With 2026 just around the corner, Baltimore is set to host a variety of thrilling events. Whether you aim to learn something new, revisit a long-lost hobby, dive into music and theater, or simply reconnect with your playful side, you’ll find abundant opportunities to fulfill those New Year’s resolutions in this vibrant city.
Here’s a curated selection of events happening in January 2026:
Deceived, running until Jan. 4 at Everyman Theatre. This gripping adaptation of the 1944 psychological thriller “Gaslight” delves into a woman’s battle with her relationships and sanity as she experiences eerie visions and auditory hallucinations.
Elf, available until Jan. 4 at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. Based on the beloved holiday film starring Will Ferrell, this musical follows Buddy, an orphan who grows up in the North Pole. As an adult, Buddy journeys to New York City to find his biological father and discover his true identity while spreading Christmas cheer along the way.
Santa Claus is Comin’: A Motown Christmas Revue, ongoing through Jan. 4 at Baltimore Center Stage. Enjoy beloved holiday classics with a vibrant Motown twist.
Holiday Train Garden, available until Jan. 4 at The Shops at Kenilworth. Head to the lower level during mall hours to experience the enchanting annual Train Garden display.
Wicked, showing through Sunday, Jan. 11 at Hippodrome Theatre. This beloved musical tells the extraordinary backstory of two witches—one green and one blonde—whose initially tumultuous relationship blossoms into a lifelong friendship. Based on Gregory Maguire’s book and recently adapted into a hit film, “Wicked” presents the untold tales predating “The Wizard of Oz.”
Making Spaces, ongoing until Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at the Baltimore Jewelry Center. This exhibition explores the significance of third spaces in creative communities, emphasizing environments that encourage collaboration and shared interests.
Week of Jan. 1 through Jan. 4
Resolution Run 2026, Thursday, Jan. 1, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Patterson Park. Start the New Year on the right foot by joining the community for a refreshing 5K run or a leisurely 1-Mile Walk.
Bach in Baltimore: New Year’s Day Chamber Concert, Thursday, Jan. 1, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at St. David’s Episcopal Church. Begin 2026 melodiously with an intimate chamber concert featuring the First Chair players of the Bach in Baltimore Orchestra.
Mike LeDonne Groover Quartet, featuring Dave Stryker, Ralph Moore & Kenny Washington, Friday, Jan. 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Jan. 3 and Sunday, Jan. 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Keystone Korner. Enjoy a weekend filled with mesmerizing jazz performances by this all-star quartet.
Distant Worlds: Music from FINAL FANTASY, taking place on Friday, Jan. 2 and Saturday, Jan. 3 at 8 p.m. at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Experience the celebrated music from FINAL FANTASY XVI and XIV conducted by the renowned Arnie Roth, complemented by breathtaking HD visuals from SQUARE ENIX.
Ghost Stories with the Baltimore Krampus, Saturday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m. at Alexander’s Tavern Fells Point. Join the Baltimore Krampus for a night of chilling narratives shared by both the Krampus and the tavern staff.
Holly Days, Saturday, Jan. 3 and Sunday, Jan. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Maryland Zoo. Engage in a delightful snowflake scavenger hunt, enjoy train and carousel rides, witness penguin feedings, and partake in other festive activities.
Week of Jan. 5 through Jan. 11
Doing Well When Unwell, Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. at The Perch. This engaging session of Profs & Pints Baltimore features Dr. Drew Leder providing insights on managing physical and mental challenges through philosophical perspectives.
Seth Kibel & Friends: The Jews of Tin Pan Alley, Wednesday, Jan. 7 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Keystone Korner. Revel in an evening filled with lively classic tunes from celebrated composers like the Brothers Gershwin and Irving Berlin.
The Science of Curiosity, Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. at Guilford Hall Brewery. This Profs & Pints lecture by Todd B. Kashdan dives into the psychology behind our thirst for knowledge.
Forever Flowers, Thursday, Jan. 8, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Baltimore Museum of Art. Join artist Murjoni Merriweather for a workshop to create everlasting pipe-cleaner flowers.
Rock of Ages, running from Friday, Jan. 9 through Sunday, March 15 at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. This musical takes you on a romantic ride through iconic 1980s music, where a small-town girl and a city boy find love despite their differences.
Seven Guitars, starting Friday, Jan. 9 through Sunday, Feb. 1 at Spotlighters Theatre. August Wilson’s play reveals the struggles of Black Americans against the backdrop of post-war Pittsburgh through the lens of flashbacks surrounding a musician’s funeral.
The Shark is Broken, running Friday, Jan. 9 through Sunday, Feb. 1 at Vagabond Players. This play gives audiences an insider’s look at the making of the legendary film “Jaws,” celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The Art of Self Discovery, Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at American Visionary Art Museum. Join artist Nell Merlino for a personal collage portrait workshop where attendees can use their own photographs and visuals.
Sublime Subjects, Saturday, Jan. 10, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at BMA Lexington Market. Artist HOPE McCorkle leads a workshop in portraiture inspired by the “Amy Sherald: American Sublime” exhibition.
The Second Saturday S#!T Show featuring Jim Bryan, Saturday, Jan. 10, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. at Ottobar. Enjoy an evening of laughter with headliner Jim Bryan and other featured comedians.
Jared Freid, Saturday, Jan. 10, with doors at 6 p.m. and performance at 7 p.m. at Baltimore Soundstage. Don’t miss comedian Jared Freid as he brings his humor to Baltimore as part of “The Table for One Tour.”
Baltimore Square Dance, Saturday, Jan. 10, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Mobtown Ballroom & Cafe. Embrace the fun of square dancing—no prior experience or partner needed!
New Year Meditation Hike & Intention Setting, Sunday, Jan. 11, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Irvine Nature Center. Spend a family-friendly afternoon on the trails followed by a cozy gathering around a fire with s’mores and warm drinks.
Emanuel Ax, piano, Sunday, Jan. 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Shriver Hall. The Shriver Hall Concert Series welcomes Grammy-winning pianist Emanuel Ax to perform.
Week of Jan. 12 through Jan. 18
Embrace Spontaneity: An Intro to Improv!, Monday, Jan. 12, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Highwire Improv. Participate in a two-hour workshop designed for beginners to step outside their comfort zones through engaging activities and collaborative scenes.
What We Know About Snow, Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m. at Guilford Hall Brewery. Explore the science behind snow and snowstorm predictions with Jeffrey Halverson, a geography and environmental systems professor at UMBC.
Langston Hughes’ Shakespeare in Harlem, running Thursday, Jan. 15 through Sunday, Jan. 18 at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. This adaptation of Langston Hughes’ poetic collection brings to life the richness of the Black experience during the Harlem Renaissance.
Zebrafish Models for Biomedical and Environmental Research, Thursday, Jan. 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Institute for Marine and Environmental Technology. Discover innovative research findings from Dr. Jim Du’s lab utilizing zebrafish models in critical studies.
Lafayette Gilchrist and New Volcanos, Thursday, Jan. 15, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Keystone Korner. Enjoy live performances by renowned jazz pianist Lafayette Gilchrist and his talented band.
Monster Jam, happening Friday, Jan. 16 through Sunday, Jan. 18 at CFG Bank Arena. Get ready for thrilling monster truck shows featuring jaw-dropping tricks and stunts.
The Warped Tour Band, Friday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. at The Recher. Experience nostalgia as this band performs favorites from the Emo and pop-punk eras alongside tribute acts.
Kings of Soul, Friday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore; Saturday, Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. at Lyric Baltimore. Join world-renowned trumpeter Byron Stripling and a vocal trio for a soulful evening.
MLK Jr. Day Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 17, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Walters Art Museum. Join in early festivities honoring Martin Luther King Jr. with performances by notable artists curated by Unique Robinson.
Dead Again – Type O Negative Tribute, Saturday, Jan. 17, with doors at 6:30 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m. at Baltimore Soundstage. Attend an evening honoring Type O Negative along with other tribute performances.
Edgar Allan Poe Birthday & Poe Toaster Murder Mystery, Saturday, Jan. 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Westminster Hall & Burying Ground. Celebrate Poe’s 217th birthday with a thrilling live whodunit event hosted by Raven Nevermore.
Week of Jan. 19 through Jan. 25
MLK Dare to Dream Day, Monday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Visionary Art Museum. Commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with art-making, performances, and open mic opportunities at this free event.
From Slavery to Civil Rights: The African American Railroading Legacy Tour, Monday, Jan. 19, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the B&O Railroad Museum. Explore the contributions and history of African Americans in railroading through various key historical periods.
Symphony In The City: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Concert, Monday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Celebrate Dr. King’s impact with a performance featuring works by Black composers and contributions from the Morgan State University Choir.
Emotional Literacy, Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6 p.m. at The Perch. This Profs & Pints lecture features Tiffany McIntyre discussing the roots of emotions and their influence on our overall well-being.
Nightmares and Creativity, Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 6 p.m. at Guilford Hall Brewery. Bernard Welt will discuss the relationship between nightmares and creative works, revealing how unsettling dreams have inspired artists throughout history.
between every breath, there is atmosphere, Thursday, Jan. 22, from 6 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Join abdu mongo ali for a sonic and visual performance highlighting the atmospheric effects on Black Baltimoreans.
Eat, Drink & Learn: ‘Waterfowl & Whiskey, Thursday, Jan. 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Irvine Nature Center. Delve into waterfowl conservation efforts while enjoying whiskey tastings with Brooks Paternotte.
Craft & Cinema Night: Legally Blonde, Thursday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. at The Theater at Creative Alliance. Bring your crafting project and enjoy the film “Legally Blonde” in a supportive, social environment.
The Instigators, Friday, Jan. 23 with doors at 7 p.m. at The Recher. Enjoy a rocking evening with a blend of classic tunes performed by veteran musicians from Baltimore.
Grown Up Field Trip: Game On, Friday, Jan. 23, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Maryland Science Center. Spend a fun-filled night competing with friends in various games and activities, all designed for adults.
Restorative Storytelling for Emotional Wellness, Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at BMA Lexington Market. Join Angel King Wilson for an engaging workshop focusing on storytelling as a means of emotional healing and goal-setting.
Dog Wedding, Saturday, Jan. 24, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the M&T Bank Exchange. Celebrate love at the 5th Annual Dog Wedding, as two adorable pups tie the knot in a charity event benefiting BARCS.
Baltimore Mandolin Orchestra Centennial 2026, Sunday, Jan. 25, at 5 p.m. at The Theater at Creative Alliance. Join in the celebration of over a century of music as this unique orchestra showcases its talent.
Week of Jan. 26 through Jan. 31
Student Film Screening, Thursday, Jan. 29, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at The Walters Art Museum. Attend a showcase of short films created by students from the Baltimore School for the Arts followed by a Q&A discussion.
Poké-Rave, Friday, Jan. 30, at 8 p.m. at Baltimore Soundstage. Join this 18+ event featuring a gaming lounge, cosplay contest, and themed activities for an unforgettable night.
The Great Gatsby, running Saturday, Jan. 31 through Saturday, Feb. 7 at Hippodrome Theatre. This stage adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel brings the Roaring Twenties to life as it explores love and loss.
Disturbin The Peace 2026, Saturday, Jan. 31, with doors opening at 1 p.m. and the show starting at 1:30 p.m. at Baltimore Soundstage. Enjoy an exhilarating lineup of bands like HATEBREED and Agnostic Front performing live in Baltimore.
David Manzanares-Salguero, guitar, Saturday, Jan. 31, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Baltimore Museum of Art. Enjoy a captivating afternoon concert featuring the winner of the Yale Gordon Competition.
Legends of Laughter, Saturday, Jan. 31, at 8 p.m. at Lyric Baltimore. Experience an evening of laughter with renowned comedians such as Sommore and Lavell Crawford as part of the much-anticipated Legends of Laughter Tour.
