The Association of Writers & Writing Programs’ 2026 Conference & Bookfair is in Baltimore this week, bringing together literary fans and creators.
Plus, you can catch a concert by country music star Cody Johnson.
Check out everything in store in our weekend events roundup:
AWP Conference & Bookfair, Wednesday, March 4, through Saturday, March 7, Baltimore Convention Center. Writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers will gather for the Association of Writers & Writing Programs’ 2026 Conference & Bookfair. Enjoy both in-person and virtual events, including the keynote address by John Waters on Thursday night.
In Service of the Bay: A Panel Discussion on Farming Oysters and Wine, Thursday, March 5, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., The Heritage Room at True Chesapeake. Panelists will discuss how restorative and regenerative farming practices — from vineyard to water — shape the health and future of the Chesapeake Bay. Each ticket includes one glass of Dodon Sauvignon Blanc, True Chesapeake oysters, and assorted hors d’oeuvres.
Profs & Pints Baltimore: Celtic Mythology, Thursday, March 5, Guilford Hall Brewery. Learn about Celtic Mythology and its spread beyond the British Isles in this lecture by Larissa “Kat” Tracy, past president of the American Society of Irish Medieval Studies, former editor of its journal, Eolas, and visiting assistant teaching professor of English at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
Jimmy O. Yang, Thursday, March 5, doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Comedian Jimmy O. Yang will make a stop in Baltimore as part of his “Big & Tall Tour.”
Monsters and Moons Exhibition Opening, Friday, March 6, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Creative Alliance. Come out to the opening of artist Tiffany Lange’s “Monsterns and Moons” exhibition, featuring sculpted character works by Lange. The exhibition will be on view March 6 through April 17. There will also be an artist talk and tour on March 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Antigone, Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 8, Spotlighters Theatre. Catch the opening weekend of Spotlighters Theatre’s production of Sophocles’ play “Antigone,” which follows the children of Oedipus and his mother, Jocasta. The production runs through March 29.
Murder on the Orient Express, Friday, March 6 through Sunday, March 8, CCBC Dundalk. Dundalk Community Theater presents Agatha Christie’s classic, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig. Step aboard the luxurious Orient Express for one of the greatest mystery thrillers ever written! Performances will be held at the Alvin and Mary Lloyd College Center, John E. Ravekes Theatre, running through March 15. Dates, times, and tickets are available here.
Next to Normal, Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 8, M&T Bank Exchange. Iron Crow Theatre’s production of “Next to Normal” opens this weekend. The musical centers a family struggling to hold it together amid grief, mental illness, and loss of self. The production runs through March 15.
GenX Takeover Comedy Tour, Friday, March 6, 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Authenticity meets nostalgia when GenX takes the stage. Join The Real Slim Sherri, Jon Wellington (The Dadbod Veteran, DBV), Nick Harrison (The Professor), and Kelly Manno (your best friend in your head) for a night of humor, resilience, and unapologetic realness.
Family Safety Day, Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fire Museum of Maryland. Enjoy free admission to the museum, and learn about fire safety and First Responder careers at this free, family-friendly event.
NAL’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Round Dance, Native American LifeLines of Baltimore will raise awareness for HIV/AIDS with their annual round dance event. There will be HIV testing, community health vendors, Native craft vendors, free food, a hand drum competition, and more.
Nature by the Fire – Nocturnal Neighbors, Saturday, March 7, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Irvine Nature Center. Warm up by the campfire, roast some marshmallows, and join Naturalist, Ash, for nature themed fun, including a visit from one of Irvine’s animal ambassadors.
Cody Johnson, Saturday, March 7, doors open at 6:30 p.m., event begins at 7:30 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Country singer and CMA Awards Entertainer of the Year nominee Cody Johnson is making a stop in Baltimore, featuring Kip Moore and Walker Montgomery.
Maple Magic 2026, Sunday, March 8, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Irvine Nature Center. At Irvine’s sweetest event of the season, join Irvine naturalists as they seek out and tap sap-producing trees. Then enjoy activities by the fire as you learn about the evolution of converting sap into syrup.
