The List: April 2025

4/19: RISE BMORE
One year after the death of Freddie Gray at the hands of police, Baltimore composer Judah Adashi gathered creatives and community members for a one-of-a-kind night of remembrance at the Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist Church. That evening, beneath the vaulted ceilings and between the stained-glass windows, he led a homily of sorts for the city, still riddled with grief. Starting with conversation on the convergence of art and activism, followed by a concert in homage to the country’s ongoing civil rights struggle, the program featured contributions from painter Aaron Maybin, writer D. Watkins, poet Tariq Touré, and actress Sonja Sohn.

In the years since, Rise Bmore has turned into an annual (and free) tradition on the anniversary of Gray’s death. This month, at Space 2640 on April 19—a decade since that tragic day—Adashi will once again honor Gray’s life, as well as the inspiring legacy that the subsequent uprising sparked across the city. Space 2640. 6:15 p.m. Free. 

4/1-25: MORGAN STATE FINE ARTS FACULTY EXHIBITION
Exhibitions. A collection of paintings, ceramics, mixed media, digital art, and photography by the Fine Arts Faculty at Morgan State University. James E. Lewis Museum of Art, 2201 Argonne Dr. Tues.-Fri. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

4/2: MARYLAND ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION
Festivals. Celebrate trees and those who care for them with themed activities, tours, and live arborist demonstrations. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave. 2-5 p.m. 

4/2: REDEFINING INDUSTRY
Food & Drink. Celebrate leaders in local industry who are revolutionizing business in Baltimore with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, live music, and a Stoop Storytelling performance. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 5:30-8 p.m. $75. 

4/3: NATURE UNDER YOUR NOSE
Lectures & Classes. Biologist David Greaves shares his lifelong passion for nature and the environment. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pke., Monkton. 10:30 a.m. $20-40. 

4/3: MAGGIE SMITH
Lectures & Classes. New York Times bestselling author and poet Maggie Smith speaks with local writer Betsy Boyd with a brief performance by multidisciplinary artist Katherine Fahey. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 7 p.m. 

4/3: GOSPELFEST
Music. Local HBCU choirs team up with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to perform a night of soulful, uplifting gospel music. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7:30 p.m. $16-73.

4/3-6: IRISH TRAD FEST
Festivals. International artists celebrate traditional Irish music with workshops, performances, and more. Locations vary in Hampden. Thurs. 7 p.m., Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m. $16-195. 

4/3-6: CLOUD NEBULA
Theater. Afro House presents this futuristic space opera follows Jakub, a cosmic star in human form, who must guide refugees from her dying planet to the Golden Cloud Nebula. The Voxel, 9 W. 25th St. Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $25-75. 

4/4: MARY J. BLIGE
Music. Following the release of her most recent album “Gratitude,” this iconic R&B singer performs downtown. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 7 p.m. $76-403. 

4/4-27: PIPELINE
Theater. Follow a touching story of a mother’s fight for her son’s future. Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $21-24. 

4/4-5/2: WELCOME TO THE MILK FACTORY
Exhibitions. This group show examines themes of fertility, motherhood, the societal value of women’s labor, and the objectification of the female body. Gallery CA, 440 E. Oliver St. Mon.-Fri. 12-4 p.m. 

4/5: SOLE OF THE CITY 10K
Fundraisers & Galas. This run through the Inner Harbor and surrounding communities followed by a post-race party with beer and live music. Harbor Point, 1310 Point St. 8:30 a.m. $60.30-245.80. 

4/5: BIG BALTIMORE KITE FEST
Festivals. Spend a spring day admiring a sky full of handmade colorful kites of all shapes and sizes, with family-friendly workshops, food vendors, and pop-up performances on site. Patterson Park, 2601 E. Baltimore St. 12 p.m. 

4/5: INSTALLATION: THE CLOSET
Exhibitions. Enjoy an evening of curated performances and workshops in a new immersive installation from Laure Drogoul. Le Mondo, 406 N. Howard St. 6-10 p.m. lemondo.org.

4/5 & 4/25: CITYLIT FESTIVAL
Festivals. Join with fellow readers and writers for a month-long festival of the literary arts, featuring readings, workshops, panel discussions and more. Locations & times vary. 

TO 4/6: BALTIMORE HEROES FROM BELAIR-EDISON AND JOHNSTON SQUARE
Exhibitions. View artist Mary Jo Messenger’s collection of works inspired by the dedication of residents in Belair-Edison and Johnston Square neighborhoods. Baltimore Museums of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

TO 4/6: MORE THAN CONQUERORS
Exhibitions. Artist Latoya Ruby Fraizer presents portraits and narratives of essential workers through the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

TO 4/6: MEDIA QUILT
Exhibitions. Artists Mandy Morrison and Aleem Allisona project a collection of uploaded short videos that explore themes commonly portrayed in traditional quilts, such as love, family, loss, and more. 410 Gallery, 410 N. Eutaw St. Fri.-Sat. 12-4 p.m. 

4/6: MIGRATION CELEBRATION
Festivals. During spring bird migrations, this community event features guided wildlife walks, live music, food trucks, and family fun. Lake Roland Park, 1000 Lakeside Dr. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

4/6: SHIVA THE MYSTIC LORD AND DANCING LIBERATOR
Lectures & Classes. German scholar Corinna Wessels-Mevissen discusses objects depicting Shiva in his various forms. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 2 p.m. 

4/6: COLSON WHITEHEAD
Lectures & Classes. Hear from Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Nickel Boys” and “The Underground Railroad,” Colson Whitehead. Goucher College, 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd. 2 p.m. 

4/6-8/17: EARTH AS MEDIUM: EXTRACTING ART FROM NATURE
Exhibitions. This exhibition’s artworks all have a connection to nature, whether they were made out of natural elements or with sustainable practices. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 

4/7: DAWN
Theater. Part of the “Script Tease” series, follow a first-generation Cambodian American as she grapples with guilt and anger over her parents’ experiences as survivors of genocide under Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. 7 p.m. Pay-what-you-can starting at $5. 

4/7-12/22: BALTIMORE FARMERS MARKET
Festivals. Maryland’s largest farmers market brings the community together with local farms, food vendors, and live performances. Saratoga & Holliday St. Sun. 7 a.m.-12 p.m. 

4/9: BATTLING THE ELEMENTS
Theater. Join the Stoop Storytelling Series to hear first-hand accounts about confronting forces of nature. Checkerspot Brewing Company, 1421 Ridgely St. 7 p.m. $16.75-27.25. 

4/10: WAMPUM
Lectures & Classes. Artist and Piscataway Conoy Nation tribal leader Mario Harley explores the historical role of traditional wampum beadworks, through the analysis of Indigenous artifacts using the material. Maryland Center for History & Culture, 610 Park Ave. 5:30 p.m. $30. 

4/10: A DEEP HOUSE OF SOULFUL VISION
Lectures & Classes. Hear from local art leader Leslie King Hammond and abstractionist painter Terry Thompson about the connection between the arts and civic life. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 6:30 p.m. 

4/10-12: COPPÉLIA
Dance. Students form the BSA’s TWIGS Dance Program perform a classical ballet about an eccentric toy maker and his doll. Baltimore School for the Arts, 712 Cathedral St. Thurs.-Fri. 6 p.m. Sat. 12 & 1 p.m. $10. 

TO 4/11: TREMBLING GROUNDS: PUSH-PULL MIGRATION
Exhibitions. This experimental exhibition examines the concept of “crossing” as a transformative act to redefine the boundaries of creating art. Area 405, 405 E. Oliver St. By appt. 

4/11: HISTORICAL SCENES
Theater. Baltimore School for the Arts theater students bring to life important people that history books left out. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 5-6 p.m. $10. 

4/11: EMO NITE
Music. Enjoy a dance party full of music from popular emo artists. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m. $24.26. 

4/11-27: HOW TO TRANSCEND A HAPPY MARRIAGE
Theater. In this rollercoaster ride, a married couple is introduced to a younger polyamorous woman. Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. Times vary. $25-65. 

4/12: FIX IT FAIR
Festivals. With the Station North Tool Library, fix common repairs on clothes, furniture, and more with the help of experienced volunteers on-site. Area 405, 405 E. Oliver St. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 

4/12: ROCK THE BLOCK
Festivals. In celebration of 100 years of University of Baltimore, enjoy live music, delicious food and drinks, artists, and interactive games. Gordon Plaza & Mt. Royal Ave. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 

4/12: DINO DAY
Kids. Get a hands-on look at the prehistoric creatures that used to roam the Earth through fossil digs, close-ups with dinosaur teeth, and more family-friendly fun. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 12-4 p.m. Free-$33.95. 

4/12: FEASTIVAL
Food & Drink. This all-you-can-taste foodie festival brings together mouthwatering bites and craft cocktails to celebrate the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. West Shore Park, 501 Light St. 1-4 p.m. $125-200. 

4/12: WONDROUS WHIRLIGIGS
Lectures & Classes. Children’s author Carole Boston Weatherford reads her picture book about folk artist Vollis Simpson’s salvaged sculptures. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 1 p.m. Free-$15.95.

TO 4/13: AKEELAH AND THE BEE
Theater. When the Scripps National Spelling Bee comes around, a protagonist and her community rise up to conquer her dreams. Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. Times vary. $10-74.

4/13: COPAGANDA
Lectures & Classes. Baltimore Beat editor-in-chief Lisa Snowden speaks with Alec Karakatsanis about his new book on propaganda fueled by police, prosecutors, and news media. Red Emma’s, 3128 Greenmount Ave. 2 p.m. Free-$31.99. 

4/15: TANK & THE BANGAS
Music. This New Orleans-based funk group performs their energetic music in Baltimore County. The Recher, 512 York Rd., Towson. 7 p.m. $28.80. 

4/17: LA LUZ
Music. Jam out to the tunes of this funky California rock band in Remington. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 7 p.m. $33.51. 

TO 4/18: KITH & KIN
Exhibitions. Explore messages about relationships with the “more-than-human beings” who are our kin with sculptural ceramic instruments, musical compositions, and multimedia installations. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Tues-Sat. 12-5 p.m.

4/18-19: BALTIMORE OLD TIME MUSIC FESTIVAL
Music. Local roots musicians Ken and Brad Kolodner are hosting a weekend of concerts, workshops, food/drink vendors, and more. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. Fri. 6-10:30 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. $35-200. 

4/18-19: DAVE STRYKER TRIO WITH WARREN WOLF
Music. This celebrated guitarist teams up with a beloved Baltimore-born vibraphonist for two nights of impressive performances. Keystone Korner, 1350 Lancaster St. 6 p.m. $35-45. 

4/18-20: BUNNY BONANZOO
Kids. Ring in spring with games, activities, crafts, live entertainment, egg hunts, and photo-ops with the Easter Bunny. Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $24. 

TO 4/19: REVERIE & ALCHEMY
Exhibitions. Student artists present their Cabinets of Curiosity to tell creative stories about existentialism, self, and community. Towson University, Center for the Arts, 7700 Osler Dr., Towson. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 

TO 4/19: TOM MILLER
Exhibitions. Explore a variety of well-known and never-before-seen artworks by the beloved late Baltimore muralist, screenprinter, and artist. Eubie Blake Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard St. Wed.-Fri. 1-6 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 

4/19: ALSOP CONDUCTS SCHEHERAZADE
Music. Music Director Laureate Marin Alsop leads a performance of Rimsky-Korsakov’s epic symphony. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 8 p.m. $27-73. 

4/19-5/24: 2025 BAKER ARTIST AWARD SHOWCASE
Exhibitions. Enjoy an exhibition of works by finalists in the visual and interdisciplinary arts disciplines of this prestigious annual awards. Current Space, 421 N. Howard St. Sat. 1-5 p.m. 

4/19-7/20: THE JANET & WALTER SONDHEIM ART PRIZE FINALISTS EXHIBITION
Exhibitions. Artworks from five finalists from this prestigious annual competition will be on view. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs. 1-8 p.m. 

4/20: GLOBAL NEPAL FEST
Festivals. This celebration features street vendors and live entertainment to honor traditional Nepalese culture. 201 E. Pratt St. 12-6 p.m. 

TO 4/20: WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
Theater. This Tony-winning play follows two couples from playful banter to the exposure of dark truths about their faltering relationship. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. Times vary. $5-86. 

4/23, 4/27-28: BEETHOVEN’S 9TH SYMPHONY COME-AND-SING
Music. Local singers are invited to join Baltimore Choral Arts for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with renowned conductor Marin Alsop. Peabody Institute, 1 Mt. Vernon Pl. Wed. 7:30-10 p.m., Sun. 4-5:45 p.m., Mon. 7-10 p.m. 

4/24: DINOSAURS & DRINKS HAPPY HOUR
Food & Drink. Join Johns Hopkins University professors for a discussion on the evolutionary connection between birds and dinosaurs followed by a cocktail hour from Dutch Courage. Evergreen Museum, 4545 N. Charles St. 6 p.m. $20-35.

4/24: BALTIMORE STILL RISING
Film. Watch the premiere screening of the first installment of the docuseries, “The Baltimore Legacy Project,” focusing on the stories of 20 Baltimore residents about the aftermath of Freddie Gray’s death in 2015. Senator Theater, 5904 York Rd. 7 p.m. $15.

4/25-26: DJANGO JAZZ FEST
Music. Honor the genre created by Django Reinhardt and 1930s gypsy jazz with two days of workshops, jam sessions, and performances. Day 1: Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Fri. 8 p.m. An die Musik, 600 N. Charles St. Sat. 3 p.m. $40-140.

4/25-5/18: MARY STUART
Theater. This new translation of Friedrich Schiller’s original depicts the rivalry between Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St. Times vary. $25-69.

4/26: WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?
Comedy. The cast of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” presents an improv show full of song and comedy based on audience suggestions. Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St. 7:30 p.m. $79-237+. 

4/26: CREATIVE ALLIANCE MARQUEE BALL
Fundraisers & Galas. Celebrate 30 years of Creative Alliance with a VIP dinner, art auction, open studios, and a dance party that honors The Patterson’s history as a movie palace. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $108. 

4/26-27: BALTIMORE HERITAGE QUILT GUILD EXPO
Exhibitions. This event presents over 300 quilts made by guild members, as well as vendors, raffles, and classes. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. $10-12. 

4/26-27: NIKKI GLASER
Comedy. Unapologetic and wildly funny, this Golden Globes host hits the stage on her new tour. Lyric Baltimore, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. Sat. 7 & 9:30 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. $63.40-156.45. 

4/27: A JOURNEY THROUGH IMPRESSIONISM
Music. The Living Art Collective Ensemble presents an engaging performance of classical music. The Peale, 225 Holliday St. 3 p.m. $25. 

4/27: RED SHOE SHUFFLE 5K
Fundraisers & Galas. Support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maryland with a run, walk, and festival for all ages. Ronald McDonald House Charities, 1 Aisquith St. 8:30 a.m. $25-60. 

4/27-7/27: BAKER ARTIST AWARDS
Exhibitions. View the work of five Baker award winners—Selin Balci, Oletha DeVane, Jordan Tierney, Stephen Towns, and Kelley Bell—all showcasing work rooted in a deep connection to Baltimore’s identity. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

4/29: JIM HENSON’S LABYRINTH
Music. Watch this cult-classic masterpiece accompanied by a live band playing the score alongside David Bowie’s original vocals. Lyric Baltimore, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 7:30 p.m. $36.95-87.45. 

TO 4/30: SOLEDAD SALAMÉ
Exhibitions. Artist Soledad Salame partners with scientists and ecologists to create informed reflections of fast fashion and pollution. Goya Contemporary, 3000 Chestnut Ave. Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 12-4 p.m. 

4/30: ALBERT HERRING
Music. Enjoy an evening performance of Benjamin Britten’s comic opera. The Engineers Club, 11 W. Mount Vernon Pl. 7:30 p.m. $32.95-81.35. 

TO 5/3: JERRELL GIBBS
Exhibitions. On display are the deeply personal paintings of local artist Jerrell Gibbs, which often reflect the emotions we go through in different stages of life. Galerie Myrtis, 2224 N. Charles St. Thurs.-Sat. 2-6 p.m. 

TO 5/17: HAUNTED KOREAS
Exhibitions. View the most extensive collection of paintings from global activist artist Mina Cheon’s series of “Unification Dream,” about a unified Korea that serve as peaceful protest. Towson University Center for the Arts, Asian Arts Gallery, 1 Fine Arts Dr., Towson. Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

TO 6/1: TO SAY I WAS HERE
Exhibitions. This multimedia showcase honors the legacies of Jewish immigrant musicians from the early to mid-20th century. Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd St. Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Wed. 12-4 p.m. Free-$10. 

TO 6/8: LEAVE NO TRACE
Exhibitions. Examine the impact that the great outdoors had on B&O Railroad head John Work Garrett II through archival photographs, diary entries, artifacts, and more. Evergreen Museum & Library, 4545 N. Charles St. Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free-$12. 

TO 7/27: WATERSHED
Exhibitions. A curated selection of 40 works from the BMA’s collection explores water and landscape and how they impacted the early modern Dutch Republic. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m-9 p.m.

TO 8/5: IF BOOKS COULD KILL
Exhibitions. Discover the dangerous materials and techniques used to illustrate ancient manuscripts within the Walters’ vast collection. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 1-8 p.m. 

TO 8/31: GOOD SPORTS
Exhibitions. In this new “mega” exhibit, get to the heart of our universal enjoyment of play and celebrate wellness of mind, body, and spirit through works from both local and global visionary artists. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$15.95. 

TO 8/31: HISTORY THROUGH POETRY
Exhibitions. New original poems inspired by the Homewood Museum’s period rooms bring the collection’s artifacts to life to honor the lives of the enslaved people who once lived and worked there. Homewood Museum, 3400 N. Charles St. Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 

TO 9/1: iWITNESS
Exhibitions. Through artifacts, photographs, and history, this exhibit explores how media impacted the modern American Civil Rights Movement. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. Mon., Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. Free-$12.  

TO 10/25: STUDIO COMPANION
Exhibitions. See how a simple object became a cherished pet for painter Raoul Middleman in this new exhibit. Raoul Middleman Studio Museum, 943 N. Calvert St. Sat. 2-4 p.m. by appt. 

TO 12/31: COLLECTIVE ACTION
Explore the effort to improve organized labor throughout the 21st century through the stories and experiences of working Baltimoreans. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. Wed.- Sun., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 

TO 12/31: CROSSCURRENTS
Exhibitions. Spanning various mediums, this year’s Contemporary Wing galleries contain works reflecting everything from environment and ecology to social protest, recuperation, and migration. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

TO 4/27/26: TITAN
Exhibitions. Through rare photos and artifacts, take an in-depth look into the life of Maryland native Reginald F. Lewis, the first African American to lead a billion-dollar company. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. Mon., Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m.