2026 is almost here, and it’s bringing a ton of exciting events to Baltimore. Whether you’ve resolved to learn a new skill (or dust off an old one), enjoy more music and theatre performances, or get back in touch with your inner child, there are plenty of ways to make good on those New Year’s resolutions right here in Baltimore.
Check them all out in our roundup of January 2026 events:
Deceived, ongoing through Jan. 4, Everyman Theatre. A woman questions her relationships and even her own sanity when she starts seeing and hearing things that aren’t there. “Deceived” is an adaptation of the 1944 psychological thriller film “Gaslight.”
Elf, ongoing through Jan. 4, Toby’s Dinner Theatre. Inspired by the holiday flick starring Will Ferrell, the “Elf” musical follows Buddy, a young orphan grows up in the North Pole after climbing into Santa’s bag of gifts one Christmas. In adulthood, Buddy travels to New York City in search of his birth father and his own identity. Along the way, he helps New Yorkers tap into the spirit of Christmas.
Santa Claus is Comin’: A Motown Christmas Revue, ongoing through Jan. 4, Baltimore Center Stage. Hear the classic holiday tunes with a Motown twist.
Holiday Train Garden, ongoing through Jan. 4, The Shops at Kenilworth. Stop by the lower level during all mall hours to see the annual Train Garden display.
Wicked, ongoing through Sunday, Jan. 11, Hippodrome Theatre. Two witches — one green, one blonde, both initially loathsome to one another — begin as reluctant roommates who eventually forge a friendship that lasts for good. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel (and recently adapted into a hit film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande), the “Wicked” stage musical tells the story of what came before “The Wizard of Oz.”
Making Spaces, ongoing through Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, Baltimore Jewelry Center. New exhibition exploring the role of third spaces in creative communities, or community environments built around shared interests and ideas.
Week of Jan. 1 through Jan. 4
Resolution Run 2026, Thursday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Patterson Park. Kick off the year with community, connection, and a healthy dose of fresh air at the Resolution Run 5K and 1-Mile Walk.
Bach in Baltimore: New Year’s Day Chamber Concert, Thursday, Jan. 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., St. David’s Episcopal Church. Start 2026 on a high note with an intimate chamber concert featuring the First Chair players of the Bach in Baltimore Orchestra.
Mike LeDonne Groover Quartet with Dave Stryker, Ralph Moore & Kenny Washington, Friday, Jan. 2, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 3 and Sunday, Jan. 4, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Keystone Korner. This all-star quartet will appear all weekend at Keystone Korner.
Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY, Friday, Jan. 2 and Saturday, Jan. 3, 8 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Celebrating FINAL FANTASY XVI and XIV, legendary maestro Arnie Roth will lead a full orchestra and chorus performing iconic music from the series, with stunning HD video by SQUARE ENIX.
Ghost Stories with the Baltimore Krampus, Saturday, Jan. 3, 7 p.m., Alexander’s Tavern Fells Point. Share spooky tales with Baltimore Krampus and hear haunting stories from employees of Alexander’s Tavern.
Holly Days, Saturday, Jan. 3, and Sunday, Jan. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Maryland Zoo. Participate in a snowflake scavenger hunt, ride a train or carousel, attend a penguin feeding narration, and enjoy other wintry activities.
Week of Jan. 5 through Jan. 11
Doing Well When Unwell, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 6 p.m., The Perch. In this installment of the Profs & Pints Baltimore lecture series, learn about strategies for coping with what ails you in this talk by Dr. Drew Leder, a professor of western and eastern philosophy at Loyola University Maryland and the author of “The Healing Body: Creative Responses to Illness, Aging, and Affliction.”
Seth Kibel & Friends Presents: The Jews of Tin Pan Alley, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Keystone Korner. Join Seth Kibel and his band for an evening of swinging classic tunes from the likes of the Brothers Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, and more.
The Science of Curiosity, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6 p.m., Guilford Hall Brewery. In this installment of the Profs & Pints Baltimore lecture series, learn about what makes us crave knowledge. The talk will be given by Todd B. Kashdan, a psychology professor and founder of The Well-Being Lab at George Mason University and author of “Curious?”
Forever Flowers, Thursday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Baltimore Museum of Art. Artist and sculptor Murjoni Merriweather will teach this workshop where attendees will be able to create pipe-cleaner “Forever Flowers.”
Rock of Ages, Friday, Jan. 9, through Sunday, March 15, Toby’s Dinner Theatre. A “small town girl living in a lonely world” and a “city boy, born and raised in South Detroit” fall for each other in this musical full of music from the 1980s.
Seven Guitars, Friday, Jan. 9, through Sunday, Feb. 1, Spotlighters Theatre. In August Wilson’s play “Seven Guitars,” the funeral of one of the play’s main characters sandwiches a series of flashbacks. An aspiring blues musician, an ailing old man, and three single women each navigate the struggles of Black Americans and the search for meaning in the post-war poverty of 1940s Pittsburgh.
The Shark is Broken, Friday, Jan. 9, through Sunday, Feb. 1, Vagabond Players. The play provides a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the movie “Jaws,” which celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The Art of Self Discovery, Satruday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., American Visionary Art Museum. Artist Nell Merlino will guide this workshop where participants will be able to create a personal collage portrait. Art supplies will be provided; just bring a photograph of yourself and any small visual elements or pictures to use in the collage.
Sublime Subjects, Saturday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., BMA Lexington Market. Transdisciplinary artist HOPE McCorkle will lead this portraiture workshop inspired by the “Amy Sherald: American Sublime” exhibition at the Baltimore Museum of Art.
The Second Saturday S#!T Show feat. Jim Bryan, Saturday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. Ottobar. Join host Mike Quindlen as he welcomes headliner Jim Bryan; featured comedians Will Sparks Jr., Lily Brackett, Kurt Ryan, and Byron Brooks; and special guest Elliott Gottloeb to the stage.
Jared Freid, Saturday, Jan. 10, doors open at 6 p.m. show starts at 7 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. Comedian and podcaster Jared Freid recently helped contestants roast “Golden Bachelor” Mel Owens on the show’s second season. Now, Freid is bringing his stand-up comedy to Baltimore as part of his “The Table for One Tour.”
Baltimore Square Dance, Saturday, Jan. 10, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Mobtown Ballroom & Cafe. Don’t be a square — dance in one! Come out ot Mobtown Ballroom for an evening of square dancing fun. No experience or partner needed.
New Year Meditation Hike & Intention Setting, Sunday, Jan. 11, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Irvine Nature Center. Start the New Year with a family-friendly afternoon on the trails, participate in a simple intention-setting activity, and then gather around the fire with warm drinks and s’mores.
Emanuel Ax, piano, Sunday, Jan. 11, 5:30 p.m., Shriver Hall. Shriver Hall Concert Series will kick off the new year with Grammy-winning recording artist Emanuel Ax.
Week of Jan. 12 through Jan. 18
Embrace Spontaneity: an Intro to Improv!, Monday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Highwire Improv. Join Highwire Improv for a two-hour in-person workshop designed for newcomers. Get out of your comfort zone, connect with others, and participate in energizing warmups, games, and collaborative scenes.
What We Know About Snow, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 6 p.m., Guilford Hall Brewery. How much do you know about that cold white stuff that falls from the sky during winter? In this installment of the Profs & Pints Baltimore lecture series, learn about the science of snow and snowstorm prediction from Jeffrey Halverson, professor of geography and environmental systems at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and author of “An Introduction to Severe Storms and Hazardous Weather.”
Langston Hughes’ Shakespeare in Harlem, Thursday, Jan. 15, through Sunday, Jan. 18, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. “Shakespeare in Harlem” adapts a collection of Langston Hughes’ poems for the stage, which explores the Black experience during the Harlem Renaissance.
Zebrafish Models for Biomedical and Environmental Research, Thursday, Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Institute for Marine and Environmental Technology. Dr. Jim Du’s lab will share exciting findings from zebrafish models, including advances in biomedical research on skeletal and cardiac muscle diseases and new insights into health impacts of environmental thermal stress.
Lafayette Gilchrist and New Volcanos, Thursday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Keystone Korner. Acclaimed jazz pianist and Baltimore native Lafayette Gilchrist will perform live with powerhouse funk/jazz band the New Volcanoes.
Monster Jam, Friday, Jan. 16, through Sunday, Jan. 18, CFG Bank Arena. Monster truck drivers will perform tricks and stunts for audiences at CFG Bank Arena.
The Warped Tour Band, Friday, Jan. 16, doors 7 p.m., The Recher. Appearing with Green Day tribute band, Dookie, and Fall Out Boy tribute band, Fake Out Boy, The Warped Tour Band promises all your favorite Emo/pop-punk songs by artists like Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, Blink-182, New Found Glory, Green Day, Good Charlotte, Sum 41, Fall Out Boy, Yellow Card, The Used, and Brand New.
Kings of Soul, Friday, Jan. 16, 8p.m., Music Center at Strathmore; Saturday, Jan. 17, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 18, 3 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. World-renowned trumpeter and conductor Byron Stripling will lead the BSO and a vocal trio (Chester Gregory, Michael Lynche, and Darren Lorenzo) for a night of soulful rhythms and melodies.
MLK Jr. Day Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 17, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., The Walters Art Museum. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Jan. 19 this year, but the Walters Art Museum will pay tribute to the civil rights icon early. This year’s program is curated by Unique Robinson and features multi-instrumentalist, composer, and singer/songwriter Ray Winder; Maryland Poet Laureate and The Black Arts District founder Lady Brion; and singer/songwriter and “The Voice” semi-finalist Davon Fleming.
Dead Again – Type O Negative Tribute, Saturday, Jan. 17, doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. Stop by Soundstage for a night of tributes, featuring headliners Dead Again, a tribute to Type O Negative; Issues, a tribute to Korn; and Kill the Master, a Cliff-era Metallica tribute).
Edgar Allan Poe Birthday & Poe Toaster Murder Mystery, Saturday, Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Westminster Hall & Burying Ground. Join Raven Nevermore: Unsolved Mysteries for a live, podcast-style whodunit to celebrate Poe’s 217th birthday.
Damn Near Beer Fest, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Whitehall Mill. Hosted by True Chesapeake, the second annual Damn Near Beer Fest will feature free samples of 30+ non-alcoholic beers & beverages, drinking games, food vendors, and more. Cheers to Dry January!
Week of Jan. 19 through Jan. 25
MLK Dare to Dream Day, Monday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., American Visionary Art Museum. Honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at AVAM’s annual Dare to Dream Day. The free event will feature an open mic, art-making, music, dance and more.
From Slavery to Civil Rights: The African American Railroading Legacy Tour, Monday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., B&O Railroad Museum. Learn about the legacy of African Americans on the railroad, from the laying of the first tracks and the B&O’s connection to the Underground Railroad, through the Civil War Era and into the Civil Rights Movement.
Symphony In The City: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Concert, Monday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. In partnership with the City of Baltimore and Mayor Brandon M. Scott, this free celebration and performance will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring music by celebrated Black composers and collaboration with the renowned Morgan State University Choir.
Emotional Literacy, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6 p.m., The Perch. In this installment of the Profs & Pints Baltimore lecture series, Towson University adjunct professor and practicing psychotherapist Tiffany McIntyre will help attendees understand the source of emotions and how they impact well-being.
Nightmares and Creativity, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6 p.m., Guilford Hall Brewery. In this installment of the Profs & Pints Baltimore lecture series, learn about how nightmares influence creative works. Bernard Welt, emeritus professor of arts and humanities at George Washington University, former member of the board of the International Association for the Study of Dreams, and contributing editor of DreamTime, will share how dreams — especially bad ones — have inspired art throughout history.
between every breath, there is atmosphere, Thursday, Jan. 22, doors open at 6 p.m., program from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Baltimore Museum of Art. Join theBMA’s inaugural Alice and Franklin Cooley Composer in Residence, abdu mongo ali, as they present a sonic and visual performance that explores how Black Baltimoreans are impacted by Maryland’s southern Atlantic atmospheric and ecological conditions.
Eat, Drink & Learn: ‘Waterfowl & Whiskey,’ Thursday, Jan. 22, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Irvine Nature Center. Learn about waterfowl and wetland conservation efforts at Irvine and in our region, and join Brooks Paternotte, Irvine’s Executive Director, as he shares how waterfowl hunting traditions have inspired advocacy for our environment.
Craft & Cinema Night: Legally Blonde, Thursday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m., The Theater at Creative Alliance. Bring your current craft project, meet fellow makers, and unwind with a movie (the lights will stay on low so you can comfortably see your craft while watching).
The Instigators, Friday, Jan. 23, doors 7 p.m., The Recher. Join veteran musicians from Baltimore’s cover band scene for an eclectic blend of rock, including the Grateful Dead, The Who, The Beatles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alanis Morissette, The Cure, The Clash, Elvis Costello, Blondie, Modern English, Nirvana, and more.
Grown Up Field Trip: Game On, Friday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Maryland Science Center. Compete with and against your friends—beer-in-hand and kid-free—enjoy Mario Kart on the IMAX screen, a life-size version of Hungry Hungry Hippos, Nintendo-themed mini golf, and more.
Restorative Storytelling for Emotional Wellness, Saturday, Jan. 24, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., BMA Lexington Market. Angel King Wilson, of Silent Books Publishing, will guide this interactive workshop on goal-oriented storytelling.
Dog Wedding, Saturday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., M&T Bank Exchange. Life can be ruff, but it’s a lot easier with someone special by your side. Two cute canines have found their furrier halves, and it’s time to celebrate their union. The wedding of pooches Rooney and Wendell will mark the 5th Annual Dog Wedding, a fundraiser to benefit BARCS.
Can I Kick It? The Matrix w/ DJ 2-Tone Jones, Saturday, Jan. 24, doors at 7 p.m., movie at 7:30 p.m., The Theater at Creative Alliance. Red pill or blue pill? Experience this groundbreaking cyberpunk revolution while DJ 2-Tone Jones spins a live hip-hop soundtrack.
Baltimore Mandolin Orchestra Centennial 2026, Sunday, Jan. 25, 5 p.m., The Theater at Creative Alliance. Celebrate 101 years of Baltimore’s other orchestra: a Baltimore-based ensemble of mandolins, mandolas, mandocellos, mandobasses, and classical guitars led by directors Joel Michael-Schwartz and Mark Linkins.
Week of Jan. 26 through Jan. 31
Big Bang Baby by LUSMERLIN, Monday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, March 15, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Rouse Company Foundation Gallery. Rooted in African and Caribbean Native cosmologies, this immersive, free public art exhibition will be on display at Howard Community College’s Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center.
Student Film Screening, Thursday, Jan. 29, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., The Walters Art Museum. Come out for a screening of short films created by students from the Baltimore School for the Arts. There will be a student-moderated Q&A after the screening.
Poké-Rave, Friday, Jan. 30, 8 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. HiScore presents this 18+ event, featuring a gaming lounge, cosplay contest, themed decor, and more.
The Great Gatsby, Saturday, Jan. 31, through Saturday, Feb. 7, Hippodrome Theatre. Based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald book of the same name, “The Great Gatsby” follows a millionaire in the Roaring 20s yearning for his former lover, who is now married to someone else.
Disturbin The Peace 2026, Saturday, Jan. 31, doors 1 p.m., show 1:30 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. HATEBREED, End It, Agnostic Front, Next Step Up, Raw Brigade, Pig Pen, Day By Day, Sinister Feeling, The S.E.T., Final Agony, Third World Youth, Posicion Unida, Ousted, Hellrazor, Vicious Order will all take the stage when Disturbin The Peace 2026 makes its stop in Baltimore.
David Manzanares-Salguero, guitar, Saturday, Jan. 31, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Baltimore Museum of Art. Join Shriver Hall Concert series for an afternoon performance with David Manzanares-Salguero, winner of the 2025 Yale Gordon Competition.
Legends of Laughter, Saturday, Jan. 31, 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Featuring acclaimed comedians including Sommore (Netflix’s “Queen Chandelier”), Lavell Crawford (“Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul”), Earthquake (“Chappelle’s Home Team: Earthquake Legendary”), and Joe Clair (HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam”), the highly anticipated Legends of Laughter Tour will make a stop at Lyric Baltimore.
