What kind of birthday gift do you get for a city that has everything? In any event, Baltimore is turning 296 and is celebrating with a big ol’ birthday bash this weekend.
In addition to the festivities, you might also celebrate Baltimore with a bike ride through the city, a visit to a local theater performance, or one of the other fun events happening around town.
Check it all out in our weekend events roundup:
90’s vs. 2000’s Sip n Paint Karaoke, Thursday, July 24, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. Get your creativity flowing with sip n paint, karaoke, games, and the sounds of the 90s and 2000s. All art supplies included.
‘By the Power Vested in Me’ Book Launch, Friday, July 24, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse. Michael Stambolis-Ruhstorfer will celebrate the launch of his book “By the Power Vested in Me: How Experts Shape Same-Sex Marriage Debates.” Stambolis-Ruhstorfer will be in converation with Baltimore artist and writer Rahne Alexander.
The Grotto, Thursday, July 24 through Sunday, July 27, show times vary, Zion Church of the City of Baltimore, 400 E. Lexington St. The Baltimore Playwrights Festival will present “The Grotto,” which follows the children of Zeus as they find their lives intertwined with drag queens at a Greek mythology-obsessed drag club in Athens, Georgia.
Baltimore’s Birthday Bash, Friday, July 25, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., 4MLK at UM BioPark. Celebrate Baltimore’s 296th birthday with a dance party, open bar, lite fare, birthday desserts, and more.
Baltimore Bike Party, Friday, July 25, 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., St. Mary’s Park. Join the folks of Baltimore Bike Party for a ride around Baltimore. Orioles and Ravens jerseys and all other Baltimore-themed attire is encouraged because this ride’s theme is “Team Baltimore.”
The Gambler, Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27, show times vary, Le Mondo. In “The Gambler,” nursing home residents Doris and Gertie fly the coop on a quest for life before death. Inspired by Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel of the same name, this production makes its Baltimore premiere through a partnership between Baltimore’s Le Mondo and Brooklyn, New York City’s Exponential Festival.
Jones Falls Trail Ride, Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., start at Millers Court and end in Mt. Washington. Join this guided trail ride along the Jones Falls Trail. The group will meet at Millers Court (2601 N. Howard St.) and ride together to Mt. Washington.
Crab Feast, Saturday, July 26, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Motor House. Crack open a crab and help raise money for Motor House as they repair their building following a vehicle crash.
WTMD Presents Several Species: The Pink Floyd Experience, Saturday, July 26, 6:30 p.m., Kraushaar Auditorium. Join WTMD as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” with the critically acclaimed 11-piece band Several Species: The PINK FLOYD Experience, live at Goucher College’s Kraushaar Auditorium.
Bayberries with Rachel May, Saturday, July 26, 7:30 p.m., Creative Alliance. Baltimore-based female trio The Bayberries perform bluegrass, folk, and other music. They will be joined by musician Rachel May.
J Roddy Walston (Full Band) and The Oranges Band, Saturday, July 26, 8 p.m., Ottobar. J Roddy Walston returns to the Ottobar with Baltimore’s own The Oranges Band.
Girls Night the Musical, Saturday, July 26, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., M&T Bank Exchange. During a girls’ night out, five friends celebrate their past, present, and future — all through popular 80s and 90s songs.
Baltimore Record Bazaar Summer Show, Sunday, July 27, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Peabody Heights Brewery. Join DJ Mikie Love and friends for this free, family-friendly event featuring indoor/outdoor shopping with more than 35 vendors.
