Visual Art

Under $500
Looking for that last big gift for someone special (or yourself) this holiday season? Stop by the sixth annual Under $500 art sale at Maryland Art Place. View works by dozens of local artists, grab a festive drink, and get the chance to purchase a collector’s piece for less than $500. If you’re in the giving mood, bring along a new toy or book because MAP will be collecting for Philanthropi’s toy drive during the sale. Opening reception 7 p.m. Dec. 14; on view during gallery hours Dec. 14-18. Maryland Art Place, 218 West Saratoga St.

School 33 Openings
Three new exhibitions at School 33 promise new explorations of the human experience. Your silence will not protect you brings together the work of five artists inspired by “black womyn’s experiences in America past, present, and future.” Two single-artist exhibitions, Nature As A Metaphor For Economic, Emotional And Existential Horror and Labor of Suggestion offer individual takes on humanity’s separation from the natural world and the line between reach and grasp. On view through Feb. 2, 2019. School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light St.

Music

Winter Formal Benefit for House of Ruth
Get all dolled up and give back at this formal benefit for House of Ruth, which provides services for women and their children who have been victims of domestic violence in Baltimore and Prince George’s County. This night of Christmas Eve Eve Merrymaking will feature a raffle, a prize for the best-dressed partier, and music from Eze Jackson, Blacksage, Humanmania, Spooled Up, Sickle Cell, and DJ Pancakes. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec 23, The Windup Space, 12 West North Ave.

Baltimore Plays: Soul Christmas
Join some of Baltimore’s beloved independent artists for five decades-worth of Christmas songs at latest event in the Creative Alliance’s Baltimore Plays series. Marc Avon Evans & Soul Centered, Kevin Jackson, Jamaal “Black Root” Collier, Karin Dominique Evans, Kyana Graham and Chuck the Madd Ox are all on this bill for this evening of soulful holiday hits. 8 p.m. Dec. 21, Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave.

Nico Sarbanes & Ben Wolfe Holiday Concert
Don’t miss your opportunity to catch this dynamic duo swinging in the holidays at the intimate An die Musik. Baltimore native Nico Sarbanes and celebrated jazz bassist Ben Wolfe will come together for one night of bass and trumpet virtuosity. Can’t make a 7:30 start? No worries, Sarbanes and Wolf are performing a second set at 9:00 p.m. Sets at 7:30 and 9 p.m. Dec. 22, An die Musik, 409 North Charles St.

Theater

Heathers The Musical: In Concert
Need a break from all the holiday cheer? Try adding a little chaos to the mix (it is what killed the dinosaurs, darling) with this live performance of the musical version of 1980s cult classic Heathers. Grab your tickets early to get dibs on the seated section and your very own Heathers cup (and slushie!). 8-11 p.m. Dec 20-22. Ottobar, 2549 North Howard St.

The Rocky Horror Show
The Christmas season always starts early, so who says Halloween can’t run a little late? Put on your best gold short shorts or maid’s outfit and sing along to a live performance of this weird and wonderful musical. Every ticket comes with all the props you’ll need for the iconic interactive Rocky Horror experience. Shows at 8 and 11:30 p.m. Dec. 14-15, Show at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 16. Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 West Preston St.

Go Oscar WILDE! Pride Night
Everyman Theatre is celebrating its first-ever Pride Night with a happy hour reception featuring cocktail specials and snacks, a conversation with director Joseph W. Ritsch about the fascinating life and work of Oscar Wilde, and, of course, a performance of the company’s colorful new production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Happy Hour Reception 6-7:30 p.m., show at 8:00 p.m. Dec. 14. Everyman Theatre, 315 West Fayette St.

Film

Blocked in Baltimore Screening
Root Branch Film Academy’s first-ever Friday Film Factory class is ready for their close up. Join this group of beginner filmmakers for the screening of their first documentary, Blocked in Baltimore, which chronicles local artists and why they feel their careers get limited to the city alone. 8 p.m. Dec. 21, The Startup Nest, 1401 Severn St.

It’s a Wonderful Life Annual Benefit Screening
Spend part of your weekend with this Frank Capra Christmas classic at The Senator. Gather as many friends and family members as you’d like for these morning showtimes—admission is free! Just be sure to bring along some non-perishable food items for the GEDCO Cares Food Pantry. Doors at 9 a.m., show at 10 a.m. Dec. 22 and 23. The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd.

News

Current Space’s Ruin Garden and Expansion Approved by CHAP
The artist-run gallery and studio space has been working for three years to try to convert the collapsing 417 North Howard Street into a ruin garden and studio space. With unanimous approval from Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) behind them, Current Space can begin the process of demolition and move forward with the long-awaited project. More money still needs to be raised to fund the expansion, but once completed it will add an additional 5,000 square feet of outdoor performance space (including an outdoor bar) and double the available space for the space’s studio program.

EAT

Oct. 19: The Diner by Secret Sauce Co.

1730 N. Charles St. 5 p.m. Free.

You may have already seen the first bottles of Secret Sauce Co.’s brand-new ketchup on shelves around town (spotted at Trohv and Prime Corner in Hampden), but this Friday, visit this Baltimore-based company’s pop-up restaurant at The Lost City Diner to celebrate the launch of its first sauce. In true diner style, try the ketchup with burgers and fries while sipping on drinks from Vent Coffee and Union Craft Brewing. If you can’t make it, no worries, The Diner by Secret Sauce Co. concept will be around for the next few weeks.

DRINK

Oct. 20: Fall Fling

Old Line Spirits, 200 S. Janney St. 2 p.m. Free.

It’s been almost a year since Old Line Spirits started distilling whiskey in Highlandtown, and this weekend, they’re commemorating their first-ever fall fling with the release of a new seasonal whiskey. Head to the experimental distillery to sample sips of the new American single-malt cask-finished whiskey, as well as snacks and pours from other neighborhood favorites like Monument City Brewing, Snake Hill Tavern, and Mayuree Thai Tavern.

SEE

Oct. 19-21: Rocky Horror Picture Show

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7:30 & 10:30 p.m. $12-15.

Spooky season wouldn’t be complete without a night of revelry that takes us time-warping back to 1975. For two nights at Creative Alliance, channel your inner Riff Raff, Janet, or Dr. Frank N. Furter for a screening of this sci-fi horror-comedy that has become an audience-participation phenomenon. Get there early to grab a themed cocktail, snag a toss pack (toast and toilet paper included), and join fellow Rocky-obsessed fans at this one-of-a-kind tradition.

HEAR

Oct. 20: Ed Schrader’s Music Beat

Current Space, 421 N. Howard St. 7-11 p.m. Free.

After touring with legendary Baltimore rock band Future Islands, this post-punk duo is celebrating its homecoming with a jam-packed show that’s guaranteed to rock Current Space’s outdoor stage. Along with new-wave-inspired songs from their latest album, Riddles, hear sets by the likes of beloved local rapper DDm, DJ Pancakes, and Nerftoss at this can’t-miss concert.

DO

Oct. 20: Baltimore Running Festival

McKeldin Square, E Pratt St. 7:30 a.m. $55-270.

Pace your weekend around this citywide marathon that sends more than 20,000 runners through the heart of Baltimore every year. On Saturday, hit the pavement for the full marathon, half marathon, 5K, team relay, or fun-run and take in picture-perfect views of the waterfront while circling the city. If running isn’t your bag, cheer on runners at spectator spots like Lululemon in Harbor East or Lee’s Pint & Shell in Canton and check out post-race activities that range from rowdy to restorative.