The schedule feels a bit more bustling this week. That must mean fall is upon us. There are more chances to support local organizations this week, with creative benefits from drag shows to makers markets. Check out a diverse array of music, from a pop star to family tunes to a celebration of Billie Holiday and the Jewish high holidays. Or, explore the South Baltimore waterfront and Southeast Baltimore’s Latin American community. There are plenty of options. Here’s the menu:
A Spy in the Neighborhood of Charles Village: 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 10, virtual. The Virtual Histories series from Baltimore Architecture Foundation and Baltimore Heritage explores a Charles Village home’s role in the Alger Hiss case, in which the government official was accused of spying for the Soviet Union.
Sissy That Tent! A Socially Distant Fundraiser for Baltimore Safe Haven: 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 10, at Nick’s Fish House. Stonewall Baltimore presents an outdoor drag show hosted by Evon Dior Michelle. It benefits Baltimore Safe Haven, a drop-in center for transgender people in Baltimore City seeking housing and resources.
Amy Grant: 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 10, at The Lyric. The platinum-selling pop singer behind hits like “Baby Baby” and “Every Heartbeat” comes to Baltimore for her first concert here in a decade.
Dan + Claudia Zanes: Virtual Record Release Party: 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 10. Creative Alliance presents a celebration of “Let Love Be Your Guide,” a new album from former Del Fuegos member Dan Zanes and jazz vocalist Claudia Zanes. They moved to Baltimore in 2019, and are making music for the whole family.
Mencken Day: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Free Library and virtual. Celebrate the bard of Baltimore. H.L. Mencken’s journalism, criticism and wit left an indelible mark on American culture. Baltimore’s public library pays tribute on Saturday with a virtual memorial lecture from former reporter and author Michael Downs. At the library, the Mencken room will be open for browsing.
Tianquiztli: Latin American Artisan Market: 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11 outside Creative Alliance. Head to Southeast Baltimore to check out the work of Latin American artists and sample the cuisine of the region. Plus, check out music and dance performances.
Billie Holiday Concert: 2-6 p.m. on Sat., September 11 at Lafayette Square Park. West Baltimore’s Pennsylvania Ave. was once home to jazz clubs where Billie Holiday performed. In the nearby Sandtown-Winchester park, check out a free concert featuring musicians from Baltimore and beyond celebrating the former Baltimore resident and legendary singer’s legacy.
Lady Baltimore Alleycat: 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 11, at Wyman Park. Take a bike ride through the city to checkpoints, and perform challenges. Prizes will be awarded. It all benefits women-owned businesses.
Rickey Smiley: Y’all Goin’ to Hell Tour: 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, at The Lyric. The comedian and radio personality brings his stand-up act to Baltimore.
Baltimore Mimosa Crawl: 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12, at Power Plant Live! Head downtown for a brunch festival complete with drink specials, a concert and plenty of champagne and OJ.
Lagers & Locals: “Made in Baltimore” Market for Mental Health: Noon on Sunday, Sept. 12 at Peabody Heights Brewing. Local craft vendors gather at the Waverly brewery for a market to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Maryland Chapter and the Baltimore Out of the Darkness Walk.
Splash! A Community Waterfront Experience: 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12 at Middle Branch Park. Head to the South Baltimore waterfront for outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing, as well as environmental education. Plus, meet the Reimagining Middle Branch team and learn about their work.
Teodora Adzharova & Yonatan Grinberg: 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12 at An Die Musik Live. The pianist and violinist team up for a program celebrating the Jewish high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In-person and streaming tickets available.
Lafayette Square Park is in Harlem Oark, not Sandtown Winchester.