Thursday, November 17
Third Thursday Creative Freelancer Happy Hour Networking: A monthly networking event for independent creatives, consultants, and freelancers. A chance to meet others in person to exchange advice and create connections. 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Busboys and Poets, 3224 Saint Paul Street. For more information, go to: busboysandpoets.com or call: 410- 497-7114.
Hackerman Foundation Best & Next Lecture Series: W. Kamau Bell: Comedian, author, director, and Emmy-award-winning television host W. Kamau Bell will offer his thoughts on the current state of race and politics in America. W. Kamau Bell will be joined in conversation by Karsonya Wise Whitehead, host of Today with Dr. Kaye on WEAA 88.9 FM. (Free; Registration required) 7 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Central Library, Central Hall, 400 Cathedral Street. For more information, go to: prattlibrary.org or call: 410-396-5430.
Mingle at the Mill: Annual holiday exhibition and open studios at Clipper Mill. Complimentary light bites by Woodberry Kitchen, live music, and a cash bar. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Foundry Building Patio and Fire Pit, 2010 Clipper Mill Park Road. For more information, email: ClipperMillPOA@wpmllc.com or call: 443-955-4308
Film premiere: Tax Broke: Investigative documentary explores the history of the city’s fraught relationship with artificially imposed boundaries, codified segregation, and, finally, a political economy fueled by hundreds of millions of dollars in tax incentives doled out behind closed doors. 6 p.m. at The Real News Network, 231 Holliday Street. For more information, go to: therealnews.com.
Voyages: Chapter 2: An immersive audiovisual journey, an after-party with live music, and local food vendors. ($50) 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at National Aquarium, 501 East Pratt Street. For more information, go to: aqua.org or call: 410-576-3800.
Friday, November 18
Memento Mori Opening Reception: Join the artists and curator Catherine Borg at the opening reception, which will feature a pop-up speakeasy bar designed by No Land Beyond with beverages crafted by mixologist Ciara Newton, and live performances by Michele Blue and Carrie Fucile & Brenton Lim. Memento mori is an art exhibition celebrating the history and future of 108 West North Ave, a former funeral home in Station North Arts District. Featuring the artwork of Amy Berbert Vu, Antonio McAfee, Bao Nguyen, Carrie Fucile & Brenton Lim, Dina Fiasconaro, Edgar Reyes, Jill Fannon, Lynn Silverman, Michele Blu, Stephen Hendee, and Webster Phillips. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Parlor, 108 West North Avenue. For more information, go to: stationnorth.org, email: info@stationnorth.org, or call: 410-244-1775.
BCS Sound Check: Eze Jackson: Baltimore’s own musical powerhouse Eze Jackson will bring the house down as both musician and storyteller with his brand new autobiographical theatrical solo show. ($10) 8:30 p.m. at Baltimore Center Stage, Deering Lobby, 700 North Calvert Street. For more information, go to: www.centerstage.org, call 410-332-0033, or email info@centerstage.org.
Natural Velvet, Mowder Oyal, Hormone, and The Treasury (RVA): A night of genre-bending music. ($10-$15) 7:30 p.m. At The Crown Baltimore, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: thecrownbaltimore.tumblr.com or call: 410-625-4848.
5th Annual Black Girls Vote Ball: The 5th Annual Black Girls Vote Ball will celebrate the accomplishments of Black women in politics, activism, and advocacy who are making a difference not only in their community but around the world. Funds raised from this event will help Black Girls Vote (BGV) expand its mission of voter education, engagement, and empowerment. ($200-$2,500) 7 p.m. at Martin’s West, 6817 Dogwood Road. For more information, email: info@blackgirlsvote.com or call: 410-944-9433.
Zoo Lights: A brilliant seasonal spectacle is coming to the zoo again this winter! Walk through a festival of lights shaped like wildlife and your face might just light up too. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Place. For more information, go to: marylandzoo.org/special_events/zoo-lights or call: 410-396-7102.
Saturday, November 19
A Night In Red With Eric!: A birthday celebration for the birthday of Mera’s very own Eric Skinner, and a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association. If you are unable to join, but would like to make a donation, you can do so via www.alz.org. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Mera Kitchen Collective, 1301 North Calvert Street. For more information, go to: mera.kitchen/events, email: hello@mera.kitchen, or call 443-681-9855.
Christmas Village In Baltimore: Tree Lighting Ceremony and Preview Weekend: Celebrate the return of the Christmas Village in Baltimore. Don’t miss the WCU’s “A Moment of Magic” chapter and take pictures with your favorite princesses, fairies, and superheroes! Be enchanted by a performance by the Girl Scouts of Maryland Chorus. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at West Shore Park near the Inner Harbor. For more information, go to: baltimore-christmas.com or email: info@baltimore-christmas.com.
Sunday, November 20th
The Black Mall: Come through and support two floors of Black Baltimore Excellence. Shop for the holidays from a selection of artworks, gift items, vegan and non-vegan foods, candles, jewelry, and more. All are welcome and encouraged to bring their positivity and great energy to support the amazing vendors. 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Garage, 6 East Lafayette Avenue. For more information, go to: thebaltimorescene.org or text: 443-248-2596.
Preserving Legacies: A panel discussion to explore the process of preserving the legacies and stories of Black culture through a series of presentations by artists and archivists, including Savannah Wood, artist and executive director of Afro Charities; Jelisa Blumberg, creative director of Black Baltimore Digital Database, Larry W. Cook, artist and assistant professor of photography at Howard University; and Webster Phillips III, artist, archivist, and grandson of longtime Baltimore Afro-American photographer Henry Phillips Sr. who has documented his grandfather’s work on ihenryphoto.com. The program will be moderated by Community Arts Fellow for the Billie Holiday Center for Liberation Arts Jeneanne Collins. (Free; Registration required) 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive. For more information, go to: artbma.org or call: 443-573-1700.
Monday, November 21
Thanksgiving Cooking Class at Schola: Learn how to make Thanksgiving appetizers and sides at this BYOB cooking class at Schola, including: prosciutto-wrapped gorgonzola stuffed Dates, sweet potato soup with coconut milk and Moroccan spiced almonds, shaved brussel sprout salad, roasted walnuts, dried cranberries, goat cheese and apple cider vinaigrette, and more! ($65) 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Schola, 916 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: scholacooks.com or call: 443-714-7516.
Lustsickpuppy, Soul Glo, Hostage Crisis, Doubt: Hardcore in Baltimore at Ottobar. All Ages. ($13-$15) 7 p.m. at Ottobar, 549 North Howard Street. For more information, go to: theottobar.com or call: 410-662-0069.
Wednesday, November 23
Sweet Spot: Britney Blackout: A Thanksgiving Eve party to celebrate the legendary Miss Britney Spears. Musical performances by P_A_T, Sweet Spot, and Jamie CD, hosted by BABY. Britney looks are encouraged, but no snakes, please! ($10) 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Manor, 924 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: themanorbaltimore.com or call: 443-835-1526.
Thursday, November 24
The Quarterly Meeting – Thanksgiving Night Edition: It’s the return of the beloved “QUARTERLY MEETING.” Featuring art, music, dancing and sounds by DJ Tanz, DJ Jamal, DJ Eli, DJ Rod Braxton, DJ Biskit, and DJ OJI. ($20-$30) 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at The Assembly Room/Ikonik Live, 316 Guilford Avenue. For more information, call: 410-967-1740, 443-691-4491, or 443-850-3560.
Friday, November 25
All Black Holiday Explosion: Special performances by The Panama Band, The Rollex Band, and special guest DJs. ($30) 7 p.m. at Patapsco Arena, 3301 Annapolis Road.
Soulful Friday: Come enjoy live music by Gerrell & Friends, soul food, and drink specials at Next Phaze. Happy hour 4 p.m. with live music from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Next Phaze Cafe, 112 East Lexington Street. For more information, go to: nextphazecafe.com or call 410-449-3232.
Saturday, November 26
Black Violin at the BSO: Black violinists Wil B. and Kev Marcus combine their classical training with hip-hop influences at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. As part of their Give Thanks Holiday Tour, the group will be joined by DJ SPS and drummer Nat Stokes for playful storytelling, whimsical string melodies, and hard-hitting beats to highlight the unifying pillars of the holiday season: Giving back to others and being wholeheartedly thankful. ($45-$65) 8 p.m. At Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral Street. for more information, go to: bsomusic.org or call: 410-783-800.
Mini Small Bizness Saturday Market: Join four small, local businesses to shop for the holidays. Come have a drink, a bite, and shop for unique, handmade gifts! Vendors include: The Stoop (eclectic fiber arts),The Glow Co. (sustainable candles in reusable glassware), Fern & Folk (cement pots and sassy decor), and Maxi Cif Designs (Handcrafted sterling silver jewelry inspired by the Earth and moon). Kick off the gift-giving season by shopping small and supporting local makers. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at R. House, 301 West 29th Street. For more information, go to: r.housebaltimore.com or call: 443- 347-3570.
Drop-In Art Making at the Walters Art Museum: Visit the Walters for free art-making activities and weekend fun! Inspired by their collection, you can create your masterpiece at the museum or take supplies home. (Free) All ages are welcome. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Walters Art Museum, 600 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: thewalters.org or call: 410-547-9000.
VERSION: A Queer Dance Party: VERSION is a dance party and space carved out for queer and trans people, by queer and trans people. This month’s event is part of Baltimore Blaq Pride. ($10) 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Crown Baltimore, 1910 North Charles Street. For more information, go to: thecrownbaltimore.tumblr.com or call: 410-625-4848.
Sunday, November 27
Samuel Prather & The Groove Orchestra Holiday Celebration: A night of holiday music and fun with Samuel Prather and his critically acclaimed ensemble Groove Orchestra. G.O! combines danceable grooves with the harmonic elements of jazz in a unique high-energy package that has been featured at the Funk Parade, DC Jazz Fest, and the Howard Theater. In-person and streaming. 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Keystone Korner, 1350 Lancaster Street. For more information, go to: keystonekornerbaltimore.com or call: 410-946-6726.