Get ready for the sounds of galloping hooves and cheering crowds as the Preakness Stakes returns for its 151st year this weekend. While Pimlico Race Course undergoes a major overhaul, horse-racing will take place at Laurel Park.
If you’re looking for something to do other than visiting the race track, there are plenty of other events throughout the Baltimore area, from a 24-hour Edgar Allan Poe read-a-thon, to a Filipino Festival near the Inner Harbor.
Check it all out in our weekend events roundup:
Lintu Conducts Sibelius, Thursday, May 14 through Sunday, May 17, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and Strathmore Music Center. Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu leads Sibelius’ Night Ride and Sunrise and Symphony No. 7. Acclaimed pianist Francesco Piemontesi performs Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4.
Black-Eyed Susan, Friday, May 15, Laurel Park. Like the Preakness Stakes, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes will also be held at Laurel Park this year while Pimlico Race Couse is under construction.
Fifth Annual Doomsday Poe Readathon, Saturday, May 15, 12 p.m. through Sunday, May 16, 12 p.m., In the Dark Circus Arts, Baltimore. This 24-hour livestream of dozens of Baltimore personalities reading iconic works of Edgar Allan Poe. The public is invited to attend in person for free Poe-themed arts and writing activities and more. Donations help fund all operations of The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre
Night Circus on Doomsday, Saturday, May 15, 5 p.m., In the Dark Circus Arts, Baltimore. An evening of magic, mind reading and cirque taking place during the Fifth Annual Doomsday Poe Readathon. Ticket sales benefit The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre.
The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System, Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17, Baltimore Center Stage. Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic.
Music City Bluegrass & Roots Festival, Saturday, May 16, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Vortex at CAA Park. Enjoy a day full of bluegrass and roots music, food, and fun with the Catonsville community. There will be performances across two stages. Stage one will feature Kitchen Dwellers, Magoo, Dirty Grass Players, and Danny Paisley & the Southern Grass. Stage two will feature 65 North Pickers, Geraldine, Rock Creek Revival, By & By, and Dawg & Dell.
Preakness Stakes, Saturday, May 16, Laurel Park. Celebrate the second gem in the Triple Crown of thoroughbred horse racing. While Pimlico Race Course undergoes a major overhaul, the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes will take place at Laurel Park. The Preakness is set to start at 7:01 p.m., but attendees can enjoy other races throughout the day.
Zoo Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month, Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Maryland Zoo. Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the zoo with Chinese lion dancing and Hula performances; an origami activity; animal ambassador keeper chats that will feature the prehensile tailed skink and Chinese alligator; and more.
Baltimore Vintage Expo, Sunday, May 17, ticketed entry from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., free entry 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., UNION Craft Brewing. Find your next favorite item at the Baltimore Vintage Expo, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Shop vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, décor, and furniture with dealers across the Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and Pennsylvania region.
Arbutus Arts Festival, Sunday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 5407 East Drive. Peruse handmade arts and crafts, taste food and drinks, listen to live local music, bring the kids for fun in the Children’s Corner, and more at the 53rd annual Arbutus Arts Festival.
Filipino Festival, Sunday, May 17, 10 a.m. Power Plant Live! Enjoy Filipino food, vendors, music, cultural performances, and more at this festival celebrating Filipino pride and heritage.
Baltimore Birth Festival, Sunday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Patterson Park. Looking for information about pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting? This event is for you. Interact with vendors, care providers, local businesses, birth workers, and more at this family-centered festival. Hundreds of dollars worth of baby and parenting items will be raffled off.
An Evening with David Bryne, Sunday, May 17, and Monday, May 18, 8 p.m. both nights, Hippodrome Theatre. You may know him as the lead singer, guitarist, and principal songwriter of the Talking Heads band. Now, David Byrne is embarking on his Who is the Sky Tour.
Emma, Sunday, May 17, through Sunday, June 14, Everyman Theatre. Jane Austen’s “Emma” is adapted for the stage by Kate Hamill in this production that offers a modern take on the classic love and romance story. Emma Woodhouse’s adventures in matchmaking are infused with comedy and surprise.
