Come to Baltimore’s defense, choose between two rock concerts and a classical music concert, celebrate the 10th anniversary of an uplifting festival, learn about local wildlife or pedal for exercise and help out pets in need.

— John Coffren

Ongoing: Defenders’ Day

Learn about the brave soldiers, sailors and civilians that held off a British Invasion at Defenders’ Day weekend at Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine, 2400 East Fort Ave. Highlights include a parade through Locust Point, living history with re-enactors and a free musical performance by the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus and fireworks after. Admission to the Star Fort is $15 for adults and free for children 15 and under. Date and times are as follows: Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the parade is at 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. nps.gov

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Ongoing: Rhythm Festival

Celebrate a decade of bringing communities together in a positive fashion at the Baltimore Rhythm Festival. Start with a concert by Janelia Soul and Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band at 2640 St. Paul St. on Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy musical performances and workshops Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at 1600 Guilford Ave. All festival performances and workshops are free. linktree.com/bmorerhythmfest

Friday and Saturday

Friday: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

Get ready to yell BRUCE!!! at the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rescheduled concert at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 333 W. Camden St. Springsteen postponed the tour back in May “under doctor’s direction.” The Boss, a pioneer of Heartland Rock, is known for such classics as “Born to Run,” “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” “Backstreets,” “The River,” “Thunder Road,” “Badlands,” and more. Ticket pricing starts at $84. ticketmaster.com

Friday 7:30 p.m.

Friday: Styx

Listen to masters of the power ballad when Styx performs at The Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. The 1970s/’80s rock band is known for such hits as “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade,” “Blue Collar Man,” “Lady,” and more. Ticket prices start at $42. ticketmaster.com

Friday 7:30 p.m.

Saturday: NorthBay Live!

Learn about Maryland’s great outdoors and its native wildlife at NorthBay Live! in the Park at the Pulaski Monument, Eastern Avenue and Linwood Avenue, in Patterson Park. The free family event will feature animals, hands-on science, an aquaponic garden and live music. Activities include propagating, harvesting and tasting herbs and fruits at a mobile aquaponic garden. Attendees will also learn about NorthBay’s Rising Tide Farm and its impact on sustainable agriculture. northbayadventure.org/northbay-live-in-the-park

Saturday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday: Dog Cat Rat Race

Pedal and compete in the inaugural Baltimore Dog Cat Rat Race, a biking scavenger hunt that benefits the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) and Bikemore. The event is part bike race and part scavenger hunt that rewards a mix of strategy and speed. Teams ride around Herring Run, stopping at designated checkpoints to play games and earn points. The teams with the most points will win prizes at the afterparty at Oliver Brewing, 4216 Shannon Drive, where BARCS will also bring dogs that can be adopted. The event costs $25 per person for teams of 3 to 5 riders. barcs.org/fundraising-events

Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Top Crab Cake Challenge Expo

Who makes the best crabcake? Come out and decide for yourself by tasting crab dishes in the 10th annual Top Crab Cake Challenge Expo at Boumi Shriners Ballroom in Rosedale. Guests can vote for their favorite crabcakes, cream of crab soup and Maryland crab soup made by local restaurants and caterers. In addition to food there will also be casino games, music, exhibitors and an interactive photo booth. Proceeds benefit The Baltimore Station, a nonprofit that supports veterans. Tickets are $29 in advance (through Sept. 16) or $39 at the door. crabcaketasting.com

5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wednesday: Symphony in the City

The Symphony in the City series begins with a free performance by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at Morgan State University. (Handout)The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will kick off its free concert series, Symphony in the City, at Morgan State’s Murphy Fine Arts Center, 2201 Argonne Drive. Music Director Jonathon Heyward will conduct the BSO through selections from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” and compositions by James Lee III. Future concerts include a tribute to veterans on Nov. 20 at the War Memorial and a celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 7 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. my.bsomusic.org/overview/19405

Wednesday 7:30 p.m.