT. 25: Patterson Park, 3:30 p.m. creativealliance.org. Annual lantern parade and festival. Parade at 7 p.m.

GLOW BALL DANCE PARTY & COSTUME CONTEST
OCT. 25: Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8:30 p.m. creativealliance.org. Adults-only Lantern Parade after-party.

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN HIKE
OCT. 25: Robert E. Lee Park, 1000 Lakeside Dr. 6:30-8:30 p.m. relpnc.org. Solve a Halloween mystery while encountering witches and wildlife along the way. Costumes welcome. Ages 5 to 12. 

15TH ANNUAL GOODWILL GRIDIRON HALLOWEEN PARTY
OCT. 27: Dave & Busters, 7000 Arundel Mills Cir., Hanover. 7 p.m. goodwillgridiron.com. Party with the Baltimore Ravens that includes food, open bar, a costume contest, dancing, games, and a silent auction.

TRICKS AND TREATS AT OREGON RIDGE
OCT. 31: Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville. 4:30 p.m. oregonridgenaturecenter.org. Wear your costume and discover the tricks and treats that plants and animals present along the way. Ages 5 and up. 

HALLOWEEN 2014
OCT. 31: Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $35-65. halloween-baltimore.com. In its third year, this Halloween extravaganza features craft beer, live music across four unique areas, a costume contest, all of the science exhibits open, and a new art gallery.

Photo courtesy of Clara Marie Kelly

Maryland State Fair

Aug. 22-Sept. 1: Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium. Mon.-Thurs. 12-10 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $3-8. 410-252-0200. marylandstatefair.com. The Maryland State Fair will celebrate its 133rd year with over 40 classic midway rides and a wide array of food offerings fresh from Maryland farms. Past favorites like live horse racing are joined by a sand sculpture contest, a newly designed kiddie land, and a performance by classic rockers 38 Special.

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Photography by Kristie Blake Photography

Baltimore magazine’s 2014 Best of Baltimore Party

Aug. 14: Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. 6-11 p.m. $85-$150. 410-752-4200, baltimoremagazine.net/best-of-baltimore-2014. Come celebrate the very best food, drink, and music that Baltimore has to offer at our Poe-themed party. Highlights include handcrafted cocktails, live music from cover band Kristen and the Noise, and beats from DJ Kopec. VIPs enjoy early access to restaurant samplings and a live performance by singer-songwriter Matt Hutchinson.

Baltimore Summer Antiques Show

Aug. 21-24: Baltimore Convention Center,
1 W. Pratt St. Thurs. 12-8 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $20. 561-822-5440. baltimoresummerantiques.com.
The largest indoor antiques show in the country is back with more than 575 international exhibitors offering everything from fine works of art to antiquarian books. Antique lovers will be delighted with the wide selection, which includes items dating back several thousand years.

Backyard Science Days

Aug. 16-17: Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 12-4 p.m. Free-$18.95. 410-685-5225. mdsci.org. Get up close and personal with some furry, fanged friends when the Organization for Bat Conservation visits the Maryland Science Center. Director Rob Mies will bring bats from Africa, Asia, and North America ranging in size from tiny fruit bats to the six-feet-across Malaysian Flying Fox.

Photography by Shawn Hubbard of the Baltimore Ravens

Ravens Family Movie Night

Aug. 17: M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St. 6 p.m. $10-$15. 410-261-7283. baltimoreravens.com/ravenstown/movie-night.html. Before the first pass is thrown or tackle is made, football season in Baltimore kicks off with the annual Ravens Family Movie Night. The field at M&T Bank Stadium will be turned over to fans for a special screening of The Lego Movie—and don’t forget to bring a blanket!

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