As October unfolds, it brings with it a host of engaging events perfect for everyone—whether you’re in search of family-friendly fun or looking to embrace the Halloween spirit with spine-tingling activities.
This month offers a variety of annual events, including The Great Baltimore Lantern Parade and the Dia de Los Muerto Festival at Patterson Park, along with an exciting new offering: the Edgar Allan Row paddle event at the Inner Harbor. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the key events happening this October:
Week of Oct. 1 through Oct. 4
Jerrell Gibbs: Come Home with Me is ongoing at the Baltimore Museum of Art through May 7, 2027. This solo exhibition showcases approximately 30 paintings from Baltimore’s own Jerrell Gibbs, drawing inspiration from his childhood, family, and concepts of home. For more details, check out this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Thursday Night Fright will be hosted on Thursdays from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the film presentation starting at 8:05 p.m. at the Maryland Science Center. This series features three classic horror films by John Carpenter, perfect for celebrating the eerie season on the largest indoor screen in Maryland.
New/Next Film Festival takes place from Thursday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 4 at The Charles Theatre. This film festival, presented by Baltimore Public Media, will showcase over 160 films across five screens over the course of four days. Read further in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
ZooBoo will run from Friday, Oct. 2 to Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Maryland Zoo. Guests can partake in a month-long celebration featuring Halloween-themed activities such as an inflatable corn maze, pumpkin patch, sack races, costume contests, and trick-or-treating throughout the zoo.
9th Annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards will be held from Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4 at Lexington Market. This year, the festival has relocated due to nearby construction at Poe House. The festivities include a documentary premiere by Victoria Price, live performances, dramatic readings, and the traditional Black Cat Ball. Find the full schedule and details in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Mama I’m a Big Girl Now will take the stage at Baltimore Center Stage from Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4. Join celebrated performers Kerry Butler, Laura Bell Bundy, and Marissa Jaret Winokur as they revisit the production that fostered their friendship while belting out well-loved songs.
Maritime Magic is on Friday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. at Douglass-Myers Maritime Park. The Living Classrooms Foundation will host its 38th annual Maritime Magic event, supporting educational initiatives. Attendees can enjoy an array of food and drink from 50 vendors alongside live performances by Super Sonic Shorties and The Fitzkee Brothers featuring Peter Levin.
Stravinsky & Prokofiev with Heyward takes place from Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and Music Center at Strathmore, featuring conductor Jonathon Heyward and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in a dynamic season opener focused on rhythm, vibrancy, and contemporary energy.
Power to the People is set for Saturday, Oct. 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion. This event, led by Tom Morello, promises a day of music, unity, and advocacy, featuring performances by Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, and Joan Baez among others. Find out more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
See Beyond Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Maryland School for the Blind. This free community event, now in its fifth year, features live music, local food trucks, and hands-on activities designed to encourage all ages to “see beyond” through adaptive experiences that promote awareness of accessibility.
The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe will be performed on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. at Hippodrome Theatre. This innovative piece combines neo-classical ballet and elements from African Diaspora traditions to delve into the psyche of one of America’s great horror writers.
The Smashing Pumpkins will bring their “Rats In A Cage Tour” to CFG Bank Arena on Saturday, Oct. 3, with doors opening at 7 p.m. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of their iconic album, “Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness,” the band will perform two distinct sets filled with hits and deep cuts.
Outlander in Concert is set for Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. This official concert event celebrates the acclaimed series Outlander, featuring a live orchestra performing its score alongside footage from the show.
Chelsea Handler will perform on Saturday, Oct. 3, with doors opening at 7 p.m. at Lyric Baltimore. The popular comedian and author is bringing her High and Mighty Tour to the city, having shared several best-selling books including her latest released in February 2025.
MJ Night will take place at Baltimore Soundstage on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 9 p.m. This tribute event presented by Club 90s celebrates the artistry of Michael Jackson through his biggest hits, remixes, and dance classics.
Market on Main will be held on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hunt Valley Towne Centre. This fall-themed edition features local artisans, unique products, delicious food, and seasonal festivities.
Week of Oct. 5 through Oct. 11
Modest Mouse will perform at Pier Six Pavilion on Friday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. The renowned American indie rock band will present music from their eighth studio album, “An Eraser and a Maze,” which launched in June 2026.
Disco Inferno: A 70’s Celebration is set for Friday, Oct. 9 through Sunday, Oct. 11 at both Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and the Music Center at Strathmore.
Black Celebration will take place on Friday, Oct. 9 at 9 p.m. at Ottobar. Dance with DJs Hell O’Kitty, Jerrod Bronson, and DJ Mills as they spin Goth, Industrial, New Wave, and Soul/R&B. Attendees are encouraged to wear red and black attire or devil-themed costumes.
Derrick Stroup will take the stage on Friday, Oct. 9, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m. at Lyric Baltimore. The comedian, who gained notoriety from his Netflix special “Nostalgic,” will bring laughter to audiences as part of his Running Hot Tour.
Top of the Morning will happen on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 9 a.m. at M&T Bank Exchange. Attendees can enjoy food, drinks, local vendors, and a mix of Afro-Caribbean, R&B, and hip-hop music.
Edgar Allan Row is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. along the Baltimore Blueway. Participants can launch from any point along the Blueway for a unique paddling experience that leads to Fells Point, culminating in an enchanting journey around Baltimore Harbor. Details can be found in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Recital & Evensong for Indigenous Peoples Day will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 4:30 p.m. at St. David’s Church. This event, featuring a recital by tenor and clarinetist Dylan Aguayo (Taíno), will include choral works by the Choir of St. David’s, featuring compositions from Kirsten Kunkle (Mvskoke), Andrew Balfour (Cree), and Charles Shadle (Choctaw). Admission is free with a suggested donation.
The Second Saturday S#!T Show feat. Ryan Neser is on Saturday, Oct. 10, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m. at Ottobar. Join host Mike Quindlen along with a lineup of comedians including Ryan Neser for an evening of humor and entertainment.
Lewis Black will perform on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. at Hippodrome Theatre. The Grammy-winning comedian, known for voicing “Anger” in Disney/Pixar’s “Inside Out,” will present a live performance following his final comedy tour, “Goodbye Yeller Brick Road.”
Week of Oct. 12 through Oct. 18
Great Talk – The Data Center Outrage: Can AI Survive without Data Centers? takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at the University of Baltimore. As data centers surge across the U.S.—impacting resources like electricity and land—a panel of experts will discuss the costs associated with AI and its dependency on these infrastructures.
Alsop Conducts Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique will happen from Thursday, Oct. 15 through Sunday, Oct. 18 at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and Music Center at Strathmore. In honor of the 25th anniversary of September 11, Marin Alsop will lead a program intended to evoke a “memory space,” as mentioned by composer John Adams in his Pulitzer Prize-winning piece, On the Transmigration of Souls.
Disney on Ice runs from Thursday, Oct. 15 through Sunday, Oct. 18 at CFG Bank Arena. Attendees can experience beloved Disney stories brought to life on ice, featuring characters and narratives from Zootopia 2, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, and Monsters, Inc.
Movies on Main: Hocus Pocus is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. at Hunt Valley Towne Centre. Gather your friends and family, set up your lawn chairs, and unwind while enjoying a free family-friendly movie under the stars.
Walk a Mile in My SHADES is happening on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. This event will celebrate White Cane Safety Day with food trucks, activities, demonstrations, community resources, networking, and a communal walk while discussing blindness and the significance of the white cane.
For King + Country will perform on Thursday, Oct. 15, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m. at Lyric Baltimore. The Grammy-winning duo will present new music from their upcoming album, “The Most Beautiful Colours,” during their tour stop in Baltimore.
OktoBEARfest is set for Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Maryland Zoo. Kick off your weekend with a special 21+ event featuring seasonal craft beers, festive fun, and special animal encounters or stop by Saturday for traditional OktoBEARfest activities with unlimited sampling of over 60 seasonal brews, alongside live music and access to the zoo.
Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show runs from Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 18 at Maryland State Fairgrounds. Attendees can explore numerous exhibitors, local artisans, home improvement experts, engaging family-friendly activities, and appearances by celebrity guests. More details can be found in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Baltimore Running Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17 at McKeldin Plaza at Inner Harbor. Runners can traverse the streets of Baltimore, participating in the full marathon, 98 ROCK’s novelty .05K, or any other race distance.
Different Words for Happiness will run from Sunday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 15 at Everyman Theatre. Penned by Everyman Theatre Resident Company Member Katie Kleiger, this poignant play promises a stirring and intimate exploration of the human experience.
Punk Rock Flea Market will happen on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ottobar. Join your friends for an afternoon filled with food, drinks, vendors, unusual finds, and punk rock-themed goodies.
The Dillinger Escape Plan will perform on Sunday, Oct. 18, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show beginning at 7 p.m. at Nevermore Hall. They will be joined by special guests Johnny Booth, Godeyes, and Burial Waves.
Moms Unhinged will take place on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at M&T Bank Exchange. This stand-up comedy show, featuring headliner Janae Burris along with Avril Granato and Magen King, promises a hilarious evening for mothers and moms-at-heart.
Week of Oct. 19 through Oct. 25
UMB Presents: Broadway in Baltimore is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at M&T Bank Exchange. Broadway stars Norm Lewis (“The Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Misérables”) and Felicia Curry (“Into the Woods”) will perform cherished pieces from the Great American Broadway Songbook, benefiting scholarships and the CURE Scholars Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Cradle of Filth will perform on Monday, Oct. 19, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m. at Baltimore Soundstage as part of their Majestic In Death II tour, featuring supporting acts Blackbraid, Worm, and Black Satellite.
Grateful Dead ‘Reckoning’ Tribute will take place on Monday, Oct. 19. The event starts at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. at Lyric Baltimore. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings will honor the Grateful Dead’s acoustic live album “Reckoning” and perform other classics from their repertoire.
Mozart Meets Latin Masters will occur from Friday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and Music Center at Strathmore. Six-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Giancarlo Guerrero will lead an inspiring journey through the rhythm and beauty of Latin and Classical music.
Trio Sirènes will perform on Friday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at St. David’s Church. The Ensemble-in-Residence of 2026-2027, comprised of Baltimore Symphony Orchestra members, will present a marvelous program featuring Debussy’s Trio for flute, viola, and harp. Admission is free with a suggested donation.
Shrek Rave Swamp-O-Ween will take place on Friday, Oct. 23 at 9 p.m. at Baltimore Soundstage where attendees can let loose in celebration of all things Shrek-themed with a dance party for adults.
Blade Rave is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23 at 9 p.m. at Nevermore Hall. Dive into the vampire-inspired festivities with DJs spinning a fusion of goth, techno, and house music, along with themed cocktails and a midnight bloodbath. Attendees must be 18 or older.
Get The Led Out will be performing on Friday, Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. at Lyric Baltimore. This Philadelphia-based tribute band will showcase hits from Led Zeppelin, focusing on their early years and fan-favorite deeper tracks.
Mushroom City Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 12 p.m. at Carrie Murray Nature Center. Join in to discover various activities about mushrooms, enjoy performances, craft using air-dry clay, and create paper mache art throughout the festival.
The Great Baltimore Lantern Parade & The Dia de Los Muertos Festival will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 24, with the festival starting at 4 p.m. and the parade commencing at 7 p.m. in Patterson Park. This cherished annual tradition brings together the diverse communities of Baltimore for an inspiring display of light and culture fortified by over 20 years of lantern-making expertise.
Journey will perform at CFG Bank Arena on Saturday, Oct. 24. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. This is an exciting opportunity for fans of the iconic band to witness their Final Frontier Tour live in concert.
Halloween Baltimore will take place at the Maryland Science Center, transforming into the city’s largest Halloween celebration from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. Attendees can enjoy multiple floors of music, dancing, costumes, and immersive experiences, while enjoying rooftop views and surprises throughout the night for those 21 and older.
Sing Along Broadway is set for Saturday, Oct. 24 and Sunday, Oct. 25 at M&T Bank Exchange. Join fellow musical enthusiasts to sing along to Broadway’s favorite tunes while participating in various games and entertainment that promises plenty of audience interaction.
7th Annual Halloween Market will occur on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Ottobar. This market offers an array of 30+ vendors selling unique items, handmade crafts, and vintage finds, perfect for indulging in the spooky season.
Coco Live-to-Film Concert will take place on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Experience the enchanting film Coco while the Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México plays the complete score live in tandem.
Six The Musical runs from Sunday, Oct. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 1 at Hippodrome Theatre. Audiences can witness the captivating stories of the six wives of Henry VIII as they share their tales through this sensational musical.
Week of Oct. 26 through Oct. 31
The Haunted House will be presented on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Guilford Hall Brewery with doors opening at 5 p.m. and a talk beginning at 6:30 p.m. This edition of the Profs and Pints lecture series will feature Brittany Warman, a former instructor at Ohio State University, who will explore the history of haunted houses in folklore and literature.
Halloween Rally: Glow Edition will occur on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 10 p.m. at Power Plant Live. This outdoor festival includes costumes, blacklights, inflatable decorations, drinks, and lively dance music exclusively for attendees 21 years and older.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Movie Screening will be showing from Thursday, Oct. 29 through Saturday, Oct. 31 at M&T Bank Exchange. Guests will enjoy a newly restored 4K version of this cult classic, complete with a live shadow cast, audience participation elements, and a costume contest.
Billy Strings will perform at CFG Bank Arena over the weekend on Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31. This Grammy-winning guitarist, now based in Nashville, will present music from his most recent album, “So Much for Goodbyes,” which was released in August 2026.
Marvin: The Marvin Gaye Musical will take the stage on Friday, Oct. 30, starting at 8 p.m. at Lyric Baltimore. Presented by Je’Caryous Johnson, this production uses the iconic sounds of Motown to narrate the remarkable journey of Marvin Gaye.
Psycho in Concert will take place on Friday, Oct. 30 and Sunday, Nov. 1 at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Attendees can experience the thrilling classic Psycho as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs the haunting score live during the screening.
Pete the Cat will be at Baltimore Center Stage on Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1. Follow along with Pete the Cat and second-grader Jimmy on a whimsical road trip adventure in their VW Bus all the way to Paris and back.
