It’s that time in early August when summer simultaneously feels fully upon us, but bound to start slipping away soon. Make the most of it by (safely) checking out happenings around the city. This weekend, there’s local music and food festivals, art openings and acrobatic cats. Check out the options:
Cocoa Brown: Aug. 6-7 at The Grand Ballroom in Glen Burnie. The actress and comedienne, known for roles in Tyler Perry’s “The Single Mom’s Club” and OWN Network’s “For Better or Worse,” takes the mic for two nights of stand-up.
Say it Loud Maryland: “Hear Our Voices” Virtual Panel: Noon-1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, virtual. It’s the virtual launch of a new exhibition from the Baltimore Center for Architecture and Design. The panel, including architectural designers from around the country, comes together as part of a weekly event series from Baltimore Architecture Foundation and Baltimore Heritage.
Kei Ito: Our Looming Ground Zero Exhibition: Opening reception 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, at Creative Alliance. Visual artist Kei Ito presents a “large scale installation [that] examines the reality of nuclear annihilation that could occur at any moment, as well as Ito’s inherited trauma of the bombing and radiation of the past.”
Lights Out Baltimore: Community Science Saturday: 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, virtual. Join a virtual event to learn more about how community science drives the work of Lights Out Baltimore, a nonprofit seeking to make Baltimore safe for migratory birds. It’s powered by the work of volunteers who rescue injured birds in downtown Baltimore, and collect deceased birds for use in research.
Mess Fest: Noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, at Maryland Science Center. The annual event offers kids the freedom and the supplies to get as messy as possible. From slime to painting to gooey experiments, get sloppy. For those who don’t mind cleanup, virtual options are available.
The Baltimore Wine & Food Festival + Chesapeake Crab, Wine and Beer Festival: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, at Harbor Point Central Plaza. Two festivals are happening in the same waterfront spot on Saturday. Joining forces means double the chance to sample culinary delights and more than 100 varieties of wine, beer and spirits. Plus, enjoy sounds from a DJ, a gaming area and more.
8th Annual Summer Plein Art Show: Opening reception 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Crystal Moll Gallery. Outdoor art abounds in South Baltimore. The plein air show features the work of 41 artists who created their work outside a studio. The opening event features a demo from painter Tim Kelly, and a wet paint sale.
Music Brings Us Together: A Celebration of Black Music: 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7 at Baltimore Museum of Industry. The Urban Choral Arts Society is organizing an outdoor concert at the BMI’s covered pavilion. It’ll be showcasing musical contributions of African Americans. Bring chairs or a blanket.
Sad & Boujee – Emo + Trap Party: 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, at Ottobar. The dance night returns to Ottobar, promising a “Hot Emo Summer.”
The Amazing Acro-Cats: 2&6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8 at Creative Alliance. The feline combo Tuna and the Rock Cats make a stop in Baltimore to demonstrate acrobatics, show off their talents and play some music.
Carl Cornwell Quartet: 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8 at An Die Musik Live! Cornwell, a saxophonist, has played with jazz greats like Roy Hanes, Pharaoh Sanders and Gil Scott-Heron. He’s joined by a combo for sets that are available via streaming or in-person seating.
Thank you for including Carl Cornwell Quartet in the weekend picks.