This weekend, book enthusiasts in the Baltimore area can look forward to a delightful experience as they can attend not just one but two engaging book festivals.
In addition, attendees can enjoy a stand-up comedy performance by Ali Wong, a theatrical presentation centered on the life of the iconic Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and hear some cringeworthy tales from adults reflecting on their teenage years.
Here’s what to expect in our weekend events roundup:
Jerrell Gibbs: Come Home with Me, running from Thursday, Sept. 17, until May 2, 2027, at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Baltimore’s own Jerrell Gibbs has launched a new solo exhibition at this esteemed museum. Attendees will have the opportunity to navigate through “rooms” inspired by Gibbs’ Aunt Ella’s home, gaining insights into how these spaces influenced his life and artistic vision. For more information, check out this article from Baltimore Fishbowl.
All Things Equal: The Life & Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, from Thursday, Sept. 17, through Saturday, Sept. 19, at the M&T Bank Exchange. This riveting play tells the story of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, following her path from being one of only nine women studying law at Harvard to her remarkable ascent to the Supreme Court. The script comes from Tony Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes, directed by Laley Lippard, featuring Michelle Azar in the role of Ginsburg.
Craft Night at the Zoo, on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Maryland Zoo. Local artist Hillary will lead a creative craft class, where attendees can also enjoy photo opportunities and meet various animal ambassadors. Participants will receive two drink tickets and have access to a cash bar.
Craft and Cinema Night: Clueless, scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Creative Alliance. Bring your current craft project while enjoying the company of fellow crafters, sharing some laughs, and watching the film in a relaxed atmosphere where the lighting will remain low enough for crafting.
Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, taking place from Thursday, Sept. 17, through Saturday, Sept. 26, at Baltimore Center Stage. Attend an evening filled with humorous storytelling and original music, presented by Tony Award® winner Laura Benanti.
Happy Hour with the Red Pandas, occurring on Friday, Sept. 18, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Maryland Zoo. This adults-only evening allows attendees to meet adorable red pandas, participate in games for prizes, and enjoy local craft beers and wines.
Ali Wong Live, performing on Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The acclaimed actress, comedian, writer, and producer Ali Wong will make a special appearance in Baltimore as part of her national comedy tour.
House Party (18+), slated for Friday, Sept. 18, with doors opening at 9 p.m. and the show starting at 9:30 p.m. at Baltimore Soundstage. This high-energy event celebrates the 2010s with a mix of party anthems, EDM, hip-hop, and various remixes to keep the party going.
Goats on the Slope, from Friday, Sept. 18, through Monday, Sept. 21, at Wyman Park Dell. Guests can enjoy a fun-filled weekend as hungry goats from nonprofit Prosperity Acres will tackle overgrown vegetation while families partake in free programming designed for all ages. You can read more about it in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Carroll Book Festival, occurring on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Carroll County Farm Museum. Don’t miss the inaugural Carroll Book Festival featuring bestselling author Jodi Picoult, with a children’s character breakfast, ticketed author events, book signings, various vendors, and engaging author panels. For more details, visit this article from Baltimore Fishbowl.
Baltimore Book Festival, taking place on Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20, along Waverly Main Street. This beloved annual event celebrates literature and storytelling, featuring author discussions, panel events, book signings, youth activities, and much more. Discover more in this article from Baltimore Fishbowl.
Adults-Only Zoo Snooze, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and continuing overnight until 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, at the Maryland Zoo. Guests aged 21 and older can enjoy an overnight experience under the stars in the zoo’s Main Valley, including dinner, two drink tickets per guest, breakfast, activities, and admission to the zoo the following day.
Breakfast with the Giraffes, happening on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Giraffe House in Maryland Zoo. Enjoy a delightful buffet breakfast while hearing from the zookeepers, followed by the opportunity to feed acacia branches to the giraffes.
Mortified Baltimore: Back To School 2026, taking place on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. at The Theater at Creative Alliance. In this captivating “Back to School” edition, ordinary adults will share their most embarrassing teenage diary entries, poems, love letters, song lyrics, and locker notes with the audience.
Steve Hackman Conducts His Taylor Swift: The Symphony Era, on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Experience the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra as conductor Steve Hackman takes the audience on a melodic journey through the various musical eras of Taylor Swift.
Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival, happening Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20, at Sandy Point State Park. This annual beachfront festival returns for its fourth year, featuring renowned acts such as Little Feat, Yonder Mountain String Band, Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, Mountain Grass Unit, TopHouse, Shadowgrass, and many more. Read more about the lineup in this article from Baltimore Fishbowl.
A Tashlich Festival: A Morning of Refresh, Renewal, and Release, set for Sunday, Sept. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Druid Hill Park’s Lakeside Pavilion. This community event offers a chance to celebrate the High Holiday season, enjoying the outdoors with friends, old and new.
