This weekend promises a wide array of festivals in Baltimore, catering to diverse interests.
From kite-flying and Irish music, to literature, street food, and gospel performances, there’s an event for everyone to create unforgettable memories.
Here’s an overview of the exciting events taking place:
GospelFest: A Tribute to Richard Smallwood, Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m., Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. This year’s GospelFest offers a special one-night tribute to the legendary Richard Smallwood, highlighted by performances from HBCU choirs accompanied by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Words, Wings, and Wine, Friday, April 10, 7:30 p.m., M&T Bank Exchange. Participate in a captivating evening featuring spoken word artists Chev and Sol. A live painting will be produced during the event and raffled off to one fortunate attendee.
Grown Up Field Trip Throwback, Friday, April 10, Maryland Science Center. Relive the ’90s with this themed party that emulates a retro “school field trip.” Enjoy interactive experiences like the Van de Graaff generator, an engaging science demonstration by expert educators, and create your own pogs.
Disney’s Encanto In Concert, Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12, Music Center at Strathmore and Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Immerse yourself in the world of “Encanto” with performances by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, bringing the film’s award-winning score to life.
The Heidi Chronicles, Friday, April 10, through Sunday, May 3, Vagabond Players. Chronicling the journey of feminist art historian Heidi Holland from the 1960s through the 1980s, this play examines themes relevant to today’s society surrounding gender roles and work-life balance.
Baltimore Irish Trad Fest, Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, various locations. Enjoy two evenings of Irish music concerts featuring talented artists like Matt Molloy and John Carty on Friday, and performances by Seán Gavin and Caoimhín Ó Fearghail on Saturday. There will also be a ceili dance at Mobtown Ballroom and much more.
CityLit Festival, Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Maryland Center for History and Culture. The theme this year is Bearing Witness: Literature as a Revolutionary Act, featuring author readings, book signings, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and a Literary Marketplace for book purchases. For more details, refer to this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Kartacze Cooking Class, Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Polish Home Club, 512 S. Broadway. Join Polish food expert Krystyna Osowska for a hands-on class where participants will learn to make kartacze (large meat-stuffed dumplings) and kluski śląskie (Silesian dumplings) with mushroom sauce. Attendees can choose from two available sessions.
Punks & Potions Market, Saturday, April 11, 12 p.m., Peabody Heights Brewery. Taking place under the banner of Willow Wisp Collective, the Punks & Potions Market will showcase a variety of whimsical vendors. Dressing in fantasy-themed attire such as elf ears or fairy wings is encouraged, although not mandatory.
The BIG Baltimore Kite Fest, Saturday, April 11, 12 p.m., Patterson Park Observatory. Join fellow kite enthusiasts near the Observatory at Patterson Park for a day filled with kite-flying activities. The event will feature a free Friendly Flyer workshop, kites available for purchase, food vendors, pop-up performances, and a designated professional fly zone, among other attractions.
The Second Saturday S#!T Show feat. Bill Monaghan, Saturday, April 11, doors and happy hour at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Ottobar. Hosted by Mike Quindlen, this evening of stand-up comedy will feature performances from Ellie Summerling, Ashley Nimmo, Chris Peirce, and Jules Posner.
Crimewave: A Goth, Post-Punk & Darkwave Party, Saturday, April 11, 10 p.m., Ottobar. Venture into an evening filled with goth, darkwave, new wave, post-punk, and industrial music for an exciting night out. This event is for guests aged 21 and over.
Open Studios Tour, Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., various locations (check the directory or map of individual artists’ studios). If you’ve ever been curious about an artist’s creative process, now is your chance to visit the working studios of various artists during the 2026 Open Studios Tour. A directory of participating artists can be found here along with a map of the tour.
Baltimore Street Food Festival, Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, Power Plant Live! Come with an appetite, as the Baltimore Street Food Festival will feature delicious offerings from over 30 vendors. Each item is priced at $5, and there are $10 large portions for those looking to indulge. Expect eating contests, breakdancing shows, axe throwing, live music, and more.
Fell’s Point Second Sunday Antique Market, Sunday, April 12, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 800 S. Broadway. Discover a treasure trove of items, including furniture, pottery, jewelry, glassware, toys, folk art, and sports memorabilia at the 34th annual Fell’s Point Second Sunday Antique Market, running monthly through December.
The Flavor Summit 2026, Sunday, April 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Garage at R. House. Aimed at DJs, producers, collectors, artists, and hip-hop enthusiasts, this summit will feature awards celebrating excellence in music, art, and culture, live performances from MCs and DJs, a Producer Showcase highlighting Loopdiggaz & The Machinists, hip-hop art exhibitions, a Vinyl Record Market, and curated local artists and vendors.
Yom HaShoah Commemoration 2026, Sunday, April 12, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Chizuk Amuno Congregation. Join the community and the Baltimore Jewish Council for an annual observance of Yom HaShoah.
Andrist-Daglar-Falkner Faculty Chamber Music Concert, Sunday, April 12, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Earl and Darielle Linehan Concert Hall at UMBC. Enjoy an afternoon of chamber music performed by UMBC music faculty members — pianist Audrey Andrist, violist Renate Falkner, and oboist Fatma Daglar — featuring compositions by Claude Debussy, Rebecca Clarke, Margaret Bonds, Earl Wild, and Charles Martin Loeffler.
