Hybrid. It’s a word that we previously most associated with cars. In the post-pandemic reopening, it describes events that mix in-person and virtual. These can bring attendees together in one place, while also allowing others to tune in from all over through Zoom and the other platforms we’ve lived on for the last year. Hybrid also describes the events calendar this summer in Baltimore. We’re seeing more and more in-person gatherings return, like art openings and festivals. Still, some programming remains online, as series started during the pandemic are set up to keep going. Others are embracing both, with both in-person and streaming options for films and concerts. It’s all on view in this week’s calendar:
Young Blood exhibition opening reception: 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 15, at Maryland Art Place. The art exhibition brings together the work of recent graduates from Master’s of Fine Arts programs at local colleges. View the work of 10 artists out of MICA, UMBC, Towson University and the University of Maryland. Due to last year’s pandemic pause, this year’s featured artists graduated in both 2020 and 2021. With an in-person opening reception on July 15, the exhibition is on view through August 21.
Holes: A Puppet Anthology: in-person premiere at 7 p.m. on July 15 at the Senator Theatre. The Baltimore Rock Opera Society is debuting its first feature-length film. It features the adventures of a rat duo, Moleman and your host, the nefarious Rat King. Alongside the in-person premiere, the event will be available on-demand for home viewing.
Virtual Tour of Baltimore’s Municipal Buildings: 1 p.m. on Friday, July 16, virtual. Baltimore Architecture Foundation (BAF) and Baltimore Heritage presents a tour of pumping stations, fire houses and other government buildings that house the city’s infrastructure. It will be hosted by Baltimore Fishbowl Hot House writer Meg Fielding, a past president of BAF and creator of PigtownDesign.
Minority Innovation Weekend Summer 2021 Pitch Competition: 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 17, virtual. A pitch competition and innovation marketplace showcases Baltimore startups founded by people of color. A $10,000 prize for the pitch competition is sponsored by Baltimore digital services firm Fearless.
Woman: A Reflection Of Black Women And Our Mothers: 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 17, at Creative Alliance. The film, directed by Asia L. Kenney, offers a look at the mother-daughter relationships through the lens of “reason, response, and reflection of generational cycles.” The program will include music from Randi withani, a panel discussion and an interactive activity. Plus, it’s accompanied by a pop-up exhibition at the Creative Alliance gallery featuring the work of cinematographer Kirby Griffin.
Bubble Days: July 17-18 at Maryland Science Center. The Inner Harbor science center is popping once again with interactive events. This weekend, programming offers a chance to create bubbles, help them fly through the air and see a bubble artist in action. Virtual programming is available.
Brilliance in Black Baltimore Wall Street Festival: 12-4 p.m. on Sunday, July 18, at YNot Lot. The Station North festival celebrates youth entrpreneurs, with vendors and perfomers onhand. It’s free to attend.
The 33rd National Doll Festival: July 18-21 at Holiday Inn Baltimore Inner Harbor. The festival features antique, vintage and contemporary dolls, toys, miniatures and more. Come to view, or to buy.
Federal Hill Beyond the Views: A Monumental City Tour: 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 18. This walking tour explores the Federal Hill neighborhood, including a look at historic homes and landmarks in the waterfront community.
Eri Yamamoto and Ikuo Takeuchi: 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 18 at An Die Musik LIVE! The jazz pianist and drummer — both from Japan and now living in New York City — perform new compositions. In-person and streaming options available.
