Mark Your Calendars: May 2025 Events

Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and the call to spend time outdoors is just irresistible.

Fortunately for Baltimore, some of the city’s favorite outdoor events are happening in May, from the Flower Mart at Mount Vernon Place, to the 150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, to the Artscape festival throughout downtown.

Get some fresh air and make some fun plans with the help of our May events roundup:

Mary Stuart, ongoing through May 18, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. The rivalry between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I takes the stage in this play. Peter Oswald translates and adapts German playwright Friedrich Schiller’s “Mary Stuart.”

Baby with the Bathwater, ongoing through May 18, Spotlighters Theatre. After Helen and John decide their baby is a girl and name them Daisy, it is later revealed that their child is a boy. As Daisy grows up, he struggles to establish his identity, while his parents are shrouded in obliviousness.

Spring Illuminations, ongoing through June 30, Maryland Zoo. Take in the dazzling sights of floral and animal-themed light displays. Visitors will also be able to purchase Asian-inspired food and drinks. Read more about the event in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.

Ticket to Discovery Book Club, May 1 through May 31, Enoch Pratt Public Library locations. Children in fifth grade and under can pick up a bookmark to participate in the Ticket to Discovery Book Club while supplies last! If they read five books, they can use the code on the bookmark to get 4 free tickets to Port Discovery Children’s Museum, good through August 31, 2025. Read more about the program in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.

7^th Annual Asia North Exhibition and Festival, Friday, May 2 through Saturday, May 31, various locations throughout Station North Arts District. The exhibition and festival showcase the creativity, diversity, and talent of Baltimore’s APIMEDA community, honoring the rich history of the Charles North neighborhood. There will be art exhibitions, creative performances, gatherings, walking tours, foot tastings, and a boundary-pushing exhibition, “EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS” by Baltimore-based Taiwanese American artist Phaan Howng with Nerissa Paglinauan.

Lempira, Friday, May 9, through Saturday, May 31, Zion Lutheran Church (400 E. Lexington St.). Baltimore Rock Opera Society will present a mytho-historic tale about Lempira, “Lord of the Mountain” and chieftain of the Lencas, an Indigenous people in the jungles of modern day Honduras and El Salvador. Lempira must unite the people he once fought against in order to face the threat of colonial imperialism.

John Wilkes Booth: One Night Only, Thursday, May 15 through Sunday, June 15, Baltimore Center Stage. Written by nine-time Emmy winner Matthew Weiner, creator, director, and showrunner of Mad Men and writer and executive producer on The Sopranos, “John Wilkes Booth: One Night Only!” takes a closer look at the notorious Maryland-born actor who’s buried in an unmarked grave less than a mile from Baltimore Center Stage.

10x10x10 Short Play Festival, May 16 through June 8, Fells Point Corner Theatre. It’s the 10th year for the 10x10x10 Short Play Festival (try saying that one 10 times fast). Watch 10 short plays written by 10 local playwrights and each performed by 10 actors.

Maryland Deathfest XX, Thursday, May 22 through Sunday, May 25, Baltimore Soundstage, Power Plant Live, Ram Head Live. Don’t miss America’s biggest annual metal party, featuring nearly 100 bands on three stages over four days.

Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills, Friday, May 23, doors open 7 p.m., event begins 8 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. What’s better than one legendary queen of music? How about 3? Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills will take the stage for a night of R&B, soul, and pop.

A Farewell to Kings – A Rush Tribute, Saturday, May 24, doors 7 p.m., Ottobar. Join Rush tribute band, A Farewell to Kings, as they perform the classic Rush album “Moving Pictures” in its entirety.

Kizz Daniel, Saturday, May 24, doors 7 p.m., event begins 8 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Kizz Daniel, a Nigerian recording artist, performer and entertainer, will perform in Baltimore. In addition to his music career, he also has a degree in Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology (Water Engineering).

Can I Kick It? Monkey Man with Shaolin Jazz, Saturday, May 24, 8 p.m., The Theater at Creative Alliance. Live music and a curated soundtrack will enhance the intensity and emotion of this groundbreaking action-drama. See why Monkey Man earned a standing ovation at SXSW 2024 and why it’s hailed as “demanding to be on the big screen.”

Artscape, Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, downtown Baltimore. The arts are getting the spotlight in Baltimore as Artscape returns for its 41st year. With a move to downtown, the festival will feature exciting events and activities like light installations, Kidscape, an artisan market, a conversation series, Artscape After Dark, and more. There will also be an impressive lineup of music and other performances, including headliners Fantasia Barrino and Robin Thicke.

SOWEBO Art & Music Festival 2025, Sunday, May 25, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Historic Hollins Market, 1100 Hollins Avenue. Join the community of Southwest Baltimore for its 42nd annual celebration of local music, visual arts, and entertainment, bringing together diverse communities and offering fun for all ages.

Baltimore Record Bazaar SPRUNG Show, Sunday, May 25, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Peabody Heights Brewery. This free, family-friendly event will feature inside and outside shopping with 35+ vendors, food trucks, beer, arcade games, and DJ Mikie Love and friends.

Washington Mystics vs. Indiana Fever, Wednesday, May 28, doors open 6:30 p.m., event begins 7:30 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. CFG Bank Arena will serve as honorary home court for The Washington Mystics for this game against the Indiana Fever.

Ledisi and Marsha Ambrosius, Wednesday, May 28, doors open 7 p.m., event starts 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Ledisi is bringing her “Love You Too” Tour to Baltimore, joined by special guest Marsha Ambrosius.

Ethiopia, May 30 through June 1, Baltimore Theatre Project. The Living Newspaper is a form of theatre that dramatizes current events. Arthur Arent wrote multiple Living Newspapers, including “Ethiopia,” a play that he wrote in 1937 but was banned by the Roosevelt administration and never performed. The piece tells the story of Italy’s colonialist attack on Ethiopia under Haile Selassie, emperor of Ethiopia at the time. DC writer Sybil R. Williams and DC composer and pianist Janelle Gill have teamed up to reconstruct and expand upon Arent’s “Ethiopia” in this production.

Brown Sugar Bake-Off, May 30 through June 15, Strand Theater. In this co-production between the Strand Theater and Two Strikes Theatre Collective, enjoy eight original 10-minute plays written by Black women and nonbinary playwrights. Each of the pieces will be themed around mental health.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile, May 30 through June 22, Vagabond Players. In this absurdist comedy, Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso gather in a Parisian cafe in 1904, before the scientist and painter transform the world with the theory of relativity and the cubism art movement, respectively.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, Saturday, May 31, through June 1, CFG Bank Arena. Watch Hot Wheels monster trucks perform tricks and stunts with a fiery twist during this Glow-N-Fire event.

Past Events

Brit Floyd, Friday, May 2, doors open 7 p.m., event starts 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Pink Floyd tribute act Brit Floyd will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the band’s “classic album ‘”Wish You Were Here” album.

Flower Mart, Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mount Vernon Place. Featuring 70 local businesses, including 20 florists and greenhouses, dozens of arts and crafts vendors, and a variety of local food and beverage vendors, Baltimore’s annual rite of spring will take place in the squares surrounding the Washington Monument.

Fortune Feimster, Saturday, May 3, doors open 6 p.m., event starts 7 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Comedian Fortune Feimster has three Netflix comedy specials and currently co-hosts the radio show “What a Joke with Papa and Fortune” with Tom Papa. Now, Fortune will perform in Baltimore as part of her “Takin’ Care of Biscuits” Tour.

Linkin Park, Saturday, May 3, doors open 6 p.m., event begins 7:30 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. American rock band Linkin Park will come to Baltimore on their From Zero World Tour.

Outdoor Spring Family Movie Night, Friday, May 2, 7:30 p.m., Foundry Row. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and stop by Foundry Row for an outdoor screening of Moana 2. Tickets also include access to balloon art and a swag bag! *One swag bag per family.

Maryland Film Festival Day Celebration, Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, SNF Parkway Theatre. Last year, Gov. Moore declared May 2^nd Maryland Film Festival Day, and the Parkway is celebrating with two days of screenings, community activities, and filmmaker-focused programming. Read more about the event in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.

M3 Rock Festival, Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4, Merriweather Post Pavilion. M3 is back with three days of rock with artists including David Lee Roth, Pearcy & DeMartini performing RATT, Sebastian Bach, Ace Frehley, Accept, Winger, Warrant, Slaughter, Great White, Steven Adler, Lita Ford, and Child’s Play.

Resilient DNA, Saturday, May 3, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Baltimore UnderGround Science Space (BUGSS). Are your genes making you stressed? Participants will genotype themselves for a variant associated with stress resiliency to explore the relationship between genes, environment, and personality.

Springfest, Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Irvine Nature Center. Celebrate spring with a fun-filled day of outdoor adventure and family-friendly activities including a nature scavenger hunt, creative arts, spring-themed games, special encounters with Irvine’s animal ambassadors, and a special appearance by HOOT, Irvine’s Owl-Pal. Ideal for ages 3-7.

Annual Steam Show, Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fire Museum of Maryland. See real steam engines in action, meet Percheron draft horses, take a ride in a hose wagon, and enjoy interactive kids’ games and activities at this free, family-friendly event.

Dylan Tribute Night, Saturday, May 3, 7:30 p.m., The Theater at Creative Alliance. Positively 84th Street presents a birthday tribute to Bob Dylan, joined by The Complete Unknowns and special guests The Kagey Parrish & Ian Trusheim Duo, Zadia, Talbot Mayo, and Candyman & the Baltimore Show.

Children’s Entrepreneur Market, Sunday, May 4, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Pizza and Pints at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville. Support local five to 17-year-old entrepreneurs and enjoy a day of food at shopping at a market run completely by kids.

The Great Gatsby Ballet by the World Ballet Company, Tuesday, May 6, 7 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. In the world premiere of The Great Gatsby Ballet, see F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel live on stage, featuring a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers, an all-star creative team, lustrous hand-crafted costumes, and lavish, groundbreaking sets.

Some Like It Hot, May 6 through May 11, Hippodrome Theatre. Pursued by gangsters after witnessing a Mafia murder, two Prohibition-era musicians flee Chicago. Disguised as women, the musicians join an all-female jazz band on a cross-country train trip bound for excitement. “Some Like It Hot” is the winner of four Tony Awards and a Grammy Award.

Stoop Stories, May 8, 7 p.m., Creative Alliance. In this edition of the Stoop Storytelling Series, ” storytellers will share tales of the “helpers” that have touched their lives, including “first responders, good neighbors, and unexpected heroes.”

SCAT: An Ode to the Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed, Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 11, Submersive HQ. Astral Ground Productions and Submersive Productions present the first episode in their new “Theatre In The Dark” series, collaborating with local artists Chania Hudson and Madeline ‘Mo’ Oslejsek to build a collection of narrative soundscape experiences featuring and inspired by these artists.

Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology 2025 Open House, Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET). Enjoy science outside the lab with hands-on STEM activities, touch tanks, and marine science exhibits. This free event aims to highlight IMET’s cutting-edge research and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.

Big Truck Day and Public Works Celebration, Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Public Works Experience. This free, family-friendly event will feature a welcome keynote from Mayor Brandon Scott at 10 a.m., a visit from the Oriole Bird at 11 a.m., educational activities, giveaways, and Big Trucks galore that kids of all ages can climb aboard and explore.

The Young Playwrights Festival, Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Baltimore Center Stage. Centered around the theme, “I Love My City, I Love Myself,” the 40th Annual Young Playwrights Festival will showcase this year’s winning plays and celebrate expression and creativity from students across the state of Maryland.

Remfest, Saturday, May 10, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Remington Avenue from 27th Street to 29th Street. Enjoy live music, food, over 80 local vendors, and more in the streets of Remington. This community festival is free and open to the whole family.

The Second Saturday S#!T Show feat. Jared Stern, Saturday, May 10, doors and happy hour 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Ottobar. Join host Mike Quindlen as he welcomes headliner Jared Stern and featured comedians Michael Furr, Zach Zwagil, Dubray Kinney, and Rose Vineshank.

Wild Field Days, Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, Maryland Zoo. Participate in active games and hands-on nature activities, including a 24-foot climbing wall, carnival games, story time, animal locomotion stations, crafts, meeting the zoo’s animal ambassadors, and more.

Love, Land, Legacy, Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, Baltimore Theatre Project. The VTDance II ensemble will perform stories through dance choreographed by Vincent E. Thomas, in collaboration with poet Michelle A. Nelson, with music by Dave Ballou, including excerpts of his newest work The Detritus Suite for Jazz Orchestra.

Abi Kohler and Friends, Saturday, May 10, 3 p.m., An Die Musik. Baltimore bassist, recording artist, and teacher Abi Kohler will perform chamber music with friends to celebrate graduation, the end of the school year, and her final months in Baltimore.

Mother’s Day Soul Brunch, Sunday, May 11, 11 a.m., Keystone Korner. Enjoy a buffet-style brunch while listening to music curated and hosted by Magic 95.9-FM’s Konan The Ambassador & NEA Jazz Master Todd Barkan.

Behind Closed Doors, Tuesday, May 13, doors open 6:30 p.m., event starts 7 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Lyric Youth Theater Ensemble presents “Behind Closed Doors,” a monologue-driven piece about teens in a group counseling session.

Rauw Alejandro, Wednesday, May 14, CFG Bank Arena. Latin Grammy award-winning Puerto Rican singer and songwriter Rauw Alejandro released his fifth studio album, “Cosa Nuestra,” in 2024. Now, he travels to Baltimore on his Cosa Nuestra World Tour.

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Wednesday, May 14, doors open 7 p.m., event starts 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Singer songwriter Pat Benatar and producer-musician Neil Giraldo will perform together in Baltimore. The concert will feature special guest The Vindys.

Bromo Art Walk, Thursday, May 15, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bromo Arts District – Multiple Locations. This multi-block, multi-sensory night on the town showcases the Bromo Arts District in all its glory. This self-guided neighborhood art stroll allows visitors to choose their own adventure as more than 30 arts organizations offer engaging activities across 22 locations within an 11-block stretch in the heart of Downtown Baltimore. This event is free, but registration is recommended in order to get event updates and access to special promotions. Click here for details.

Black-Eyed Susan Day, Friday, May 16, 10 a.m., Pimlico Race Course. Ahead of the 150th Preakness Stakes on Saturday, Pimlico will celebrate the 101th running of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. The1 1/8-mile main event will be the highlight of a 14-race program. In total, the day includes six stakes.

Interactive Movie Night: Pulp Fiction, Friday, May 16, 8 p.m. in The Theater at Creative Alliance. Shout the lines with Jules and Vincent, enter the Jack Rabbit Slims twist contest, and play Pulp Fiction games with ridiculous hosts Jen Marsh and Heather Keating.

Preakness 150, Saturday, May 17, events throughout day starting at 9 a.m., Preakness Stakes race around 6:50 p.m., Pimlico Race Course. This year marks the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the Triple Crown of horse racing. Festivities will span the entire day, with the big event — the Preakness race itself — taking place around 6:50 p.m.

Doomsday 2025, The Fourth Annual International Edgar Allan Poe Readathon, May 17, 12 p.m. to Sunday, May 18, 12 p.m., Lord Baltimore Hotel, Mezzanine Level. The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre presents the fourth annual 24-hour marathon reading of Poe’s best-loved poems and stories, with participants from in Maryland, Tennessee, and Ohio, and across the globe in Brazil, Italy, England and Scotland — and the list keeps growing! The event is streamed on YouTube and free to attend in person as well.

Sarah G and Bamboo, Sunday, May 18, doors open 6 p.m., event begins 7 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Philippine musicians Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo are performing their first-ever US concert tour together, and Baltimore is among the stops.

The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful, Sunday, May 18 through Sunday, June 22, Everyman Theatre. Charles Ludlam’s horror spoof promises first-class comedy, murder, and mayhem with two actors playing eight different characters and 30+ costume changes.