March celebrates Women’s History Month, and will also bring St. Patrick’s Day later this month. From talks about the important role women have had in the brewing industry, to some early St. Paddy’s Day festivities, this weekend has us raising a glass to Baltimore. With several theatrical and musical performances around the city and the return of the Spring Maryland Home and Garden Show, there’s a lot going on.
While Baltimore City has lifted its mask mandate, businesses can still require patrons to wear a mask. Some venues also require proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID-19 test. Check requirements before attending any event.
Here’s the weekend lineup:
Violin Concerto, Thursday, March 3 through Sunday, March 6, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Violinist Ray Chen will perform the Sibelius Violin Concerto. Kevin John Edusei will conduct Ravel’s “La valse,” Schreker’s “Chamber Symphony,” and Braunfels’ Symphonic Variations on an Old French Children’s Song.
Africa Unplugged, 7 p.m., Friday, March 4, An Die Musik Live! The multi-genre band Africa Unplugged combines traditional, West African percussion instruments with guitar and bass for a funky, soulful, bluesy sound. The band is led by founder, songwriter and djembe master Atiba Rorie.
Puffs Play, Friday, March 4 through Sunday, March 6, Spotlighters Theatre. Even if you didn’t spend your childhood with your nose in Harry Potter books, you likely have a passing knowledge of the story of the Boy Who Lived. But there was another story brewing that you’ve likely never heard. The members of the Hufflepuff house, or the “Puffs,” were there all along, even if they were rarely in the spotlight – until now. “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic” retells the Potter stories from a new perspective. The play, which started Off-Broadway, will be performed in Baltimore. Spotlighters Theatre’s production will premiere Friday, March 4, and will run through March 20.
Home and Garden Show, Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, Maryland State Fairgrounds. After a 2021 hiatus, the Spring Maryland Home and Garden Show will return this weekend. The event, which spans this weekend and next, will feature hundreds of home and garden exhibitors, several guest speakers, giveaways, orchid sales (second weekend only) and more.
St. Patrick’s Bar Crawl, 1-9 p.m., Saturday, March 5, O’Donnell Square Park. St. Patrick’s Day isn’t until March 17, but some Canton bars are celebrating early. The establishments participating in the bar crawl include Cowboy Row Saloon and Chophouse, Silks, Walt’s Inn, Southern Provisions, El Buffalo, Looney’s Pub, Lee’s Pint & Shell, and Claddagh Pub. Patrons can register at O’Donnell Square Park to receive a wristband, map and other items. Then, travel to participating venues with no-cover admissions.
Women’s Beer-story, 1-4 p.m., Saturday, March 5, Checkerspot Brewing Company. In celebration of Women’s History Month, Checkerspot has brewed up four beers from 200-year-old recipes from Mary Eaton’s 1822 book on brewing quality beer, “The Cook and Housekeeper’s Complete & Universal Dictionary.” Beer historian Maureen O’Prey will give two talks: one about the history of women in brewing, and another about Eaton’s beers. Some of the proceeds of the event will benefit The Well, a nonprofit serving woman.
Black Business Pop Up, 2-6 p.m., Saturday, March 5, 311 North Warwick Ave. This pop-up shop event will feature more than 40 Black-owned businesses. The event, which is free to attend, will also include live music, a photo booth, food, drinks and more. RSVP to receive a swag bag.
Iceage Band, door opens at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 5, Ottobar. Danish band Iceage will perform, with a guest appearance by rock band Sloppy Jane fronted by Haley Dahl.
Joan Mitchell Exhibition, Sunday, March 6, Baltimore Museum of Art. The John Mitchell exhibition will open to the public on Sunday at the Baltimore Museum of Art. The exhibition, co-organized by the BMA and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, explores the abstract artist’s more than 40-year-long career and features 70 pieces, including acclaimed masterpieces and rarely seen works. The exhibition will open to BMA members March 4 and 5, and will be open to the public March 6 through Aug. 14.
Ministry Band, doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m., Sunday, March 6, Baltimore Soundstage. The metal band Ministry will play Baltimore Soundstage, with special guest bands Melvins and Corrosion of Conformity.
My First Love, 7 p.m., Sunday, March 6, La Familia Arts and Media. In the stage play “My First Love” by Cornelius Adams, two high school sweethearts realize they still have feelings for each other. The catch: one of them is engaged to a cheating fiance.
Taco Eating Contest, 7 p.m., Sunday, March 6, Papi’s Taco Joint. If you can be the first to eat six tacos and drink a beverage, you’ll win free tacos for a month. The contest is free to enter, but you must be 21 or older. Registration is limited to 10 contestants.
