This weekend, literarture lovers can enjoy not one but two book festivals in the Baltimore area.
Plus, catch a comedy show with Ali Wong, a play about the life of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and some mortifying teenage stories told by the adults they grew into.
Check it all out in our weekend events roundup:
Jerrell Gibbs: Come home with me, Thursday, Sept. 17, through May 2, 2027, Baltimore Museum of Art. Baltimore-based artist Jerrell Gibbs opened a new solo exhibition at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Visitors will explore “rooms” of Gibbs’ Aunt Ella’s home and learn how the spaces molded Gibbs’ life and artistry. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
All Things Equal: The Life & Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Thursday Sept. 17, through Saturday, Sept. 19, M&T Bank Exchange. Learn about the life of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in this play that chronicles her journey, from being one of nine women studying law at Harvard to her ascent to the nation’s top court. The play was written by Tony Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes, is directed by Laley Lippard, and stars Michelle Azar as Ginsburg.
Craft Night at the Zoo, Thursday, Sept. 17, 5:30 to 9 p.m., Maryland Zoo. Clay by Hillary will lead a craft class. There will also be photo opps and a meet-and-greet with animal ambassadors. Attendees will get two drink tickets and access to a cash bar.
Craft and Cinema Night: Clueless, Thursday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m., Creative Alliance. Bring a current craft project, meet fellow makers, share some laughs, and enjoy a film in good company. The lights will stay on low so you can comfortably see your craft while watching.
Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, Thursday, Sept. 17 through Saturday, Sept. 26, Baltimore Center Stage. Join Tony Award® winner Laura Benanti for an evening of side-splitting storytelling with original songs.
Happy Hour with the Red Pandas, Friday, Sept. 18, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Maryland Zoo. Meet red pandas, play games for prizes, and enjoy local craft beer and wine at this adults-only evening.
Ali Wong Live, Friday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Emmy award-winning actress, comedian, writer, and producer Ali Wong will make a stop in Baltimore on her U.S. comedy tour.
House Party (18+), Friday, Sept. 18, doors at 9 p.m., show at 9:30 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. This sweaty love-letter to the 2010s rager promises mid-2000s party anthems, EDM, hip-hop, remixes, and more.
Goats on the Slope, Friday, Sept. 18 through Monday, Sept. 21, Wyman Park Dell. Hungry goats from nonprofit Prosperity Acres will dine on overgrown vegetation while attendees enjoy a weekend of free, family-friendly programming. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Carroll Book Festival, Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Carroll County Farm Museum. Join headlining author Jodi Picoult for the first-ever Carroll Book Festival, featuring a children’s character breakfast, ticketed author events, book signings, vendors, and author panels. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Baltimore Book Festival, Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20, Waverly Main Street. This annual celebration of literature and storytelling will feature author talks, panel discussions, book signings, youth programming, and more. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Adults-Only Zoo Snooze, Saturday, Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m. Saturday overnight into 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Maryland Zoo. Sleep under the stars in the zoo’s Main Valley. This overnight sleepover is for adults aged 21 and older. Tickets include dinner, two drink tickets per guest, breakfast, games, activities, and admission to the zoo on Sunday.
Breakfast with the Giraffes, Sunday, Sept. 20, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Giraffe House, Maryland Zoo. Feast on a buffet-style breakfast while hearing from zoo keepers. Then, feed acacia branches to the giraffes for their own breakfast.
Mortified Baltimore: Back To School 2026, Saturday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m., The Theater at Creative Alliance. In this special Back to School edition, everyday adults will share their most embarrassing teenage diary entries, poems, love letters, lyrics, and locker notes.
Steve Hackman Conducts His Taylor Swift: The Symphony Era, Saturday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Join conductor Steve Hackman as he leads the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on a symphonic journey through Taylor Swift’s musical eras.
Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival, Saturday, Sept. 19 & Sunday, Sept. 20, Sandy Point State Park. Returning for its fourth year, this beachfront festival will feature Little Feat, Yonder Mountain String Band, Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, Mountain Grass Unit, TopHouse, Shadowgrass, and more. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
A Tashlich Festival: A Morning of Refresh, Renewal, and Release, Sunday, Sept. 20, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Druid Hill Park’s Lakeside Pavilion. A fun and communal way to help celebrate the High Holiday season and enjoy some outside time with friends, old and new.
