9/16-5/7. JERRELL GIBBS: COME HOME WITH ME
Exhibitions. Five years ago, Jerrell Gibbs was selected to paint the official portrait of Congressman Elijah Cummings, to be at the Baltimore Museum of Art before moving to its permanent location inside the U.S. Capitol. This moment helped put the West Baltimore native and Maryland Institute College of alum on the map, and ever since, his star has only continued to steadily rise.

Now he returns to the BMA for the first major solo exhibition of his work at the local institution. Explore 35 brand-new paintings inspired by the people, places, and experiences that have shaped his life as a Black American born and raised in this city. Evoking the home of his Aunt Ella, from her porch to her living room to her back yard, this exhibition establishes the gallery as an essential gathering place, inspiring a sense of connection and community for all who enter. Baltimore Museum of Art. 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free.

9/3. A GAY LITTLE HISTORY OF MARYLAND
Lectures & Classes. Local librarian Ben Egerman has compiled a captivating window into the state’s LGBTQ+ history. Find those stories collected in his new book, published with the help of Red Emma’s, with an author talk and signed copies. The Ivy Bookshop, 5928 Falls Rd. 6 p.m. Free. 

9/3. J. RODDY WALSTON
Music. WTMD presents the last First Thursday concert of the year, with this beloved, once-Baltimore-based alt-rock band, plus Annapolis’ Pressing Strings and high-energy MR VCR. Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. 5-10 p.m. Free.

9/3-4. FREDERICK DOUGLASS FREEDOM DAYS
History. Commemorate the 188th anniversary of Frederick Douglass’ escape from slavery in historic Fells Point. Baltimore Black Heritage Tours founder Lou Fields leads the Frederick Douglass Path to Freedom Walking Tour, followed by the Douglass lecture, a book fair and the Douglass exhibit. Fells Point Square, 888 S. Broadway & Thames. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free-$135.

9/5. CHARLES STREET 12
Sports. Starting at The Shops at Kenilworth and heading downtown through Charles Street, race through charming neighborhoods and some of the state’s most esteemed institutions during this beloved annual run. The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Dr., Towson. 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $70.90-139.80. 

9/5. CHARM CITY LIVE
Festivals. For the fifth year, celebrate the magic of Charm City with this downtown festival, featuring local food, art vendors, kids’ activities for kids, and live music acts like Boyz II Men. War Memorial Plaza, 100 Holliday St. 12-9 p.m. Free. 

9/5. KACEY MUSGRAVES
Music. After her latest album took chart-topping flight, this country pop star heads to Baltimore to perform Middle of Nowhere. Come ready to dance in sparkles and cowgirl boots. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 7:30 p.m. $66-322+. 

9/5-10/3. RONALD JACKSON
Exhibitions. A collection of new paintings by Ronald Jackson as part of an ongoing exploration of identity, memory, and portraiture. These works feature new visual language,  masked and adorned figures set against richly patterned backdrops, extending the artist’s signature style into fresh territory. Galerie Myrtis, 2224 N. Charles St. Thurs-Sat. 2-6 p.m. Free.

9/8. RECLASSIFIED BY PETULA CAESAR
Theater. Local playwright Petula Caesar presents a new extended performance of the 10-minute play, “Shades of Honor,” taking place on a segregated Army base in 1945. PFC Lee Walters discovers that his military records have been modified, sparking an exploration of identity in a divided nation. Strand Theater, 5426 Harford Rd. 7 p.m. $15. 

9/8-13. GOOD NEIGHBOR DESIGN CAMP
Classes & Lectures. This inspiring camp for creatives returns for its fifth year, themed “A Celebration of Hands and Craft,” with workshops and events led by artists and makers from near and far. Good Neighbor, 3927 Falls Rd. Times & prices vary. 

9/10. BROMO ART WALK
Exhibitions. Along the Light Rail through the Bromo Arts District, stroll through dozens of galleries, music venues, theaters, and arts collectives for free exhibits and live performances during this beloved biannual event. Bromo Arts District. 5-9 p.m. Free.

9/10. AMERICA IN PURSUIT
Exhibitions. WYPR and the Maryland Center for History & Culture welcome Baltimore resident and “All Things Considered” anchor Juana Summers, former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, and Afro CEO Toni Draper for a discussion about the First Amendment. Maryland Center for History, 610 Park Ave. 7-8:30 p.m. $20-30. 

9/10-10/17. ROUGHED OUT 
Exhibitions. At the Red Giant gallery in the Bromo Arts District, ogle the impressive works of contemporary stone sculptors, including both national and local craftsmen like Baltimore’s own Sebastian Martorana, who carves artworks out of reclaimed local marble, including the city’s famous steps. Red Giant, 403 N. Paca St. By appointment. Free. 

9/10-11/7. NATURAL HERSTORIES
Exhibitions. This powerful group exhibit explores women artists’ tangled relationship with nature, challenging a history of patriarchal domination and reclaiming the use of natural elements. Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

9/11-12. MENCKEN DAY
Lectures & Classes. Consider the legacy of notorious Sun columnist H.L. Mencken with a full Saturday of pop-up exhibitions, talks, and more. Start things early on Friday with a peek into the rare books from the writer’s massive personal library. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. Fri. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

9/11-13. DEFENDERS’ DAY
Festivals. The city’s oldest holiday has been celebrated since 1815, honoring its successful defense from British attack in 1814, as well as the writing of the national anthem. Experience live history demonstrations, musical performances, and other activities to explore the legacy of Fort McHenry. Fort McHenry, 2400 E. Fort Ave. Hours vary. Free-$15. 

9/12. LOCUST POINT FESTIVAL
Festivals. Celebrate this southeast Baltimore neighborhood with a full day of outdoor festivities, from food and drink to a variety of vendors, music, and family-friendly activities. Latrobe Park, 1627 E. Fort Ave. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 

9/12. BMORE VEGAN BLOCK PARTY
Festivals. Whether you are vegan or just into delicious local food, all are welcome to enjoy the incredible flavors at this zero-waste culinary gathering, also featuring live entertainment, wellness activities, and kids’ activities downtown. Center Plaza, 100 N. Charles St. 3-8 p.m. Free.

9/17. THEN & NOW: THE BOUNTY OF THE BAY
Exhibitions. Explore lived experiences of the workers behind Maryland’s blue crab industry in a new program that makes connections between crabbing, immigration, migration, and the diverse workforce that built the Chesapeake’s most iconic industry. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free-$15.

9/17-26. LAURA BENANTI
Comedy. This Tony Award-winning comedian’s one-woman show blends Broadway-style original music with brutally honest, brilliantly funny storytelling about motherhood, people pleasing, and the delights that come with aging, Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. Times vary. $40-70. 

9/18. ALI WONG LIVE
Comedy. This Emmy Award-winning comedian, actress, writer, and producer Ali Wong performs with her usual unapologetically raw and hilarious takes on motherhood, marriage, cultural identity, and more. Experience Wong’s unfiltered humor live for an unforgettable show. Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7 p.m. $64-214. 

9/19. BALTIMORE BOOK FESTIVAL
Festivals. In 1996, Mayor Kurt Schmoke’s “The City That Reads” initiative brought about this wonderful celebration of books, and it is a tradition that lives on today. This year’s literary lineup features local and national authors, literary panels, youth events and more page-turning activities. Waverly Main St, 418 E. 32nd St. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 

9/19. VOICES OF HISTORY STREET FAIR
Festivals. Rescheduled from earlier this year, this community block party brings together Baltimoreans to enjoy local art, food, entertainment, and a chance to experience the new Henrietta Lacks figure at the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum. National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, 1601-03 E. North Ave. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 

9/23. OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Theater. In partnership with Lexington Market, Stoop Storytelling presents an evening of stories about the market’s history and the people who have shaped its legacy with live music by Spice Jazz. Lexington Market, 112 N. Eutaw St. 7 p.m. $25. 

9/24-27. HIGH ZERO
Festivals. For one weekend, Baltimore becomes a breeding ground for the elite improvisational musicians from across the world, highlighting the city’s rich subcultural music scene. Artists of all skill levels come together for collaborative experimental music-making for concerts, pickup street performances, and more. Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. Times vary. $15-75. 

9/25. OTTOBAR’S 29TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Music. In honor of this beloved rock venue’s nearly three-decade legacy, catch performances by regional acts like Baltimore’s own War on Women, Ted Leo Rye Coalition, and Sleepytime Trio. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 7 p.m. $35.46. 

9/25-27. ALL THINGS GO
Music. Hang out at Merriweather for a weekend full of music from can’t-miss indie artists like Hayley Williams, Mitski, Brandi Carlile, and more. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia. 11 a.m. $169-894. 

9/25-27. BALTIMORE COMIC-CON
Festivals. Comic lovers and fan-favorite characters convene to meet creators, illustrators, and influencers and hunt for rare collectibles alongside real live comic legends. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Fri. 1-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $40-560. 

9/25-2/1. CHORA
Exhibitions. In this collection of new paintings by local artist Emma Childs, explore deeply reflective works that also invite viewer activation. Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, 10 E. Mt. Vernon Pl. Hours vary. Free.

TO 9/26. SIDE BY SIDE: THE GURLZ OF BALTIMORE
Exhibitions. In this first-ever public exhibition featuring the nine women of the “Gurlz of Baltimore” group, soak up the legacy of these female forces within the Baltimore’s art scene, such as Joyce J. Scott, Oletha DeVane, and more. Goya Contemporary, 3000 Chestnut Ave. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 

9/26. AVAM PET PARADE & MUTT GALA
Exhibitions. A parade of furry fashionistas strut their stuff on the red carpet in Met Gala-inspired looks, followed by a talent show in which paws, claws, and feathers can compete to win awards like Celebrity Look-Alike and Best Visionary Hairdo. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. 

9/26. LITHUANIAN FESTIVAL
Festivals. In this annual celebration, become immersed in Lithuanian culture and customs, from authentic food, drink, and art to folk dancing and an after-party in Hollins Market. Lithuanian Hall, 851 Hollins St. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $5. 

9/26. PIGTOWN FESTIVAL
Festivals. Though the annual “Squeakness” pig races are a beloved traditional for some, not all, the rest of this South Baltimore festival offers a sense of neighborhood community to attendees of all ages, featuring live music, arts and crafts vendors, and an extra-large kids zone. Pigtown Main Street, 763 Washington Blvd. 12-7 p.m. Free. 

9/26. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Theater. Forty years since its premiere, this cult-classic sci-fi musical comedy will be screened downtown with none other than the production’s original Audrey, Ellen Greene, with special meet-and-greet tickets available for signed memorabilia and photo-ops. M&T Bank Exchange, 401 W. Fayette St. 2 & 7 p.m. $30.75-175.

9/26. BRUSH MURAL FEST
Festivals. Local artists come together to beautify a neighborhood with the help of volunteer painters. This year, teams of two will pair up to complete six original murals that highlight their talents and foster community connection. Location & time to come. Free. 

9/26. THE LEGACY CHASE
Sports. It’s been 25 years of this steeplechase horserace that pays tribute to the sport’s tradition in Maryland. Enjoy food, drink, and live music as you cheer on elite horses and talented jockeys across the Cockeysville countryside. Shawan Downs, 1402 Shawan Rd. Time to come. $50-1,500.

9/27. ABELL COMMUNITY STREET FAIR
Festivals. Join the Abell Improvement Association for a neighborhood celebration set against the backdrop of northeast Baltimore’s iconic colorful rowhomes. Expect live music, local vendors, food trucks, family activities, and more. Abell Ave. & 32nd St. 12-5 p.m. Free. 

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

TO 11/24. SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW OF ROW HOMES, WE FLY
Exhibitions. From curator Angela N. Carroll, this intergenerational exhibit explores themes of home, memory, and community in Baltimore through experimental and interdisciplinary practices, from film and floating installation to photographic triptychs by the likes of Jeffrey Kent, Ernest Shaw, SHAN Wallace, Nia June, and more. University of Maryland Baltimore County, Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture, 1000 Hilltop Cl., Fine Arts Building 105. Tues.-Wed. 12-5 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.