Lunar New Year Festival
Jan. 29. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 410-547-9000. While the Gregorian calendar’s New Year might have come and gone, the Chinese Lunar New Year is once again upon us. At The Walters Art Museum, celebrate the Year of the Rooster with a special focus on traditional Chinese and Korean dance. Several groups will perform, including the Baltimore Chinese School, Johns Hopkins’ Yong Han Lion Dance Troupe, and the Korean Sang Hee Ju Traditional Dance Company. With fun for the whole family, partake in arts and crafts and take group selfies in the Pixilated photo booth to ring in the new year.

---

Mamma Mia!
Jan. 13-15. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 1 & 6:30 p.m. $48-142. 410-837-7400. For one weekend only, this smash-hit Broadway musical is making its way to Baltimore. The Tony-nominated crowd pleaser follows a mother and daughter through love, laughter, and family drama in a comedic coming-of-age story set in the Greek islands. Best of all, it features Swedish pop supergroup ABBA’s greatest hits.

---

Baltimore Restaurant Week
Jan. 13-22. Locations vary. $20-35. Charm City might be best known for crab cakes and Berger cookies, but it’s so much more than that. For nine days this month, fulfill your foodie-on-a-budget dream, and choose from more than 100 of Baltimore’s best restaurants offering discounted meals for dinner and lunch—including the newly rebranded Bar Vasquez, classic Prime Rib, and more casual Rowhouse Grille.

---

Orioles FanFest
Jan. 28. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $6-12. 888-848-BIRD. Bring friends or the whole family to this daylong celebration of Orioles baseball, where you can shake hands and rub elbows with players, coaches, and super fans. Catch the hilarious kids’ press conference, snap a selfie with the Bird, and grab an autograph from Buck Showalter. Sorry guys, no Adam Jones pie-throwing this year.

---

Dancing With The Stars: Live!
Jan. 15. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. 8 p.m. $34-595.50. 410-900-1150. As a part of a 43-city North American tour, the ABC hit series Dancing With the Stars is making its way out of the television and into a theater near you. During this live performance, get a front row seat to all the glitter and glamor of the show, with top-notch dance numbers and celebrity contestants, including recent DWTS and Olympic champion Laurie Hernandez and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy.

---

Ina Garten
Jan. 17. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Fri. 7:30 p.m. $69-97. 410-837-7400.
Over the years, Ina Garten has encouraged countless people to cook with her bestselling books, and has garnered a huge fan following thanks to her Barefoot Contessa show on the Food Network. But it’s her husband, Jeffrey (also a Johns Hopkins alum), who has been her greatest admirer, inspiring her 10th and latest tome, Cooking For Jeffrey, which she’ll be talking about this month. “It’s a little bit of a love letter to my husband, who has been unbelievably supportive,” says Garten. “Jeffrey always told me, ‘If you love something, you’ll be good at it’—and that was really good advice.”—Jane Marion

---

LaxCon
Jan. 20-22. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Fri. 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. $10-160. 410-235-6882. In the midst of football season, celebrate Maryland’s state team sport at the US Lacrosse Convention. Back in Baltimore with hopes to be bigger and better than ever, the convention will feature all lax everything, with dozens of speakers, educational clinics, on-field demonstrations, gear, swag, and the nation’s best coaches and athletes. Grab autographs from Team USA players and catch keynote speaker John O’Sullivan, founder and CEO of the Changing the Game Project.

---

Kareem Abdul-Jabaar
Jan. 26. Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. 7:30 p.m. $50-65. 301-600-2828. Don’t miss all-time leading NBA scorer and recent Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as he brings his life lessons to Frederick. Both on the court and off, the U.S. cultural ambassador, black activist, and CML Leukemia survivor has served as an inspiration. For one night, he shares personal experiences and his new book, Writings on the Wall.

---

Polar Bear Plunge
Jan. 26-28. Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E. College Pkwy., Annapolis. $75. Take a dunk in the Chesapeake Bay this month as the Polar Bear Plunge celebrates 21 years of freezing our tails off for a good cause. With a pledge of $75 or more and a frigid few seconds in our ice-cold state estuary, you can help support the 7,311 athletes of Special Olympics Maryland.

Shen Yun
Feb. 17-19. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $91-230. 410-837-7400. In the dead of winter, travel to the mystical world of ancient China with this colorful performance by the world-famous Shen Yun dance and music company. Marvel at the vibrant costumes, breathtaking sets, and an awe-inspiring soundtrack as you embark on a journey across 5,000 years of Chinese culture.

---

Timeless Weft
Feb. 1-July 30. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700. In this intimate exhibit, explore exquisite tapestries from the decades-long career of local artist Louise B. Wheatley. Using ancient techniques with homegrown dyes and hand-harvested fibers, she presents unique textiles with earthy colors, a deep connection to nature, and a celebration of philosophical and religious thought.

---

Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations
Feb. 1-March 5. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. Times & prices vary. 410-752-2208. Ever since last season’s remarkable rendition of August Wilson’s Fences and impressive repertory productions of Death of a Salesman and A Streetcar Named Desire, we’ve been keeping our eye on Everyman. This month’s premiere is sure to impress, as the local theater takes on the timeless Charles Dickens classic, where six actors will play a staggering 35 characters.

---

Black Memorabilia Fine Art & Craft Show
Feb. 11. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$8. 443-263-1800. Celebrate Black History Month with a full day of African-American culture and heritage at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Throughout the day, meet baseball players from the Negro League, grab autographs from Tuskegee Airmen, and learn about the upcoming Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park on the Eastern Shore.

---

Capturing Pablo
Feb. 12. The Fillmore, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. 7 p.m. $35-45. 301-960-9999. With “Netflix and chill” consuming our social lives, perhaps you’ve followed suit and become deeply addicted to Narcos. The hit series is inspired by the real story of Colombian cocaine king Pablo Escobar and the DEA agents who helped bring him down. For those who didn’t want last season to end, make your way to Silver Spring for one night only as real-life agents Steve Murphy and Javier Pena, pictured above center beside their respective actors, tell their version of the tale.

---

Riverdance
Feb. 17-19. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 Mount Royal Ave. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. $35-85. 410-900-1150. One month before the green-covered, beer-filled festivities of St. Patrick’s Day, celebrate Ireland with the critically acclaimed high kicks of Riverdance. Now in its 20th year, the Irish dance production returns to the U.S. with awe-inspiring dance numbers (including the all-new “Anna Livia”), eye-catching costumes, mesmerizing lighting effects, and serious athleticism to boot.

---

Infinity Mirrors
Feb. 23-May 14. Hirshhorn Museum, Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free. 202-633-4674. Grab your cellphones, fire up your Instagrams, and practice your best selfie. Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is coming to the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., to present her immersive installations that drip in color, dazzle with light, and mesmerize with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Delve into the legendary artist’s sensory immersions with some of her most famous works on view, including six mirror rooms, whimsical installations, colorful sculptures, and large-scale paintings that have never before been seen in the U.S.

---

American Craft Council Show
Feb. 24-26. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$36. 612-206-3100.
At the country’s largest indoor craft show, more than 650 makers of all disciplines come together to present their wares. Weave your way through contemporary crafts, including jewelry by Rebecca Myers of The Village of Cross Keys, ceramics by Ronni Aronin of Baltimore Clayworks, metal sculptures by Devin Mack of Drawn Metal Studios, and woodworks by Darryl Patterson of D. Patterson Design Studio.

The White Snake
Feb. 24-March 26. Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. Dates & times vary. $20-74. 410-986-4000. After many months and a $32-million renovation, experience the grand reopening of Center Stage. Described by Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah as “transformative,” the newly redesigned Head Theater sets the stage for this ancient Chinese fable of two magical animal spirits.

HonFest 

June 9-10. The Avenue, Hampden. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. Five years after winning the Baltimore’s Best Hon contest at the annual HonFest in Hampden, Stacy Hurley can still recite her interview question by heart: “Do you like the smell of Jean Nate or does it just keep the bees away?” With her hair stacked into a beehive and a dead-on Bawlmer accent, Hurley, right, stole the show by evoking her grandmother, who doused herself in Jean Nate powder after swimming in the ocean. “It made me realize how much of a Hon I’ve always been,” says Hurley. She now helps with the contest herself by encouraging others to don feather boas, cat-eye glasses, and sky-high hair and embrace the Hons’ blue-collar spirit. Bonnie Hockstein, who will manage the 25th anniversary contest with a wash-and-set hairdo as she has for the past decade, says Baltimore’s Best Hon is about honoring the legacy of the city’s working-class women. “It’s not a costume—you’re not acting,” says Hockstein. “It’s just you and your Hon self.”

---

Maryland Half Marathon & 5k 
June 9. The Maple Lawn Community, 8161 Maple Lawn Blvd., Fulton. 8 a.m. $20-75. 410-328-8530. This race is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a brand-new course that takes racers through the rolling hills and tree-lined roads of Howard County. Whatever your fitness level, join hundreds of athletes participating in the 13.1-mile half marathon, 5K, or kids’ fun run to benefit the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. At the finish line, celebrate with post-race festivities such as live music and awards for category winners.

---

Tour Dem Parks, Hon 
June 10. Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Dr. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $20-55. From laid-back cruises to a challenging 56K ride, take a two-wheeled tour of Baltimore’s 6,000-acre park system full of trails, historical sites, and waterways. Experience the city’s diverse neighborhoods from the seat of your bike during this 16th annual event, and stick around for a post-ride barbecue and live jazz performance in Druid Hill Park.

---

Luke Bryan 
June 14. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 7 p.m. $56-299. In the past year, he sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl LI, began judging
on American Idol, and now, for one night only, Luke Bryan will perform his boot-stomping hits on the
Merriweather stage. Hear this Southern superstar play songs from his latest album, What Makes You Country, along with classic country anthems such as “Play It Again” and “Kick the Dust Up.”

---

Boundary Block Party 
June 16. Pennsylvania Triangle Park, Pennsylvania Ave. & Presstman St. 1-4 p.m. Free. 410-728-1199. For the past 11 years, Jubilee Arts and local advocacy group No Boundaries Coalition have thrown this annual block party to bring together Central West Baltimore residents across boundaries of race, class, and neighborhood. Celebrate the strength of the West Baltimore community with family-friendly art activities, a resource fair, fresh produce, and live performances by youth dance program Dynamic Force and the Twilighters Marching Band.

---

Baltimore Wine Fest 
June 16. Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. 12-7 p.m. $11-95. 410-409-7123. baltimorewinefest.com. Nothing says summer in the city quite like strolling through Canton Waterfront Park with a glass of red, white, or bubbly in hand. During this fourth annual wine festival, sip on more than 160 vinos from around the world, take in a wine seminar or a cooking demonstration, and sample eats from local favorites including Ekiben and Wicked Sisters.

---

Def Leppard and Journey 
June 16. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 7 p.m. $49.50-179.50. 410-347-2020. royalfarmsarena.com. It’s been 12 years since legendary rock bands Def Leppard and Journey, pictured, shared a bill, but this month, die-hard fans can relive the ’80s during their one-night stop in Charm City. With 40-plus years of music catalogs and touring under their belts, these heralded heroes of rock have set the bar for generations of musicians across the world. Hear them perform smash-hit classics including “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Rock of Ages,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and “Faithfully.”

---

Baltimore Pride 
June 16-17. Old Goucher, Charles North, & Station North. Locations & times vary. Free. This year’s Baltimore Pride theme—United We Shine—highlights how the city will come together for the 43rd annual celebration of its LGBTQ community. During this rainbow-colored weekend, head to Station North for streetwide dance parties, an 11-block parade, and a high-heel race up Charles Street, followed
by an all-day, family-friendly festival in Druid Hill Park.

---

Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival 
June 23. Rash Field, 201 Key Hwy. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & 5-9 p.m. Free-$95. 410-878-9900. mdcrabfest.com. As Marylanders, we all know that on a hot summer day there’s nothing better than breaking into a bushel of Old Bay-encrusted crabs accompanied by an ice-cold beer. Now in its fifth year, the largest crab feast in the city returns with more than 30,000 crabs and 50 beers, plus wine, spirits, and plenty of crab-cracking mallets to go around. Stake out a shady spot, spread out the brown picnic-table paper, and get crackin’ at this annual all-you-can-taste extravaganza.

Light City
April 6-21. Locations & times vary. Free. 410-752-8632. Since the inaugural event in 2016, this bright and bold arts festival has become a cherished citywide tradition. Now, Light City’s organizers are taking this year’s theme of “More Love! More Lights!” to heart by expanding the festival to include as many people and installations as possible. Head to the Inner Harbor or one of 14 participating neighborhoods to see awe-inspiring illuminations that are sure to elicit ooohs, ahhhs, and about a million Instagrams.

---

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
April 6-7. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium. Fri. 6-10 p.m., Sat. 12-6 p.m. $29-99. 410-252-0200. Picture this: two days of unlimited sampling of more than 40 bourbons, 60 beers, and all-you-can-eat barbecue with all the fixins. In between local brews from Flying Dog, Jailbreak, and Heavy Seas, or Maryland-distilled whiskey from Sagamore Spirit, enjoy live rock and bluegrass music, participate in bacon-eating or stein-holding contests, or take in a tasting seminar. If that doesn’t describe your dream weekend, then we can’t help you.

---

Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar
April 8-Dec. 23. Underneath the Jones Falls Expressway at Holliday & Saratoga Sts. Sun. 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. 410-752-8632. For more than 40 years, locals have dragged themselves out of bed on Sundays to fill their stomachs and totes with the best locally grown and handmade products that Maryland has to offer. From typical farmers’ market fare like fresh produce and flowers to made-to-order eats such as mushroom fritters and falafel, this is an event worth setting an alarm for. Reward yourself for getting up early with a breakfast sandwich from Blacksauce Kitchen.

---

Motown The Musical
April 13-15. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 1 & 6:30 p.m. $49-117. 410-837-7400. For one weekend only, flashback to the groovy glory days of 1960s and ’70s Detroit with this behind-the-scenes look at the iconic record company that launched the star careers of Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, and many more. From Broadway, the story of Motown Records comes alive on the Hippodrome stage in this smash-hit jukebox musical, featuring hit songs such as “ABC” and “Dancing in the Street.”

---

CityLit Festival
April 14. University of Baltimore, William H. Thumel Sr. Business Center, 11 W. Mount Royal Avenue. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 410-271-8793. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the CityLit Festival, the signature event from CityLit Project that celebrates reading, writing, and creativity. To tie into this year’s focus on poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, The New Yorker writer Philip Gourevitch will keynote the event with conversations about his book We Wish To Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda. Make time in between editorial and speaker sessions to participate in guided discussions about motherhood, the #MeToo movement, and local funding for literary artists.

---

Under Armour Sole of the City 10K
April 14. Charm City Run, 1713 Whetstone Way. 9 a.m. $50-75. 410-645-8266. Spring has officially sprung, so lace up your sneakers, breathe in some fresh air, and get moving during this annual 10K. Start your Saturday early and dash through the streets with more than 4,500 other runners at this race that starts and ends in Locust Point. While the mileage might sound intimidating (10K = 6.2 miles), it’s a prime opportunity to embrace our city, especially with the route’s stellar views of the city skyline and the Inner Harbor.

---

Peter Max Retrospective
April 20-29. Y:ART Gallery & Fine Gifts, 3402 Gough St. Wed.-Thurs. 12-5 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 443-928-2272. Peter Max was practically born to be an artist. He was raised in Germany, China, Tibet, Israel, and France, gaining inspiration from vibrant societies and shifting art movements along the way. As a young art student in Manhattan during the late 1950s, he worked diligently under the American painter Frank Reilly before being swept up in the counter-cultural revolution of the ’60s. The budding artist would go on to create bright, radical posters and psychedelic art—the style he’s mostly recognized for today. The abstract expressionist has been called the United States’ “Painter Laureate,” painted portraits of six presidents, and crafted posters for major events like the Grammys, the Super Bowl, and the Olympics. Despite his global fame, his art remains immediate and accessible. This month, catch his remarkable collection of major works in Highlandtown, carefully curated to include pieces that span his five-decade career. View never-before-seen celebrity portraits, iconic pop art like the above “Cosmic Runner,” and even a special tribute to Charm City.

---

Charm City Bluegrass Festival
April 27-28. Druid Hill Park, 3100 Swann Dr. 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Free-$55. This year’s two-day party is slated to be bigger and better than ever with three stages, 21 bands, plenty of local food, and homegrown brews from Union Craft Brewing. With national acts like The Devil Makes Three and The Travelin’ McCourys and local talent such as Caleb Stine and The Honey Dewdrops, the dynamic lineup promises to be a little slice of Americana heaven for all music lovers.

Women of the World Festival
April 28. Notre Dame of Maryland University, 4701 N. Charles St. 9 a.m. $20. 410-435-0100. The past year was defined by female voices—from speaking out against sexual harassment to becoming a tenacious political force. In April, the Women of the World Festival returns just in timeto explore women’s issues through panels, performances, and activities. Get inspired by keynote speakers Tarana Burke, the #MeToo founder who was named a Time magazine “Person of the Year,” and Roxane Gay, cultural critic and The New York Times best-selling author of Bad Feminist and Hunger.

Expressions

Mar. 3-4, 6. Baltimore School for the Arts, 712 Cathedral St. Sat. 6:30 p.m., Sun. 2 & 5:30 p.m., Tues. 6:30 p.m. $15-375. 443-642-5165. At the end of every winter, there comes a bright moment in the form of the Baltimore School for the Arts’ annual fundraiser, Expressions. Support the local art school during one of four awe-inspiring student shows—plus a cocktail party and evening gala—which we consider among the don’t-miss performance art events of the year.

---

Stephen Towns: Rumination and A Reckoning

Mar. 7-Sept. 2. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700. In late 2016, Stephen Towns became an official artist to watch in Baltimore with the debut of his Take Me Away to the Stars exhibit at Galerie Myrtis. Towns’ installations were used to draw parallels between Nat Turner’s historic slave rebellion in 1831 and the modern violence and inequities that still plague African Americans today. Many of these profound textile works are now on display at the BMA, continuing both the conversation and the artist’s compelling reputation in Baltimore.

---

Intercambio

Mar. 9. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 8 p.m. $25-30. As part of Stoop Storytelling’s “Stoop Special Engagement” series, and coinciding with the closing of the BMA’s Mexican modernist print exhibit, these two cultural institutions are teaming up for a night of positive foreign relations. Seven Baltimoreans will share personal stories about exchange and inspiration found across the U.S.-Mexico border.

---

National Cherry Blossom Festival
Mar. 20-Apr. 15. Tidal Basin, 1500 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. Times & prices vary. 877-442-5666. In the DMV, spring is marked by a bounty of flowers— including daffodils, dogwoods, and, of course, an abundance of cherry blossoms. At the end of the month, those blooms reach their peak in Washington, D.C., with the entire tidal basin turning pale pink and pillowy white. For nearly four weeks, admire their beauty and celebrate the new season with a variety of festivities, including a pink-tie party, parade, kite festival, and world-renowned performances.

---

Snail Mail

Mar. 21. Ottobar, 2549 N Howard St. 8:30 p.m. $10. 410-662-0069. It wasn’t long after the 2016 release of Snail Mail’s debut album, Habit, that Lindsey Jordan and her two bandmates started to get national attention. The band’s lo-fi indie rock music was suddenly getting written up in Pitchfork and, before long, sprawled across a multi-faceted feature in The New York Times. The trio sold out local shows at WTMD and the Ottobar, recorded an NPR Tiny Desk concert, signed a deal with national label Matador Records, and then went off on tour with indie darlings Beach Fossils. (We also awarded them a Best of Baltimore for “Rising Star” this past August.) Fresh out of high school and already well beyond their years, it’s safe to say that they are officially the next big thing to come out of Baltimore. See for yourself as the trio returns home to perform at the Ottobar on March 21.

---

BSO Pulse: Valerie June

Mar. 22. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 8:30 p.m. $35-55. 410-783-8000. After three short years, the BSO Pulse concert series has become a beloved arts institution here in Baltimore thanks to its unlikely fusion of classical music and indie rock that features artists from near and far. This time, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and WTMD team up with June, the vibrant singer-songwriter from Tennessee whose Memphis roots shine in her soulful blend of gospel, folk, and blues. Before the show, be sure to catch a performance in the lobby by local Americana musicians Nick and Luke.

---

Mobile Unit: Twelfth Night

Mar. 22–25. Various Locations. $25. 410-332-0033. They say that all the world’s a stage, and Mount Vernon’s Center Stage takes that adage literally. In 2017, the local theater company launched the Mobile Unit, a free-wheeling production project, in the belief that everyone deserves access to the arts. For those who don’t have the option to enjoy a night of theater, the Mobile Unit brings it to them, and to date, actors have delivered dramatic, whimsical, and comedic performances in such unconventional spaces as shelters, jails, retirement homes, and recreation centers in underserved communities. From March 22-25, a cast of five will perform Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at various sites around the city. Center Stage calls these shows “minimal,” but we think they’re pretty grand.

---

Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning

Mar. 24. Annapolis Maritime Museum, 723 Second St., Annapolis. 12-4 p.m. $25-75. 410-295-0104. Every March, it’s worth the drive down I-97 for this spring tradition in the state capital. For the 40th year, celebrate the spring equinox with roasted oysters, live music, and an oddball sock burning (literally) in Annapolis to welcome the beginning of boating season (for brave, blanket-wearing souls) on the Chesapeake Bay.

---

Crowning Glory: Art of the Americas

Mar.-Oct. 7. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. 410-547-9000. The exhibits at the internationally renowned Walters have long traversed the globe, from the tapestries of Medieval Europe to the textiles of the Middle East. In this new exhibit, the museum stays close to home with a collection culled together from North, Central, and South America. Some 20 objects spanning thousands of years will explore the two continents’ various cultures and their relationships to power, spirituality, and identity through head-worn decorations.

---

Jimmy Buffett

Mar. 30. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 8 p.m. $52.50-152.50. 410-347-2020. For one evening at the end of the month, Baltimore will transform into the blue waters of the Florida Keys with the island-themed country-pop music of the legendary Jimmy Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band. Whatever the weather—lion or lamb—imagine sun, sand, and margaritas in hand during this feel-good Friday night show.

Black & White Party
Jan. 27. The Assembly Room, 316-318 Guilford Ave. 8 p.m. $150. 410-396-5430. The Pratt Contemporaries’ annual Black and White Party always falls in the dead of winter, but this year, enjoy a brief reprieve from the cold weather with a night in Old Havana. With a fresh Cuban theme and a nod to the 1950s paradise heralded by Ernest Hemingway, this library benefit will feature live music, local eats, and a hefty dose of handmade cocktails (daiquiri, anyone?). Tickets go fast, as this do-good party has become a can’t-miss event of the year.

---

Cyrus Chestnut Meets Warren Wolf
Jan. 12-13. An Die Musik, 409 N. Charles St., 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m. $10-27. 410-385-2638. Baltimore sons Cyrus Chestnut and Warren Wolf have not let the light fade on the city’s rich jazz scene. The pianist and vibraphonist, respectively, have brought their homegrown talents into the national spotlight, with the former being dubbed “the best jazz pianist of his generation” by Time magazine, and the latter touring and recording with the likes of New York City’s Wynton Marsalis. The two musicians will team up and return home, bringing their swinging sound to the intimate, 90-seat venue of An die Musik. At one or all four shows in Mt. Vernon, fall under the spell of Chestnut’s blues-tinged keys and Wolf’s swift, skilled vibes. 

---

Lexington Market Catacombs
Jan. 13. Lexington Market, 400 W. Lexington St. 10:30 a.m. Free. 410-332-9992. They say Baltimore is a city built on tunnels, both heavily used and long-abandoned. The latter gets a little less mysterious this January with Baltimore Heritage’s guided tour of Lexington Market. Swing through the centuries-old marketplace and stop by its famous vendors, such as crab cake king Faidley’s Seafood and sweet-treat titan Berger Cookies, before journeying beneath the bustle for one of the city’s best-kept secrets. With the help of local historians, prepare to be awed by the city’s age-old catacombs, rumored to even have housed Prohibition-era distilleries.

---

Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Jan. 15. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 12 p.m. $5. 443-263-1800. Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 89th birthday with live performances, community talks, and arts and crafts at the African-American history and culture museum, including a step salute and freedom-square quilting party.

---

LaxCon 
Jan. 19-21. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Fri. 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. $10-200. It’s no secret that Maryland’s favorite sport is lacrosse, with grown-ups still rocking their high-school pinnies and local universities coming out on top in the NCAAs. For the fourth consecutive year, whether you’re an active athlete or retired benchsitter, join your fellow laxers for this all-lax-everything event, where you can grab some gear, network with players, or hone your skills at one of the weekend’s many workshops.

---

Baltimore Restaurant Week
Jan. 12-21. Locations & times vary. $20-35. 410-244-1030. As Baltimore’s food scene continues to boom, it’s hard to keep up with the ever-growing array of dining options around town. This month, make it your resolution to sample your way through the city, with more than 100 old favorites (Gertrude’s) and trendy newbies (Gunther & Co., pictured) offering discounted brunch, lunch, and dinner for 10 days.

---

Polar Bear Plunge
Jan. 25-27. Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E. College Pkwy., Annapolis. Thu. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $75. 410-242-1515. At the end of each January, thousands of shivering souls brave the Chesapeake Bay’s frigid waters to benefit the Special Olympics of Maryland. Muster the courage to dip your toes in the icy waves, and warm your heart thinking about the 7,549 local athletes that your chilly dunk will benefit. 

---

Shen Yun
Jan. 26-28. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. $91-194. 410-837-7400. For one weekend, the hallowed Hippodrome stage will transform into Ancient China, also known as the Land of the Divine, as Shen Yun brings some 5,000 years of Chinese culture to life in modern-day Baltimore. Be sure to see this world-famous performance troupe, whose ancient dances, bright costumes, and mesmerizing movements have grown into a global phenomenon.

---

Orioles FanFest
Jan. 27. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Times & prices vary. 410-649-7008. mlb.com. Baseball has always been America’s great uniter—even in crazy and turbulent times—and this year proves no different. Thousands of fans will crowd the convention center for the annual Orioles FanFest. Bring the kids to chat with players, snag coveted signatures, and play games for prizes. It might be a few months until we’re back in Camden Yards, but this beloved event should hold you over until the spring. 

Mysterious Ways
Oct. 7-Sept. 2, 2018. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free-$16. There is something intrinsically mysterious about art—the way its creator’s inspirations or intentions are partially hidden in the lines, curves, and crevices of the work’s colors and composition, always holding more than meets the eye. Even after spending hours at an art museum or gallery, we always leave with a little something left to the imagination. This month, the American Visionary Art Museum unveils a new exhibit dedicated to that very theme—mystery. Drawing on mystery writers, theoreticians, poets, psychics, and even astronauts, The Great Mystery Show delves into that one secret power behind great art, science, and sacred pursuits. Through more than 250 works, this fantastical show takes viewers on a search for truth, both personal and universal, through colorful sculptures, celestial illustrations, and even one larger-than-life candy depiction of Edgar Allan Poe. From October 7 through September 2, 2018, revel in the strange and wonderful, and ultimately embrace a mystifying notion: Maybe some things are meant to remain a mystery. 

---

Tomás Saraceno
Oct. 1-Jul 22, 2018. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700. Next time you walk into the BMA, be sure to look up. For just about 10 months, the ceilings and walls of the recently renovated East Lobby will be adorned with futuristic installations by Argentinian artist Tomás Saraceno. Get lost in his immersive, iridescent works that evoke giant bubbles, spider webs, and clouds in a clash of beauty and strength. After, explore the rest of the museum, as more of his works will be on display in the European Art galleries. 

---

KESHA
Oct. 6. The Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. 8 p.m. $174-316. 301-960-9999. It’s been a long road for pop sensation Kesha, but after an ugly break with her former producer Dr. Luke and a new album climbing the charts, the singer-songwriter is headed back to the top. The L.A. native has just released Rainbow, her first album in nearly five years, with its righteous lead single, “Praying,” that launched to critical acclaim. Celebrate Kesha’s comeback at the Fillmore with old hits such as “Die Young” and “TiK Tok,” and new favorites featuring a newly empowered voice you might not even recognize. 

---

Pigtown Festival
Oct. 14. 700-900 Washington Blvd. 12-7 p.m. Free. 443-908-7038. Baltimore is known for its races­—Toilet Bowls, Preakness, and, for one Saturday afternoon, the Pigtown Festival’s annual Squeakness. Watch the piggies go for the gold, with live music, food trucks, craft beer, and arts and crafts in the South Baltimore neighborhood.

---

The Color Purple
Oct. 17-22. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Tues.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 1 & 6:30 p.m. $42-199. 410-837-7400. It’s not often that a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel can be transformed into a smash-hit Broadway musical, but The Color Purple took the theater world by storm thanks in large part to its magical score. A lively combination of gospel, jazz, ragtime, and blues music breathes new life into Alice Walker’s triumphant coming-of-age story about a group of African-American women in the rural South during the first half of the 20th century.

---

Baltimore Running Festival
Oct. 21. Locations & times vary, starting at 7 a.m. $15-280. 410-605-9381. Whether you’re a recreational jogger or diehard runner, grab your sneakers and hit the streets during the city’s 16th running festival. From team relays and 5Ks to half and full marathons, there’s something for everyone in this run around town.

---

The Rocky Horror Show
Oct. 26-31. Motor House, 120 W. North Ave. Times vary. $45-55. 443-637-2769. For the second show of the season, Iron Crow­—our 2017 Best of Baltimore breakout theater company­—presents its yearly fundraiser with the cult-classic The Rocky Horror Show. The twisted comedy is set in a mysterious castle on a dark and stormy night, with wild characters, elaborate rock songs, and a plot that thrills, no matter how many times you’ve seen it. Come dressed to impress and prepare to sing along.

---

The Great Halloween Lantern Parade
Oct. 28. 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 spooky spectacle as hundreds of illuminated lanterns, kids in costume, and live music performers partake in this beloved tradition. Join in the parade or ogle as an onlooker, but be sure to swing by the park for the pre-parade festival, full of food and family fun, as well as the adults-only Glow Ball after-party at the Creative Alliance. 

---

Doors Open Baltimore
Oct. 28-29. Locations & times vary. Free. For one weekend this fall, the city instates an open-door policy. During Doors Open Baltimore, explore more than 50 notable structures at sites throughout the city—open for free, self-guided tours. Immerse yourself in local architecture as you learn about Baltimore’s past at historic spaces such as the Arabber Preservation Society and Baltimore Immigration Museum. Or look to its future at forward-thinking venues like Le Mondo and School 33 Art Center. Wander through museum exhibits at the Reginald F. Lewis, marvel over natural wonders at the Rawlings Conservatory, and even climb the Phoenix Shot Tower to see Charm City in all its glory.

Hampdenfest
Sept. 9. W. 36th St. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. For one Saturday, celebrate the hons and Hampdenites of one of our city’s most quintessentially Baltimore neighborhoods. This beloved block party features regional food, local beer, and three stages of music for homegrown bands like PLRLS and Wume. Don’t miss the annual toilet bowl races, as porcelain flies past the rowhomes of Chestnut Avenue.

---

Baltimore Comedy Festival
Sept. 1-4. Locations & times vary. Free-$15. 410-960-7821. If laughter is the best medicine, the first-ever Baltimore Comedy Festival is the ultimate Rx. For four days, attend standup showcases, podcast recordings, and comedy-themed discussions at different venues across the city.

---

Madonnari Arts Festival
Sept. 8-10. Little Italy. Fri. 5-10 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. 410-967-5441. Madonnari art is an age-old practice of street painting, still found commonly along the cobblestones of Italy and, for one weekend, alongside the byways of Baltimore’s Little Italy. At the beginning of the month, watch master Madonnari artists from around the world—and right here at home—set up shop in the heart of the Italian neighborhood and create beautiful works of chalk art to the theme of “Freedom.” Listen to live music, dig into carb-loaded eats at local enotecas, and kick things off early during a cabaret dinner on Thursday at Germano’s Piattini.

---

Maryland Collects: Jacob Lawrence
Sept. 9-Jan. 7. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 803 E. Pratt St. Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 12-5 p.m. Free-$8. 443-263-1800. In this new exhibit at the Lewis, explore more than 50 artworks by Jacob Lawrence, one of America’s most acclaimed 20th-century artists. Using bright colors, blocky shapes, and mesmerizing patterns, the celebrated painter weaves stories of African-American life in the 1900s. Featuring pieces culled from collectors in and around Maryland, the show might just be the must-see art event of the fall.

---

Sturgill Simpson
Sept. 15. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 7 p.m. $40-59.50. 410-715-5550. As summer slowly comes to a close, we recommend getting outside for one last night of live music. What better way than to giddy up with this Southern outlaw, who blends rock-and-roll, bluegrass, and country into a boundary-breaking, Grammy-nominated sound. With both rebellious rock numbers and heartbreaking ballads (we swoon over “The Promise”), Sturgill is sure to send the season off with a bang.

---

Baltimore Seafood Festival
Sept. 16. Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. 12-7 p.m. Free-$99. 410-409-7123. Maryland and seafood go together like Old Bay and, well, pretty much anything. At this waterfront festival, join fellow seafood-lovers for blue crabs, local oysters, cooking demos, live music, and activities for the kids. 

---

Baltimore Book Festival
Sept. 22-24. Inner Harbor. Free. During the Baltimore Book Festival, the Inner Harbor transforms into a bookworm’s dream, filled with book sales, author signings, poetry readings, and more. For the 22nd year, peruse the goods and gather for panel discussions with renowned writers like TED Talk celeb Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, former Sun sportswriter John Eisenberg, and National Book Award winner Alice McDermott. While you’re there, be sure to enjoy a Dogfish Head happy hour with brewmaster Sam Calagione, a meet-and-greet with a Guerrilla Girl, and a chance to ask rock-star-matriarch-turned-author Virginia Grohl your burning Foo Fighters questions. 

---

Baltimore Comic Con
Sept. 22-24. 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. $25-1,000. 410-526-7410. At the 18th Baltimore Comic-Con comic book convention, come dressed to impress and let your geek flag fly. Compete in the costume contest, peruse or purchase your favorite cartoons, and meet famous superheroes, like OG Wonder Woman Lynda Carter. You might even get an autograph from Maryland cartoonist Frank Miller, of late-era Batman comics, Daredevil, Sin City, and 300 fame.

---

Baltimore Innovation Week
Sept. 29-Oct. 7. Locations & times vary. Free-$75. Move over, Silicon Valley­—Baltimore was recently named one of the fastest-growing cities for tech. During Baltimore Innovation Week, release your inner techie and foster the city’s burgeoning innovation scene with events related to business, development, media, the sciences, and more. 

Union’s Fifth Birthday Celebration
Aug. 5. Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave., Ste. D. 6 p.m.-12 a.m. $30-60. 410-467-0290. We can’t believe it’s been five years since we started drinking Union Craft beer. Within a few sips, we fell head over heels for its Duckpin pale ale and, shortly thereafter, we became lifetime regulars at its communal taproom in Woodberry. From there on out, whenever we saw those colorful, cold cans—be it the simple blue Anthem, the Johnny Depp-bedecked Rye Baby, or the mini-golf scene on the sour gose Old Pro—we knew what we were ordering. Head to the place that started it all to celebrate the brewery’s half-decade in business and its bright future. The founders will pour a bevy of new, classic, rare, and cask drafts until midnight, as local food favorites Gypsy Queen, Ekiben, and The Local Oyster will be on hand to help soak up the suds. Biggest of all, beloved indie band Big In Japan will be in tow, performing live for the first time in 10 years.

---

White Marlin Open
Aug.7-11. Harbour Island Marina, 419 14th St. #66, Ocean City. 4-9:15 p.m. Free. 410-289-2800. Whether you’re a Lefty Kreh-accredited fisherman or a laid-back, beach-combing spectator, Ocean City is the place to be for this one weekend of the summer. During the world’s largest billfish tournament, throw some line for those long-nosed swimmers, pop in to watch the daily heavyweight weigh-ins, or simply stroll the docks to ogle at all the massive boats. It’s one of the beach’s biggest attractions, drawing thousands of visitors into town and more than $15 million to the local economy.

---

Mystery Science Theater 3000
Aug. 9. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. 8 p.m. $36-46. 410-900-1150. Pre-millennials fondly remember this late ’80s television show that followed a man and his robot friends through the terrible task of watching (and wryly narrating) the worst movies ever made. In the era of remakes, the series is now back with a new cast of characters on Netflix and, this month, at the Lyric. See for yourself if it stands the test of time.

---

Lady Antebellum
Aug. 13. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 6 p.m. $56.75-199. 410-715-5550. Summer is the season for country music. With your windows down, your jean shorts on, and an ice-cold beer can just waiting to be cracked, there’s no better time to listen to its easy breezy sound. In the middle of the month, boot-scoot down to Columbia for a night of southern music starring this chart-topping trio known for hits like “Bartender” and “Need You Now,” as well as rising songstress Kelsea Ballerini and Cali-infused heartbreaker Brett Young.

---

Santana
Aug. 15. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 6:30 p.m. $55.50-295. 410-715-5550. For one night only, this legendary guitarist brings his Latin-infused blues-rock to the Merriweather woods for a performance of worldly number one hits, like “Maria Maria” and “Smooth.”

---

From Digital to Damask
Aug. 16-Feb. 18. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700. Maryland artist and MICA professor Annet Couwenberg uses science, technology, and history to weave mesmerizing textiles inspired by two seemingly disparate subjects—ancient aquatic fossils and the traditional costumes of her homeland, the Netherlands—though both are riddled with patterns and texture. Get lost in the lines and folds of these ethereal artworks, including one inspired by the BMA’s own Portrait of a Young Woman by Frans Hals.

---

Hot August Music Festival
Aug. 19. Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $66-189. 877-321-3378. For the 25th year, Baltimore County’s biggest music festival takes over the hills of Oregon Ridge Park with more than 10 musical acts. Soak up the sounds of eclectic jam bands like Lettuce and Electric Love Machine, and Americana all-stars like headliners Old Crow Medicine Show and the Infamous Stringdusters.

---

Free to Breathe Yoga Challenge
Aug. 20. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Pl. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Fundraising required. 608-833-7905. For the second year, the Maryland Zoo will be taken over not by sneakers and strollers but leggings and yoga mats. Last year, the Free to Breathe Yoga Challenge helped raise more than $70,000 for increasing the survival rate of lung cancer, which is the leading cancer killer in the U.S. This year, they hope to double that figure. With deep breaths and restorative exhales, this yoga retreat will feature eight hour-long sessions with some of the city’s best instructors, as well as a walk-in wellness marketplace for fitness demos and healthy food and drink. Whether you downward dog as an individual or reverse warrior with an entire team, open your lungs and support a good cause. 

---

Maryland State Fair
Aug. 24-Sept. 4. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. Times vary. $3-8. 410-252-0200. Whether you’re 8 or 88, this quintessential summer ritual will make you feel young at heart, with amusement rides, carnival games, live animals, fried fair food, and big-name blowout concerts, this year by hard-rock quartet Halestorm and Disney star turned pop singer Sabrina Carpenter.

---

Maryland Renaissance Festival
Aug. 26-Oct. 22. 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis. Times vary. Free-$25. 410-266-7304. Hear ye, hear ye! For nine straight weekends, the country’s second largest renaissance festival will post up in the Anne Arundel County countryside for all the jousting, flower crowns, turkey legs, and mead-fueled merriment your heart could desire.

Fluid Movement
July 29-Aug. 6.  July 29-30: Druid Hill Park, 800 Wyman Park Dr. Aug. 4-6: Patterson Park, 148 S. Linwood Ave. Fri.-Sun. Times & prices vary. One of the city’s most weirdly wonderful summer events is the Fluid Movement water ballet. This summer, the avant-garde group delves into the 16th-century Renaissance as aquatic ballerinas re-imagine Shakespearean classics such as Hamlet, Macbeth, The Tempest, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Expect loads of glitter and good times as the local troupe fuses Old English prose with Baltimore swimming pools.

---

Flicks From The Hill
July 6-Aug. 24. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. Thu. 5-9 p.m. Free. 410-244-1900. Baltimore is home to a hoard of outdoor movie options throughout the summer, but for our money, you can’t top AVAM’s Flicks From the Hill. Perched atop Federal Hill with a sweeping view of the city skyline, it’s the place to be on warm Thursday nights, as the art museum projects big-name blockbusters, cult classics, and family favorites onto a 30-foot screen. Spread out a blanket, unpack your picnic, and best of all, enjoy free museum admission during each and every show.

---

Little Italy Open Air Film Festival
July 7-Aug 25. High and Stiles streets. Fri. 7 p.m. Free. 410-558-0022. Every Friday night through August, set up some lawn chairs, grab some free popcorn, and bring friends to watch open-air flicks projected onto the outside wall of Ciao Bella. This year, catch classics like Moonstruck, Grease, Rocky, The Godfather I and II, and, of course, Cinema Paradiso.

---

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
July 7-23. Evergreen Museum & Library, 4545 N. Charles St. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m. Free-$20. 410-662-9455. One of Shakespeare’s most popular plays will certainly feel like a summer dream in the grassy meadow at the historic Evergreen Museum. In this magical setting, join the Baltimore Shakespeare Factory for a mischievous, laugh-filled love story.

---

David Blaine
July 8. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. 8 p.m. $74.50-127. 410-837-7400. Known more for death-defying illusion than rabbits and top hats, magician, illusionist, and stunt artist David Blaine promises to mesmerize a packed house during his first-ever North American tour. For one night only, let down your guard and prepare to be wowed.

---

Merriweather 50th Anniversary Concert
July 15. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 6 p.m. $55-125. 410-715-5550. It’s been 50 years since Merriweather, arguably Maryland’s best music venue, opened in the Columbia woods. To celebrate its half-century, the iconic stage is in the midst of a major summer lineup—from Jack Johnson and John Legend to Paul Simon and Santana—and now it’s about to kick off a four-act anniversary concert of epic proportions. In one night, hear fiery singer Grace Potter, eccentric songwriter Father John Misty, and two legendary headliners, the ever-gentle Jackson Browne and the pot-smoking country poet Willie Nelson, with his family band. 

---

Baltimore Caribbean Carnival
July 15-16. Clifton Park, 2701 St. Lo Dr. Sat. 12-10 p.m., Sun. 12-9 p.m. Free. Take a trip to a Caribbean island this summer without even leaving Baltimore. During this weekend-long celebration of paradise in Clifton Park, soak up the sounds of steel drums, dig into endless authentic eats, and see the colorful costumes at the lively parade. 

---

Artscape 2017
July 21-23. Mount Royal Avenue & Cathedral Street. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Free. 410-752-8632. The long stretch of iconic art cars, outdoor concerts, and local food vendors will once again take over the heart of Baltimore. Embrace all the youthful excitement that comes with the tradition of summer camp with this year’s theme.

---

Zoo Bop Kids Music Festival
July 29. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1876 Mansion House Dr. 12-4 p.m. Free-$25. 410-396-7102. Finally, kids have a music festival to call their own. The Zoo Bop outdoor concert will feature two kid-approved artists—Baltimore’s own Baby Beats and Latin Grammy winner 123 Andrés, pictured. When the kiddos aren’t grooving to the tunes, they can visit activity tables and food trucks, and partake in all-day admission to view the zoo’s own young ones, like Willow, the baby giraffe.

Baltimore Wine Festival
June 17. Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. 12-7 p.m. $15-95. 410-409-7123. Calling all vino lovers. The third annual Baltimore Wine Festival is back with more than 160 vintages from around the world. Seasoned sommeliers and Franzia fanatics alike can stroll through Canton Waterfront Park and enjoy everything from rieslings to rosés, with gourmet food from more than 30 area eateries like The Local Oyster and Dooby’s, live music, cooking demos, and family fun along the harbor.

---

Promenade: Baltimore
June 2-25. Single Carrot Theatre, 2600 N. Howard St. Thu.-Fri. 6:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 & 6:30 p.m. $30-35. 443-844-9253. All the city’s a stage in this new show from Single Carrot Theatre, now in its 10th year. As part of a “love letter to Baltimore,” audience members will board buses and explore city sites while actors create an immersive theatrical experience, fusing fantasy with the everyday.

---

Flock of Dimes  
June 8. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m. $14-16. 410-662-0069. It’s been nearly two years since Wye Oak lead singer Jenn Wasner left the city streets of Baltimore to live a simpler life in rural North Carolina. It was there, from a quiet bungalow in the Old North State, that Wasner wrote her first full-length release under her solo moniker, Flock of Dimes. Released last fall, If You See Me, Say Yes is an accomplished feat, connecting the past with the present through bright, buoyant rhythms and introspective melodies. For one night, hear Wasner back in her hometown to promote her beautiful new tracks like “Birthplace” and “Semaphore.” 

---

Paul Simon
June 9. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 6 p.m. $55-175. 410-715-5550. After more than 10 years, Paul Simon graces the Baltimore region (this time, with Lilith Fair songstress Sarah McLachlan in tow). For one night only, expect enduring favorites from his classic albums—fingers crossed for “The Boy in the Bubble”—and new hits from his most recent release, Stranger to Stranger. We, indeed, are still crazy (for Paul Simon) after all these years.

---

HonFest
June 10-11. 1002 W. 36th St. Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 12-6 p.m. There are few more truly “Bawlmer” celebrations than HonFest in Hampden. For the 24th year, don boas, beehives, and other 1960s garb to honor the blue-collar spirit and historic workingwomen of Baltimore. It’s a rite-of-passage block party with local food, lots of live music, and, of course, the contest for Baltimore’s best hon.

---

Tour Dem Parks Hon
June 11. Druid Hill Park, 900 Druid Park Lake Dr. 7 a.m. $20-55. In the early days of summer, hit the pavement for this 15th annual bicycle tour of Baltimore’s local parks. With the wind in your hair, cycle through the city’s diverse neighborhoods and luscious green spaces and make new friends along the way. Best of all, there’s a post-ride barbecue with live jazz.

---

Janet & Walter Sondheim Finalists Exhibition
June 17-Aug. 13. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 410-547-9000. Before Artscape kicks off in July, head to The Walters to get to know the winners of Baltimore’s most prestigious visual art award—including city native Kyle Tata and his mixed media work. 

---

Baltimore Pride
June 17-18. Charles North & Station North. Locations & times vary. Free. For one weekend each year, the heart of Baltimore runs ROYGBIV. Follow the rainbow at the 42nd annual Baltimore Pride celebration, feting the city’s LGBTQ community with block parties, dance parties, the iconic high heel race, and a festive, float-filled parade. 

---

John Legend
June 20. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 7:30 p.m. $59-499. 410-715-5550. With an adorable new baby, a shelf-load of awards (Hello, Oscar!), and a hilarious supermodel wife, John Legend is on quite the winning streak. Hear the R&B singer-songwriter and pianist do what he does best when he graces the Merriweather stage with hits like “Ordinary People,” tearjerkers like “All of Me,” and sounds from his latest album, Darkness and Light.

Kinetic Sculpture Race
May 6. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m. Free. 410-244-1900. The American Visionary Art Museum’s wonderfully wacky Kinetic Sculpture Race returns for the 19th time this month. Across 14 miles from Federal Hill to Canton and back, contestants compete on handmade, human-powered works of art that navigate over land, mud, and water to win awards such as “Worst Honorable Mention” and “Next to Last.” Watch the awesomely awkward spectacle from sidewalks across the city.

---

Maryland Film Festival
May 3-7. Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave. Times vary. $10-400. 410-752-8083. It’s lights, camera, action as the Maryland Film Festival kicks off with an unveiling of the newly renovated Parkway Theatre in Station North. Renowned across the country, this five-day fete features more than 100 films from around the globe and right here in town.

---

FlowerMart 2017
May 5-6. Mount Vernon Square, 699 Washington Pl. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. 410-274-5353. For the 106th year, the square around the Washington Monument will bloom with flowers, festivities, and festival food, like the classic lemon stick. Join in the Maypole dance, follow the floral pet parade, and purchase some petunias to brighten up your home.

---

The XX
May 6. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 7 p.m. $40-55. 410-715-5550. In 2009, The xx seemingly came out of nowhere, their sultry minimalist pop snaking its way onto our playlists and earning endless buzz (including a spot on Rolling Stone’s roundup of best debut albums of all time). Eight years later, there’s still an air of mystery about the English trio. On their third album, I See You, the group’s cool, calm, atmospheric sound has unexpectedly evolved into something richer, brighter, even dance worthy––and it works. Listen to their new single, “On Hold,” and prepare to be enchanted at Merriweather at the start of the month. 

---

Ryan Adams
May 12. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 7:30 p.m. $40-55. 410-715-5550. Ryan Adams may have won us over in decades past with albums like Heartbreaker and Love Is Hell, but if last year’s 1989 Taylor Swift cover album is any indication, the alt-rocker has still got it. Catch his heartfelt, angst-riddled sound this month at Merriweather with new songs from his latest, Prisoner, hopefully a few oldies (like “Hallelujah” and “New York, New York”), and opening act Jenny Lewis.

---

Jazz
May 19-June 25. Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. Tue.-Wed. 8 p.m., Thu. 7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 & 7:30 p.m. $20-69. 410-332-0033. Set in 1920s Harlem, this world-premiere play—based on the novel by Pulitzer and Nobel prize-winning author Toni Morrison––embodies the essence of its musical title. The story skits and scats as it follows Joe and Violet, in love and living in their new city, New York. Naturally, their paths take on different rhythms––at times slow and steady, at others hot and fast and unexpected. Adapted by New York-based playwright Nambi Evelyn Kelley and directed by Center Stage’s inimitable artistic director Kwame Kwei-Armah, this dissection of the jazz experience––and the human experience––is a performance not to miss.

---

Preakness Stakes
May 20. Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave. Doors open at 8 a.m. Rain or shine, racing fans will gather for the 142nd time to cheer on this second jewel of the Triple Crown. Partake in the tradition as part of the ever-raucous InfieldFest (which this year features country star Sam Hunt, rising country duo LoCash, and Waldorf’s own pop-punk favorites Good Charlotte) or during one of many events leading up to the big day. Above all, revel in the chance to see America’s next great horse racing champion.

---

Bon Iver
May 24. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 8 p.m. $46-76. 410-715-5550. It’s been nearly 10 years since Bon Iver strummed onto the scene and stirred our souls with the wistful ballads of his debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago. With each earthy melody, Iver, aka singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, created a brand new kind of indie folk, conjuring up images of pastoral love, dreary countrysides, and introspective men wearing flannel and beards. His full-length follow-up was equally ambitious, and now he returns to showcase his much-anticipated third album, 22, A Million. A breathtaking feat, it’s more experimental than his previous works, but even with the electronic influence, Iver finds a familiar, yet completely new, way to pull our heartstrings.

---

Brew at the Zoo
May 27-28. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Pl. 1-7 p.m. $25-75. 410-396-7102. Grab a cold one and make some furry friends this Memorial Day weekend during the zoo’s 16th annual day-drink with the animals. Sample sips from more than 80 breweries (including homegrown favorites like Flying Dog and The Brewer’s Art), listen to live music (with local talent like The Kelly Bell Band), and enjoy all-day admission for peeks at the penguins or a visit with Willow, the new baby giraffe.

The Ground
To May 19. Hutzler’s, 200 N. Howard St. Thu.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 410-756-0397. There are few artistic institutions in Baltimore more avant-garde and awe-inspiring than The Contemporary. In recent years, the nomadic gallery has presented mesmerizing, mind-bending, and moving projects, showcasing the power of art through alternative exhibits. For its first 2017 show, delve into The Ground, a solo commission by New York-based artist Michael Jones McKean, who has transformed the historic Hutzler’s department store into a massive labyrinth and metaphor on “place.” Through replicas, dioramas, and scenes, he explores dichotomies and turns time on its head, merging past and present, human and nonhuman, and material and digital into a future yet to be seen.

---

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12. Washington Monument, 699 Washington Pl. 2 p.m. Free. ’Tis the season to celebrate the Emerald Isle, with green beer, green clothing, and the 62nd annual St. Patty’s Day parade. After you run in the annual Shamrock 5K race, make your way to the Washington Monument on Charles Street for a great view of the bagpipers, floats, dance groups, and local officials hoofing it to celebrate the contributions of Irish Americans.

---

Off the Shelf: Modern & Contemporary Artists’ Books
March 12-June 25. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700. Over the years, artists have gone off the canvas and onto the page to turn books into works of art. At the BMA, explore more than 100 rarely shown “artists’ books” by more than 50 iconic artists, including Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Baltimore’s own Grace Hartigan.

---

Misty Copeland
March 22. MICA, Brown Center, 1300 W. Mount Royal Ave. 7 p.m. $30. 410-396-5494. Since breaking out on the national stage with her memorable “I Will What I Want” ad for Under Armour, American Ballet Theatre dancer Misty Copeland has become an adopted Baltimore icon, and role model for women the world over. This month, at the Maryland Institute College of Art, meet the artist-athlete, hear about her new book, Ballerina Body, and learn the secrets of her envy-inducing calves.

---

Terry Gross
March 22. Goucher College, 1021 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson. 6-9 p.m. $45-175. 410-235-1660. Terry Gross, the host of NPR’s Fresh Air, will speak at Goucher, sharing stories and wisdom from her 40-year career (which has included more than 13,000 conversations with the likes of Johnny Cash, Hillary Clinton, Mel Brooks, and Maurice Sendak). There will even be a chance for audience members to turn the tables and ask the expert interviewer their very own questions.

---

Harlem Globetrotters
March 25. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 2 & 7 p.m. $25.50-124.50. 410-347-2020. With March Madness finally upon us, we’re fully engulfed in all things basketball, and we don’t just mean the NCAA. At the end of the month, see the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters as they dribble their way into town for a winter game with b-ball wizardry and hoop-shooting tricks that are fun for the family.

---

Stevie Nicks
March 26. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 7 p.m. $66-600. 410-347-2020. More than 50 years after Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks wrote her first song, she is still enchanting audiences, touring behind her latest release, 24 Karat Gold: Songs From the Vault, a collection of never-before-released gems, some of which date back to her pre-Fleetwood Mac days. This month, Nicks—joined by special guests The Pretenders—will cast her spell in Baltimore.

---

Light City
March 31-April 8. Locations & times vary. Free. 410-752-8632. We didn’t know what to expect from the Light City arts festival last spring, but boy, did it deliver. A celebration of light, music, and innovation, the inaugural event contributed a whopping $33.8 million to Baltimore’s economy, and attracted some 400,000 attendees to city streets. Starting this month, with a fresh lineup of installations, musicians, movers, and shakers, we anticipate nine nights that will beam even bigger and brighter than last year.

---

Rent
March 31-April 2. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Times vary. $48-142. 410-837-7400. It’s been 525,600 minutes—times 20—since this smash-hit musical burst onto Broadway. Two decades later, Rent has become a Pulitzer and Tony award-winning show with beloved characters and an iconic rock soundtrack. A loose adaptation of Puccini’s La Bohème, the story follows seven artists struggling to follow their dreams in New York City.

A Christmas Story, The Musical
Dec. 6-11. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Tue.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 1 & 6:30 p.m. $42-147. 410-837-7400. You already know the story of Ralphie Parker, a young boy in the 1940s with his heart set on Santa bringing him a Red Ryder BB gun. The 1983 cult-classic film, based on the legendary radio stories of humorist Jean Shepherd, is brought to new life in this hilarious musical adaptation directed by Tony Award-winner John Rando, with the Hippodrome even offering local auditions for two children to be featured in special roles.

---

Washington Monument Lighting
Dec. 1. Mount Vernon Place between Cathedral & St. Paul Sts. 4-8 p.m. Free. 410-244-1030. If you have yet to admire the Washington Monument’s $5.5 million renovation, make your way to Mt. Vernon for a holiday season kickoff. For the 45th year, join thousands of onlookers, street party festivities, and a massive fireworks display over the heart of the city.

Night of 100 Elvises
Dec. 3. Lithuanian Hall, 851 Hollins St. 4-11 p.m. $60-90. 410-494-9558. Everyone loves Elvis, and for some odd reason, everyone seems to love Elvis even more around the holidays. Gather at Lithuanian Hall for a celebration of The King, as dozens of cover bands, tribute artists, and diehard fans pay homage with this colorful night of rock and roll.

---

About Face
Dec. 8-Jan. 28, 2017. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 410-276-1651. Local artist Amy Sherald has skyrocketed to artistic stardom since becoming the first woman to win the prestigious Outwin Boochever competition at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. this March. Shortly thereafter, she graced the pages of our October 2016 issue and is now the centerpiece of a new exhibit at her resident Creative Alliance. Alongside those of artists like Rozeal, Tim Okamura, and Ebony Patterson, her bright, brilliant paintings attempt to reconcile art with racial stereotypes, forcing viewers to examine a deeper understanding of black identity.

---

Army vs. Navy Game
Dec. 10. M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St. 3 p.m. 410-261-7283. In this rivalry for the ages, two of the country’s best military academies go head to head for the 126th time, this month at M&T. Maryland must pick sides between the underdog Black Knights and their Annapolis Midshipmen, with Navy enjoying a 14-game winning streak and devoted fans longing to make it a lucky 15.

---

Shifting Views: People & Politics in Contemporary African Art
Dec. 18-June 18, 2017. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700. This stirring exhibit—the Baltimore Museum of Art’s first foray into contemporary African art––uses photographs, prints, and drawings by multiple artists to offer political perspectives on African life and its diaspora. In the 1970 photograph of singer Margaret Singana by David Goldblatt, the black-and-white still takes a quiet look at the continent’s capitalism, while other works explore themes such as slavery and racism.

---

UMD Basketball vs. UNC Charlotte
Dec. 20. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 7 p.m. $15-103. 410-347-2020. For one night only, just a couple dozen miles up I-95 from their home, the men of the University of Maryland Terps basketball team battle the University of North Carolina at Charlotte 49ers. Without a national basketball team, Charm City hangs its hat on these College Park ballers, spreading the message of “Fear the Turtle” from November through April. With guard Melo Trimble entering his third season and guard Dion Wiley returning after a knee injury, this hoop showdown is one you shouldn’t miss.

---

A John Waters Christmas
Dec. 21. Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl. 8 p.m. $28-30. 410-244-0057. The legendary local filmmaker—most famous for his cult-classic, Charm City-centric cinema (Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, Cry-Baby)—hosts a critically acclaimed evening of adult humor. Far more naughty than nice, the mischievous one-man show tackles the hoopla of the holidays, from religious fanaticism for Santa Claus to terrible decorations and perverted gifts. A sharp and witty raconteur, his merry monologue calls it like it is, using shock, awe, and magnetic storytelling to point out the absurdity of the season and to put “the X in Xmas.”

---

50th Anniversary Kwanzaa Celebration
Dec. 30. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 3 p.m. $5. 443-263-1800. While the thought-provoking National Museum of African American History & Culture just opened in Washington, D.C., here in Baltimore, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum has been dedicated to celebrating Maryland’s African-American history and culture for more than 10 years. This holiday season, head to the museum to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kwanzaa. Whether you’re a practiced celebrator or simply want to learn more about the holiday, enjoy African dancing and drumming performances, partake in arts and crafts, and explore a variety of workshops

Animal Collective
Nov. 3. Rams Head Live, 20 Market Pl. 7:30 p.m. $25-28. 410-244-1131. It’s been more than 15 years since Animal Collective got together in Baltimore. Their otherworldly, electronic sound changed the indie music scene, and brought us memorable albums like Merriweather Post Pavilion and enduring songs like “My Girls.” This spring, they released their first new record in four years—an accomplished, colorful collection made just in time for summer. For one night this month, come out and support this local-turned-international band and hear the new tracks for yourself.

---

Great Baltimore Oyster Festival
Nov. 5. West Shore Park, 501 Light St. 1-5 p.m. Free. 410-779-4700. After a successful inaugural launch, the Waterfront Partnership is back with its second annual Great Baltimore Oyster Festival. Benefiting the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Waterfront Partnership’s Healthy Harbor Initiative, the festival pairs an impressive array of Maryland oysters with local food trucks, beer, and wine on the waterfront. Slurp down shucks, listen to live music, and celebrate the rich waters of our Chesapeake Bay.

---

Baltimore Blast
Nov. 5-Mar. 5, 2017. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. Times & prices vary. 410-732-5278. Start the month off right by cheering on Baltimore’s most underrated sports team—the Baltimore Blast. Returning to their home field at the Royal Farms Arena as last season’s reigning indoor soccer champs, their jam-packed lineup includes evening matches against teams from across the country. With Lucas Roque and Tony Donatelli leading the charge, the Baltimore Blast is set to impress as they aim for yet another indoor championship.

---

Charm City Fringe Festival
Nov. 3-13. Locations, times, & prices vary. With fall finally upon us, Baltimore’s bigwig theater institutions are back in full swing, but it’s once again time to celebrate the underdogs. At the fifth annual Charm City Fringe Festival, get to know the city and country’s independent thespians with nearly 20 productions across Hampden and Station North. For 11 days, enjoy off-center comedy and cutting-edge drama, plus ballet, puppetry, and magic.

---

Ferocious Beauty: Wrathful Deities From Tibet and Nepal
Nov. 13-April 16. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 410-547-9000. See Buddhist deities in a new light through artworks of the Himalayas. Despite their at times intimidating appearance, these supreme beings used their fearsome power for good, protecting their followers from obstacles on the journey to spiritual enlightenment.

---

Amy Schumer
Nov. 12. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 8 p.m. $47.50-113. 410-347-2020. Over the past few years, Long Island native Amy Schumer has skyrocketed to raunchy-humored stardom, but many Baltimoreans still like to claim the onetime Towson University student as one of our own. Luckily for us, even after a hit television series and a Judd Apatow-directed and LeBron James-starring film (that she wrote and starred in, too), Schumer hasn’t been a stranger. At a no-holds-barred show at her alma mater this spring, she joked about her days on campus, from freshman year and Greek life to heavy drinking and bad decisions. This August, in her bestselling debut memoir, The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo, she reprinted an angry journal entry from her early days at TU, some 15 years ago, followed by an affectionate footnote: “Baltimore is not bullshit; I grew to really love it.” This month, she returns to the heart of the city for one night of cringe-worthy memories and unapologetic humor.

---

Bazaart Holiday Art Market
Nov. 26. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 410-244-1900. The holidays come early at AVAM each year with Bazaart, the museum’s annual shopping spectacular. Whether you’re grabbing gifts for family and friends or simply treating yourself, meet more than 40 regional makers selling paintings, sculptures, paper crafts, metalwork, jewelry, and textiles. Don’t miss the early bird preview day on Black Friday, Nov. 25.

---

Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Nov. 26-Dec. 23. Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. Times vary. $20-64. 410-332-0033. Admire the brand new renovations of this Mount Vernon mainstay during the first play of the new season. Translated as Dangerous Liaisons, this scandalous French tale follows two aristocrats who start a twisted game of seduction, love, and betrayal. Some scenes from the 18th-century novel might feel familiar, as it inspired the 1988 film of the same English name and the 1990s pop-culture classic, Cruel Intentions.

---

Miracle on 34th Street
Nov. 26-Jan. 1, 2017. 700 block of W. 34th St. 5-11 p.m. Free. Just like the iconic Hollywood movie, Hampden’s aptly named Miracle on 34th Street is a classic Christmas tradition. Celebrating its 70th year, the annual lighting is an eclectic display of hundreds of glittering holiday lights. Locally organized, this Charm City custom touts everything from dancing Santas and reindeer to Maryland crabs, Mr. Natty Boh, the Utz Girl, and the legendary hubcap tree. Join hundreds of locals and tourists alike to wander the street and soak up the sights. You’ll be sure to leave with a twinkle in your eye.

Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show
Oct. 8-17. Various locations. Between our historic, national-anthem-inspiring fort and a certain highly decorated Olympian, Baltimore is no stranger to patriotism. It’s only fitting, then, that—for the first time in history—Charm City will host the Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show to celebrate the rich naval heritage of the Chesapeake Bay, as well as the state’s contribution to the defense of the United States. The seventh of its kind in the country, and a descendant of the 2012 Sailabration and 2014 Star-Spangled Spectacular, the festival will feature a full 10 days of red, white, and blue . Join hundreds of thousands of onlookers as historic ships arrive and thrive in the city’s waters, accompanied by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, plus dozens of maritime-themed events. At the Inner Harbor and in Fells and Locust points, board the decks of navy vessels and schooners, catch more than 40 boats competing in the Constellation Cup Regatta, and check out the Fleet Week Fair, with regional food and live music by local and military bands. At Martin State Airport in Middle River, there will be aircrafts on display, both on land and in midair, with flight takeoffs, landings, and pilot autographs. But back where it all began—where a star-shaped fortress protected the city from British attack by the bay—celebrations will abound at Fort McHenry, with ship salutes, sailor meet-and-greets, and living history programs. Just don’t miss the main event, as the legendary Blue Angels fly over the grounds that inspired those iconic lyrics, long ago: “O say can you see . . . ”

---

Pigtown Festival
Oct. 8. 700-900 blocks of Washington Boulevard. 12-7 p.m. Free. 443-908-7038. Just west of the hustle and bustle of Federal Hill, the small neighborhood of Pigtown sits pretty with charming row homes, timeworn warehouses, and a growing brood of businesses. During this 15th annual festival, watch the streets fill with people, food, live music, and the swine of its iconic pig races.

---

Open Studio Tour
Oct. 8-9. Locations vary. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 410-752-8632. Go behind the scenes of the Baltimore art scene during this weekend-long look inside local studios, presented by School 33 Art Center. For the 28th year, visitors can meet dozens of artists across the city, view their creative processes, and browse their works in fine painting, mixed media, film, sculpture, and more.

---

Baltimore Running Festival
Oct. 15. Locations & times vary, starting at 7 a.m. $15-280. 410-605-9381. Runners, after months of training, it’s the day you’ve all been waiting for—the Baltimore Running Festival is finally here. Whatever your abilities, hit the pavement with everything from a 5K race to 26.2 miles through the heart of Baltimore City. Test your endurance or run for one of many great causes, including the Kennedy Krieger Institute or One Love Foundation.

---

U.S. Oyster Festival
Oct. 15-16. St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, 42455 Fairgrounds Road, Leonardtown. Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free-$7. Oysters are all the rage these days, but whether you like ’em raw, steamed, or grilled, bring your appetite to the 50th annual U.S. Oyster Festival for a weekend of live music, local food vendors, and plenty of shucks to go around. Watch the country’s fastest shuckers compete for cash prizes in the National Oyster Shucking Championship, or try your luck in the amateur contest. Thanks to the recent boom in Baltimore’s aquaculture, this year’s oyster cook-off is sure to impress (and indulge) local oyster-lovers, with categories like hors d’oeurves, soups and stews, and entrees.

---

WPOC Weekend in the Country
Oct. 15-16. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 1 p.m. $55-175. 410-715-5550. Even the most serious country music haters are now putting on their cowboy hats for the boot-scooting Southern genre that’s made its way into the mainstream. Don your bandanas and cutoff jeans to hear big names like the party-starting Little Big Town (“Pontoon,” “Day Drinking”) and up-and-comers like the dynamic duo LOCASH (which is one-part Baltimore native). After 15 years, local country music radio station 93.1 FM has turned this swaggering Southern music festival into a favorite fall tradition.

---

Baltimore Craft Beer Festival
Oct. 22. Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. $35-65. 410-252-9463. Get to know Maryland’s booming craft beer scene at the edge of the Baltimore harbor. For one fall Saturday, sample the state’s very best with nearly 150 local beers, including RAR Brewing’s Nanticoke Nectar IPA and Union Craft’s barrel-aged Old Pro with blackberries, plus live music and local bites by the likes of The Smoking Swine and BricknFire Pizza Co.

---

Doors Open Baltimore
Oct. 22. Various locations. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 410-625-2585. For one day, go behind the scenes at Baltimore’s historic buildings, museums, and landmarks as part of the third annual Doors Open Baltimore. In this free, citywide event, explore more than 50 locations from Mount Washington to South Baltimore, like the Peabody Library, Peabody Heights Brewery on the former site of the old Oriole Park, and the new Baltimore Immigration Museum in Locust Point. Get started at the Maryland Historic Society to map out a self-guided tour of these Charm City sites.

---

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Oct. 23. Executive Plaza, 11350 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley. 7-10 a.m. $10-50. Founded in 1993, Komen Maryland has contributed more than $37 million to breast cancer research and programs, and its volunteers, staff, and members won’t stop until they’re #OneStepCloser to finding a cure. At this 24th annual race, Komen brings survivors and supporters together for competitive and recreational 5K runs, a 5K walk, and a one-mile family fun walk, raising funding and awareness for the cause along the way. Afterward, celebrate the triumph of survivors with a recognition walk and dance party.

The Akimbo Dance & Movement Art Festival
Sept. 10. Station North Arts District, 1-6 p.m. To celebrate Baltimore’s growing dance community, The Akimbo Dance & Movement Art Festival returns for its fifth year with a free day of performances throughout the vibrant Station North Arts & Entertainment District. Across 18 sites like the Maryland Institute College of Art, Motor House, and the Ynot Lot, more than 150 regional artists will showcase everything from traditional and experimental dance to music, spoken word, installation, and performance art.

---

Star-Spangled Banner Weekend
Sept. 9-11. Fort McHenry, 2400 E. Fort Ave. Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free-$10. 410-962-4290. One-hundred years ago last month, the National Park Service was born, and nine years after its creation, the NPS named Baltimore’s Fort McHenry one of its first national parks. The site protected the city from British invasion during the War of 1812, now known as Defender’s Day, and thus inspired the national anthem. On Sept. 9-11, commemorate these historic events with reenactments, cannon firings, colonial music, and family activities, including festive fireworks and a patriotic concert by the United States Army Field Band on Saturday, and a special 9/11 memorial ceremony on Sunday.

---

Hampdenfest
Sept. 17. The Avenue, West 36th Street. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. 410-662-4444. Grab your friends and toilet bowls—an only-in-Baltimore sentiment if we ever heard one—and head to The Avenue for Hampdenfest. At this free street festival, enjoy local beer, regional food, and live music on one of three stages. Get to know the neighborhood, but don’t miss the crowd favorite toilet bowl race down Chestnut Avenue, or the pie-eating contest with sweets by Dangerously Delicious Pies.

---

Baltimore Seafood Festival
Sept. 17. Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. 12-7 p.m. $15-99. It’s no secret that Maryland is the seafood capital of the mid-Atlantic, where crab is king and the key to a perfect summer day. It’s only fitting, then, to spend one of the last afternoons of the season at Baltimore’s third annual seafood festival. On the edge of the Canton waterfront, sip on some cold beer as you dig into an endless supply of oysters, crabs, and other under-the-sea essentials, with live music from local bands, cocktails and crafts. With face painting, activities, and games for the kids, you can bring the whole family to toast our Chesapeake Bay heritage and say sayonara to 90-degree days.

---

John Waters’s Kiddie Flamingos
Sept. 21-Jan. 22. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700. We’re all familiar with Baltimore’s most notorious (and beloved) auteur, John Waters. The renowned director is a legend thanks to his iconic camp films and, increasingly, his fine art, which has been twice featured at The Baltimore Museum of Art. This month, catch his latest project: a 74-minute, G-rated rendition of Pink Flamingos, with lines read by children in wigs and mock versions of the original costumes. We can’t wait to see the pint-size Divine.

---

BSO Pulse: Houndmouth
Sept. 22. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 8:30 p.m. $35. 410-783-8000. After a successful inaugural season, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and WTMD “Pulse” concert series returns this month with Indiana-based indie rockers Houndmouth. Sharing the stage with the BSO, the up-and-coming trio brings its Americana medleys like “Sedona” to this one-of-a-kind collaboration. Be sure to get to the Meyerhoff early for a pre-concert party in the lobby, featuring live local music, happy-hour drinks, local brews, and food specials from area restaurants.

---

Baltimore Innovation Week
Sept. 23-Oct. 1. Locations, times, & prices vary. 215-821-8745. While Baltimore’s heyday as a manufacturing mecca might be a memory, it’s safe to say the city is slowly becoming a new industry town of innovation and technology. During the fifth annual Baltimore Innovation Week, get to know the new techies with big-name headliners, curated events, networking opportunities, and a dedicated App Arcade.

---

Dirty Talk With Mike Rowe
Sept. 24. Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. 8 p.m. $25-65. 410-900-1150. Ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes of reality TV shows? Baltimore’s own Mike Rowe isn’t afraid to tell all, and this month, he returns home for one night to reveal the dirty truth behind his popular Discovery Channel show, Dirty Jobs.

---

Baltimore Book Festival
Sept. 23-25. Baltimore Inner Harbor. Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. 410-752-8632. The Baltimore Book Festival makes us pretty confident that we are still “the city that reads.” After 21 years, this three-day fete continues to be a book-lover’s paradise, with hundreds of speakers, exhibitors, and booksellers of every genre. Hear live stories by Stoop Storytelling, listen to Baltimore native D. Watkins discuss his new book, and indulge in local food, craft beer, and live music by area bands.

Maryland State Fair
Aug. 25-Sept. 5. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free-$8. 410-252-0200.
The Maryland State Fair will feature 12 jam-packed days of agriculture exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, horse racing, bull riding, and blowout concerts by the likes of pop star Charlie Puth and country singer Jana Kramer. Stand beneath the bright bulbs of the amusement rides, breathe in the comforting smell of fried food, taste the sweet cotton candy that’s spun on-site, hear the reverberating sound of live music from the racetrack, and feel the warmth of your own grip as you wrap your fingers around the metal bars of the giant swing carousel and are whisked away into the hot night air.—MM

---

Fluid Movement
Aug. 5-7. Patterson Park, 148 S. Linwood Ave. Fri. 9 p.m., Sat. 7 & 9 p.m., Sun. 5 & 7 p.m. $10. What do glittery swimsuits, safety goggles, and painful middle school memories have in common? They’re all featured in Fluid Movement’s 15th synchronized swimming spectacular, Science Fair!: The Water Ballet. Using eccentric choreography, comedy, and special effects, the award-winning performance troupe recreates a childhood event that most kids (and parents) dread.

---

Maryland Latino Fest
Aug 7. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free-$15. 410-327-6005. This month, follow the sound of Latin beats to the Maryland State Fairgrounds for the fifth annual Maryland Latino Festival. This full-day event celebrates the culture of Baltimore’s growing Hispanic and Latino communities with art, food, drink, live music, entertainment, and area nonprofits. Spend the afternoon sampling everything from piña coladas to traditional Mexican and Salvadoran fare before heading to the main stage to hear popular artists like bachata dance musician Zacarias Ferreira, reggaeton duo Alexis and Fido, and Duranguense group K-Paz De La Sierra.

---

Summer of 69: No Apostrophe
Aug 19. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. 8 p.m. $58-80. 410-837-7400. Get ready Parks and Recreation fans—Ron and Tammy 2 are leaving Pawnee and making their way to Baltimore. As part of their new tour (yes, you read its title correctly), comedic real-life couple Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally take over the Hippodrome stage to share stories and perform innuendo-filled songs, dances, and skits about their marriage. They’ll likely reference some of their well-known characters, like breakfast-loving Ron Swanson or feisty Karen from Will & Grace, so prepare to laugh with the husband-and-wife duo as they reveal details of their 16-year relationship.

---

Hot August Music Festival
Aug. 20. Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Free-$189. 877-321-3378. Baltimore County’s blues and roots festival returns this month, bringing together a medley of talent for one hot night of unforgettable music. The stacked lineup includes headliners Thievery Corporation, Grateful Dead cover band Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Americana string bands Railroad Earth and Leftover Salmon, and soul-rockers The Revivalists.

---

Pet Sounds
Aug 23. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. 8 p.m. $68.50-147. 410-837-7400. In 1966, The Beach Boys made Pet Sounds, a luscious concept album that catapulted the band from sunny surf-pop stars to rock-and-roll legends. It is arguably one of the greatest albums of all time, and 50 years later, we still know the words to “God Only Knows” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” This month, for one night only, we can sing along with Brian Wilson and former members of the group in honor of the record’s 50th anniversary. Fingers crossed that they play at least one rendition of “Good Vibrations,” too.

---

Bonnie Raitt
Aug. 24. Pier Six Pavilion, 731 Eastern Ave. 6 p.m. $40-85. 410-783-4189. Legendary blues singer Bonnie Raitt makes a triumphant return to Charm City this month with a smooth set of songs from a career spanning 45 years and 17 studio albums. Raitt’s latest album, Dig in Deep, features her heartfelt blend of blues, folk-rock, and Americana, accented by her breathy vocals, tasteful instrumentation, and incomparable slide guitar. Soak up the warm weather, sip a cold beer, and hear hits like “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” “Something to Talk About,” and “Angel From Montgomery.”

---

Baltimore Summer Antiques Show
Aug. 25-28. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Times vary. $20. 410-649-7000. Whether you’re searching for the perfect piece of vintage furniture or you just need to escape the August heat, this giant indoor antiques show is a summer must, with more than 400 vendors featuring everything from prized silver and estate jewelry to major works of art.

---

Miranda Lambert
Aug. 25. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 7:30 p.m. $45-125. 410-715-5550. Grammy-winning singer Miranda Lambert is no country music sweetheart. Her fiery lyrics and powerful songs—“Gunpowder & Lead,” “Little Red Wagon,” “Somethin’ Bad”—have made her a female country icon among the ranks of Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. Watch her rock the Merriweather stage during one of the final stops on her “Keeper of the Flame” tour.

---

Maryland Renaissance Festival
Aug. 27-Oct. 23. 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis. Times vary. Free-$24. 410-266-7304. On weekends throughout the fall, all the world’s a stage at the 40th Maryland Renaissance Festival. Set in 16th-century England, the fest allows you to put on flower crowns or suits of armor and indulge in the jousting matches, one-pound turkey legs, mugs of mead, and arts and crafts of yesteryear.

Justin Bieber
July 7. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 7:30 p.m. $47.50-113. 410-347-2020.
They say the higher you fly, the harder you fall, and boy, did Justin Bieber shoot straight for the sky. From a YouTube discovery at age 12 to a debut album at age 15 to platinum sales less than two months later, this Canadian pop star went from a cute haircut to an overnight media sensation. Sweet dance moves, swoon-worthy vocals, and a picture-perfect romance with Disney star Selena Gomez solidified his success, but then came his turbulent late teens, a time of fast cars, mouthy remarks, and overall bad-boy behavior that tested the conviction of even his most die-hard “Beliebers.” But, lo and behold, the Biebs is now making a miraculous comeback, with apologetic appearances on Ellen, new number one singles, and a world tour, aptly titled Purpose. His Instagram followers exceed 67 million, his latest album is packed with party-starters (we unabashedly have “Sorry” on repeat), and all the while, his newsworthy tattoo tally continues to climb. For one Thursday night, don your purple hoodies, get ready to catch finger-lip kisses, and see if you still belieb.

---

Cinema Al Fresco
July 1-Aug. 26. Little Italy, at the corner of High & Stiles Sts. Fri. Music 7 p.m., movie 9 p.m. Free. Few things say “Baltimore summer” quite like sitting in the parking lot of Da Mimmo Ristorante, watching old movies outside on a summer evening, amidst row homes and twinkling stars. Such is the beauty of Little Italy’s Cinema al Fresco open-air film series, now in its 17th season. On Friday nights through the end of August, gather some friends and unfold some lawn chairs for live music, free popcorn, and the main event, starting this month with the ever-comedic Moonstruck, followed by the likes of Diner, The Sound of Music, and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

---

Flicks From the Hill
July 7-Aug. 25. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 9 p.m. Free. 410-244-1900. As the sun begins to set, pack a blanket and picnic for this beloved Baltimore tradition on Federal Hill. For the 11th summer, AVAM drops a giant screen down the side of the museum on Thursday nights for harbor-side films beneath the stars. Snuggle up with friends, snack on eats from local food trucks, and catch some favorite flicks, like last year’s Labyrinth and Big Fish.

---

Kimono and Obi
July 10-Jan. 15, 2017. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700. During Japan’s Edo period, the Land of the Rising Sun was kept in the fashion dark ages, as common folk were forbidden from wearing showy clothing, especially colors like purple and red. When the laws were lifted in 1868, the country was entering an industrial age, and with its newfound prosperity, citizens were once again free to flaunt fineries in their own personal style. Embroidered kimonos and embellished obi sashes became en vogue, which are now on display at the BMA.

---

Baltimore Caribbean Carnival
July 9-10. Clifton Park, 2701 St. Lo Dr. Sat. 12-10 p.m., Sun. 12-9 p.m. Free. For the 35th year, the paths of Clifton Park will transform into a full-on fiesta during this annual celebration of Caribbean culture. Beginning with a party-starting parade on East 33rd Street, you can follow thousands of spectators as hundreds of colorful costumes, festive performers, and the sounds of soca and calypso musicians march for five full hours. Afterward, attend the two-day festival, with live music and entertainment, authentic food and drink, and arts and crafts until 9 or 10 p.m. Grab some jerk chicken, sip some summer wine, and saunter beneath the stilt dancers on your way to seeing the steel drums.

---

Artscape
July 15-17. Mount Royal Avenue & Cathedral Street. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Free. 410-752-8632. In the middle of the month, Station North will transform into an otherworldly galaxy as Artscape returns for the 35th year with an all-new outer space theme. From iconic art cars to big name concerts (read: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Wyclef Jean), this weekend block party is the largest free arts festival in the U.S., with thousands of guests, dozens of food vendors, and hundreds of artists, musicians, and performers. It’s a Baltimore tradition not to miss.

---

Baltimore Pride
July 23-24. Mount Vernon, Druid Hill Park, & other locations. Times vary. Free. 410-777-8145. With the LGBTQ community finally finding its place at the forefront of national conversation, there’s no better time to celebrate its achievements as well as acknowledge the road ahead. For an entire weekend, Baltimore will throw the largest event of its kind in the state, with an afternoon parade and evening street party in Mount Vernon, followed by an all-day festival in Druid Hill Park. Compete in a high-heel race down Cathedral, get your groove on in a streetwide dance party, and don your brightest colors at this big shebang.

---

The Music of David Bowie
July 30. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7:30 p.m. $25-65. 410-783-8000. It was six months ago that Ziggy Stardust left this earth, but it’s safe to say that his legacy will not be forgotten. Through music, art, and fashion, David Bowie transcended definition—always moving forward, unafraid of taking risks or thinking outside of the box. For one night, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will honor the rock-and-roll superstar’s influence, joined by a full band.

---

Janet & Walter Sondheim Artscape Prize Exhibition
To July 31. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700. In conjunction with our city arts festival, the BMA presents the 2016 finalists for the prestigious Janet & Walter Sondheim Artscape Prize. Highlighting some of the most talented artists in the region, the exhibit features the works of local visionaries like art activist organization FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture, painter Darcie Book, videographers Theo Anthony and Stephanie Barber, and photographers Eric Kruszewski, Christos Palios, and Larry Cook, whose work is pictured above. Explore the exhibit, and attend the award ceremony on July 9.

The Avett Brothers
June 3-4. Pier Six Pavilion, 731 Eastern Ave. 8:30 p.m. $38-55. 410-783-4189. With the warm sun on your face and cool breeze in your hair, there’s no better way to settle into summer than with a little live music on the Inner Harbor. The Avett Brothers are a perfect band for the season, with their Southern folk rock as pure and American as a cold beer in hand on a hot June night. Dig on fan favorites like “I and Love and You” and “Head Full of Doubt,” as well as new songs like “Ain’t No Man” from their brand-new album, True Sadness.—LW

---

Design for Mobile Living
June 1-Nov. 27. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700. Step into the art and culture of Eastern Africa’s nomadic societies. In this exploratory exhibition, admire jewelry, accessories, and gear from the 19th and 20th centuries, and discover the ways in which artwork can be lightweight, functional, portable, and adorned.

---

Taste of Three Cities
June 4. Patterson Park, 2806 Eastern Ave. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $16.74-69.24. 410-276-3676. Calling all foodies. Once again, Patterson Park will transform into a food-truck playground with the region’s top 40 four-wheelers offering culinary indulgences that range from lobster rolls and barbecue to grilled cheese and cupcakes. Spend your summer Saturday touring their treats, voting for your favorites, cooling off with wine and beer, and listening to live music. Proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit that delivers food to people in need, and the (RED) Campaign, whose global efforts are fighting to end AIDS.

---

Hairspray: In Concert
June 3-5. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 3 & 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $43-109. 410-783-8000. We have Diner, we have Avalon, we have parts of Sleepless in Seattle, but few films are more iconic for Charm City than John Waters’s Hairspray. Back by popular demand, the famous musical will take over the Meyerhoff stage for the first time since 2013. Relive the favorites in this semistaged concert production, featuring Waters himself as narrator alongside members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

---

Beyoncé
June 10. M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St. 7:30 p.m. $45-305. 410-261-7283. Beyoncé is the queen bee of pop culture, with five platinum records, 20 Grammys, and her own HBO documentary, plus flawless fashion, kickass choreography, and once-in-a-lifetime concert tours. (Not to mention her much talked about marriage to hip-hop royalty, Jay Z.) Over the years, she has brought us such seminal smash-hits as “Say My Name,” “Drunk in Love,” and “Single Ladies,” and this past winter she released her first new single in three years, “Formation,” which instantly skyrocketed to the top of the charts. It also sparked BeyHive hysteria for her latest album, Lemonade, which set the internet on fire when it suddenly dropped this spring. For one Friday night, see what all the buzz is about as the living legend brings down the house on our very own Ravens turf.—LW

---

Tour Dem Parks, Hon!
June 12. Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens, 3100 Swann Drive. 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $20-48. For one Sunday in June, put your rubber to the road as hundreds of bicyclists take a trip through Baltimore’s beloved parks. Whether you opt for a difficult trek or family-friendly cruise, you can swing through the likes of Druid Hill, Clifton, and Patternson parks, followed by a picnic lunch, live music, and lovable rescue puppies, all to benefit Baltimore’s beautiful outdoor spaces.

---

HonFest
June 11-12. The Avenue in Hampden, 36th Street. Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 12-6 p.m. Free. Get your hairspray, boas, and high heels ready for the 23rd annual HonFest. At this weekend-long festival in Hampden, honor the historic working women of Bawlmer in true eclectic Charm City fashion. Join thousands of attendees for three stages of live music, plus food, crafts, and, of course, a contest for the Best Hon.

---

Baltimore Wine Fest
June 18. Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. 12-7 p.m. Free-$85. 410-409-7123. For the second time, Canton’s waterfront will turn into a vino lover’s paradise with more than 100 wines from all over the world, gourmet local eats, and live music. Grab a glass, sip some samples, then stumble home.

---

Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival
June 25. Rash Field, 201 Key Hwy. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $29-89. 410-396-7931. As Marylanders, we all know there is nothing better than a June afternoon with a bushel of crabs. Now in its third year, this annual tradition has upped the ante, becoming the largest crab feast in Baltimore with more than 22,000 people, 30,000 crabs, and 50 beers, plus wines, spirits, live music, and arts and crafts. With enough brown picnic-table paper to stretch across the harbor and back, this festival is ready to dig in, rain or shine.

141st Preakness Stakes
May 21. Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave. Doors open at 8 a.m. Race begins at 6:18 p.m. As the second jewel in thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes is where champions either emerge or collapse. Over the race’s 141 years, many favorites have come to Pimlico Race Course, only to find their dreams dashed a mile and three-sixteenths later. But then there are moments like last year, when American Pharoah—on his way to becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years—went wire-to-wire on a sloppy, rain-soaked track to remind us why horse racing is The Sport of Kings. This year’s race will see another promising field compete for a place in racing history. But even if the Preakness doesn’t offer the drama of American Pharoah’s run, there will be plenty to enjoy, including 10 other races and the annual InfieldFest, headlined this year by DJ duo The Chainsmokers, hip-hop chart-topper Fetty Wap, and Towson’s own pop-punkers All Time Low.—Amy Mulvihill

---

Santigold
May 4. Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl. 8 p.m. $28-30. 410-244-0057. Santigold made her mark on the music scene in 2008 with a debut album of instant, indie-hip-hop hits like “L.E.S. Artistes” and “You’ll Find A Way.” Four years later, her much-anticipated second record was another success, with tracks like “Disparate Youth” and “GO!,” and now her third release is just as addictive. On 99 Cents, she still maintains her trademark balance between being contemplative and playful. You’ll be hooked to songs like “Can’t Get Enough Of Myself” and “Banshee” in no time.

---

Maryland Film Festival
May 4-8. Locations & times vary. $12-375. 410-752-8083. Now in its 18th year, the Maryland Film Festival returns with more than 100 films—from full-length features to documentaries and shorts—all shown in and around Station North. While the festival prides itself on bringing together filmmakers from across the globe, it still stays connected to its Maryland roots, highlighting local talent alongside internationally known directors. And, of course, there’s always the special feature selected by our own accomplished auteur John Waters.

---

FlowerMart
May 6-7. Mt. Vernon Place, 699 Washington Pl. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. 410-274-5353. Over the past 105 years, FlowerMart has blossomed from a one-day flower festival into a weekend event full of flora, food, art, and entertainment. Walk through the Mt. Vernon squares to buy spring flowers, suck on lemon-peppermint sticks, and admire the recent renovation of the Washington Monument. For the first time ever, FlowerMart also will donate a portion of its proceeds to two local nonprofits: House of Ruth Maryland and the Mt. Vernon Place Conservancy.—JKC

---

Kinetic Sculpture Race
May 7. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m. Free. 410-244-1900. If you’ve been on the lookout for Chessie—a.k.a. the Loch Ness monster of the Chesapeake Bay—this just might be your month. As the 18th annual human-powered sculpture race takes its 14-mile route through the city, the streets will overflow with hordes of handmade creatures inspired by this year’s “myths and monsters” theme. Find a spot at AVAM, Patterson Park, or the Canton waterfront to watch participants compete in this eight-hour event for irreverent prizes, like the “Grand Mediocre Champion” and “Worst Honorable Mention.”

---

Sweetlife Festival
May 14. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 12 p.m. $100-150. The sustainability-focused festival is back with a full day of food and music in the Merriweather woods. This year’s lineup features an eclectic mix, including Canadian dream-pop artist Grimes, Drake-signed R&B singer PartyNextDoor, English rockers The 1975, and New Wave icon Blondie, as well as grub from regional eateries like Toki Underground and Woodberry Kitchen.

---

Kenny Chesney
May 19. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 7:30 p.m. $50-692. 410-715-5550. Some dismiss Kenny Chesney’s music with the term “bro-country,” but in the middle of a Baltimore spring, who doesn’t want a night of music inspired by island beaches and football tailgates? For more than two decades, Chesney has kept our attention with love songs, party anthems, and beer-tinged staples, like “Keg in the Closet” and “Summertime.” For one Thursday night, embrace his summertime sound in Columbia.

---

Courtney Barnett
May 25. Rams Head Live, 20 Market Pl. 8 p.m. $23-28. 410-244-1131. It was two years ago that this introspective Australian indie-rocker made waves with the release of her double EP, catching our attention halfway across the globe. (We’ll love “Avant Gardener” forever.) By the time she dropped her first full-length debut last spring, we were all ears, and happy to find that the Grammy-nominated singer and solid guitarist continues to stay true to her witty, observational style. See her perform downtown at the end of the month.

---

Matt Sesow: Shock and Awe
May 27-June 4, 2017. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free-$15.95. 410-244-1900. Opening Memorial Day weekend, this eclectic art exhibit presents works by Matt Sesow—a D.C.-based, self-taught artist—all painted with one hand, due to his left arm being severed by a plane as an 8-year-old in Nebraska. With vibrant color, raw detail, and a unique perspective, the exhibit features more than 150 original artworks, including paintings honoring the first 100 U.S. soldiers killed in the Iraq War, alongside others inspired by fantastical birds and Sesow’s own life.

---

Brew at the Zoo
May 28-29. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1876 Mansion House Dr. 1-7 p.m. $25-69. 443-552-5276. Conventional wisdom says alcohol and wild animals don’t mix, but at Baltimore’s annual Brew at the Zoo, you can combine them with confidence. For one spring weekend, sample more than 80 local and national beers—including brews from Bmore favorites like The Brewer’s Art and Monument City—and listen to local music by the bluesy Kelly Bell Band and the funky, soulful Bosley. All proceeds benefit the zoo, ensuring that you can continue to visit your animal friends year-round, even after the buzz wears off.

Bruce Springsteen
Apr. 20. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 7:30 p.m. $65-150. 410-347-2020. All hail! The Boss is making his way to Baltimore. For more than four decades, Bruce Springsteen has been changing the face of American music, becoming a steadfast champion of the working class and bringing us such iconic red-white-and-blue anthems as “Born to Run” and “Born in the U.S.A.” Eighteen albums, 20 Grammys, and one Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction later, he and his E Street Band are leaving the suburban shores of New Jersey to make a weeknight stop in Maryland. Next day’s work be damned, spend a rocking night with one of the biggest legends of our lifetime.

---

Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar
Apr. 17-Dec. 18. Underneath the Jones Falls Expressway at Holliday & Saratoga Sts. Sun. 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. 410-752-8632. It’s time to revive your Sunday morning ritual. As true locals know, there’s no tradition like waking up early—regardless of how many beers you may have had the night before—to make your way below I-83 for the JFX farmers’ market. Beneath the hum of the highway, tote-toting devotees fill the corridors for everything from local meats and farm-fresh produce to fragrant flowers and homemade breads. Best of all, the state’s largest producers-only market, now in its 39th year, also features some of the best breakfast in town, with funky fried fritters from the Mushroom Lady and biscuit sandwiches from Blacksauce Kitchen.

---

Charm City Folk & Bluegrass Festival
Apr. 30. Druid Hill Park, 3100 Swann Dr. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $57-161. If the Charm City Folk & Bluegrass Festival is any indication, it’s safe to say that Baltimore’s Americana music scene is not putting its fiddles down anytime soon. Now four years strong, the festival is returning to Druid Hill Park this spring, bigger and better than ever, with headliners like jam-band master Keller Williams, homegrown talent like Cris Jacobs, Union Craft beers, and plenty of local eats.

---

Orioles Opening Day
Apr. 4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 333 W. Camden St. 3:05 p.m. 410-685-9800. mlb.com. That time we have all been waiting for is finally here: Baseball season is back, baby, and at the beginning of the month, Baltimore fans will file into OPACY for the Birds’ first home game against the Minnesota Twins. Kick off the new season; welcome back free agents Chris Davis, Darren O’Day, and Matt Wieters; and take advantage of the crazy concessions (aka crab mac-and-cheese hot dogs and bacon on a stick). —Kristen Maloney

---

Luke Bryan
April 8. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 7:30 p.m. $36.75-71.75. 410-347-2020. Move over Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney—there’s a new heartbreaker in country music. Luke Bryan’s killer smile and Southern charm is causing crushes all across the country. (Look up his “Want to Want Me” duet with R&B artist Jason Derulo and try not to swoon.) On top of that, the Georgia boy’s hits have climbed the charts quickly, taking home scores of CMT, CMA, ACM, and Billboard Music Awards. On the heels of his fifth album, Kill the Lights, Bryan comes to Baltimore with breakup ballads and honky-tonk hoedowns.

---

Baltimore Tattoo Arts Convention
Apr. 15-17. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Fri. 2 p.m.-12 a.m., Sat. 11-12 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free-$40. 410-649-7000. At this ninth annual ink show, join thousands of guests as they admire the art of tattoos. Award-winning artists from all over the country bring their A-game to compete and create masterpieces that range from black-and-white, antique-style rib-cage etchings to Baltimore pride badges with unique twists on Ravens, Orioles, and Mr. Boh. Whether you’re a tat enthusiast, potential canvas, or curious onlooker, it’s a feast for the eyes—and skin. —Kristen Maloney

---

The Great American Rep
Apr. 6-June 12. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. Wed.-Sun. Times vary. $10-120. 410-752-2208. We have been wholly impressed by Everyman Theatre’s repertoire this season, particularly its rendition of August Wilson’s Fences, an all-American classic that was literally breathtaking. Now, in honor of its 25th anniversary, the local playhouse is going one step further, with a single cast performing two, back-to-back American epics, rotating between Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman and Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire every other day. It’s once-in-a-blue-moon theater that’s definitely not to be missed.

---

Rihanna
Apr. 9. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 7:30 p.m. $35-272. 410-347-2020. It was about a year ago that Rihanna was planning to come to Baltimore. In the days following the Freddie Gray unrest, the 28-year-old powerhouse behind hits “Umbrella” and “Diamonds” reportedly wanted to walk with local protesters and perform a free concert in a city still reeling from riots and heartbreak. For somewhat vague reasons, perhaps pertaining to a lack of permit, she never made it, but now, on the heels of her much-anticipated album, Anti, RiRi will finally find her way to 410 fans.

---

The Emporiyum
Apr. 16-17. 600 E. Pratt St., 3rd Fl. 10 a.m. $16.82-43.19. The Emporiyum food market is back in Baltimore for the third year, this time heating up in its new Inner Harbor location with dozens upon dozens of straight-up drool-worthy eats and treats. For two days, browse more than 75 American-made vendors, snag some snacks to take home, and indulge in a bevy of bites. Best of all, there will be tons of Baltimore businesses on hand, like The Local Oyster, Clavel, and Ekiben. We recommend going VIP, with early admission and a tote bag full of goodies.

---

Cabaret
Apr. 26-May 1. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Tues.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 1 & 6:30 p.m. $56-378. 410-837-7400. It’s been nearly 50 years since Cabaret made its Broadway debut, and after scores of Tony awards, a film starring Liza Minnelli, and a recent stint at NYC’s sacred Studio 54 starring Alan Cumming and Sienna Miller, the scandalous show is still having an incredible run. The smash-hit musical is set in a seedy Berlin nightclub on the eve of World War II and Nazism. What comes next is nothing short of love, loss, drama, and disaster. —Kristen Maloney

Light City Baltimore
Mar. 28-April 3. Various locations. Free.
To celebrate the vibrancy of Baltimore’s arts scene, the city will host Light City Baltimore. The weeklong festival will combine art installations, music and theater performances, and tech and innovation conferences in an eclectic, electric experience unlike anything ever staged in the U.S. Highlights will include a 1.5-mile Inner Harbor promenade past 51 large-scale, luminous installations, and four innovation conferences with speakers ranging from AOL founder Steve Case to Radiolab host Jad Abumrad. All events are free, except for the conferences, but organizers are reserving a quarter of all conference tickets for community members, free of charge.—AM

---

Leon Bridges
Mar. 4. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. 8 p.m. $48-58. 410-837-7400. Man, Leon Bridges. The 26-year-old Southern soul singer did a number on our hearts last spring when he dropped his swoon-worthy single, “Coming Home.” By summer, he was a radio sensation, reminding us of such seminal songwriters as Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, and by winter, he had become a likely contender for “Best R&B Album” at the 2016 Grammy Awards. Quick shot to stardom or not, he’s one of the best young voices out there, and his retro sound is here to stay.

---

Kurt Vile & The Violators
Mar. 4. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 8 p.m. $20. 410-662-0069. We love the opening of Kurt Vile’s “Wakin on a Pretty Day.” You can feel every swipe of fret in each guitar twang; every ounce of suburban ennui in each lusty lyric; every inch of warmth in the song’s slow, heart-tugging prettiness. This former War on Drugs bandmate makes you feel as if you’re in on his internal monologue, like you’re riding in a car together, lazily staring out the window at the sun. Go out of your way to hear his gentle indie-rock in Remington at the beginning of the month.

---

Motown
Mar. 8-13. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Times vary. $48.50-213.50. 410-837-7400. It all started in Detroit, in a little white house with blue windows, and the words “Hitsville U.S.A.” above the door. There, Berry Gordy created an iconic record label that would go on to launch legends like Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations. This month, hear their hits at the Hippodrome, like “My Girl” and “ABC.”

---

Baltimore Jewish Film Festival
Mar. 12-Apr. 17. Gordon Center for Performing Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills. Times vary. $5-15. 410-356-5200. Now in its 28th year, the Baltimore Jewish Film Festival returns with more than a month of cinema, featuring 13 films steeped in Jewish culture, tradition, and life. Each travels across the globe to show different perspectives of Jewish history, ranging from Paris in 1944 and Israel in 1985 to Argentina in 1994 and Texas in 2014. Through comedy, drama, documentary, and animation, the films tell tales of food and family, tragedy and triumph, with director presentations, Q&A sessions, and special guests.

---

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Mar. 13. Washington Monument, 699 N. Washington Pl. 2 p.m. Free. During the month of March, Charm City turns into an Emerald Isle outpost as windows are riddled with shamrocks and taps overfloweth with green beer. On the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day, celebrate Irish culture and heritage with the city’s 61st annual parade, featuring bagpipes, marching bands, floats, and antique cars as they make their way to Market Place.

---

Ira Glass
Mar. 13. Goucher College, 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson. 7 p.m. $45-135. 410-235-1660. You know his voice. It comes to you in your car, at work, before bedtime, telling you stories of average and extraordinary people, from 9/11 survivors to long-lost friends. As the creator and host of This American Life, Baltimore native Ira Glass can be heard on his 20-year-old show via more than 500 stations across the country. This month, put a face to the name when he comes to town to talk about the future of radio. (See our recent interview with Glass.)

---

National Cherry Blossom Festival
Mar. 20-Apr. 17: Washington, D.C. Locations, times, prices vary. 877-44-BLOOM. Washington, D.C., dusts off its red and blue colors and turns a special shade of pink this month, during the 104th Cherry Blossom Festival. For more than three full weeks, celebrate the arrival of spring with over 3,000 beautiful, budding cherry trees, 1.5 million spectators, and countless international cultural performances and events, including a blowout party, kite festival, and parade down Constitution Avenue. While you’re there, be sure to swing through some of the city’s spectacular national landmarks and free museums.

---

BSO Pulse: Dr. Dog
Mar. 24. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 8:30 p.m. $35. 410-783-8000. When it launched last fall, we praised Pulse for its innovative concept of creating concerts that paired indie-rock bands with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. But we didn’t fully appreciate its importance until we saw Baltimore’s beloved Wye Oak perform in November. Chills, is all we can say, so now we’re extra excited for the next one, with outside-the-box alt-rockers Dr. Dog.

New Arrivals: Gifts of Art for a New Century & Maryland Artists
Feb. 7-May 8. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700. The BMA’s New Arrivals series is officially complete, and now, in nearly every corner of the museum, you can see a new exhibition, with each of the seven on display to honor the institution’s 100th anniversary. Explore approximately 200 recently acquired artworks, including decorative African hats, French sculptures, and American Gilded Age etchings in “Gifts of Art for a New Century,” as well as creations by accomplished locals like painter Raoul Middleman, auteur-cum-photographer John Waters, and Baltimore printmaker Gabrielle de Veaux Clements in “Maryland Artists.”

---

The Stoop Turns 10
Feb. 10. The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd. 8 p.m. $20. 410-323-4424. It’s been quite a year for Stoop Storytelling, the beloved Baltimore series that shares sometimes-touching, often-hilarious stories about everything from blind dates with Monica Lewinsky to losing a hairpiece on live television. Not only is the brainchild of Laura Wexler, pictured right, and Jessica Henkin, left, turning 10 this year, but it’s also got new digs: the historic, 700-seat Senator Theatre. In honor of the Stoop reaching double digits, check out its upgraded space and reminisce on the awkward adventures of adolescence with a whole slew of fresh tales at this special anniversary show. Come early for cocktails and live music from the All Mighty Senators.

---

BSO 100th Anniversary Concert
Feb. 11. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 8 p.m. $50-150. 410-783-8000. This month, come out and celebrate 100 years of our beloved Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. After a century, the BSO continues to move forward, melding classic orchestral works with new ventures like its contemporary Pulse concert series with WTMD. To honor the past and the future, conductor Marin Alsop joins superstar violinist Joshua Bell, pictured left, for a fresh take on music new and old. Hear Ravel’s turn-of-the-century Boléro, Gershwin’s Caribbean Cuban Overture, Bernstein’s West Side Story suite, and Mason Bates’s electronica Mothership.

---

Romeo & Juliet
Feb. 11-12. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. 7:30 p.m. $58.50-80.50. 410-837-7400. With an oeuvre as thick as Shakespeare’s, it says a lot that this 16th-century romantic-tragedy remains his most famous masterpiece, as the star-crossed play still pulls at the heartstrings of audiences across the globe. Just before Valentine’s Day, the timeless tearjerker comes to Baltimore with a full-scale production by the State Ballet Theatre of Russia.

---

Beach Boys
Feb. 17. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 7:30 p.m. $35-70. 410-900-1150. God only knows what pop music would be without the Beach Boys and their iconic, sun-kissed hits like “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “I Get Around,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” Now, 50 years after the release of their seminal Pet Sounds album—and following decades of breakups and make-ups—the boys are back on the road. This time around, original bandmate and lead singer Mike Love hits the stage with vocalist/bassist Bruce Johnston, who joined the band in 1965 following Brian Wilson’s retirement from live performing.

---

Rye Rye
Feb. 20. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. Free. 410-276-1651. Before there was TT The Artist and Abdu Ali, there was Rye Rye, who, in 2008, was one of the first to revive the homegrown, high-energy, breakbeat genre of Bmore Club, initially made famous in decades prior by DJ Scottie B and 92Q’s K-Swift. At the ripe age of 17, the artist’s vivacious style and confident sound led to Rolling Stone reviews, a spot on Billboard’s “21 under 21,” and collaborations with M.I.A., Robyn, and Diplo. Lately, the 25-year-old has been lying low, but this month, you can catch her dance-party fire at the Creative Alliance.

---

American Craft Council Show
Feb. 19-21. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$36. 612-206-3100. In the midst of the winter doldrums, surround yourself with pretty things at this three-day celebration of all things American-made. With more than 650 jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home décor artists in attendance from Baltimore and beyond, meet the makers, browse their beautiful goods, and buy something nice to ward off those bad-weather blues.

---

1st Annual Charm City Django Jazz Fest
Feb. 26-27. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m. $22-28. 410-276-1651. You might not know his name, but you’ve definitely heard the influence of Django Reinhardt on jazz music. During the 1940s, this Belgian-born guitarist toured with legends like Duke Ellington, revolutionized what it meant to be a solo jazz artist, and made “gypsy jazz” a household phrase. This month, celebrate the musician’s legacy with two music-filled nights at the Creative Alliance’s first-ever tribute festival, featuring the likes of Ultrafaux, a rip-roaring local gypsy swing group, and Stephane Wremble, who was recruited by Woody Allen to score his Oscar-winning 2011 film, Midnight in Paris.

---

Concert for Hope 10
Feb. 27. Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl. 8:30 p.m. $25-35. 410-244-0057. Four years ago, hearts broke when one of Baltimore’s most beloved jam bands decided to split up. A decade into their career, The Bridge had become a hometown favorite for their funky rock music, but like some of the greatest love stories, it didn’t work out, as the sextet was unable to sustain the taxing lifestyle. In the years that followed, frontman Cris Jacobs embarked on his own solo adventures while the band reunited here and there including, unfailingly, at its annual benefit concert for HopeWell Cancer Support, now 10 years strong.

PRATT CONTEMPORARIES BLACK & WHITE PARTY
Jan. 30. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 8 p.m. $100. 410-396-5430. Don’t miss the party of all parties when the Pratt Contemporaries annual Black & White Party returns to the local library this month. This year, at the central Mt. Vernon location, guests will head out of the winter cold and into the warm forest of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Dress up in your finest fairy-queen garb, mingle with Chesapeake Shakespeare Company performers, and sip on beer from The Brewer’s Art. Like Puck’s love potion, this soirée will surely leave you enchanted by the end of the night.

---

TEDXBALTIMORE
Jan. 14. Morgan State University. 2201 Argonne Dr. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. $60. 410-982-0799.
The annual TEDxBaltimore event will provide the perfect opportunity to clear out the cobwebs that may have gathered in your brain during the holidays. Modeled after the popular TED talks, the symposium will see 18 movers, shakers, and thinkers distill their messages into 18-minute multimedia presentations around this year’s theme of “Outliers.” In addition, speakers will address hot-button issues such as mental illness, the future of higher education, prison reform, reproductive rights, and African-American-led social justice movements. In between the talks, there will be time for refreshments and networking. We’re sure attendees will have no shortage of conversation material. —AM

---

AS YOU LIKE IT
Jan. 15-Feb. 14. Towson University, Mainstage Theatre, 1 Fine Arts Dr., Towson. Times vary. $10-69. 410-332-0033. On the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, Center Stage kicks off the new year with a classic Bard comedy. Traditionally performed by an all-male cast, this new production lends the spotlight to the ladies with an all-female troupe. While its Mt. Vernon digs undergo renovations, the theater company sets up shop at Towson University to perform this entangled tale about love, politics, and gender roles.

---

LOWER DENS
Jan. 15-16. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m. $13. 410-662-0069. It’s been a big year for Lower Dens. The local indie-pop quartet dropped a heavily heralded album, Escape From Evil, embarked on a European tour, and made national news with frontwoman Jana Hunter discussing topics like politics, race, and gender with big-name outlets like CNN, BBC, Pitchfork, and Cosmopolitan. As the band embarks on a new North American tour, hear its ambient, ’80s-tinged rock for two nights in Remington this month, with fellow locals like Abdu Ali, Microkingdom, and Chiffon.

---

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE
Jan. 18. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Eutaw St. 12 p.m. Free. 410-752-8632. It was more than 50 years ago that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took the national stage to champion racial equality, nonviolence, freedom, and peace. Today, his words are more relevant than ever, and in light of recent social unrest and urgent calls for justice around the country, there’s no better time to honor his important civil rights legacy at this 15th annual parade featuring dance squads, school bands, handmade floats, and community organizations.

---

UNDER THE SKIN
Jan. 20-Feb. 21. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. Times vary. $10-60. 410-752-2208. After a sold-out world premiere in Philadelphia, this new play makes its way to Everyman to join the local theater’s already-stellar season. The funny, moving, yet somewhat dark work by Michael Hollinger (also of award-winning drama Opus and spy spoof Red Herring) examines family dynamics, complicated relationships, and unexpected love. Follow a sick father, his estranged daughter, and a kidney-donating stranger in this tangled love story that explores what it means to give part of yourself to someone else.

---

GARTH BROOKS
Jan. 22-23 & 29-30. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. Times vary. Sold out. 410-347-2020. Since 1989, Garth Brooks has won multiple Grammys, dozens of CMAs, and sold more than 100 million records, making him the best-selling solo artist of all time (outdoing even Mr. Presley himself). The Oklahoman country legend cemented himself in music history with top 10 hits like “The Dance,” “The Thunder Rolls,” and the ultimate drunken bar song, “Friends in Low Places.” This month, he comes to the RoFo Arena for five sold-out performances with his wife of 10 years and a superstar in her own right, the one-and-only Trisha Yearwood.

---

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Jan. 27-Feb. 7. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Times vary. $27.25-147. 41å0-837-7400. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s dark romantic masterpiece has been a Broadway bastion for nearly 30 years, with its timeless story, iconic half-mask, and organ-riddled theme song haunting us long after the curtain falls. Now helmed by musical producer Cameron Mackintosh (also of Cats, Les Misérables, and Mary Poppins fame), the smash-hit show comes to Baltimore bigger and better than ever, with an all-new production featuring fresh sets, choreography, costumes, special effects, and a 52-member cast and orchestra.

---

FETTY WAP
Jan. 28. Towson University, SECU Arena, 8000 York Rd., Towson. 8 p.m. $20-30. 855-888-4437. This young rapper skyrocketed to stardom last year after his breakout hit “Trap Queen” met the masses and went viral. Within no time, the debut single became the hands-down song of summer 2015, racing up the Billboard Hot 100, racking up 300 million views on YouTube alone, and inspiring every mom to awkwardly ask her kids, “What’s a trap queen?” It solidified itself in pop and sports culture, too, as a trivia answer on Jeopardy! and a post-game prank, when the Kansas City Royals confused reporters by repeatedly slipping its lyrics into interviews during their World Series run this past fall. That kind of fame might be hard to follow up, but with his wobbly verses, infectious beats, and subsequent singles featuring the likes of meme-dream Drake, it’s safe to say the 2015 VMA Artist to Watch will have our attention for some time to come.

Mayor’s Christmas Parade
Dec. 6. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, 1400 W. Cold Spring Ln. 1 p.m. Free. For one wintry Sunday, join tens of thousands of Baltimoreans for the 42nd annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade. The 2.5-mile route meanders through Hampden, heading south on Falls Road before ending at 37th Street. Throw on a jacket and see Santa Claus, festive floats, marching units, local TV and radio personalities, over 100 Harley Davidsons, the Mummers of Philadelphia, and this year’s Miss and Junior Miss Yuletide.

---

A Monumental Occasion
Dec. 3. Mt. Vernon Pl., 600 N. Charles St. 5-8 p.m. Free. 410-244-1030. At the beginning of the month, see the Washington Monument lit up in all its fresh, new glory at the 43rd annual lighting ceremony in Mt. Vernon. After its $5.5 million renovation was completed this summer, the 200-year-old marble landmark is spick-and-span, with a polished exterior, new interactive displays, and a freshly restored staircase for its 227-step climb. See for yourself at this long-running holiday tradition, with music, food, drink, and a fantastic fireworks show.

---

Makayla Gilliam-Price
Dec. 3. MICA, Fred Lazarus IV Center, 131 W. North Ave. 7 p.m. Free. 410-669-9200. You might have heard this extremely eloquent 17-year-old speak at this year’s Artscape. Makayla Gilliam-Price took to the Lyric stage and spoke to an enraptured audience with dynamic wordplay and an impressively powerful voice as part of the annual arts festival’s Wired Up! event, which reunited the cast of The Wire to tell real stories of Baltimoreans who lived through this past spring’s uprising. When she finished, the packed house was the most excited it would be all night. It was clear that the youth leadership award she received just moments before was beyond well-deserved. The young activist and founder of local youth justice organization City Bloc has also been awarded the Princeton Prize in Race Relations and was an invited speaker at TEDxMidAtlantic this past September.

---

The Night of 100 Elvises
Dec. 5. Lithuanian Hall, 851 Hollins St. 4 p.m.-12 a.m. $60-90. 410-494-9588. Elvis left the building last year, when this eclectic annual event ditched its longtime home of Lithuanian Hall for new digs in Hunt Valley. But now, The King is back, as the 22nd annual celebration returns to Hollins Market. Party like Presley with cover bands, tribute artists, hot rods, showgirls, a Vegas-themed lounge, and his personal favorites: fried peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches and plenty of booze.

---

Ciara
Dec. 4. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. 8 p.m. $42-74. 410-837-7400. At the beginning of the month, the princess is here . . . “Ciara!” Made famous by her 2004 self-titled debut and smash-hits like “1, 2 Step” and “Goodies,” the Grammy-winning R&B artist is coming to Baltimore on the heels of her latest album, Jackie, performing live for the first time in six years. Head to the Hippodrome to see her rockin’ bod and hear her sultry new singles, including the breakup ballad “I Bet” and the super sexy “Dance Like We’re Making Love.”

---

Straight No Chaser
Dec. 5. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 8 p.m. $36.50-56.50. 410-783-8000. It’s easy to see how, in the era of Pitch Perfect and Glee, these 10 troubadours were made famous by a Christmas performance gone viral a few years back. The a cappella group performs playful versions of holiday favorites, mixing Top 40 with classic crooning, skilled harmonies, and witty wordplay in royal Rat Pack fashion. At the Meyerhoff, hear their humorous hits like “Who Spiked the Egg Nog?” and “Text Me Merry Christmas.”

---

Matisse Prints and Drawings
Dec. 9-July 3, 2016. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 410-573-1700. The BMA has created a Henri Matisse treasure trove, with more than 1,000 works culminating in the world’s largest collection of his art, which now includes some 20 additional drawings and prints from the artist’s twilight years. From December 9 to July 3, 2016, browse the expressive artworks as part of the museum’s “New Arrivals” series, fittingly on display where it all began—the galleries of the Cone Collection.

---

Orioles FanFest
Dec. 12. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $6-12. 888-848-BIRD. Baseball season might be over, but it’s once again time to don your orange and black and head to the makeshift Birdland that is Orioles FanFest. Earlier than usual this year, the Baltimore Convention Center will fill with thousands of fans, all filing in to meet current players and coaches, snag some autographs (don’t forget to bring your Buck gnome), and, hopefully, experience the highly anticipated Adam Jones pie-facing. Stick around for hilarious question-and-answer sessions, tours of the clubhouse, and to take home some memorabilia that will tide you over ’til spring.

---

Harlem Globetrotters
Dec. 26. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 1 & 6 pm. $18-118. 410-347-2020. For the past 90 years, ball has been life for the Harlem Globetrotters, as the world-famous team has dribbled and dunked its way around the planet in an unparalleled display of athletic swag and skill. The players return to Baltimore at the end of the month for a day of family-fun, perfect for getting out of the house after all the holiday hoopla.

The Book of Mormon
Nov. 3-15. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Times vary. $58.50-147. 410-837-7400. Simply put, The Book of Mormon is not for the faint of heart, but we heartily recommend you see it. Hailed “the best musical of this century” by The New York Times, the nine-time Tony winner and Broadway smash hit follows two young missionaries on their quest to convert African citizens to the Mormon faith. Throwing politically correct niceties to the wind, it tackles religion, race, and sexuality through satire, song-and-dance, and a dash of explicit language. From South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it’s a bold, witty show unlike anything on the stage before it.

---

Zadie Smith
Nov. 3. The Johns Hopkins University, Hodson Hall, 3400 N. Charles St. 6:30 p.m. Free. 410-516-6286. When we look back, Zadie Smith—alongside the likes of Jonathan Franzen, Michael Chabon, and Junot Díaz—will be one of the authors who helped define the beginning of the 21st century. Born in London, the young writer graduated from Cambridge before penning her remarkable, award-winning debut, White Teeth, in 2000. Tackling topics of race, identity, history, and culture through elegant prose, acute wit, flirting plotlines, and magic realism, her social dissection of modern London inspired critical comparisons to Charles Dickens, Martin Amis, and Salman Rushdie. This month, hear Smith discuss her writings as part of the President Speaker Series at JHU.

---

Baltimore Blast
Nov. 7-Feb. 2, 2016. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. Times & prices vary. 410-347-2020. Indoor soccer season is back, and its time to kick things off with our oft-overlooked hometown team, the Baltimore Blast, as they return to Royal Farms Arena at the beginning of the month. Starting with Saturday evening matches against Chicago, IL, Syracuse, NY, and Harrisburg, PA, see this year’s stellar lineup, with the top three point producers Tony Donatelli, Lucas Roque, pictured, and Pat Healey all back for another shot at the Major Indoor Soccer League championship.

---

Jerry Seinfeld
Nov. 6. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. 1212 Cathedral St. 7 and 9:30 p.m. $65-155. 410-783-8000. What’s the deal with Jerry Seinfeld? In an era when it seems like every entertainer is trying to “expand their brand” and diversify into some kind of performer/diet guru/fashion designer/tech visionary/chakra healer, Seinfeld has, thankfully, kept it simple. Sure, he has made forays into film (the 2002 documentary Comedian; 2007’s animated Bee Movie), and yes, he can be found tooling around town with his funny friends in the delightfully idiosyncratic web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, but he has never strayed far from his core talent: He tells jokes and he does it well.

---

Pearls on a String: Artists, Patrons, & Poets at the Great Islamic Courts
Nov. 8-Jan. 31, 2016. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 410-547-9000. thewalters.org. In this new exhibit at The Walters, explore the exotic treasures of the great Islamic empires with over 100 artworks dating back to the 16th century. Through three vignettes of paintings, ceramics, textiles, and luxuries, delve into their rich cultural history and discover the relationship between imagination, collaboration, and creativity.

---

Charm City Fringe Festival
Nov. 8-15. Locations, times, & prices vary. Now in its fourth year, the Charm City Fringe Festival
returns to Station North to celebrate Baltimore’s diverse performing arts
community. Starting on Thursday with an opening party at Joe Squared, this
weeklong event features a medley of 20-plus performances by local and regional
talent, including Baltimore Improv Group, Baltimore Shakespeare Factory, and
Gilded Lily Burlesque. See theater, comedy, improv, and dance at venues like
Terrault Contemporary, Mercury Theatre, Gallery 788, and Church & Company,
followed by after-parties with shows, music, and drinks at Liam Flynn’s Ale
House and Joe Squared each night.

---

Waterfowl Festival

Nov. 12-15. 40 S.
Harrison St., Easton. Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free-$15.
410-822-4567
. Head across the bridge
and celebrate the Eastern Shore for one fall weekend full of wildlife arts,
tidewater culture, and local activities in the historic town of Easton. Now in
its 44th year, the Waterfowl Festival attracts thousands for its esteemed
artwork, with paintings, photography, sculptures, and carvings on view and for
sale. Also, don’t miss its bucolic, bay-oriented activities, like goose- and
duck-calling contests, dock-jumping dog competitions, and retriever, live bird,
and fly-fishing demos, all of which you can observe or participate in.

---

BSO Pulse: Wye Oak
Nov. 12. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 5 p.m. $35. 410-783-8000. We have to hand it to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and WTMD for their cool new music series, Pulse. The pairing of BSO musicians with rising indie-rock bands creates one-of-a-kind concerts that connect the present to the past and takes another step in the symphony’s ongoing quest to evolve with modern times. In this second installment, see local duo Wye Oak perform a night of genre transcendence or listen live via 89.7 FM.

---

Bazaart Holiday Art Market
Nov. 27-28. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. Fri. 5:30-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$20. 410-244-1900. This holiday season, it’s time to boycott the big boxes and instead buy your loved ones some unique local gifts. At AVAM’s annual holiday market, browse original works by more than 40 regional artists and craftspeople, including paintings, sculpture, paper crafts, metalwork, jewelry, textiles, and apparel, with early-bird shopping at the First Dibs preview party on Friday.

---

Miracle on 34th Street
Nov. 28-Jan. 1, 2016. 700 block of 34th St. Free. 5-11 p.m. Christmas comes early in Hampden again this month, just as it has for the past 67 years. Shortly after Thanksgiving, the festive neighborhood tradition of Miracle on 34th Street returns with the entire block decking their digs in bright holiday lights, sporting everything from illuminated Bohs and Miss Utz to crabs, flamingos, and the famous hubcap tree. Through New Year’s Day, join the throngs of locals and tourists alike to get in the holiday spirit with this Baltimore classic.

Free Fall Baltimore
Oct. 1-31. Locations & times vary. 410-752-8632. This fall, celebrate the city with more than 300 free events ranging from theater, dance, and music to art exhibits, readings, and classes, including local museum happenings at the BMA, BMI, and AVAM, gallery shows at Current Space, EMP Collective, and MICA, and performances by local groups like the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, Everyman Theatre, and Baltimore Improv Group.

---

Baltimore Running Festival
Oct. 17. Starting line: Camden Yards, 400 W. Camden St. Finish line: M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St. Times vary. $15-280. 410-605-9381. thebaltimoremarathon.com. Whatever your fitness level, grab your sneakers and hit the pavement for the 15th annual Baltimore Marathon. From the Inner Harbor through historic Fells Point and Federal Hill, join tens of thousands of runners to participate in a full marathon, half-marathon, 5K, relay, or fun-run around the city.

---

WPOC’s Weekend In the Country
Oct. 3-4. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. Sat.-Sun. 2:30 p.m. $55-75. 410-715-5550. Head to Nashville by way of Columbia at 93.1 WPOC’s two-day country music festival. The genre’s top talent will be in tow, ranging from its new class of wonder women, like Cam and Kelsea Ballerini, to Southern, soulful heartthrobs, like Sam Hunt, Brantley Gilbert, and Canaan Smith. Be it cowboy hats, bandanas, or cut-off blue jeans, we recommend barnyard threads for this backwoods boogie.

---

The Big Hope Show
Oct. 3-Sept. 4, 2016. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $20. 410-244-1900. The museum’s 20th anniversary exhibition, The Big Hope Show features works by over 25 artists, and is just the oddball, effervescent tonic the city needs after a stressful and charged spring and summer. Among the exhibitors are Bobby Adams, a member of John Waters’s band of merry misfits, sharing behind-the-scenes photos and assemblages; Chris Roberts-Antieau, a fabric artist known for her vibrant panels; and Wayne Coyne, the frontman of the experimental rock band The Flaming Lips, whose surreal art has never before been exhibited in a museum. “I never thought any art museum would ever consider me,” Coyne says. “It’s wonderful to be thought of as an artist that deserves to be in AVAM.” —Amy Mulvihill

---

Pigtown Festival
Oct. 10. 700-900 blocks of Washington Blvd. 12-7 p.m. Free. 443-908-7038. pigtownmainstreet.org. Now in its 14th year, the prized Pigtown Festival is back on Washington Boulevard with a big block party to celebrate the South Baltimore neighborhood. Sticking to tradition, the much-loved “Squeakness” pig races will once again run down the city streets, with lots of fine fried food, pit barbecue, and live, local music, including the funky, old-school sounds of The Kelly Bell Band.

---

Last Comic Standing
Oct. 21. Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 7:30 p.m. $28.50-38.50. 410-900-1150. This long-standing comedy competition is heading off the NBC airwaves and on the road for an all-new, cross-country tour, with the top contestants performing some of the best sketch, improv, and stand-up around. You might even catch the next Amy Schumer, the former-LCS-loser-turned-raunchy-American-sweetheart and comedy’s current big thing.

---

Maryland vs. Penn State
Oct. 24. M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St. 2 p.m. $65-115. 410-547-7328. With college football season now in full swing, it’s time to don your red and black, bring your tailgate A-game, and live by these three little words: Fear the Turtle. For one festive fall Saturday, post up at Ravens Stadium and watch the University of Maryland Terrapins take on the Penn State Nittany Lions. Last year, the two teams competed for the first time in more than 20 years (and the first time as Big Ten rivals) with the Terps enjoying a 20-19 win on the Lions’ turf. Let’s see if they can do it again, this time in their own home state.

---

Doors Open Baltimore
Oct. 24. City of Baltimore, locations vary. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 410-625-2585. For one day, go behind-the-scenes at some of the city’s best buildings, studios, and landmarks with Doors Open Baltimore, part of Baltimore Architecture Month. From Hampden to Locust Point and beyond, delve into the local neighborhoods with dozens of talks and tours throughout the day. Discover the historic relationship between The Walters Art Museum and its Mt. Vernon neighborhood, learn what the Creative Alliance’s Patterson Theater looked like upon opening in 1930, get a one-of-a-kind window into the old factory that now houses Union Craft Brewing in Woodberry, and explore the 234-foot Phoenix Shot Tower that looms above President Street.

Akimbo Dance & Movement Art Festival
Sept. 12. Station North Arts District. 1-6 p.m. Free. This September, Station North will be overrun with a band of artists, but they won’t be wielding paper or paintbrushes. Instead, they’ll be dancing and performing as part of this fourth annual arts festival celebrating creative diversity in Baltimore and beyond. For one afternoon, wander the neighborhood and see performances by 17 city and regional dance companies—including the Baltimore Dance Project, Masala Soul Project, and Full Circle Dance Company—at indoor and outdoor venues like Station North Chicken Box, The Windup Space, and Ynot Lot.

---

Diana Ross
Sept. 13. Pier Six Pavilion, 731 Eastern Ave. 6 p.m. $40-100. 410-783-4189. Diana Ross is the O.D.—the original diva—first making her mark as the lead singer of The Supremes some 50 years ago. Her copious love songs and enduring pop hits—“Stop! In The Name of Love,” “Where Did Our Love Go,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “I’m Coming Out”—have cemented her legacy as a fearless female force to be reckoned with. This month, catch her in the Inner Harbor for one unforgettable night.

---

Baltimore Book Festival
Sept. 25-27. Baltimore Inner Harbor. Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. 410-752-8632. Now in its 20th year, the Baltimore Book Festival is bigger and better than ever. Over three days, across multiple stages, hundreds of writers will be in attendance for readings, signings, workshops, and discussions. Hear locals Laura Lippman, D. Watkins, and Wes Moore, plus dozens of booksellers, cooking demos, kids projects, and live music.

---

Kinky Boots
Sept. 29-Oct. 4. Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St. Tues.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 1 & 6:30 p.m. $47.50-131. 410-837-7400. In 2013, three decades after the release of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” 1980s pop icon Cyndi Lauper made her Broadway composer debut with Kinky Boots. The smash-hit musical about bright red stilettos shattered box-office records with its warm-hearted, colorful cast and universal tale about overcoming hard times and stereotypes through spirit and strength. Its anthem says it all: “Just be who you want to be. Celebrate your life triumphantly.”

---

Hampdenfest
Sept. 19. W. 36th St. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.
Hampdenfest is all the free, street-festival fun of HonFest, but without the flamingos and frills. Instead, it’s just simple summertime pleasures—good beer, good music, and good friends. The Avenue will stir with a bevy of Baltimore talent, like indie-pop rockers Raindeer, post-punkers PLRLS, and this year’s headliner, Bosley. Toilet Race pot-peddlers will barrel down Chestnut Avenue, karaoke stars will compete in Hampden Idol, and onlookers will dangle out of colorful row-home windows.

---

Baltimore Seafood Festival
Sept. 19. Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. 12-7 p.m. Free-$100. As summer nears its end, celebrate the bay’s best at the city’s second annual seafood festival. Dig into Chesapeake cuisine from local eateries like Captain James, Jimmy’s Seafood, and The Local Oyster, and wash it all down with cocktails, wine, and beer. Feel the breeze off the Canton waterfront and groove to funky tunes by the 8 Ohms and Unity Reggae bands.

[Image credits from top: Hank Wang; Pier Six Pavilion; Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts; Matthew Murphy; Russ Bradshaw; Shutterstock.]

Willie Nelson & Family
Aug. 19. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 8 p.m. $45-75. 410-715-5500. It’s not hyperbole to call Willie Nelson one of America’s greatest songwriters. After four decades of timeless tunes like “On the Road Again,” he has cemented himself in our national narrative as country music’s ultimate guitar-strumming, pot-smoking, braid-dangling, bandana-donning, hippie-redneck sweetheart. For one wild Wednesday, hear him live with his full band and fellow Americana musicians, Old Crow Medicine Show.

---

Baltimore magazine’s Best of Baltimore Party
Aug. 6. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. 6-11 p.m. Sold out. 410-837-7400. Happy 40th birthday to our “Best of Baltimore” issue! Once again, we’re throwing a party at the historic Hippodrome to celebrate all things Charm City. For this year’s casino theme, don your best cocktail attire and roll the dice with hundreds of guests, dozens dishes from the region’s best restaurants, speciality drinks, and live music.

---

BronyCon 2015
Aug. 7-9. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Times vary. $70-$125. 410-649-7000. Remember My Little Pony, the colorful dolls and cartoon of the 1980s? Thirty years later, it’s back and bigger than ever, with the world’s largest festival for and by “bronies,” aka adult fans (many of whom are bros). For the third year in Baltimore, join thousands of them for hundreds of screenings, panels, and activities.

---

Maryland Renaissance Festival
Weekends, Aug. 29-Oct. 25. 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $7-24. 800-296-7304. Hear ye, hear ye. Head back in time to 16th-century England and learn how the medieval folk lived at the 30th annual Maryland Renaissance Festival. Partake in jousting matches, live music, arts and crafts, and, if all else fails, chown down on a turkey leg and tip back some mugs of mead.

---

Maryland State Fair
Aug. 28-Sept. 7. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free-$8. 410-252-0200. Cue the lights. Corral the animals. Start the Ferris wheel and spin the cotton candy. At the very edge of summer, the Maryland State Fair returns to Timonium for its 134th year. During its 11-day stay, make the most of those dog days with carnival rides, livestock, horse shows, bull riding, barrel racing, and a variety of competitions; plus beer, wine, and the finest fair food around.

[Image credits from top: David McClister; Lydia Woolever; Amy McGovern; Dave Fimbres Photography; Roy William Cox.]