This weekend in Baltimore, music enthusiasts and nature lovers alike are in for a treat as they celebrate Earth Day a bit early, with the official holiday occurring next Wednesday. Various musical performances and environmentally-focused events will be available throughout the city.
From initiatives promoting ecological awareness to a vibrant festival showcasing old-time music, there are many activities to engage in over the weekend. Here’s what to look forward to in our events roundup:
Holes, Thursday, April 16, through Sunday, May 10, Baltimore Center Stage. You may have read Louis Sachar’s beloved novel or watched the Disney film starring Shia LaBeouf. Now, you can witness the characters from Camp Green Lake come to life in Baltimore Center Stage’s adaptation of “Holes.” This production premieres on Thursday, April 16, and runs until May 10.
Appalachian Spring and Beethoven 6 with Alsop (EARTH | Songs), Thursday, April 16 through Sunday, April 19, Music Center at Strathmore and Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Music Director Laureate Marin Alsop returns to the podium to conduct Copland’s Suite from Appalachian Spring, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” along with the East Coast Premiere of Australian composer Brett Dean’s Fire Music.
St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore’s 20th Annual Empty Bowls Candlelight & Clay Event, Friday, April 17, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Maryland State Fairgrounds. Join fellow supporters of St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore’s mission while savoring food tastings, enjoying an open bar, listening to Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos, and participating in a silent auction featuring handmade ceramic bowls.
Earth Day Party for the Planet, Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, Maryland Zoo. Discover how to contribute to environmental protection during this Earth Day celebration weekend, featuring various community organizations, engaging activity stations, and a giveaway of native seeds and trees on Saturday only.
Baltimore Old Time Music Festival, Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, Baltimore Museum of Industry. Experience the joy of traditional tunes at the 7th Annual Baltimore Old Time Music Festival. This year’s featured artists include Rhiannon Giddens & Kristina Gaddy, Jerron Paxton, The Wild Shoats, Tessa McCoy & The State Birds, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer & Chao Tian (Friday only), Joseph Decosimo & Stephanie Coleman, Eddie Bond Trio, Golden Shoals, Stanley & The Ten Sleepless Knights, Mark Schatz & Bryan McDowell, along with your hosts Ken & Brad Kolodner.
Earth Day 5K & Fun Run/Kids’ Dash, Saturday, April 18, 8:30 a.m., Patterson Park. Join in the fun at the Earth Day 5K, featuring a 1-mile Fun Run and Kids’ Dash at Patterson Park. The 5K event kicks off at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Fun Run and Kids’ Dash for participants aged 5 and under. After the races, enjoy breakfast, music, and volunteer activities, including mulching, tree planting, gardening, and trash cleanup from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture, Saturday, April 18 through Sunday, August 9, Walters Art Museum. This exhibition, featuring over 100 pieces, celebrates the self-taught jewelry artist Douriean Fletcher and examines her work as a compelling narrative tool within the realms of art, Black identity, and visual storytelling. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Breakfast with the Rhinos, Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Maryland Zoo. Visit the zoo before it opens and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the rhino exhibit. Attendees will learn fascinating facts about these magnificent animals while enjoying a buffet-style breakfast outdoors.
Fix-It Fair, Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Station North Tool Library. This free, family-friendly event is an opportunity to connect with skilled volunteers who can assist with repairing clothes, furniture, leather items, bikes, and more. Learn additional details in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Cross Street Oysterfest, Saturday, April 18, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., One Star Country Club. Indulge in all-you-can-eat oysters while enjoying drink specials, live music, and more at the 2nd Annual Cross Street Oysterfest.
Grim Reefer Fest 2026, Saturday, April 18, doors open at 2:30 p.m., Ottobar. Celebrating eight years, this grassroots DIY festival features a full day of heavy music, great vibes, and high spirits, showcasing performances by Black Tusk, Howling Giant, Total Maniac, Haze Mage, Shadow Witch, Cemetery Sex, Almost Honest, Seasick Gladiator, and Necromancer. Discover more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore’s 20th Annual Empty Bowls Family Event, Saturday, April 18, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Maryland State Fairgrounds. This evening will include unlimited soup and food, free entry for children ages 9 and under, a Kid Fun Zone, handmade ceramic keepsake bowls, and an artisan market. Proceeds from tickets benefit St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore’s assistance programs and services.
Orchestra Noir, Saturday, April 18, 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Under the direction of Maestro Jason Ikeem Rodgers, Orchestra Noir returns to Baltimore on the Culture 2000 tour, offering an immersive concert experience that combines early 2000s hits with the vibrancy of a live orchestra.
Shen Yun, Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, Hippodrome Theatre. Experience five millennia of Chinese culture as it unfolds through classical Chinese dance.
Red Shoe Shuffle 5K Run & Walk, Sunday, April 19, 10:30 a.m., Ronald McDonald House. Marking its 15th anniversary, this family-friendly 5K supports children facing medical challenges. The run starts at the Ronald McDonald House, winds through Little Italy and along the Inner Harbor, returning to the Big Heart at the House. Participants are welcome to Celebration Village afterward for activities, food vendors, live music, and awards.
Grand Opening Celebration for the Goldsmith Campus, Sunday, April 19, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., The Goldsmith Campus. Join The Associated Network for a celebration suitable for all ages, featuring fitness classes, hands-on activities, a live DJ, and much more.
BRBQ (Balt.Record.Boutique) at Wico Street Beer Co, Sunday, April 19, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wico Street Beer Co. Enjoy a free, family-friendly event where you can shop for records and books as DJs spin vinyl.
Inscape Chamber Orchestra, Sunday, April 19, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Earl and Darielle Linehan Concert Hall at UMBC. The acclaimed Inscape Chamber Orchestra will perform Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Richard Strauss’s Suite from Der Rosenkavalier, and Béla Bártok’s Violin Concerto No. 1, featuring soloist Airi Yoshioka.
SpringFest on the Goldsmith Campus, Sunday, April 19, 1–4 p.m., The Associated. Celebrate the grand opening of the Goldsmith Campus, the new venue for The Associated, and enjoy an afternoon packed with engaging activities for all ages, including JCC-led fitness classes, hands-on projects for kids, arts and wellness programs, story times, and giveaways.
