Wednesday, Nov. 15
Maxo: Los Angeles rapper Maxo will be performing with Sideshow and Lordy. ($18, all ages) 7 p.m. at Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to metrobmore.com or call 443-425-5139.
Thursday, Nov. 16
Voyages Chapter 4: Explore aquarium exhibits as you consider—and celebrate—the beauty of adaptations through the medium of drag. After exploring the exhibits, close out the night at an after-party drag show featuring all of the night’s performers. Featuring curated cocktails and local food vendors. ($50) 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the National Aquarium, 501 East Pratt Street. For more information, call 410-576-3800 or email reserve@aqua.org.
Friday, Nov. 17
CM/Baltimore | Michelle Stafford: A monthly speaker series led by Baltimore’s most innovative and creative minds. This month’s talk on “Rhythm” will be led by Michelle Stafford, a wellness expert. 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Maryland Art Place, 218 West Saratoga. For more information, go to creativemornings.com or email baltimore@creativemornings.com.
Camp Collidescope: Plushy & Graffiti Art: Two art forms COLLIDE for Baltimore City School students grades 3-8. For half of the day, students work with local artist Jesse Lentzwiler to create their own little plush friend. For the other half of the day, Creative Alliance resident artist kolpeace leads a hands-on interactive exploration of arts and teamwork called “Mini Mural Mindfulness.” 8:30 a.m. in the Creativity Center, Classroom One, Creative Alliance, 3137 Eastern Avenue. (One student: $50/$45, two or more students: $90). For more information, go to creativealliance.org or call 410-276-1651.
Opening Reception: Meet artist Mark Anthony West and celebrate the opening of his solo exhibition, “Heaven Is in Baltimore.” 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, 847 North Howard Street. For more information, go to eubieblake.org.
Under $500 2023: Find artwork under $500. Gift wrapping will be available on-site. Featuring sound by DJ Amsies. ($30) 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Maryland Art Place, 218 West Saratoga Street. For more information, go to mdartplace.org, email amy@mdartplace.org, or call 410-204-1959.
PLAYTIME: Celebrate the weekend with sounds by DJ Tromac. (Free, 21+) 9 p.m to 1:45 a.m., at The Royal Blue, 1733 Maryland Avenue. For more information, go to royalbluebar.com or call 443-869-6111.
Saturday, Nov. 18
Candlelight: Hip-hop on Strings: A live, multi-sensory musical experience in an awe-inspiring location. Discover the music of hip-hop classics under the gentle glow of candlelight. ($31) 8:45 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, 10 West Franklin Street. For more information go to firstunitarian.net.
Tree Lighting Ceremony: Experience the magic of the holiday season at this event featuring a choir performance by the Girl Scouts of Maryland. Don’t miss this opportunity to get an early impression of what Christmas Village has in store for the upcoming season. (Free) 4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. at West Shore Park/Inner Harbor, 501 Light Street. For more information, go to baltimore-christmas.com or email info@baltimore-christmas.com.
And Still, We Dream: An evening of music, movement, and words exploring ideas and experiences related to dreams. ($22 general; $18 students, seniors, artists) 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Baltimore Theater Project, 45 West Preston Street. For more information, go to theatreproject.org or call 410-539-3091.
Reunited: Diskobar Reunion: Celebrate the infamous bar project by Wickerham & Lomax. Featuring performances by Pangelica, Randi Withani, and DJ sets by S.DOT, SOVTHPAW, and DJ Omnibud. Specialty cocktails, food, art installations, and surprises. ($10 adv./$20 at the door, 21+) 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Motor House, 120 West North Avenue. For more information, go to motorhousebaltimore.com.
Black Artist Fair: An educational and interactive event that connects Black creatives from the Greater Baltimore area to resources and services to further enhance their crafts and career. Nov. 18-19, various locations. For more information, go to blackartsdistrict.org.
The 13th Cheffing Series: Brothers Who Can Cook & Sisters Who Can Burn: Indulge in a spectrum of flavors, witness the clash of culinary titans, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of passion and creativity. ($25-$30) 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Eubie Blake National Jazz and Cultural Center, 847 North Howard Street. For more information, go to eubieblake.org or email thecheffingseries@gmail.com.
Urban Legend: A concert in celebration of Baltimore’s rich hip-hop history. Featuring performances by Jay Royale, $I Note$, Eze Jackson, Lola Zoe, Icon Tha God, and Chase Ultra. Presented by Nyte Lyfe Events. ($10) 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Nyte Lyfe Studios, 817 North Howard Street. For more information, email nytelyfe1986@gmail.com.
Sunday, Nov. 19
Legends of Laughter feat. Pierre: Featuring Pierre Edwards (Def Comedy Jam, BET Comicview, BAPS), Ray Diva, and Tiana Douglas. ($19-$35, 21+) 6 p.m. at Magooby’s Joke House, 9603 Deereco Road, Timonium. For more information, go to ufcomedy.com, magoobysjokehouse.com, or call 410-252-2727.
Wednesday, Nov. 22
Wu-Givings Eve: Start the long weekend with two-for-one drinks, good music, and good vibes. Sounds of Baltimore DJs will be playing your favorite ’80s, ’90s, and early ’00s hip-hop and R&B hits. (Free, 21+) 9 p.m. at The Point, 1738 Thames Street. For more information, go to thepointfells.com or call 410-327-7264.
Sweet Spot: Britney Blackout: A dance party celebrating the legendary Britney Spears. Sounds by DJ P_A_T (NYC) & Sweet Spot, hosted by Baby. ($15, all ages) 9:30 p.m. at Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to metrobmore.com, sweetspotbmore.com, or call 443-425-5139
Friday, Nov. 24
Holiday Market: Shop small and local this season at this holiday market featuring goods by local vendors and artisans, flash tattoos, henna, and drinks. Food by Chuck’s Trading Post. Free parking. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pariah Brewing Company, 1700 Union Avenue, Suite D. For more information, go to pariahbrewing.com, email jr@pariahbrewingco.com, or call 410-366-0178.
Polar Express Train Ride: Characters from the award-winning book come to life through this magical holiday journey. Climb aboard the Polar Express, where chefs will serve you hot chocolate and cookies while you listen to the tale. Each passenger receives a silver sleigh bell from Santa Claus. ($47-$90) Various times at B&O Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt Street. For more information, go to borail.org or call 410-752-2490.
’Twas the Night Before: Get into the holiday spirit at Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever holiday production. ($61-$160) 7:30 p.m. at the Hippodrome Theatre, 12 North Eutaw Street. For more information, go to france-merrickpac.com or call 410-837-7400.
Always Baltimore: Abdu Ali returns to Baltimore for a sonic display of joy and healing with special guests Yaya Bey, mydreamsisvivid, DJ Shido, and S DOT. ($15, all ages) 8 p.m. at Ottobar, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to theottobar.com or call 410-662-0069.
Fatt Butt Rodeo: Move your butt to the sounds of DJ Pancakes. (Free, 21+) 10 p.m. at Ottobar, Upstairs, 2549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to theottobar.com or call 410-662-0069.
Saturday, Nov. 25
Vintage & Makers Market: Don’t miss this opportunity to shop small with some of the best local makers and vintage vendors. Noon to 5 p.m. at Ministry of Brewing, 1900 East Lombard Street. For more information, go to ministryofbrewing.com or call 410-624-5623.
Version: A Queer Dance Party: Celebrate Friendsgiving at a dance party and space carved out for queer and trans people, by queer and trans people. ($10) 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Crown Baltimore, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, go to thecrownbaltimore.com or call 410-625-4848.
Mini Small Business Saturday Market: A heartwarming holiday celebration of community, creativity, and small businesses. Noon to 6 p.m. at R. House, 301 West 29th Street. For more information, go to r.housebaltimore.com or call 443-347-3570.
Bese Saka Soulful Vibrations Presents A Sagittarius Celebration Bash: An exciting night of deep soulful house music featuring resident DJ Michael Joyner, with sounds from Damond Ramsey (One House One Nations) and Darrel Lewis (Dem OMG Boys). Free food for ticket holders. Cash bar and Bese Saka merch available for sale. ($20, 21+) 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at M8 Beer, 1399 South Sharp Street. For more information, email besesakahouseparty@gmail.com.
Sunday, Nov. 26
The Cube Skate Party: An awesome day of skating, music, and pizza. ($10) 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Cube Cowork, 4709 Harford Road. For more information, go to thecubecowork.com.
Lafayette with New Volcanoes: Baltimore piano legend Lafayette Gilchrist reforms his 10-piece powerhouse funk/jazz outfit for a special one-off show. ($20, all ages). 3:30 p.m. at Metro Gallery, 1700 North Charles Street. For more information, go to metrobmore.com or call 443-425-5139.
Tuesday, Nov. 28
Writers Live! Raquel Willis, “The Risk It Takes to Bloom”: Raquel Willis will discuss her memoir that traces her life of transformation and her work toward collective liberation. She will be joined in conversation by Londyn Smith de Richelieu, director of the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs. 7 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Central Library, Wheeler Auditorium, 400 Cathedral Street. In-person and virtual. For more information, go to prattlibrary.org or call 410-396-5430.