Fall is here, which typically brings a buzzing festival calendar in Baltimore. In the case of a a fall during a pandemic, regular traditions like the Pigtown Festival are still on hold. But pandemic-spawned events are showing staying power. On Saturday, The Charles Street Promenade will once again close of the city’s prime thoroughfare to cars. Elsewhere, there’s plenty of music to check out, from the soul of Leon Bridges to improvisation at High Zero Festival. Check out the lineup:
High Zero Festival: September 23-26, streaming on Twitch. The festival of improvised and experimental music returns for its 23rd year. The music created at this festival literally only happens once, as performance combos come together for the first time to improvise music that’s not written beforehand. More than 40 musicians will be featured throughout the weekend.
Station North Shines: 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24. at North Ave. The monthly art walk spotlights two installations: At the Ynot Lot, celebrate “We’re Here,” by artist April Danielle Lewis in partnership with Signal Station North. Plus, check out early plans for “The Baltimore Underline”, a black light mural installation under the I-83 underpass on North Avenue by Made You Look and MICA’s Center for Social Design.
North Ave. Market Grand Reopening Weekend: Sept. 24-25 at North Ave. Market. The retro arcade games, food and drink are getting back up and running at the corner of North and Maryland Ave. Check out an all ages party starting at 5 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday, head out for some live, local music, courtesy of Strawberry Sleepover, Shy Lust and Pelvis Presley.
Charles Street Promenade: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, on Charles Street. Car traffic is barred from Saratoga Street to Mt. Royal Ave., making way for pedestrians. Check out 10+ parklets, restaurants and shops along the way.
Guilford Hall Brewery Grand Opening & Oktoberfest Kickoff: 4-9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Guilford Hall Brewery. The new Station North brewery inside an old factory is officially kicking off operations with an homage to the German tradition of Oktoberfest. Try a new Marzen Lager and Hefeweizen specifically for the occasion, and check out gravity casks.
Dave Burrell: 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25 at An Die Musik Live. The jazz pianist has a long career working with luminaries like Pharoah Sanders and Archie Schepp. A composer, he will perform selections from new work “Harlem Renaissance.”
Draughts & Laughs 11: 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Checkerspot Brewing. The comedy night features six stand-up performeres. It’s headlined by Rob Maher, who was seen on TV with Kevin Hart’s “Hart of the City” and “Dry Bar Comedy Special.”
Repticon Baltimore: Sept. 25-26 at Timonium Fairgrounds. Reptiles and other exotic animals are converging on the fairgrounds for a convention all their own. Check them out, take one home, or peruse animal products.
Baltimore Record Bazaar: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 26 at Peabody Heights Brewing. Check out more than 30 vendors with records, tapes, CDs and other music merchandise. DJs will perform throughout the event.
Tributary Festival: 2-6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 26 at Baltimore Museum of Industry. Organized by a junior at Towson High School, the student-led concert benefits the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Check out sets from Modern Nomad, Never Ending Fall and acts from the Lutherville Rock School.
Guns ‘n Roses: 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 26, at Royal Farms Arena. The 80s rock band behind hits like “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Sweet Child O Mine” comes to downtown Baltimore. mammothwvh opens.
Leon Bridges: 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 26 at Rams Head Live! The soul singer with songs like “Coming Home” and “Beyond” is touring following this year’s release of new album “Gold-Diggers Sound.” Abraham Alexander opens.
Thank you for including Dave Burrell’s solo jazz piano concert on Saturday at An die Musik Live! in this weekend pick.
Best.
Henry