The List: May 2024

5/3-4: Flower Mart
Festivals. Springtime in Mount Vernon is a sight to behold. Cherry and magnolia tree branches burst with bright pink blooms, tulips unfurl toward the Washington Monument, and birds bounce between the fountains as the city wakes up again from winter. But no time is more picturesque than during the first weekend of May, when the beloved, century-old Flower Mart takes over the neighborhood’s main square and marks the unofficial start of the new season.

Founded in 1911 by the Women’s Civic League to advocate for better living conditions in Baltimore, the original market has grown into an annual tradition that still aims to beautify the city. Between Madison, Centre, Cathedral, and Saint Paul streets, dozens of vendors will take over the sidewalks and cobblestones with an array of fresh flowers and potted plants for sight, smell, and sale, plus weekend workshops, craft vendors, and musical performances. And, of course, there is the food, with the festival’s signature “lemon stick”—aka a halved citrus stuck with a peppermint straw—enduring as one of the city’s most iconic eats.

5/2-4: Cindy of Arc
Theater. This brand-new work of comedy and music takes viewers on an unexpected journey through pressing questions about the history of popular topics such as religion, politics, sex, and more. Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. Thurs.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 3 & 8 p.m. $20-30. theatreproject.org.

5/2-5: Maryland Film Fest
Festivals. After a brief hiatus, the city’s annual film festival returns to Station North with a full weekend of cinematic events, featuring a presentation from John Waters, a special LGBTQ spotlight series, and nightlife events after each day of screenings. Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave. Times & prices vary. 

5/3-4: Charm City Bluegrass Festival
Music. For two days, this decade-old music festival will take over its new home at the Baltimore Peninsula with more than a dozen bands performing the city’s historic bluegrass genre, plus food, craft vendors, and family-fun activities. Baltimore Peninsula, 101 W. Dickman St. Times vary. $20-179. 

5/3-5: Baltimore Crankie Festival
Theater. This beloved Baltimore festival of “crankies,” aka scrolled panoromas, celebrates its 10th anniversary with two afternoons of visual storytelling. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $20-27. 

To 5/4: Good Fences
Exhibitions. In this solo exhibit by Lavett Ballard, the New Jersey-based collage artist combines embellished reclaimed wood fences with historical images, paint, metal, and more to re-contextualize the challenges experienced by people of color. Galerie Myrtis, 2224 N. Charles St. Thurs.-Sat 2-6 p.m. Free.  

5/4: Union Craft Old Pro Open
Festivals. Now in its seventh year, Union Craft Brewing’s Old Pro Open makes its way to Ocean City, where the beloved putt-putt course with host golfers of all skillsets and all-you-can-drink Union beers. Age 21 and up. Old Pro Golf, 6801 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City. 3 p.m. $30. 

5/4: Ladew Garden Festival
Festivals. Over 16 years, this annual fundraising garden festival has grown into one of the region’s most beloved plant displays and sales, featuring more than 40 vendors and access to the historic topiary gardens. Ladew Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pke., Monkton. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $15-75. 

5/4: Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race
Festivals. With a new theme of “monuments and masterpieces,” the annual race to end all races returns to American Visionary Art Museum as human-powered, all-terrain art works travel across land, water, sand, and mud in this uniquely Baltimore event. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 9:30 a.m. Free. 

5/4: Jedi Academy
Kids. All young Jedi Masters can head to the Maryland Science Center for an afternoon of Star Wars-related activities, such as learning how to channel “The Force” through the power of physics. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 12 p.m. Free-$31.95. 

5/4-5: M3 Rock Festival
Music. For the 15th year, this two-day music festival features more than a dozen acts performing iconic rock music from the 1970s and ’80s, including Bret Michaels of Poison. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. Times vary. $90-275. 

5/4-5: May the Fourth Be With You Super Science Sleepover
Kids. During this Maryland Science Center sleepover, kids aged five and up (with an adult) can explore the exhibition halls, view a planetarium show, and participate in Star Wars-themed activities for one night at the museum. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 5:30 p.m. $55. 

5/4-5: Galaxy Rebels
Kids. In honor of the fourth of May, Port Discovery is featuring two full days of Star Wars-themed activities, from building your own laser sword to robot training. Port Discovery, 35 Market Pl. Times vary. Free-$23.95 

5/4-9/8: Reflect and Remix
Exhibitions. This new exhibit explores visual and material resonances from The Walters Art Museum’s 90-year-old collection of 20,000-plus objects, 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. Free. 

5/4-10/27: A Year in France
Exhibitions. This new exhibit explores the life and works of late Baltimore artist Raoul Middleman during his years in the remote Ardèche region of southeastern France. Raoul Middleman Studio Museum, 943 N. Calvert St. Sat. 2-4 p.m. Free. 

5/5: Etruscan Mirrors
Lectures & Classes. This Sunday-afternoon lecture explores the design and use of ancient Mediterranean mirrors made more than 2,000 years ago. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 2 p.m. Free. 

5/7-12: Clue
Theater. Based on the fan-favorite 1985 film inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, this theatrical version on the classic murder-mystery takes over the Hippodrome for nearly one week. Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m. $36.50-118.

5/8: Santé
Fundraisers & Galas. This annual food-and-drink fundraiser features some of the city’s best bars and restaurants to benefit the National Kidney Foundation in Maryland and Delaware. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 6:30 p.m. $125. 

5/9: Jazz on the Terrace
Music. Jazz scholar Anna Celenza explores the role of jazz in U.S. society during the 1950s and ’60s, with live music by the Hannah Mayer Quintet followed by an outdoor reception. Evergreen Museum, 4545 N. Charles St. 6 p.m. $10-20. 

 5/9-6/2: The Importance of Being Earnest
Theater. Director Jenny Koons reimagines this Oscar Wilde classic in a humorous tale about alter egos, misunderstandings, and true identities. Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. Times & prices vary. 

5/9-6/29: Invisible Architectures / Social Contracts
Exhibitions. In collaboration with Towson University’s COFAC CoLab and former BMA director Doreen Bolger, this juried exhibition features works that explore the impact of geographic, economic, social, and institutional structures on personal relationships. Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. Tues.-Sat. 12-4 p.m. Free. 

5/10: An Evening with The Baron
Theater. Rudolf Erich Raspe’s main character from The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen comes to life in this immersive, interactive experience by Motte & Bailey Productions. The Peale Museum, 225 Holliday Street. Fri. 7 & 9 p.m., Sat. 7, 9, & 11 p.m. $60.

5/10-6/15: Scenes, Friends, Family, and Dancing
Exhibitions. In this new solo exhibition, a collection of works explore the kaleidoscopic color and creativity of artist Shelley Amsel’s four-decade career. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Fri.-Sat. 12-6 p.m. Free. 

5/11: Cylburn Arboretum Market Day
Festivals. On Mother’s Day weekend, head to Cylburn for a full day of plant sales, crafts, and vendors, with a ticketed “Party on the Porch” preview on Friday night. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

5/11: Remfest
Festivals. This one-day spring festival returns to the neighborhood of Remington, with live music, food and craft vendors, and family-friendly fun. Remington Ave. & 28th St. 12-9 p.m. Free.

5/11: The Baltimore Basilica Presents: Bach
Music. In the heart of Mount Vernon, this annual benefit concerts will feature the chamber orchestra sounds of J.S. Bach, as led by Basilica music director Samuel Rowe. The Baltimore Basilica, 409 Cathedral St. 3 p.m. Free-$35.  

5/11: In Our Mothers Garden
Film. On your Mother’s Day Weekend, this afternoon film screening will explore the strength, resiliency, and relationships of Black women, followed by a conversation with filmmaker Shantrelle Lewis. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 1 p.m. Free-$12.

5/11-12: Blockbuster Film Classics
Music. From Lawrence of Arabia and West Side Story to E.T. and Jurassic Park, conductor Damon Gupton leads the BSO through classic film scores. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $15-92. 

To 5/12: Romeo & Juliet
Theater. Under the director of award-winning local thespian Gerrad Alex Taylor, this William Shakespeare classic tells its tale of two star-crossed lovers and their heart-wrenching fate. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St. Times vary. $24-69. 

To 5/12: Stitched Memories: Celebrating Elizabeth Talford Scott
Exhibitions. As part of the citywide No Stone Left Unturned: The Elizabeth Talford Scott Initiative, this new exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in the quilted artworks by the late Baltimore artist. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Wed. & Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 1-8 p.m. Free. 

5/12: Diana Ross
Music. For one night, this legendary Diana Ross performs hits from her impressive, pop-star career. The Lyric, 110 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 7 p.m. $74-194.

5/12-6/9: A Midsummer’s Night Dream
Theater. On the eve of summer, director Noah Himmelstein invites viewers to enter the wild and whimsical world of this comic masterpiece by William Shakespeare. Everyman Theatre, 315 W. Fayette St. Times & prices vary. 

5/13: Heart
Music. This Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee brings its 1970s hits to downtown Baltimore, with opening act Cheap Trick from the same era. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore. 8 p.m. $44.50-249. 

5/15: OrchKids Spring Celebration Concert
Music. For one night only, a variety of musical numbers will be performed by students from the BSO’s OrchKids programs, including those involved string and wind, brass band, and Latin ensembles. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. 6 p.m. Pay what you wish. 

5/15: Earth with Esther Blue
Music. For one evening at the Current Space garden bar, frontman Dylan Carlson of Washington State’s 1990s Earth band performs live alongside jazz musician Esther Blue. Current Space, 421 Tyson St. 6 p.m. $20.

5/16: Art x The Beat
Music. The University of Baltimore are teaming up with the Baltimore Beat for an evening of live music and art by local creatives like Outcalls, DJ Ducky Dynamo, and Micah E. Wood, with proceeds benefitting the Black-led nonprofit newspaper. The Compound, 2239 Kirk Ave. 7:30 p.m. $15 suggested donation. 

5/17-6/1: A Computer That Loves: And Why Not to Build One
Theater. The Baltimore Rock Opera Society presents its latest production—a universe-spanning sci-fi epic with a big heart. The Zion Church of Baltimore City, 400 E. Lexington St. Times & prices vary. 

5/17-6/9: Love, Loss, and What I Wore
Theater. An item of clothing holds the past, hope, and romance in this comedic feat by both acclaimed writer and director Nora Ephron, of When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle fame, and with her sister, Delia Ephron. Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m. $17-24.

To 5/18: Dream Refuge for Children Imprisoned
Exhibitions. In this new exhibition at TU, artist Na Omi Judy Shintani holds space for children separated from their families during the likes of Japanese-American internment camps and Native Americans boarding schools. Towson University, Asian Arts Gallery, 1 Fine Arts Dr., Towson. Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 

To 5/18: Strata of Synthesis
Exhibitions. In this group exhibiti, Baltimore painter Phaan Howng and D.C. artist Andy Yoder present works that examine the natural world as a fantastical state. Mono Practice, 212 McAllister St. Fri.-Sat. 1-5 p.m. Free. 

5/18: Preakness Stakes
Sports. For the 149th year, the second jewel of the coveted Triple Crown horse race will take place in Baltimore, with the main event and live entertainment on Saturday, plus the Black-Eyed Susan Race on Friday morning. Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave. 6:50 p.m. $210-900. 

5/18: Maryland Music Awards
Music. This biennial broadcast event highlights the achievements of local and regional musicians, featuring a live music showcase of various genres and proceeds to benefit the children with cancer through the Nicole Van Horn Foundation. Rams Head Live, 20 Market Pl. 8 p.m. $20.  

5/18: Felt Memories
Lectures & Classes. In this midday workshop, artist Nastassja Swift will help attendees of all ages craft their memories into a fiber artwork to take home. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 11 a.m. Free-$12. 

5/18-11/16: BMI Farmers Market
Shopping. This South Baltimore farmers market returns with a variety of vendors selling everything from food and fresh flowers to bread and pastries, all made or grown within 150 miles. The Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 6:30 p.m. Free-$14. 

To 5/19: Miss Holmes
Theater. In this Baltimore premiere production inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson work together to solve a mystery and defy societal norms. Fells Point Corner Theater, 251 S. Ann St. Times & prices vary. 

5/19: Baltimore Vintage Expo
Shopping. This one-day, biannual used-fashion fete will showcase high-quality vintage and some of the city’s most beloved second-hand shops, with early-bird tickets affording two additional hours of shopping. Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. 11 a.m. Free-$20. 

5/19: Jambourrée
Music. Hear some of Maryland’s rising talent during sixth annual showcase featuring musical performances by students from Hunt Valley’s Stages Music Arts. The Recher, 512 York Rd., Towson. 12 p.m. $5. 

To 5/19: Kaleidoscope: Changing Perspectives
Exhibitions. As part of the citywide No Stone Left Unturned: The Elizabeth Talford Scott Initiative, this new exhibition at The Peale features fiber works by the late Baltimore artist, Elizabeth Talford Scott, alongside inspired pieces created by Baltimore City Public School students from the Arts Every Day program. The Peale Museum, 225 Holliday Street. Thurs.-Fri. 3-7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

5/22: Sun Ra Arkestra
Music. This acclaimed experimental music group brings its cosmic, jazz-infused sound to Harbor East in honor of its frontman’s 100th birthday. Keystone Korner, 1350 Lancaster St.  7:30. $15.  

5/24-6/9: Love/Sick
Theater. This unromantic comedy is a collection of slightly twisted stories and short plays all set on a Friday night in suburbia that explore the duality of love’s joy and pain. Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $10-24.

5/25-26: Brew at the Zoo
Festivals. On Memorial Day Weekend, this annual fundraiser transforms the Zoo grounds into a massive beer festival, featuring 80-plus brews, food, live music, and best of all, animal exhibition admission. Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl. Sat. 1-7 p.m., Sun. 1-7 p.m. $30-225. 

5/26: Sowebo Art & Music Festival
Festivals. This beloved community celebration of southwest Baltimore will take over the streets surrounding the historic Hollins Market with food, music, family fun, and more. Hollins Market, 1100 Hollins St. 12 p.m. Free. 

5/27: Tyler Childers
Music. This Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and Kentucky native brings his alternative country sound to the Baltimore stage. CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore. 8 p.m. $80-154. 

5/28: Megan Thee Stallion
Music. Ahead of the release of a new album, this Grammy Award-winning rapper performs Billboard Hot 100 hits like “Hot Girl Summer.” CFG Bank Arena, 201 W. Baltimore. 7 p.m. $43-1,019. 

5/29: Bonnie Raitt
Music. For one night, this legendary Americana singer-songwriter performs hits from her longstanding career. The Lyric, 110 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 8 p.m. $65-134.

5/30: Shordie Shordie
Music. This multi-platinum local rapper, former member of Peso De Mafia, and YouTube sensation will headline the downtown stage. Rams Head Live, 20 Market Pl. 8 p.m. $25-45. 

5/31: Music Under the Dome: ’90s Summer Mixtape
Music. Kick off summer with this immersive planetarium dance party at the Maryland Science Center, featuring ’90s music, drinks, and admission. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 7 p.m. $35. 

To 5/31: Bearing Witness
Exhibitions. Alongside the NOW: Collaborations exhibit currently on view with glass and video sculptor Tim Tate, 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. Free. 

To 6/2: (Re)Valuing Black Baltimore
Exhibitions. This new exhibition uses maps, photographs, and personal anecdotes to explore the past and present of three historic Black settlements in North Baltimore: Bare Hills, Cross Keys, and Hoes Heights. Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Museum, 3400 N. Charles St. Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 

To 7/14: Joyce J. Scott: Walk A Mile In My Dreams
Exhibitions. In this landmark retrospective, more than 120 works will showcase the 50-year career of local artist Joyce J. Scott, from sculpture, garments, and a new commission to items from her person archive. The 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 9/30: Black Woman Genius
Exhibitions. As part of the citywide No Stone Left Unturned: The Elizabeth Talford Scott Initiative, this new exhibition at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum presents a landmark retrospective on the mixed-media fiber works and narrative tapestries of the late Baltimore artist. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. Thurs.-Sat. 10-5 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. Free-$12 

To 12/31: Preoccupied: Indigenizing the Museum
Exhibitions. This new BMA initiative centers an array of Indigenous artists, with solo exhibitions of various mediums opening and on display throughout 2024. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. artbma.org.

To 12/28: Materials & Memories
Exhibitions. As part of the citywide No Stone Left Unturned: The Elizabeth Talford Scott Initiative, this new exhibition at the Maryland Center for History and Culture centers works by the late Baltimore artist alongside others by the African American Quilters of Baltimore and the antique quilts in MCHC’s collection. Maryland Center for History & Culture, 610 Park Ave. Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$12.