The month of chills and thrills is upon us, and Baltimore is kicking it off with several entertaining and exhilarating events this weekend.
Whether you want to watch classic horror films and celebrate Edgar Allan Poe, or you’re looking for some spooky fun for your little ghouls and goblins, there’s something for everyone.
And for those who aren’t in the Halloween spirit, there’s plenty for you too, like the New/Next Film Festival or a show by standup comedian Chelsea Handler.
Check it all out in our weekend events roundup:
Thursday Night Fright, Thursdays, Oct. 1 through Oct. 15, doors at 6 p.m., movie at 8:05 p.m., Maryland Science Center. Three Thursdays. Three John Carpenter film classics. Celebrate the Halloween season with classic horror films on the largest indoor screen in Maryland.
New/Next Film Festival, Thursday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 4, The Charles Theatre. Presented by Baltimore Public Media, the fourth annual New/Next Film Festival will feature more than 160 films on five screens over four days. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
ZooBoo, Friday, Oct. 2, through Saturday, Oct. 31, Maryland Zoo. Throughout the month of October, enjoy Halloween-themed activities at the zoo. There will be an inflatable corn maze, pumpkin patch, sack races, costume contests, trick-or-treating through the zoo, and more.
9th Annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards, Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4, Lexington Market. Due to due to demolition occurring near Poe House, Poe Fest is moving Lexington Market this year. This year’s festival will feature Victoria Price, the world premiere of her father Vincent Price’s documentary, an outdoor stage with live performances and dramatic readings, the annual Black Cat Ball, and more. See the full list of festivities in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Mama I’m a Big Girl Now, Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4, Baltimore Center Stage. Join Kerry Butler, Laura Bell Bundy, and Marissa Jaret Winokur as they revisit the show that helped launch their careers and friendship, while singing hits from the shows that made you fall in love with them.
Maritime Magic, Friday, Oct. 2, 6.p.m, Douglass-Myers Maritime Park. Join Living Classrooms Foundation for the 38th annual Maritime Magic, benefiting Living Classrooms’ hands-on education, workforce development and community programs. Enjoy food and drinks from 50 restaurants and caterers and live music by Super Sonic Shorties with opening act The Fitzkee Brothers with Peter Levin.
Stravinsky & Prokofiev with Heyward, Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and Music Center at Strathmore. Join conductor Jonathon Heyaward and the BSO for a season opener driven by rhythm, color, and modern energy.
Power to the People, Saturday, Oct. 3, Merriweather Post Pavilion. Tom Morello presents a day of peace, love, justice, and music, featuring special guest Bruce Springsteen and live performances from Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Tom Morello, Joan Baez, Public Enemy, Stephen Stills, Jack Black, Dropkick Murphys, Cypress Hill, and more. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
See Beyond Festival, Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Maryland School for the Blind. In its fifth year, this free community event features live music, local food trucks and vendors, and hands-on activities that encourage people of all ages and abilities to “see beyond” through adapted activities that help everyone learn about and embrace accessibility.
The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe, Saturday, Oct. 3, 5 p.m., Hippodrome Theatre. Combining neo-classical ballet and African Diaspora movement traditions, “The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe” explores the inner world of the writer behind some of America’s foundational horror stories.
The Smashing Pumpkins, Saturday, Oct. 3, doors open at 7 p.m., event begins at 8 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Pumpkin season is in session, and what better way to celebrate than with The Smashing Pumpkins’ “The Rats In A Cage Tour.” The band will perform two sets: one commemorating the 1995 album, “Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness,” which recently marked its 30th anniversary, and another exploring the group’s career over four decades of hits, deep cuts, and fan favorites.
Outlander in Concert, Saturday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. This officially licensed concert celebrates the global phenomenon Outlander as a live orchestra performs the score against scenes from the series.
Chelsea Handler, Saturday, Oct. 3, doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Comedian, television host, and author Chelsea Handler is coming to Baltimore on The High and Mighty Tour. Handler has written seven New York Times best-selling books, including “I’ll Have What She’s Having,” which she published in February 2025.
MJ Night, Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. Presented by Club 90s, this celebration of the King of Pop will feature Michael Jackson’s biggest hits, remixes, deep cuts, and dance floor classics.
Market on Main, Sunday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hunt Valley Towne Centre. This festive fall edition of Market on Main features local makers, unique finds, good eats + sips, and autumn fun.
