That time of year is here again to don your flowered hats and colorful suits for the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the Triple Crown. Whether you’re off to the races or listening to the all-star musical acts, you can bet on having a fun weekend.
And if the festivities at Pimlico aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other events to explore in Baltimore like a circus sideshow, a mac n’ cheese festival, a video game orchestral performance and more.
Make some plans and make some memories this weekend with these Baltimore events:
Baltimore Music Film Premiere, Thursday, May 19, 7 p.m., The Charles Theater. “Do Whatever You Want, All the Time” is a documentary produced by WTMD Studious about Baltimore’s music scene from 2005 to 2020. The range of Baltimore music spans club music, Americana, hip-hop, dream pop, jazz, indie rock and more. The premiere is free but audience members are required to RSVP.
Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow, Thursday, May 19, doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. Watch in awe of death-defying stunts, anatomical feats, magical illusions, and rock n’ roll in the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow. From fire eating to foot archery, sword swallowing to glass walking, this show is here to amaze.
Preakness Events, Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21, Pimlico Race Course. The 147th running of the Preakness Stakes is this Saturday. Accompanying the race day festivities will be the return of InfieldFest, featuring musical performers Marshmello, The Chainsmokers and more. And ahead of Saturday’s events will be a culinary, art and musical festival on Friday, including musical performances by Megan Thee Stallion, Ms. Lauryn Hill and others, plus food by TV chef personalities Marcus Samuelsson, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons.
Craft Market, Friday, May 20 through Sunday, May 22, Baltimore Convention Center. After two years, the American Craft Made/Baltimore Craft Marketplace is returning in person. Shop handmade goods from more than 300 artists. And if you can’t make it in person, you can also shop online at shop.craftcouncil.org.
Jim Jefferies, Friday, May 20, 7 p.m., The Lyric. Sydney native and comedian Jim Jefferies released his ninth stand-up special, “Intolerant” on Netflix last year. He also hosts the podcast “I Don’t Know About That with Jim Jefferies.” Now, he’s bringing “The Moist Tour” to Baltimore.
Preakness Music and Arts Festival, Saturday, May 21, noon to 6 p.m., 4700-4800 block of Park Heights Avenue. Park Heights Renaissance will hold the first-ever Preakness Music and Arts Festival in honor of George “Spider” Anderson, the first Black jockey to win the Preakness Stakes in 1889. The festival will feature live music, arts and crafts, a live stream of the races, food trucks, and community businesses and partners.
Magically May, Saturday, May 21, noon to 4 p.m., Maryland Science Center. Learn about the science of illusion with magician Adam Stone.
Black Wall Street Festival, Saturday, May 21, noon to 5 p.m., around Eager Park. Brilliance in Black has organized the Baltimore Black Wall Street Festival, featuring a variety of Black-owned business vendors. Enjoy shopping, food, drinks, music and good vibes.
Console Wars, Saturday, May 21, 1 p.m., Sollers Point Multipurpose Center. Are you Team Sega or Team Nintendo? The battle lines are drawn and the Console Wars are on. In December, the Baltimore Gamer Symphony Orchestra recorded their first full concert together (presented virtually) since the pandemic began. Now, the full orchestra will perform for a live in-person audience for the first time during the pandemic, with music from Sega and Nintendo games, from Mario and Sonic to Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. The concert will be the orchestra’s first “choose your own adventure” program as audience members’ donations will influence the finale. The show is free and all donations will benefit the orchestra. This event has been canceled.
Drum Circle, Saturday, May 21, 2-4 p.m., Druid Hill Park (near the Nature Play Space and across from Latrobe Pavilion). The Baltimore Psychedelic Society will host a drum circle, guided by local artist Adam Kandel. Participants should bring their own drums, although there will be a limited amount of extra percussion instruments available. No experience needed, just an open mind.
Mac & Cheese, Saturday, May 21, 2-8 p.m., Power Plant Live. Get your fill of ooey-gooey goodness at the Maryland Mac & Cheese Festival. The event will feature more than 15 restaurants, food trucks and chefs, each with their own mac n’ cheese concoction. Plus, enjoy mac n’ cheese, french fry eating, and can of whiz holding contests; a cheese fry bar; axe throwing; tailgate games; live music and entertainment; and more.
The Sandlot, Saturday, May 21, 6-10 p.m., Flagship Cinemas Eastpoint. Watch “The Sandlot” and meet two of the movie’s actors: Tom Guiry, who starred as “Smalls,” and Brandon Adams, who played Kenny Denunez. Take photos, get autographs, and experience a Q&A with the actors, hosted by 105.7 The Fan’s Jeremy Conn. The event is a fundraiser for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, so help them knock it out of the park.
YOGAhike, Sunday, May 22, 9:30-11 a.m., Cylburn Arboretum. What’s better than a trail hike or off-the-mat yoga? How about a trail hike AND off-the-mat yoga. Dagmar Bohlmann, a Kripaulu-certified Mindful Outdoor Leader and an experienced, advanced yoga teacher, will guide participants through a 90-minute session and help them connect with their body, mind and soul. No prior yoga experience is required.
Bandoneon Duo, Sunday, May 22, 6 p.m., An Die Musik. Bandoneonists Heyni Solera and Rodrigo Avalos will perform pieces by Bach, tango duos, and their own compositions. Though the bandoneon somewhat resembles the accordion, its sound and mechanisms are different. This is the perfect opportunity to newly experience an instrument with plenty of history behind it.
