It seems April showers don’t just bring May flowers; it also delivers an abundance of events to keep you entertained throughout the month.
Although the Preakness Stakes won’t be taking place in Baltimore this year, horseracing fans will still be able to enjoy the festivities in Laurel.
Plus, this month will see the return of several other fun happenings, from cultural festivals spanning the Asian diaspora, to events that will have you putting the pedal — and petal — to the metal.
Check it all out in our roundup of May events:
The Heidi Chronicles, ongoing through Sunday, May 3, Vagabond Players. From the 1960s through the 1980s, this play chronicles feminist art historian Heidi Hollandโs journey through the womenโs movement, career ambition, and more. The work remains relevant for a society still navigating gender roles, work-life balance, and other challenges.
Kimberly Akimbo, ongoing through Sunday, May 3, Hippodrome Theatre. Teenage girl Kimberly Levaco suffers from a condition that rapidly accelerates the aging process, making her appear as an old woman while still in high school. This 2023 Tony-winner for Best Musical tells a story that is equally humorous and poignant.
Holes, ongoing through Sunday, May 10, Baltimore Center Stage. You read the novel by Louis Sachar. You watched the Disney movie starring Shia LaBeouf. Now, see Stanley Yelnats and the rest of the characters of Camp Green Lake come to life on stage in Baltimore Center Stageโs production of โHoles.โ Mystery, adventure, friendship, and justice are at the center of this story that the whole family will love.
Miss Holmes Returns, ongoing through Sunday, May 17, Fells Point Corner Theatre. Miss Holmes is back in this sequel with original cast members Sharon Maguire and Emma Grace Dunbar as Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson, respectively. A reinvention of Sir Arthur Conan Doyleโs Victorian tales, the play finds Holmes and Watson helping a nurse and activist who is wanted for murder and on the run.
You Canโt Take It With You, ongoing through Sunday, May 17, Spotlighters Theater. Watch as Alice Sycamore introduces her family of lunatics to the wealthy, stuffy family of her fiance, Tony Kirby.
Mary Ellen Mark: Ward 81, ongoing through May 22, Albin O. Kuhn Library Gallery at UMBC. Featuring photographs, newly uncovered audio recordings, and rare archival materials, this exhibition offers an intimate view of an all-female, high-security psychiatric unit.
Nature Deficit Disorder, ongoing through Sunday, May 31, Baltimore Museum of Art. Rachel Lee Hovnanianโs immersive installation invites visitors to step into a simulated forest and reconnect with the natural world. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Wizard of Oz, ongoing through Sunday, June 7, Tobyโs Dinner Theater. All eyes have been on Oz lately after the release of the acclaimed โWickedโ and โWicked: For Goodโ movies, adapted for the screen from the stage musical (which itself was adapted from the book by Gregory Maguire). But Tobyโs Dinner Theater is revisiting L. Frank Baumโs beloved story that audiences grew up with. Dorothy and her little dog Toto find themselves swept away by a twister that transports them from their Kansas family farm to the magical and colorful Land of Oz. They travel with new friends along the yellow brick road on a quest to the Emerald City, where they hope the famed Wizard can grant them what they desire most. But first they must contend with a wicked witch and her flying monkeys who stand in their way.
Seven Stars Between Two Skies, ongoing through June 2026, Lord Baltimore Hotel. Lord Baltimore Hotelโs Good Taste art exhibition will feature a new body of work by Baltimore-born visual artist Mark Anthony West Jr. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Medieval Mindscapes, ongoing through August 23, Walters Art Museum. Featuring 22 works curated from the Waltersโ collection of rare books and manuscripts, this exhibition showcases illustrated prayer books from the Middle Ages. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Fratino and Matisse: To See This Light Again, ongoing through September 6, Baltimore Museum of Art. Displaying their works side by side, this exhibition juxtaposes figure studies, interiors, and still-lifes by Louis Fratino and Henri Matisse.
Week of May 1 through May 3
Flower Mart, Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mount Vernon Place. Celebrate spring with this Baltimore tradition, featuring more than 75 vendors, musical performances on two stages, and free educational workshops.
Asia North Festival, Friday, May 1, through Sunday, May 31, Charles North/Station North Arts District. Returning for its eighth year, this month-long festival celebrates APIMEDA cultures with a signature exhibition, community programs, artist talks, and neighborhood activations. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
The Prada Premiere, Friday, May 1, 9 p.m., The Charles Theater. This Hollywood-style premiere promises a red carpet experience, complete with paparazzi-style photography, live interviews, and VIP perks.
Towsontown Festival, Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, Towson Historic Courthouse. Enjoy more than 200 vendors, selling crafts, jewelry, art, food, and more. Plus, there will be live music, carnival rides, and plenty of other ways to have fun.
Kinetic Sculpture Race, Saturday, May 2, 8 a.m., American Visionary Arts Museum (AVAM). The 26th Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race returns to the streets of Baltimore rain or shine! Showcasing the city’s originality and ingenuity at its finest every year, this is the only sporting event in which the winner is, by definition, not the point. See who wins the sought-after title of Grand Mediocre Champion โ not as easy as one might think!
Family Fun Day: Day Out With Thomasโข, Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, B&O Railroad Museum. Hop on board for a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops, visit the exclusive gift shop, and stop by Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun.
IMET Open House, Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Institute for Marine and Environmental Technology. At this free open house, enjoy hands-on science activities for all ages, meet scientists, and discover important marine research happening throughout the harbor and the Chesapeake Bay.
Mendelssohn & Needleman, Saturday, May 2, 8 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Principal Oboe Katherine Needleman performs Martinลฏ’s Oboe Concerto with signature expressiveness, while Kristiina Poska conducts two cherished orchestral masterworks: Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 and Bartรณkโs Romanian Folk Dances.
MURDER BRUNCH: A Law & Order: SIU Special Episode, Sunday, May 3, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Guilford Hall Brewery. Murder Brunch combines a fully improvised version of Law & Order with the delicious food and signature drinks of Guildford Hall Brewery’s Sunday brunch. Not ripped from the headlines, but from suggestions of the audience, it’s murder and mimosas! Read about MidAtlantic Improv and murder brunches in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Breakfast with the Goats, Sunday, May 3, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Maryland Zoo. Enjoy breakfast alongside the zoo’s resident goats.
Hops 4 Health, Sunday, May 3, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Max’s Taphouse. Featuring exclusive specialty beers from partnering local breweries, this fundraising event which will benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Metropolitan Baltimore.
Ani DiFranco, Tuesday, May 5, 8 p.m., Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. On her Spirit of Love tour, Grammy winner and indie icon Ani DiFranco will make a stop in Baltimore. Read more about it in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Week of May 4 through May 10
Fells Point Flower Crawl, Thursday, May 7, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fells Point Main Street. Looking for a Mother’s Day gift? Shop local merchants in Fells Point. You can even collect flowers at participating businesses, and end up with a completed bouquet by the end of your flower crawl.
Broadway Standing Ovations, Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10, Music Center at Strathmore and Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Jack Everly and talented guests take you on a journey through modern Broadway, featuring powerful songs from West Side Story, Waitress, Moulin Rouge, The Greatest Showman, Wicked and more.
“Tease” Opening Reception, Friday, May 8, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Baltimore Jewelry Center. “Tease” is a solo exhibition by craft artist and educator J Taran Diamond, marking the culmination of her teaching fellowship at the Baltimore Jewelry Center. The exhibition will be on view through June 19, 2026.
VinylCon! Baltimore, Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, UNION Craft Brewing. After making its Baltimore debut in October, VinylCon is back for more. Buy vinyl records from sellers visiting from across the region and beyond. This two-day convention will also feature other recorded media, as well as music memorabilia and ephemera.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Friday, May 8, through Sunday, May 17, Dundalk Community Theatre, CCBC Dundalk. This musical tells the inspiring true story of Kingโs remarkable rise to stardom, from teenage songwriter to writing hits for the biggest acts in music to finding her own voice and becoming one of the most celebrated performers of all time.
Paw Patrol Live! Saturday, May 9, various showtimes, Hippodrome Theatre. Go on a mighty adventure with the whole gang from Paw Patrol. Join Chase, Marshall, Skye and their friends as they race to save Adventure City from the supervillain scientist Victoria Vance.
Mother’s Day at the Zoo, Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Maryland Zoo. Celebrate the mother(s) in your life with a trip to the zoo. This Mother’s Day weekend will feature an inflatable obstacle course, bounce house, outdoor activities, crafts, educational animal opportunities, merch and food vendors, and more.
Steam Show, Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fire Museum of Maryland. See real steam engines in action, take a ride in a hose wagon, and enjoy interactive games and activities at this free annual event.
5th Annual Public Works Celebration & Big Truck Day, Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Downtown Baltimore | Eastern Avenue Pump Station | Harbor East. Learn about Public Works, climb aboard and explore big trucks, tour the historic Eastern Avenue Pumping Station, and visit display tents for activities and family fun.
Remfest, Saturday, May 9, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Remington Avenue from 27th to 29th streets. If you’re a Remington resident or just love the neighborhood, come out for this family-friendly community festival. The event will feature more than 100 local vendors and nonprofits, live music performances, and plenty of food.
The Young Playwrights Festival (YPF), Saturday, May 9, 12 p.m., Baltimore Center Stage. Join Baltimore Center Stage as they present this year’s winners, and join them for a community festival following the performance.
Life Review: The Hospice Musical, Saturday, May 9, 6:30 p.m., Arellano Theater, Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus. This one-night concert and live album recording reflects the experiences of a former chaplain and cantor from Columbia, Maryland and his hospice patients. Musicians from Peabody Institute accompany the professional singers. Read more about the event in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Week of May 11 through May 17
OrchKids Spring Celebration Concert, Wednesday, May 13, 6 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Students in kindergarten through grade 12, who come from more than 70 schools across Baltimore, will perform in a variety of large ensembles.
Lintu Conducts Sibelius, Thursday, May 14 through Sunday, May 17, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and Strathmore Music Center. Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu leads Sibeliusโ Night Ride and Sunrise and Symphony No. 7. Acclaimed pianist Francesco Piemontesi performs Beethovenโs Piano Concerto No. 4.
Black-Eyed Susan, Friday, May 15, Laurel Park. Like the Preakness Stakes, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes will also be held at Laurel Park this year while Pimlico Race Couse is under construction.
Fifth Annual Doomsday Poe Readathon, Saturday, May 15, 12 p.m. through Sunday, May 16, 12 p.m., In the Dark Circus Arts, Baltimore. This 24-hour livestream of dozens of Baltimore personalities reading iconic works of Edgar Allan Poe. The public is invited to attend in person for free Poe-themed arts and writing activities and more. Donations help fund all operations of The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre
Night Circus on Doomsday, Saturday, May 15, 5 p.m., In the Dark Circus Arts, Baltimore. An evening of magic, mind reading and cirque taking place during the Fifth Annual Doomsday Poe Readathon. Ticket sales benefit The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre.
The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System, Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17, Baltimore Center Stage. Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic.
Music City Bluegrass & Roots Festival, Saturday, May 16, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Vortex at CAA Park. Enjoy a day full of bluegrass and roots music, food, and fun with the Catonsville community. There will be performances across two stages. Stage one will feature Kitchen Dwellers, Magoo, Dirty Grass Players, and Danny Paisley & the Southern Grass. Stage two will feature 65 North Pickers, Geraldine, Rock Creek Revival, By & By, and Dawg & Dell.
Preakness Stakes, Saturday, May 16, Laurel Park. Celebrate the second gem in the Triple Crown of thoroughbred horse racing. While Pimlico Race Course undergoes a major overhaul, the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes will take place at Laurel Park. The Preakness is set to start at 7:01 p.m., but attendees can enjoy other races throughout the day.
Zoo Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month, Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Maryland Zoo. Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the zoo with Chinese lion dancing and Hula performances; an origami activity; animal ambassador keeper chats that will feature the prehensile tailed skink and Chinese alligator; and more.
Baltimore Vintage Expo, Sunday, May 17, ticketed entry from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., free entry 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., UNION Craft Brewing. Find your next favorite item at the Baltimore Vintage Expo, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Shop vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, dรฉcor, and furniture with dealers across the Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and Pennsylvania region.
Arbutus Arts Festival, Sunday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 5407 East Drive. Peruse handmade arts and crafts, taste food and drinks, listen to live local music, bring the kids for fun in the Children’s Corner, and more at the 53rd annual Arbutus Arts Festival.
Filipino Festival, Sunday, May 17, 10 a.m. Power Plant Live! Enjoy Filipino food, vendors, music, cultural performances, and more at this festival celebrating Filipino pride and heritage.
Baltimore Birth Festival, Sunday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Patterson Park. Looking for information about pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting? This event is for you. Interact with vendors, care providers, local businesses, birth workers, and more at this family-centered festival. Hundreds of dollars worth of baby and parenting items will be raffled off.
An Evening with David Bryne, Sunday, May 17, and Monday, May 18, 8 p.m. both nights, Hippodrome Theatre. You may know him as the lead singer, guitarist, and principal songwriter of the Talking Heads band. Now, David Byrne is embarking on his Who is the Sky Tour.
Emma, Sunday, May 17, through Sunday, June 14, Everyman Theatre. Jane Austenโs โEmmaโ is adapted for the stage by Kate Hamill in this production that offers a modern take on the classic love and romance story. Emma Woodhouseโs adventures in matchmaking are infused with comedy and surprise.
Week of May 18 through May 24
The Physics of Baseball, Monday, May 18, 6 p.m., Section 771. Sure, you’re a fan of the Os (or some other, lesser team). But do you know how baseball actually works? Scott Paulson, professor of physics and interdisciplinary liberal studies at James Madison University, will give a lesson in the physics behind the sport you love. From pitching to batting to fielding, learn what’s at play on a scientific level.
Free Admission for Matisse in Vence, Thursday, May 21, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Baltimore Museum of Art. The “Matisse in Vence” show is on view at the Baltimore Museum of Art, and here is you chance to see it for free. Read more about the exhibition in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Patterson Park Wine at Sunset, Thursday, May 21, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Patterson Park Observatory. In its 20th year, the Patterson Park Wine at Sunset event will feature wine tastings, small plates of food from local restaurants, and live music by Rob Fahey.
In the Stacks: Queer Archives, Thursday, May 21, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Johns Hopkins University George Peabody Library. Come out for an evening exploring queer and trans identities throughout history, featuring performances by flutist Willie Santiago, pianist Ben Shaver, and drag artists Lula Lioness, Divoid, Syren 7, Bratz LaVey, and Oberon the Demon.
Maryland Deathfest XXI, Thursday, May 21, through Sunday, May 24, various locations. Metalheads, unite! Maryland Deathfest returns for its 21st year, with four days of performances across several stages, including at Market Place, Power Plant Live!, Nevermore Hall, Baltimore Soundstage, and Angels Rock Bar.
GameCon, Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, 401 E. 30th St. It’s year 3 for Baltimore’s annual tabletop game convention. Shop and play tabletop role-playing games and board games, and even meet some of their creators. Levi Combs of Planet X Games will be the guest of honor.
Brew at the Zoo, Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. both days, Maryland Zoo. Sample more than 80 flavors of beer, wine, cider, and seltzer at the zoo this Memorial Day weekend. The festivities will also include live music, food vendors, trivia, a watermelon-eating contest, animal activities, and more.
SOWEBO Arts Festival, Sunday, May 24, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., 1100 Hollins St. Creators and appreciators of art and music will want to check the SOWEBO Arts Festival. Turning 43 this year, the festival is a celebration of the arts and Southwest Baltimore.
Week of May 25 through May 31
Heyward Conducts Enigma Variations, Thursday, May 18 through Saturday, May 20, Music Center at Strathmore and Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Music Director Jonathon Heyward leads a journey through the British musical landscape, including the Coleridge-Taylor Violin Concerto, Elgar Enigma Variations, and Smyth Overture to The Wreckers. Featuring Elena Urioste (violin).
Suffs, Tuesday, May 26, through Sunday, May 31, Hippodrome Theatre. Tony Award-winning musical โSuffsโ chronicles the American suffragettes who fought for womenโs right to vote.
John Mulaney, Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29, 7:30 p.m. both nights, Lyric Baltimore. Tickets are running low for John Mulaney’s shows in Baltimore. Don’t miss your chance to see the Emmy award-winning comedian as he visits Charm City on his Mister Whatever Tour.
Music Under the Dome: Fleetwood Mac, Friday, May 29, showtimes at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., Maryland Science Center. Let the landslide bring you down to the Maryland Science Center for this special music event celebrating the band Fleetwood Mac. Audience members will enjoy songs from Fleetwood Mac’s catalogue as images are shown in the planetarium.
The Divine Sister, Friday, May 29, through Sunday, June 21, Vagabond Players. โThe Divine Sisterโ will bless audiences with a satirical comedy about Mother Superior confronting visions, scandals, and secrets. Campy and witty, this production plays on classic tropes of faith and spirituality.
Rathyatra & Festival of India, Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m. onwards, Mckeldin Square at the Inner Harbor. Entry is free for the Festival of India, featuring a free feast, a chariot parade (Rathyatra), live music, dance, drama, cultural exhibits, and more.
Zoo Snooze, Saturday, May 30, 5:30 p.m. overnight to 9:30 a.m. Sunday, May 31, Maryland Zoo. Get ready for a sleepover at the zoo, where attendees will enjoy dinner and breakfast, games and activities, educational opportunities, and admission to the zoo Sunday.
Breakfast with the Chimps, Sunday, May 31, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Maryland Zoo. Enjoy breakfast alongside the zoo’s resident chimpanzees.
The Baltimore Chamber Orchestra presents The Best of Baltimore, Sunday, May 31, 7:30 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The Baltimore Chamber Orchestra (BCO) highlights some of Baltimoreโs newest and most well-known contributors to the orchestral canon in this concert featuring works by Frank Zappa, Karina Ingram, Mason Bates, and Ludwig van Beethoven.
