Fall is finally upon us, and that means a whole lot of autumnal adventures to enjoy around Baltimore.
From Halloween happenings throughout October, to opportunities for coziness and community-building — including Baltimore Fishbowl’s Oyster Shellebration — there’s plenty to see and do this month.
Check them all out in our October events roundup:
Week of Oct. 1 through Oct. 5
Picturing Mobility: Black Tourism and Leisure During the Jim Crow Era, ongoing through Dec. 19, UMBC’s Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery. Visit the exhibition curated by Elizabeth Patton, using artifacts from the first half of the 20th century to depict how Black Americans pursued leisure and travel in Jim Crow America with joy and as resistance. Read about the exhibition in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Toad the Wet Sprocket, Thursday, Oct. 2, doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. The rock band Toad the Wet Sprocket is bringing their tour to The Lyric with special guests KT Tunstall and Vertical Horizon.
Jazzy Summer Nights: Final show with Dru Hill, Thursday, Oct. 2, 5–10 p.m., Baltimore City Hall. After 25 years of music, culture, and community, the Jazzy Summer Nights series is taking its final bow. The grand finale will be headlined by Baltimore’s own R&B superstars, Dru Hill.
World is Your Oyster Fest 2025, Thursday, Oct. 2, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., B&O Railroad Museum. Savor local seafood, slurp your way through a bounty of local oysters, sip craft cocktails, and soak in the spirit of the Chesapeake—all to benefit successful oyster restoration efforts that are transforming the Bay.
The Nevermore Haunt, weekends from Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Nov. 2. Featuring a haunted house, an outdoor bar, music, sideshow performers, and wandering monsters, Nevermore Haunt is open 14 nights this October.
Zoo Boo, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Oct. 3 through Oct. 31, Maryland Zoo. Explore a hay maze, participate in a costume contest, make seasonal crafts, go trick-or-treating throughout the zoo, and more. There will be a different costume theme each weekend. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes throughout the month.
Maritime Magic, Friday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m., Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park. This annual waterfront benefit—featuring food and drinks from top Baltimore restaurants, caterers, bars, and microbreweries, as well as live music by Dumpstaphunk—celebrates and supports the work of Living Classrooms Foundation.
POSTPONED UNTIL MARCH 5, 2026 Jimmy O. Yang, Friday, Oct. 3, doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Comedian Jimmy O. Yang has appeared in television shows and films such as “Silicon Valley,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Love Hard,” and “Space Force.” Yang also has released two standup comedy specials: “Guess How Much” and “Good Deal.” He currently stars in the limited series “Interior Chinatown.” Now, he’s bringing his comedy to Baltimore as part of his “Big and Tall” tour.
Shane Gillis, Friday, Oct. 3, doors open at 7 p.m., event begins at 8 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Pennsylvania-native comedian Shane Gillis is coming to Baltimore. His 2023 Netflix special, “Beautiful Dogs,” reached the Netflix Top 10 in five countries.
Pink Martini All-Stars, Friday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The Pink Martini band comprises vocalists Ari Shapiro (who also co-hosts National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered”), Edna Vazquez, and Jimmie Herrod (a finalist on “America’s Got Talent”), and Thomas Lauderdale on piano.
The 8th Annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards, Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5, various locations in Baltimore. Celebrate the 180th anniversary of “The Raven” and the 150th anniversary of Poe’s Monument with live performances, lantern-lit tours, a mesmeric masquerade, and the city’s most hauntingly original street festival, held in the shadow of Poe House. Admission to the street festival is FREE, with select programs requiring advance tickets.
Music Box: Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The BSO Brass Quintet will perform songs of the season, from silly to spooky music. The concert is recommended for ages 6 months to 3 years.
Vino in Vogue, Saturday, Oct. 4, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Harbor East. Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting, shopping specials, local crafts vendors, and live music. Tasting tables will line the sidewalks of Harbor East, with sommeliers and wine experts offering pours of all varieties, blends, and regions.
NBA YoungBoy, Saturday, Oct. 4, doors open at 6:30 p.m., event begins at 7 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Rapper NBA YoungBoy will perform in Baltimore as part of his first headlining tour, the 2025 MASA TOUR.
Interactive Move Night: Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 4, mingle 7 p.m., movie 8 p.m., Creative Alliance. Join hosts Jennifer Marsh and Heather Keating as they kick of spooky season with this classic 70s slasher film. Sip on cocktails, shout the lines and test your knowledge at Halloween movie trivia, sip on cocktails. Costumes are encouraged.
Whitney Cummings, Saturday, Oct. 4, doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Comedian Whitney Cummings created and starred in the NBC series “Whitney.” She also co-created and co-wrote the CBS comedy series “2 Broke Girls.” She has hosted the podcast “Good for You” since it launched in 2019. Cummings released her sixth stand-up special, “Mouthy,” in November 2023. Now, catch her comedy in person when she brings her “Big Baby” tour to Baltimore.
Jurassic Park in Concert, Saturday, Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 5, 3 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Listen to the soundtrack from “Jurassic Park,” performed live by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Gil Shaham, violin and Orli Shaham, piano, Sunday, Oct. 5, 5:30 p.m., Shriver Hall. Shriver Hall Concert Series’ 60th anniversary season opener will feature siblings Gil Shaham and Orli Shaham performing works by Clara and Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms and Amanda Maier. Read about the series in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Violent Femmes, Sunday, Oct. 5, doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Wisconsin folk punk band Violent Femmes released their 10th and most recent studio album, “Hotel Last Resort” in 2019. Now, the group is coming to Baltimore as part of their “Grasp and Reach for a Leg of Hope” tour.
Week of Oct. 6 through Oct. 12
17th Annual Real Estate Investment Trade Show, Thursday Oct. 9, 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sheraton BWI. Meet investor-friendly service providers, network with like-minded real estate investors, attend mini seminars, and enjoy free food + giveaways all evening.
Stravinsky Ballets & Iberian Tales, Thursday, Oct. 9, and Sunday, Oct. 12, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Led by Joanna Carneiro, the program will feature ballet-inspired storytelling and Iberian flare, including Stravinsky’s Suite from Pulcinella and the Divertimento from The Fairy’s Kiss. The concert will also feature guitarist Rafael Aguirre.
Motor House 10-Year Anniversary Celebration, Friday, Oct. 10, 6–9 p.m., with an afterparty that lasts until 1 a.m. Baltimore Arts Realty Corporation (BARCO) invites the community to celebrate a decade of Motor House fostering creativity, community, and cultural expression. This free celebration will have live performances, food tastings, a documentary short premiere, and a dance party, not to mentin an Immersive Art exhibition in Graffiti Alley.
OktoBEARfest, Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11, Maryland Zoo. Stop by Friday night for OktoBEAR-Eve, an exclusive 21+ event, featuring seasonal brews, festive vibes, and wild encounters. The OktoBEARfest tradition continues Saturday, with live music, local vendors, all-day admission to the Zoo, and unlimited sampling of 60+ seasonal brews, plus wine, seltzer, and cider.
Spooky Science, Saturday, Oct. 11, noon to 4 p.m., Maryland Science Center. Conduct some spooky experiments, take on a monster engineering challenge, and mix chemical reactions with jack-o-lanterns.
Barn Concert with The Fugitives, Saturday, Oct. 11, doors 2:30 p.m., music 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Star Bright Farm. Join rock, blues and soul band, The Fugitives, for an afternoon of great music with great friends. Beverages will be available for purchase from Diamondback Brewing and Boordy Vineyards, and Shooting Star Cafe will be open for light food/snacks and “build your own charcuterie” boards.
The Magical Moon Stroll, Saturday, Oct. 11, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., The Waldorf School of Baltimore. Waldorf School joins forces with local artists, alumni, and actors to prepare an enchanted stroll which encapsulates all the wonder and magic of Halloween – without the spooky stuff.
United Way Centennial Benefit Concert featuring Common, Saturday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Common will join this Centennial Benefit Concert to support The United Way of Central Maryland. Other performers include Cece Peniston, Whiskey Feathers, Elyscia Jefferson, and the Baltimore City College Choir.
Hidden Brain with Shankar Vedantam, Saturday, Oct. 11, doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. National Public Radio’s “Hidden Brain” podcast is coming to Baltimore with host and creator Shankar Vedantam. Vedantam will share key insights from Hidden Brain’s first decade.
MANÁ, Saturday, Oct. 11, doors open at 7 p.m., event begins at 8 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Mexican band MANÁ is touring the United States and Canade. As part of their “Vivir Sin Aire” (“Live Without Air”) tour, they will perform at Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena.
Pokémon Party, Saturday, Oct. 11, 5:30 p.m. overnight into Sunday, Oct. 12, Maryland Science Center. Sleep over at the science center at this Pokémon-themed slumber party. Search for Pokémon throughout the building and catch ’em all. Design a Gym Badge and learn about Pokémon taxonomy. Battle and trade with fellow Pokémasters.
“Damn Y’all Fine” Movie Premiere, Saturday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m., SNF Parkway Theatre. This documentary film about Baltimore’s Black queer aesthetic was developed by The Rooted Collective, and features members of the local Black LGBTQ community. Read more about the film in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
BRBQ, Sunday, Oct. 12, 12pm to 5pm, Wico Street Beer Co. Join DJ Mikie Love of Baltimore Record Bazaar for Baltimore Record Boutique, a monthly event featuring a wide selection of records and books for sale and live DJs spinning vinyl all day.
King George and Friends, Sunday, Oct. 12, doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Singer King George will perform in Baltimore with special guests FPJ, Fat Daddy, and Nephew Jones.
Week of Oct. 13 through Oct. 19
Baltimore Fishbowl Oyster Shellebration, Thursday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m., True Chesapeake Oyster Co. Join Baltimore Fishbowl at our second annual Oyster Shellebration. Tickets include two drink tickets, oysters—raw, roasted, and in True Chesapeake’s signature oyster stew—alongside crab mac & cheese and a spread of hors d’oeuvres. And because no Shellebration is complete without music, The Lost Pythons—the world’s first rock band dedicated to Mr. Trash Wheel—will take the stage for a live set, and DJ Mikie Love will also be spinning throughout the night. A portion of every ticket supports Mr. Trash Wheel.
Baltimore Speakers Series, Thursday, Oct. 16, 8 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Vladimir Kara-Murza is a Pulitzer Prize-winning contributing writer for the Washington Post who served as deputy leader of the People’s Freedom Party and was a candidate for the Russian Parliament. He was arrested after opposing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and was later released as part of a prisoner exchange. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Disney On Ice, Thursday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 19, various showtimes, CFG Bank Arena. Watch Moana and her friends as they embark on an adventure. There will be a special appearance by Mickey Mouse, and magical photo opportunities.
Teacher Appreciation Day, Friday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Maryland Science Center. Join fellow educators in learning how the science center can support you and your students, the Traveling Science Program, classroom programs, and a screening of Flight of the Butterflies 3D. Attendees must register in advance for this free event and show a valid teacher ID when checking in.
Gabby’s Dollhouse Live, Saturday, Oct. 18, doors open 12 p.m., event starts 1 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Join Gabby and the Gabby Cats in this musical show as they work to put together the colors from the rainbow that CatRat broke.
Justin Willman, Sunday, Oct. 19, doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Earlier this year, Justin Willman released “Magic Lover,” Netflix’s first-ever magic comedy special. Now he’s embarking on a tour that’s sure to be “One for the Ages.”
23rd Annual Maryland Kidney Walk, Sunday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. check-in, 10 a.m. walk begins, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). This family-friendly event draws more than 1,000 people and raises awareness about important issues surrounding kidney disease, organ donation, and the importance of early screenings and healthy lifestyles for those at risk. Read about it in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Week of Oct. 20 through Oct. 26
Great Talk, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m. NCO Club at Pikesville Armory Foundation. Join moderator Mark Joseph Stern, senior writer for Slate, as he and a panel of legal experts discuss, “What happens when the courts are ignored: In accordance to what laws, to what courts, and with what consequences?”
Witches’ Brew: Mixology at the Zoo, Thursday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Maryland Zoo. Concoct speciality cocktails with witchy ingredients. Attendees can also get a tarot reading, meet zoo animals, make a spell jar, and more. The event is for ages 21 and older. Costumes are encouraged.
Pumpkins on the Green, Friday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m., Irvine Nature Center. Featuring live music, spectacular food and spirits, and a fabulous silent auction, Irvine Nature Center’s 17th annual signature fundraiser supports the nonprofit’s mission to make nature more accessible to all.
Little Feat, Friday, Oct. 24, doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. The rock band Little Feat has racked up 18 studio albums since the group formed in 1969. Among those is their most recent album, “Strike Up the Band,” which released in 2025. To promote the new album, Little Feat is going on tour, including to Baltimore. They will be joined by special guests Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams.
Trunk or Treat at the Zoo, Friday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Maryland Zoo. Bring your little critters to the zoo for an evening of trick-or-treating. There will be candy stations throughout the Zoo’s Bog Turtle Lot, plus food trucks, visits from zoo animals, and more.
Doors Open Baltimore, Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Launched in 2014, Doors Open Baltimore, hosted by Baltimore Architecture Foundation, is an annual city-wide festival honoring Baltimore’s diverse cultural tapestry by highlighting its vibrant neighborhoods, captivating architecture, and distinctive spaces that contribute to the city’s exceptional charm.
Great Baltimore Lantern Parade & Dia de Los Muertos Festival 2025, Saturday, Oct. 25, 4 p.m., Patterson Park. Presented by Creative Alliance and The Friends of Patterson Park, this free, family-friendly event includes a kids’ costume contest, lantern making, pop-up performances, an arts & crafts market, and, finally, The Great Lantern Parade, featuring neighbors, artists, musicians, and performers.
Twilight Stroll: Spooky Edition, Saturday, Oct. 25, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Maryland Zoo. Bring a flashlight to explore the zoo’s nighttime sights, sounds and smells under the guidance of a naturalist and educator. Costumes are encouraged (but not required).
Halloween Baltimore, Saturday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Maryland Science Center. Monster mash along to entertaining music performances across five stages, including an immersive experience with DJ sets in the IMAX theater, a rooftop dance party, and more. This event is for ages 21 and older. The event is expected to sell out, so get your tickets now.
“House of Melo” Exhibit, Saturday, Oct. 25, Enoch Pratt Free Library. Basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony has chosen Baltimore to host his autobiographical exhibit, “House of Melo”, where library visitors can see artifacts showing Anthony’s impact on everything from culture to sports, business, and social justice. They can also see things that impacted him along his personal journey to sports stardom and so much more. Read about the exhibit in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Symphonie Fantastique (Tales of Poe), Sunday, Oct. 26, 3 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Listen to a performance of Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 with violinist Francesca Dego, Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique conducted by BSO Music Director Jonathon Heyward, and Mark Simpson’s Israfel tribute to Edgar Allen Poe.
Tasha and Naomi Live in Concert, Sunday, Oct. 26, doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Gospel singers Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Naomi Raine will perform in Baltimore with special guests Dr. Jackie Greene and Kobe Campbell.
Week of Oct. 27 through Oct. 31
Midweek: The Dead Composers Society, Thursday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. BSO Music Director Jonathon Heyward and Baltimore writer (including Baltimore Fishbowl columnist) Dan Rodricks gather for a musically mysterious meeting of The Dead Composers’ Society.
Billy Strings, Friday, Oct. 31, doors open at 6:30 p.m., event begins at 7:30 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Billy Strings is bringing his tour to Baltimore.
