The List: January 2025

1/20: MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY PARADE
Community. On any given day of the week, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is one of the busiest thoroughfares in Baltimore City. But on Monday, January 20, just five days after what would have been his 96th birthday, the traffic lanes will transform into another sort of bustle during a boisterous tribute to the street’s namesake civil rights leader. Starting at noon from the corner of Eutaw Street, follow a festive procession featuring dozens of marching bands, dance groups, color guard troupes, local leaders, and more, as they make their way south, then west to Baltimore Street.

In these divisive times, there’s no better moment to reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King, whose life was rooted in a constant pursuit of peace, justice, and equality, or to embody the legendary words of his “I Have a Dream” speech. Last year, the tradition was canceled due to inclement weather, but now the forecast is calling for a mild winter. Gather your loved ones, groove to the sounds of drums, and get motivated for 2025 during this meaningful, celebratory event.

♦ Editor’s Pick ♦ 1/3-11: SAY SISTER! FESTIVAL
Festivals. Honor the women who have made an impact in the roots music scene with workshops, an art exhibition, and live performances from artists like Amythyst Kiah and Becky Hill. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Times vary. $19-64.

1/4-5: THE PRINCESS BRIDE IN CONCERT
Music. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs a live musical score to accompany a screening of this cult-classic romantic comedy from 1987. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $22-86.

1/4-26: HONEY BEE BABY
Theater. In this play by Erlina Ortiz, follow two women as they earn their place in a world ravaged by climate change. Strand Theater, 5426 Harford Rd. Times vary. $10-25. Free

♦ Editor’s Pick ♦ TO 1/5: AND THEN THERE WERE NONE
Theater. Agatha Christie’s chilling crime classic comes to life on stage in this production directed by Noah Himmelstein. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. Times vary. $5-86.

TO 1/5: THE ART OF PATTERN
Exhibitions. The BMA pairs prints and paintings by renowned artist Henri Matisse with the work of 19th-century Japanese woodcut artists. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free 

1/7-12: ANNIE
Theater. In this classic Broadway musical, embark on a journey with little orphan Annie as she gets adopted by business tycoon Daddy War- bucks. The Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St. Times vary. $49-177. 

1/9: DANCING WITH THE STARS: LIVE
Dance. Professional dancers from this hit television series will be cha-cha-ing across the Mt. Vernon stage. The Lyric, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 7:30 p.m. $76.35-704.35. 

1/9 & 12: THE PLANETS WITH HEYWARD
Music. Get whisked away to outer space with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society and the BSO in this concert featuring works by James Lee III, Anna Clyne, and, of course, Gustav Holst. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $27-73.

♦ Editor’s Pick ♦ 1/10-19: SOPHISTICATED LADIES
Theater. Watch this musical revue based on Duke Ellington’s music and featuring his most famous numbers from the 1940s. Coppin State University, 2500 W. North Ave. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 3 & 8 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m. $30-35. 

1/10-26: AN ACT OF GOD
Theater. This satire explores Biblical mysteries with a side of comedy from the mouths of the Almighty and two marvelous angels. Iron Crow Theatre, 45 W. Preston St. Times vary. $25-50. 

1/10-2/2: ROOM SERVICE
Theater. A penniless producer is living on credit in a Broadway hotel with several actors. Watch as they struggle to hold on to their rehearsal space and accommodations by dodging their higher-ups. Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway St. Times vary. $21-24. 

TO 1/11: SCULPTING THE IDEAL
Exhibitions. Joseph Sheppard, a sculptor and artist with many works around Baltimore, showcases his creations. C. Grimaldis Gallery, 523 N. Charles St. Wed.- Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free

♦ Editor’s Pick ♦ TO 1/11: DEVIN N. MORRIS
Exhibitions. This Baltimore-born, New York-based artist brings his latest exhibition about his family and upbringing back to where it all started. CPM Gallery, 1512 Bolton St. By appointment. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free 

1/16: EAT, DRINK & LEARN: BIRDS & BREWS
Classes & Lectures. From Orioles to Ravens, learn about Maryland bird species and how citizens can help protect them. Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. 6:30-9 p.m. $55-65. 

1/16: A HISTORY OF CIVIL RIGHTS IN BALTIMORE
Lectures & Classes. Local historian Bradley Alston shares an in-depth overview of Baltimore’s civil rights history. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 7 p.m. Free

1/17: EDGAR ALLAN POE BIRTHDAY OPEN HOUSE
Exhibitions. On the Friday before Poe’s birthday, celebrate the late poet and view a selection of related prints, rare books, and original manuscripts. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free 

1/17-19: MONSTER JAM
Sports. Witness professional daredevils dominate massive monster trucks as they fly over jumps and speed across the downtown arena. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. Fri. 7 p.m. Sat. 1 & 7 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. $36-175. 

♦ Editor’s Pick ♦ 1/18: MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
Festivals. In honor of MLK Day, local poet and MICA professor Unique Robinson leads a reading focusing on themes of justice, followed by live performances. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 2-3:30 p.m. Free

♦ Editor’s Pick ♦ 1/18: THE VARIATIONS PROJECT
Theater. Be part of the event that will inspire Baltimore’s annual 10-minute play festival. At this party, source material is developed for local playwrights to use for the upcoming “night”-themed festival, taking place in July 2025. Strand Theater, 5426 Harford Rd. 2-5 p.m. Free

1/18-19: BALTIMORE HOME SHOW
Conventions. Become a home improvement expert by meeting local professionals who provide everything from roofing to remodeling. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$10. 

TO 1/20: BAKER ARTIST PORTFOLIOS: OFF THE WEB
Exhibitions. Visit one of the largest local digital art collections made up of work from more than 1,000 artists. The Peale, 225 Holiday St. Thurs.-Fri. 3-7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free 

♦ Editor’s Pick ♦ 1/20: MLK DARE TO DREAM DAY
Music. Honor MLK’s legacy with a live music lineup, dance performances, and an open-mic during this all-day festival at AVAM. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free

1/20: FROM SLAVERY TO CIVIL RIGHTS: THE AFRICAN- AMERICAN RAILROADING LEGACY
Tour. This family-friendly tour teaches children about the legacy of African Americans within the U.S. railroad industry, from laying the first tracks to the Civil Rights Movement. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St. 11 a.m. Free-$20.

♦ Editor’s Pick ♦ 1/22: LUNAR NEW YEAR
Music. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra welcomes the Year of the Snake with festive performances. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 7 p.m. $23-58.

1/23: BSA STUDENT FILM SCREENING
Film. Enter the minds of emerging artists with a screening of BSA student films, followed by a light reception. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 4:30-6:30 p.m. thewalters.org. FREE

TO 1/24: IN THE MAKING
Exhibitions. The Baltimore Jewelry Center invited members to participate in this community archive project and display works in their gallery. Baltimore Jewelry Center, 10 E. North Ave. Times vary. Free

1/24-2/1: POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
Fundraisers & Galas. Jump into the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay outside of Annapolis to help raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Maryland. Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E. College Pkwy., Annapolis. Times vary. $100+. 

1/25: HARBOR POINT ICE FESTIVAL
Festivals. Celebrate winter with live ice carving demonstrations, food, drink, and family fun in Harbor Point. Harbor Point Central Plaza, 1310 Point St. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free

1/25: REMEMBERING ARETHA, PHYLLIS, AND TEENA
Music. Charm City Jazz pays homage to three icons of the genre—Aretha Franklin, Phyllis Hyman, and Teena Marie. The Gordon Center, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills. 7 p.m. $47.50-55. 

1/25: BLACK & WHITE PARTY
Fundraisers & Galas. The Enoch Pratt transforms into an underwater oasis for a night of drinks and dancing, hosted by its young-professional group, Pratt Contemporaries. Enoch Pratt, Central Library, 400 Cathedral St. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Prices TBD. 

1/26: GLASS ART: RESIN SNOWFLAKES
Classes & Lectures. Instructors from MK Glass Designs guide participants through working with resin to create five unique snowflake-shaped artworks to take home. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 1-3:30 p.m. $60.

1/28: TAMARA LANIER: FROM THE ROOTS
Lectures & Classes. Author Tamara Lanier joins Baltimore Beat editor-in-chief Lisa Snowden-McCray to discuss her new book, which details a legal battle with Harvard University to reclaim her heritage. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 7 p.m. Free 

TO 2/16: PREOCCUPIED: INDIGENIZING THE MUSEUM
Exhibitions. Explore the final works of the BMA’s recent initiative to center Indigenous artists throughout the museum, including solo and group exhibitions of various mediums. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free

TO 6/8: LEAVE NO TRACE
Exhibitions. Examine the impact that the great outdoors had on John Work Garrett II, who led the B&O Railroad for three decades. Evergreen Museum & Library, 4545 N. Charles St. Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free-$12. 

TO 8/31: GOOD SPORTS
Exhibitions. Get to the heart of humankind’s enjoyment of play and celebrate wellness of mind, body, and spirit through works from visionary artists. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$15.95.

♦ Editor’s Pick ♦ TO 9/1: iWITNESS: MEDIA AND THE MOVEMENT
Exhibitions. Explore how various forms of media impacted the civil rights movement in Baltimore and beyond. 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 12/31: COLLECTIVE ACTION
Exhibitions. 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. Free