30 events
in the Baltimore area that will make the season bright
Billed as “The Greatest Show on Earth,” this traveling circus will celebrate its 145th year in the business with a stop in Baltimore, with majestic animals, riveting acrobats and clowns included. Bid farewell to the elephants, a circus highlight, as they are set to retire from the show in May. Times vary. Now through March 27. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. $15-$90. royalfarm sarena.com
“Whovians,” or dedicated fans of British sci-fi series “Doctor Who,” can relish in their fandom at this three-day celebration filled with games, panels and meet-and-greets with the TV show's biggest stars. Noon today though 5 p.m. Sunday. Hunt Valley Wyndham Grand, 245 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley. $20-$75. regenerationwho.com
Immerse yourself in Eastern Shore culture with a daytime celebration, featuring musical performances, food tastings, a film screening and more. 1 p.m. Saturday. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. Included with museum admission: $6-$8. lewismuseum.org
Billed as the country's first large-scale light show, this weeklong festival will boast a 1.5-mile BGE Light Art Walk along the Inner Harbor and will feature illuminated art installations and musical performances — all free. Four ticketed-conferences will also take place during the festival, with speakers including former Ravens player Ray Lewis and Baltimore Corps CEO Fagan Harris, discussing innovation and social change. March 28-April 3. Times and locations vary. Individual conference ticket: $200. lightcity.org
Spend your April Fools Day bowled over with endless laughs provided by the Def Comedy Jam veteran and accompanying comedians Tommy Davidson, Tony Rock and Bruce Bruce. 8 p.m. April 1. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. $52-$175. royalfarmsarena.com
Brace yourself for a hogtastic weekend. Whether you like pulled pork or you're craving brisket, this barbecue offers a host of smoked and grilled favorites, cornhole competitions and drink samples, with 60 beers and 40 bourbons to choose from. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 1; noon to 2 p.m. VIP session and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. regular session April 2. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. $29-$89. beerandbourbon.com
The former Ravens wide receiver (who now plays for the San Francisco 49ers) returns for an entertaining basketball match with his celebrity and professional athlete friends. Proceeds will benefit the Torrey Smith Foundation. 3 p.m. April 2. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. $15-$75. royalfarmsarena.com
If you bleed black and orange, you won't want to miss out on the Orioles' opening season against the Minnesota Twins at Camden Yards. If you weren't able to land tickets (last time we checked, they were only available to people who purchased a game season plan), don't fret. Head to a nearby bar to experience game day with fellow fans. 3:05 p.m. April 4. 333 W Camden St. baltimoreorioles.com
Playwright and Detroit native Dominique Morisseau takes audiences on a journey through her hometown during the Motown era. The play explores the pertinent history and intersections of music, politics and race relations in the city in 1967. Previews start April 8, show runs April 15 to May 8. Mainstage Theatre, Towson University. $10-$69. centerstage.org
Let the timeless melodies of “Summertime” and “I Got Plenty O' Nuttin” sung by the Morgan State University Choir transport you to the streets of Catfish Row in 1930s Charleston, S.C., where a woman and man fight for love and stability in this beloved American opera. 8 p.m. April 8; 3 p.m. April 10. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. $55-$110. Also 8 p.m. April 9 at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $60-$110. bsomusic.org
Critically acclaimed poet Claudia Rankine will headline this bookworm's dream. Writers and poetry enthusiasts can revel in the many writing panels, readings, critique sessions and meet-and-greets with literary agents and 25 authors from all over the country. Rankine speaks at 7 p.m. April 15 at the Maryland Institute College of Art's Brown Center, 1300 W. Mount Royal Ave., and at 10:30 a.m. April 16 at Enoch Pratt Library's Pennsylvania Avenue Branch, 1531 W. North Ave. Festival events run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 16 at the main venue, the University of Baltimore. Free. citylitproject.org
Johns Hopkins University undergraduates transform the campus into an all-ages-friendly playground with food, live music, activities and a beer garden. Jam out to the spring concert headliners, which include Marian Hill, Shwayze and the Chainsmokers. Noon to 8 p.m. April 15; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 16; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 17. Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St. Free. jhuspringfair.com
Tattoo artists and enthusiasts unite at the 9th annual tattoo arts convention for a weekend of body art and entertainment. Show off your latest ink by entering one of 30 contests, or, if you're just there for inspiration, chat with the artists and vendors. There will be over 100 in attendance, including stars of reality TV show “Ink Masters.” 2 p.m. to midnight April 15; 11 a.m. to midnight April 16;, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 17. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. $20 per day, $40 for a three-day pass. villainarts.com
Foodies frolic to this one-of-a-kind food marketplace with more than 80 restaurants and vendors from around the country, offering up delicious bites and samples of a diverse range of cuisines. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 16; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 17. 600 E. Pratt St. $15-$40. theemporiyum.com
Ahoy, matey! Gather 'round Fells Point for the 12th annual celebration of maritime history and entertainment with privateer re-enactments, arts and crafts, live music and libations. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 16-17. Free. fellspointmainstreet.org
Rise and shine for the 7 a.m. to noon April 17 seasonal kickoff of Maryland's largest produce market. Weekly through mid-December, the market will have an array of seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh produce, cooking demonstrations and live music. The market also features a bazaar, filled with handcrafted art and accessories. Below the Jones Falls Expressway at Holliday and Saratoga streets. Free. promotionandarts.org.
Known for its riveting performances which have been performed globally for an estimated 25 million people, the Alvin Ailey dance company makes a two-day stop in Baltimore, bringing to the stage contemporary works along with Ailey classics including “Revelations.” 7:30 p.m. April 26-27. Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. $30.50-70.50. lyricoperahouse.com
“Willkommen” the Tony-award-winning production of Broadway play “Cabaret” to the Hippodrome stage, with performances that will take you back to pre-WWII Germany and the swanky Kit Kat Klub. 8 p.m. April 26-29; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. April 30. 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. May 1. 12 N. Eutaw St. $42-$162.50. baltimore.broadway.com
For the past four decades, this festival has offered a plethora of artisan wares from more than 250 vendors. Take your pick from the assortment one-of-a-kind accessories, handcrafted jewelry and household items. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 29 and 30; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 1. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. $10. sugarloafcrafts.com
Lighten your mood with this Emmy-award winning stand-up comedian, as she brings her witty political outlooks and jokes to town. 8 p.m. April 29. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. $39.50-$69.50. lyricoperahouse.com
The comedians and recording artists unite to deliver laughs and their newest material with a Southern flair on their We've Been Thinking Tour. 7 p.m. May 1. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. $36.50-$56.50. royalfarmsarena.com
Over 100 films from all over the globe will be displayed in seven venues throughout the downtown Baltimore and Station North neighborhoods at one of the region's most popular yearly events. And if that doesn't keep you busy enough, head to the Tent Village in the Ynot Lot on North Charles and West North Avenue between flicks to grab a bite or indulge in the free outdoor screenings and filmmaker discussion panels. May 4-8. $12-$75 for individual tickets. $375 for all-access passes. md-filmfest.com
Whether you're a fan of stand-up, improv and sketch comedy, this annual festival returns for its third year, featuring comedians from Baltimore and beyond during two weekends. Times vary. May 4-8 and May 11-15. Zissimos Bar, 1023 W. 36th St. Ticket prices to be announced. charmcitycomedyproject.com
With flowers in bloom on display, two stages of entertainment, myriad contests, local bites and shopping at featured vendors, you can't help but be reminded that spring is here at this Mount Vernon flower fest. Don't forget to grab a lemon peppermint stick. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 6-7. Free. flowermart.org
Wear your craziest costume as you root on your fellow humans who will trudge nearly 15 miles through the land and shores of Baltimore in man-powered amphibious works of art. Hosted by the American Visionary Art Museum, this all-day wacky tradition and mobile-art race will kickoff at the museum, with serious challenges taking place in Federal Hill, the Canton Waterfront Park and an uphill mud pit in Patterson Park. Absurd costumes encouraged, but not required. Launches 10 a.m. May 7. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway. Free. kineticbaltimore.com
Set out on a nighttime art excursion at the Maryland Institute College of Art's 2-mile show featuring 3,000 artworks by nearly 400 emerging artists from around the country. Mingle with the talented students and featured artists, and scout out works for your home. And in case all the art and exercise works up an appetite, grab a bite from a local food truck. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 12. 1300 W. Mount Royal Ave. $20-$50. mica.edu/artwalk
Place your bets, because the competition is back for the 141st year of horse racing and top-notch entertainment, with 13 horse races, national headlining artists on two stages and infield parties galore. Gates open at 8 a.m. May 21. Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave. Various ticket options. preakness.com
Wind down with this combination of mother nature and man-made fun, including nearly 30 Maryland wineries, local artisan vendors and a perfect pairing of entertainment and live music on two stages. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 21; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 22. Symphony Woods, 5950 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia. $20-$40. wineinthewoods.com
The Maryland Regional Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention returns Memorial Day weekend for a four-day celebration of its 50th anniversary, so it's only right to have George R. R. Martin, the author responsible for the novels that inspired HBO series “Games of Thrones,” as headliner. Plan for live entertainment, panels, a film festival and autograph sessions where you might snag Martin's signature. Times to be announced. May 27-30. Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, 202 E. Pratt St. $32-$70. balticon.org
Vibe and imbibe for a cause at the Maryland Zoo's largest fundraiser. This weekend party will include unlimited beer sampling, live music, local vendors and all-day admission to the zoo. Don't forget to raise a glass to the zoo's 140 years. 1 p.m.-7 p.m. May 28-29. Waterfowl Lake at the Maryland Zoo, Druid Hill Park. $49-$59. marylandzoo.org
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