Lovers of music and nature will have plenty to look forward to this weekend in Baltimore, as communities celebrate Earth Day a little early (the holiday actually lands on next Wednesday this year) and enjoy various musical performances.
From events promoting environmental stewardship and appreciation, to a festival honoring old time music, there’s lots to see and do.
Check it all out in our weekend events roundup:
Holes, Thursday, April 16, through Sunday, May 10, Baltimore Center Stage. You read the novel by Louis Sachar. You watched the Disney movie starring Shia LaBeouf. Now, see Stanley Yelnats and the rest of the characters of Camp Green Lake come to life on stage in Baltimore Center Stage’s production of “Holes.” The production premieres this Thursday, April 16, and runs through May 10.
Appalachian Spring and Beethoven 6 with Alsop (EARTH | Songs), Thursday, April 16 through Sunday, April 19, Music Center at Strathmore and Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Music Director Laureate Marin Alsop will return to the concert hall with Copland’s Suite from Appalachian Spring, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” and the East Coast Premiere of Australian composer Brett Dean’s Fire Music.
St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore’s 20th Annual Empty Bowls Candlelight & Clay Event, Friday, April 17, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Maryland State Fairgrounds. Connect with other donors who support St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore’s mission as you enjoy food tastings, an open bar, Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos, a silent auction, and handmade ceramic keepsake bowls.
Earth Day Party for the Planet, Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, Maryland Zoo. Learn how you can help the planet during this weekend-long Earth Day celebration, featuring community organizations, activity stations, a native seed and tree giveaway (Saturday only), and more.
Baltimore Old Time Music Festival, Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, Baltimore Museum of Industry. Gather for some good ol’ tunes during the 7th annual Baltimore Old Time Music Festival. Featured artists include Rhiannon Giddens & Kristina Gaddy, Jerron Paxton, The Wild Shoats, Tessa McCoy & The State Birds, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer & Chao Tian (Friday only), Joseph Decosimo & Stephanie Coleman, Eddie Bond Trio, Golden Shoals, Stanley & The Ten Sleepless Knights, Mark Schatz & Bryan McDowell and your festival curators and hosts Ken & Brad Kolodner.
Earth Day 5K & Fun Run/Kids’ Dash, Saturday, April 18, 8:30 a.m., Patterson Park. Participate in an Earth Day 5K, 1-mile Fun Run and Kids’ Dash through Patterson Park. The 5K will kick off at 8:30 a.m. The Fun Run and Kids’ Dash (for kids 5 and under) will follow. After the running events, enjoy a breakfast, music, and volunteer activities. There will be opportunities for mulching, tree planting, gardening, and rash cleanup from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture, Saturday, April 18 through Sunday, August 9, Walters Art Museum. Featuring more than 100 works, Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture celebrates the self-taught jewelry artist and explores her jewelry as a powerful narrative tool in art, Black identity, and visual storytelling. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Breakfast with the Rhinos, Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Maryland Zoo. Visit the zoo before it even opens to go behind the scenes at the rhino exhibit. Attendees will learn about these beautiful animals and feast on a buffet-style al fresco breakfast.
Fix-It Fair, Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Station North Tool Library. At this free, family-friendly event, connect with experienced volunteers who can help repair clothes, furniture, leather items, bikes, and more. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
Cross Street Oysterfest, Saturday, April 18, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., One Star Country Club. Enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters, drink specials, live music, a crush bar, and a 50/50 raffle during the 2nd annual Cross Street Oysterfest.
Grim Reefer Fest 2026, Saturday, April 18, doors 2:30 p.m., Ottobar. Celebrating eight years, this DIY grassroots festival will feature “a full day of heavy music, dank vibes, and high spirits,” including live performances from Black Tusk, Howling Giant, Total Maniac, Haze Mage, Shadow Witch, Cemetery Sex, Almost Honest, Seasick Gladiator, and Necromancer. Learn more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.
St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore’s 20th Annual Empty Bowls Family Event, Saturday, April 18, 4 p.m. to 7p.m., Maryland State Fairgrounds. The evening will feature unlimited soup and food, free admission for kids 9 and under, a Kid Fun Zone, handmade ceramic keepsake bowls, an artisan market, and a silent auction, The best part? All ticket proceeds support the assistance programs and services of St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore.
Orchestra Noir, Saturday, April 18, 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Under the direction of Maestro Jason Ikeem Rodgers, Orchestra Noir will return to Baltimore on the Culture 2000 tour, an immersive concert experience that blends the music of the early 2000s with the power of a live orchestra.
Shen Yun, Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, Hippodrome Theatre. Explore five millennia of Chinese culture told through one of the world’s oldest art forms: classical Chinese dance.
Red Shoe Shuffle 5K Run & Walk, Sunday, April 19, 10:30 a.m., Ronald McDonald House. Celebrating 15 years and supporting kids facing medical crises, this family-friendly 5k starts at the Ronald McDonald House, goes through Little Italy, along the Inner Harbor, then back up to the Big Heart at the House. After the race, participants are invited to Celebration Village for activities, food vendors, live music, and awards.
Grand Opening Celebration for the Goldsmith Campus, Sunday, April 19, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., The Goldsmith Campus. Join The Associated Network for an all-ages celebration with fitness classes, hands-on activities, a live DJ, and more.
BRBQ (Balt.Record.Boutique) at Wico Street Beer Co. Sunday, April 19, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wico Street Beer Co. Shop records and books while DJs spin vinyl at this free, family-friendly event.
Inscape Chamber Orchestra, Sunday, April 19, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Earl and Darielle Linehan Concert Hall at UMBC. The acclaimed Inscape Chamber Orchestra will perform Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Richard Strauss’s Suite from Der Rosenkavalier, and Béla Bártok’s Violin Concerto No. 1, featuring soloist Airi Yoshioka.
SpringFest on the Goldsmith Campus, Sunday, April 19, 1–4 p.m., The Associated. Celebrate the grand opening of the Goldsmith Campus, new home of The Associated and enjoy an afternoon of fun for individuals of all ages. Free activities, including JCC‑led fitness classes, hands‑on kids’ projects, arts and wellness programs, story times and giveaways.
