8/2-4: ARTSCAPE
It’s been a long, strange trip for Artscape over the last few years. On the eve of its 40th anniversary, the city’s beloved free arts festival was dealt a number of blows—being canceled on more than one occasion due to COVID and weather conditions, being rescheduled to September after a time-honored tradition of taking place in late July (hot weather be damned), losing its headlining acts in the eleventh hour (you’re on our list, Anderson .Paak), and even having its entire existence come into question after headline-making drama within its parent organization, the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA).

Now, for the fourth decade, hopefully all will right itself when Artscape returns to the summer, on August 2 through 4. Across one jam-packed weekend, the biggest cultural event in town promises to take over Station North and the surrounding neighborhoods once again with three full days of live music, local performances, visual art, and much more. Swing through to see art cars, peruse paintings, purchase prints, catch comedy shows, watch films, and, of course, hear a wide range of hometown and national artists, with The Wailers taking over the Main Stage on Sunday night. Meanwhile, we’re looking forward to attending the inaugural Subscape, showcasing concerts by the city’s underground music scene each night at the Ottobar and Metro.

8/1: MISSY ELLIOTT
This Grammy Award-winning rapper is coming to Baltimore on her first-ever headline tour with special guests Busta Rhymes, Ciara, and Timbaland. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 7 p.m. $73-323.

8/1: FLICKS FROM THE HILL
Flock to Federal Hill for an outdoor screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark, with local food trucks and free after-hours museum admission. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. Thurs. 5-9 p.m. 

8/2: SARAH SQUIRM
Get ready to laugh as the Saturday Night Live cast member brings her new com- edy special to life on stage. Rams Head Live, 20 Market Pl. 7 p.m. $30-73. 

8/2-4: SUBSCAPE
During Artscape, rock out to this free music festival showcasing the city’s diverse musical underground of punk, alternative, heavy metal, and more at The Crown and Metro in Station North. Locations vary. Fri. 6 p.m.-2 a.m., Sat. 12 a.m.-2 a.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. 

8/2-4: THE BODYGUARD
This musical tells the story of pop star Rachel Marron, who, when she becomes the target of a stalker, hires an ex-Secret Service agent to guard her. But they form more than a professional relationship. ArtsCentric, 2600 N. Howard St. Times vary. $35-60. arts-people.com.

8/3: BALTIMORE FROCKTAILS
In this celebration of handmade fashion, dress the part and sip on delicious cock- tails as you mingle with fellow fashionistas to the theme of “BE MORE.” Guilford Hall Brewery, 1611 Guilford Ave. 6 p.m. $97.88-124.56.

8/3-4: FLUID MOVEMENT
Baltimore’s beloved water-ballet troupe presents its annual outdoor synchronized swim- ming performance, this year called “Splash Games: A Water Ballet of Imaginary Sports,” featuring a series of hilariously made-up sports, from rodeo jousting to competitive sleeping. Clifton Park Pool, 2801 Harford Rd. 5 & 7 p.m. Prices vary. 

TO 8/4: BEARING WITNESS
This retrospective exhibit takes a historic look at the prints of local artist Joyce J. Scott. Goya Contemporary, 3000 Chestnut Ave. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 12-4 p.m. 

8/4: MARYLAND LATINO FESTIVAL
Celebrate Latinx and Hispanic heritage with a full day of music, food, and fun activities at the state fairgrounds in Timonium. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. 11 a.m. Prices vary. 

8/4-1/5/2025: DANA CLAXTON: SPARK
As part of the BMA’s new Preoccupied: Indigenizing the Museum initiative, see this Lakota artist’s “firebox” photography that high- light objects from Native American culture. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

8/6: BLACK FLAG
This legendary California punk-rock band comes to Baltimore in celebration of their early music. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 8 p.m. $35. 

8/8: LET’S SCIENCE HAPPY HOUR
Explore exhibits after-hours as you sip on craft wines from Baltimore’s own the Wine Collective. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 7-9 p.m. $29.95. 

8/9: BEARING WITNESS: PHOTOGRAPHING BLACK FAMILY LIFE IN BALTIMORE
View the powerful works of six local photographers who feature Black families from the 1950s to present. Eubie Blake Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard St. Wed-Fri. 1-6 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

8/10: HOT AUGUST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Enjoy a day of festival fun for everyone in the family with live performances, family- friendly activities, and vendors of all kinds. Headliners are Grace Potter and Snarky Puppy. Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville. 11 a.m. $89-249. 

8/10: THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra celebrates the music of legendary American composer John Williams, whose famous scores include Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star Wars. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7:30 p.m. $15-104. 

8/10-11: MESS FEST
This annual family-friendly celebration lets kids get messy and explore slimy science on the Inner Harbor. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 12-4 p.m. Free-$31.95.

8/11: MARIACHI VARGAS
Music. Join this Mexican folk ensemble for an unforgettable performance on the BSO stage. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7 p.m. $32-87.

8/12-17: BALTIMORE FASHION WEEK
For the 17th year, this weeklong celebration brings the best in fashion to Bal- timore. Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. Times vary. $30-45.

8/14-9/18: FILMS ON THE PIER
Every Wednesday, enjoy outdoor screenings overlooking Baltimore’s harbor in Fells Point. Broadway Pier, 920 S. Broadway. Times vary.

8/16: NOAH PIERRE BAND
This talented collective performs its soulful sound in Federal Hill. The 8×10, 10 E. Cross St. 7 p.m. $19.06 

8/16: MUSIC UNDER THE DOME: QUEEN
Listen to the hits of legendary rock group Queen in this immersive planetarium experience under the stars with happy hour and museum access. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 7-10 p.m. $35. 

8/16: BALTIMORE HONKY TONK
Join local country group Rusty Sal for a night of dancing accompanied by local fiddle master Patrick McAvinue. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7:30 p.m. $10-20. 

8/16-18: COLLIS/DONADIO RESIDENCY
This multi-sensory installation uses projections and surround sound to explore the local connection between land, water, industry, and people. The Voxel. 9 W. 25th Street. Times vary. 

8/17: PEALE’S 210TH BIRTHDAY BASH
Celebrate The Peale’s two-century- old history with birthday cake, family-friendly fun, and more in this community event. The Peale Museum, 225 Holliday St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

8/17: JOHN LAMKIN FAVORITES
Enjoy the velvety melodies of award- winning artist Dr. John Lamkin II and his talented band members at the BMI. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 11:30-1 p.m.

8/17: WHISKEY ON THE WATERFRONT 
Listen to live music, sip craft cocktails, and snack on food truck treats at Sagamore’s waterfront distillery. Sagamore Spirit Distillery, 301 E. Cromwell St. 12 p.m.

TO 8/17: MY SHADOWS
In this new exhibit, view works that showcase local artist HOPE’s journey to self-discovery and self-love. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Fri.-Sat. 12-6 p.m. 

8/17: RAUL MIDÓN
This world-famous jazz musician performs his eclectic sound in Highlandtown. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $15-30. 

8/17-9/21: EXTENSIONS: A JOURNEY BEYOND THE GLANCE
View the latest work of local artist Monica Ikegwu, known for her hyper-realistic portraiture of Black subjects. Galerie Myrtis, 2224 N. Charles St. Thurs.-Sat. 2-6 p.m. 

8/20: LITTLE PATUXENT POETRY CONTEST FINALISTS
Columbia’s Little Patuxent Review hosts readings from three poetry-award finalists, Marc A. Drexler, Kate Powell Shine, and Preet Bhela. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 6:30-8 p.m. 

8/21: TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND
This Grammy Award-winning 12-piece rock-and-soul band performs their acclaimed live music with special guest Margo Price. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 7 p.m. $49.50-$179.50.

8/22-9/8: MARYLAND STATE FAIR
For three weekends, the Timonium fairgrounds transform into the state’s annual country fair, featuring midway rides, live animals, fair food, and much more. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. Times vary. Free-$15. 

8/23-24: USHER
The Grammy-winning R&B artist visits Baltimore on his countrywide tour featuring songs from his entire music career. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 8 p.m. $250-314. 

8/23-25: CURRENT SPACE 20TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL
This three-day event features performances from local DIY artists Ami Dang, Kotic Couture, Pearl, and more. Current Space, 421 N. Howard Street. Times & prices vary. 

8/24: ALL TIME LOW
This Towson pop-punk band performs their angsty indie-rock in Howard County. Merriweather Post Pavilion. 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 7 p.m. $45-75. 

8/24: MISS MISTRESS OF SMUT PAGEANT
Baltimore’s reigning Mistress of Smut, Jocelyn Loverling, will crown this year’s winner in the third annual randy and retro beauty pageant. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7 p.m. $12-35.

8/24-10/20: MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Come dressed in your medieval best for a trip back in time, complete with turkey legs, arts and crafts, and shows of all kinds during this one-of-a-kind festival in Anne Arundel County. 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. Times vary. $13-285. 

8/30: GOOD LUCK CLUB
This LGBTQ-friendly dance party invites attendees to come show off their moves with local drag queens and music by national queer artists. Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St. 9 p.m. $15.

TO 8/31: THE BIG SHOW
This much-loved annual art exhibition showcases a variety of original works by members of the Creative Alliance. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Fri.-Sat. 12-6 p.m.

TO 9/5: WTMD’S FIRST THURSDAY FESTIVAL
This popular summer concert series from local radio station 89.7 FM features live music from local and national bands on the Canton waterfront on the first Thursday of every month, with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Bartees Strange co-headlining his month. Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. Thurs. 5-10:30 p.m. 

TO 9/8: THE JANET & WALTER SONDHEIM ART PRIZE FINALISTS EXHIBITION
Explore works by the three finalists of this coveted annual award, with the winner to be named on August 22. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 1-8 p.m. 

TO 9/8: REFLECT AND REMIX
Explore visual and material resonances from The Walters’ 90-year-old collection, including works by both historic and contemporary artists. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed. & Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 1-8 p.m. 

TO 9/15: BEYOND VAN GOGH AND BEYOND MONET
Famed works of painters Monet and van Gogh come to life with projected virtual reality visuals and curated musical soundtracks. The Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $19.99-79.99.

TO 9/30: BLACK WOMAN GENIUS
As part of the citywide No Stone Left Unturned: The Elizabeth Talford Scott Initiative, this new exhibition presents work by the late mixed-media fiber artist. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. Thurs.-Sat. 10-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. Free-$12.