The List: October 2023

10/21: THE GREAT HALLOWEEN LANTERN PARADE AND FESTIVAL
Halloween in Baltimore means costumes, bar crawls, ghost tours, decorated stoops, and, perhaps best of all, this beloved Patterson Park tradition. Now in its 24th year, the Great Halloween Lantern Parade brings a procession of locals dressed as mythical creatures who hold handmade glowing lanterns which bathe the park in a magical light. The day kicks off with a costume contest for the kids, arts and crafts, pop-up performances, food trucks, and lantern-making tutorials. Per custom, festivities continue at twilight with a lantern-lit parade through Patterson Park, featuring even more musicians, artists, performers, and revelers. Catch the action along the parade route with family and friends, or grab a lantern and partake in the parade yourself. Rain date: Oct. 22. Patterson Park. Pulaski Monument. Festival and contest: 4:30 p.m. Parade: 7 p.m. Free.

TO 10/1: CHARM CITY BURLESQUE & VARIETY FESTIVAL
In its first year, this risque series of performances in Highlandtown is here to shine a light on sexy, sly, seductive Baltimore. Creative Alliance. Times vary. $10-250. 

TO 10/1: CHARM CITY CROSS RACE
Cruise on two wheels (or cheer on your favorite cyclist) when the annual event, among North America’s largest cyclocross races, returns to Druid Hill Park. Charm City Cross. Times vary.

TO 10/1: MARYLAND ITALIAN FESTIVAL
In Harford County, this inaugural event features carnival rides, beer, wine, games, Italian food vendors, and a blowout bocce tournament. Harford County Equestrian Center. Times vary. Free-$10. 

TO 10/1: MIRYOKUCON 2023
In downtown Baltimore, enjoy three days of video games, artists, panels, cosplayers, and anime. Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards. Times vary. Free-$60. 

10/1: GARDEN ART PARTY
Visit Reservoir Hill’s Whitelock Community Farm to enjoy a fresh-foods potluck, belt your heart out at an open mic, create artwork, and take part in a harvesting workshop. Whitelock Community Farm. 1-5 p.m. 

10/1: SORRY GIRLS AND JULIEN CHENG AND GLORIAN
The dreamy Montreal-hailing pop duo Sorry Girls joins Baltimore artists to watch: vocalist Julien Chang and experimental electronic dance pop and neo-folk musician Glorian. Metro Gallery. 8 p.m. Price TBD.

10/1-16: MONSTER EYES
At Port Discovery, your tot can ring in Halloween by making their own spooky monster mask (Break out the googly eyes!) Port Discovery. Times vary. $23.95. 

10/1: QUINTESSENTIAL SOUL FESTIVAL
Bring your buddies, chairs, and blankets out to Greektown Square for two stages of live tunes, local vendors, eats, and more. Greektown Square. 1-7 p.m. $22-30. 

10/1-1/7/2024: MAKING HER MARK: A HISTORY OF WOMEN ARTISTS IN EUROPE, 1400-1800
Challenging the idea that European women artists were not as talented as their male counterparts, this new Baltimore Museum of Art exhibition highlights women-made objects from the 15th to 18th centuries, from portraits and sculptures to metalwork and furniture. Baltimore Museum of Art. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

10/4: QUEEN AND ADAM LAMBERT
Following a four-year hiatus, and fronted by American Idol runner-up and pop star Adam Lambert, Queen performs in Baltimore as part of its updated Rhapsody Tour. CFG Bank Arena. Times and prices vary. 

10/5: DINING OUT FOR LIFE
Dine in or order out from various Baltimore eateries in support of Moveable Feast and its efforts to treat chronic illness and combat food insecurity in Maryland. Moveable Feast. Time and pricing TBD. 

10/5: JAZZY SUMMER NIGHTS
Electrifying, sassy local vocalist Joi Carter headlines this month’s iteration of the outdoor concert series. Baltimore Peninsula. 5 p.m. $40-50. 

10/5: QUEERING THE COLLECTION: CHRISTINE DUCKWORTH
Alongside Ellen Hoobler, the William B. Ziff Jr. Associate Curator of the Art of the Americas at The Walters, the Lumbee Tribe member and Baltimore native discusses art, nature, and identity. The Walters Art Museum. 6-7 p.m. 

10/6: CHARM CITY BLUES FESTIVAL
Featuring performances by King George, Theodis Ealey, Lenny Williams, Pokey Bear, and Calvin Richardson, this evening at The Lyric will be filled with guitar strums and soulful storytelling. The Lyric. 8 p.m. $59-175

10/6-7: CHOCOLATE COVERED ROCKY HORROR
Make a journey to the 1960s by way of Creative Alliance, where this unique spin on The Rocky Horror Picture Show celebrates queer and minority experiences. Grab a game pack for the interactive showcase and get ready for “The Time Warp.” Creative Alliance. 8 p.m. $32-25.

10/6: HIGHLANDTOWN FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Spend time in Southeast Baltimore exploring the creations of our city’s gifted artists while enjoying local food and drink from neighborhood eateries. Highlandtown Arts District. 5 p.m. 

10/6-8: FELLS POINT FUN FESTIVAL
The annual festival pays tribute to the waterfront neighborhood with food (chicken on a stick or pit beef, anyone?) beer, cocktails, on-site makers, and a jam-packed music lineup, headlined by country songstress (and Baltimore native) Brittney Spencer. Fells Point Fun Festival. Times vary. 

10/7: BALTIMORE BY BALTIMORE
Baltimore bass clarinetist Todd Marcus hosts this month’s jazz-themed iteration of the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore-run festival series,
known to feature on-site food trucks, local makers, and performances. Inner Harbor Amphitheater. Time TBD.

10/7: BILLY JOEL AND STEVIE NICKS
Forming an unexpected musical alliance, the “Piano Man” and “Rhiannon” singer take the stage together for a rousing show, sure to delight Boomers in Baltimore. M&T Bank Stadium. 7 p.m. Prices vary.

10/7: FAMILY BIKING
Has parenthood put a stop to your biking routine? This Enoch Pratt event highlights accessible resources (including safety tips and trusted seating options for young passengers) to make family biking possible. Enoch Pratt Free Library. 10 a.m. 

10/7: SELECTOR SERIES # 8: WILL OLDHAM
Presented by Matt Byars and Lee Gardner of music podcast Essential Tremors, this shared album listening experience is hosted by singer-songwriter Will Oldham, aka Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Design Distillery. 7 p.m. $25-30. 

10/7: WORLD ODDITIES EXPO
The traveling festival makes a pit stop at the Baltimore Convention Center, bringing with it tattoo artists, taxidermy, insects, jewelry, odd artwork, and all things kooky. Baltimore Convention Center. 12-8 p.m. $5-175. 

10/7-8: DOORS OPEN BALTIMORE
Known for celebrating the city’s neighborhoods and architecture through guided tours and open houses, the now-10-year-old event partners with Waverly Main Street this year, expanding to highlight local artist spaces. Baltimore Architecture Foundation. Locations and times vary. 

10/7-8: INTERNATIONAL EDGAR ALLAN POE FESTIVAL & AWARDS
Celebrating the macabre writer who lived and died in Baltimore, the annual fest features Poe-themed performances, readings, art, vendors, food, and tours. Though the two-day event is free, there are paid extras, including “death weekend” bus tours. Poe would be pleased. The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum. Times and prices vary. 

TO 10/8: LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL
Four months before her passing, Baltimore jazz singer Billie Holiday performed at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, a small club in South Philadelphia. At Center Stage, this performance will be recreated—cabaret style—featuring not just Holiday’s best known songs like “Strange Fruit” and “God Bless the Child,” but her candid reflections on her life, her struggles, and her triumphs. Center Stage. Times and prices vary.

10/8: VOLVER BY TANGO LOVERS
Made up of a cast of musicians, singers, dancers, and artists from Uruguay and Argentina, the world-renowned and Grammy Award-winning tango company touches down at Gordon Center for the Performing arts alongside tango singer Guillermo Fernandez. Gordon Center for the Performing Arts. 7 p.m. $35-89. 

10/10: HAUNTED MARYLAND
Enoch Pratt librarians Lisa Greenhouse and Julie Saylor host this night of eerie folk tales and bone-chilling ghost stories from our own backyard. Enoch Pratt Free Library. 6:30 p.m.

10/12-15: DISNEY ON ICE
CFG Bank Arena brings together our beloved Disney princes, princesses, and characters (we’re looking at you, Moana, Anna, and Elsa) for one spectacular performance on the ice rink. CFG Bank Arena. Times and prices vary. 

10/13: OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS: COCO AND GHOSTBUSTERS
With grub by Charm City Table, festive sips prepared by Bar Movement, and two of our favorite fall flicks, this outdoor movie night has everything you need to get into the spooky spirit. Next to Rye Street Market. 6 p.m.-12 a.m. 

10/14-15:  ARTEMIS
Named after the Greek goddess of hunting, chastity, and nature, the international and intergenerational all-woman jazz group will perform at the Harbor East venue. Keystone Korner. Times vary. $10-45. 

10/15: ANGELA HEWIT
Kicking off the music venue’s fall season, the Canadian classical pianist performs at Shriver Hall for one evening. Shriver Hall. 5:30 p.m. Prices vary. 

10/16: SECU MD FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC
In its sixth year, the networking and sporting event raises funds for the SECU MD Foundation Scholarship Program, which works to raise scholarship funds for those hoping to further their education. Turf Valley Golf Club. 10 a.m. $350-15,000. 

10/18: BROWN LECTURE SERIES FEATURING JADA PINKETT SMITH
Joined by CNN’s chief legal analyst and anchor Laura Coates, the Baltimore native actor, producer, and musician visits Enoch Pratt to discuss her path from growing up in Baltimore to finding fame in Hollywood, as detailed in her memoir, Worthy. Enoch Pratt Free Library. 7 p.m.

10/18-22: LADEW GARDEN GLOW
Now in its sixth year, this Ladew Gardens fête features creatively carved jack-o-lanterns, booze, live music, “strolling” performers, and ample family-friendly fun. Ladew Topiary Gardens. 5-9 p.m. Price TBD.

10/19: RAMBLING READERS
Throw on a pair of comfortable walking shoes and join the roving book club on excursions near Enoch Pratt’s Central Library. Enoch Pratt Free Library, Central Library. 10 a.m. 

10/20: MORTIFIED
With a Back to School theme, the Baltimore leg of this beloved performance series and podcast invites adults to reveal their oft-cringeworthy school-aged writings to an audience. Creative Alliance. 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m. $15-25. 

10/20-22: MARYLAND HOME & GARDEN + CRAFT SHOW
With upward of 300 exhibitors, six fully landscaped gardens, and more than 100 craft artisans, the annual homeowner and green thumb-centered
event brings this year’s hottest home and gardening trends to Timonium. Maryland State Fairgrounds. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free-$9.

10/20-11/19: THE CHINESE LADY
Everyman Theatre presents Lloyd Suh’s critically acclaimed play, inspired by the true story of Afong Moy, the first Chinese woman to set foot in America, in 1834. Directed by Nana Dakin, the play follows her to New York, where she becomes a living curiosity in a museum, and struggles to hang onto her identity. Everyman Theatre. Times and prices vary.

TO 10/22: MARYLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
In its 47th season, this beloved event in Crownsville offers over-the-top fair concessions, handmade art, time-transcending performances, and cool medieval costumes. Maryland Renaissance Festival. Times and pricing TBD.

10/24-29: FUNNY GIRL
Jules Stein and Bob Merrill’s iconic musical, Funny Girl, gets a revival at The Hippodrome. The story of vaudeville performer Fanny Brice that Barbra Streisand immortalized in film returns to the stage, with hits such as “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” Hippodrome Theatre. Times and prices vary.

10/28: HALLOWEEN AT THE MARYLAND SCIENCE CENTER
From Talking Heads tribute band Psycho Killers to Uncle Kunkel’s One Gram Band with a tribute to Little Feat, to DJ James Nasty, the science center’s blowout Halloween dance party has no shortage of top-notch performers this year. Maryland Science Center. 8 p.m. $55-99.