As Tropical Storm Debby approaches Maryland, be sure to monitor your local weather forecast before heading out to any events.
With that in mind, this weekend brings some fun live music performances, an event where you can embrace messiness, and a celebration of Haitian Caribbean cultures.
Check it all out in this weekend’s roundup:
Book Lovers Cookout, Thursday, Aug. 8, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., South Baltimore Learning Center. National Book Lovers Day is officially Aug. 9, but you can celebrate a day early at the South Baltimore Learning Center. The cookout will feature free food, t-shirts, and ice cream; book readings; and community resources.
1984, Thursday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m., Old Major. Big Brother is watching. You can watch back at this screening of the movie “1984,” based on George Orwell’s novel of the same name.
Violin & Piano Recital, Friday, Aug. 9, 7 p.m., An Die Musik. Violinist Bartholomew Fortino-Shields and pianist Chan Mi Jean will perform together during a recital at An Die Musik.
Fantasia, Friday, Aug. 9, Pier Six Pavilion. “American Idol” 2004 winner Fantasia will delight audience members with her mix of R&B, hip-hop, and soul.
Slipknot, Friday, Aug. 9, doors open 5:30 p.m., event begins 7 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Brace yourselves, Baltimore. The band Slipknot is bringing their “Here Comes the Pain” 25th anniversary tour to CFG Bank Arena.
Hot August Music Festival, Saturday, Aug. 10, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Oregon Ridge Park. Enjoy performances by Grace Potter, Neal Francis, Eggy, Cris Jacobs, and other musical artists at the Hot August Music Festival.
The Music of John Williams, Saturday, Aug. 10, 7:30 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. You might not know him by name, but you likely know some of his music. John Williams is the composer behind the soundtracks to many movie favorites, from “Harry Potter” to “Jurassic Park” to “Indiana Jones” and more. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will perform a selection of his compositions.
Taking Back Sunday, Saturday, Aug. 10, 8 p.m., Rams Head Live. Turns out Taking Back Sunday is also claiming Saturday. Founded in New York in 1999, the alternative rock band will take the stage in Baltimore on Saturday evening.
Mess Fest, Saturday, Aug. 10, and Sunday, Aug. 11, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Maryland Science Center. As Ms. Frizzle used to say: “Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!” Well, here’s your chance to do just that at the Maryland Science Center’s Mess Fest. At the two-day event, attendees will be able to use paint splatter catapults, play with oobleck, make cool artwork with spin art bikes, and leave your mark on the science center’s windows. There will also be some fun — and, of course, messy — science demonstrations throughout the afternoon.
Haitian Caribbean Festival, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Patterson Park. Celebrate Haitian Caribbean culture, music, food, vendors and more at this festival presented by Komite Ayiti Inc. The concert will include a concert by LOKAL near the Patterson Park Observatory from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thank you for picking the piano/violin recital in your column.