This is your first call for the holidays. It’s the weekend to take the initial pass and get into some of the attractions before the hubbub. Plus, plenty of chances to start shopping. Elsewhere, check out Oyfest and see new exhibits at BMA’s Art After Hours.
Friday, Nov. 16
“The Polar Express”: Nov. 16-18 and 23-25 at the B&O Railroad Museum. The classic children’s book comes to life with characters from the story, hot cocoa and cookies, and more.
Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!: 10:30 a.m. at the Modell Lyric. Elmo, Cookie Monster and the gang come to Baltimore for the “funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood.”
Cheers to 32 Years Anniversary Party: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. on Nov. 17 at Greene Turtle Fells Point. The local sports bar chain parties with 1980s-inspired cocktails, food specials, entertainment from Ernie Fowler and more.
The Baltimore Transgender Alliance Fundraiser: 5-9 p.m. The benefit for the Transgender March of Resilience crawls to Back Yard Baltimore, Peabody Heights, R. House and Charm City Meadworks, with performers and artists along the way.
21st Annual Tree Lighting and Skate with Santa: 6 p.m. at The Avenue at White Marsh. Get a first skate in and watch Santa light the tree. Plus, giveaways provide some presents a little early.
BMORE TMOR 2018: Triple Trans Resilience: Nov. 16-18. The Baltimore Transgender Alliance hosts a full weekend of events, including a concert, a day of workshops and a march of trans resilience followed by a banquet.
“The Last Waltz”: 7 p.m. at 2640 Space. Local bands recreate The Band’s legendary 1976 farewell by performing the roles of the members and special guests, from the Staple Singers to Neil Young. It’s a benefit for Moveable Feast.
Lynyrd Skynyrd: Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour: 7 p.m. at Royal Farms Arena. The Southern rockers return to play the hits one last time. “Free Bird” requests accepted, and likely honored.
Peabody Opera Presents “As One”: Nov. 16-17 at Motor House. Laura Kaminsky and Mark Campbell’s coming-of-age opera about a trans woman features two singers and a string quartet.
Stoop Soiree Gala and Auction: 7:30 p.m. at The Assembly Room. The benefit for Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance nods to Studio 54 with ’70s-themed games, local food and a chance to take home local art.
Art After Hours: 8 p.m. at Baltimore Museum of Art. Head into the museum for a look at the youth-led installation “Get Your Life!”, a new multimedia exhibition on money from DIS and films by Lizzie Fitch and Ryan Trecartin. Plus, the John Waters exhibition will be open.
The Gibson Brothers and Mile Twelve: 8 p.m. at Creative Alliance. The bluegrass legends bring their recently discovered country stylings to Highlandtown.
BIG Time with Jerry Pellegrino: 8 p.m. at The BIG Theatre. Baltimore Improv Group performs unrehearsed comedy scenes to themes set by the chef and co-owner of Schola and WYPR’s “Radio Kitchen.”
Wume: 9 p.m. at Ottobar. The Baltimore duo releases a warmer and bouncier “Towards the Shadow.” Matmos and Amanda Schmidt open.
4 Hours of Funk: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Windup Space. DJ’s Graham Hatke and Fleg keep it moving, spinning funk, disco, soul and more.
Saturday, Nov. 17
Wellness Expo and Holiday Market: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Institute for Integrative Health. A VIP breakfast is followed by panels, demonstrations, speakers, an organic wine tasting and more.
Baltimore Vintage Expo: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Ideal Arts Space. Head to The Avenue for the fall edition of the showcase of vintage clothing, accessories, furniture and more.
Baltimore American Indian Pow-Wow: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. Local Native Americans celebrate their cultural heritage with dancing, drumming, music, artwork, crafts, food vendors and more.
“The Seventh Seal”: 11:30 a.m. at the Charles Theatre. Watch Ingmar Bergman’s 1957 classic about a knight who returns from the Crusades and decides to challenge Death himself to a game of chess.
OyFest 5: noon-5 p.m. at UNION Collective. The annual bivalve event from The Local Oyster and True Chesapeake features an oyster eating contest, and plenty of shucking and jiving to Ursula Ricks Project.
International VR (and AR) Day: noon-3 p.m. at Sagamore Pendry. Virtual and augmented reality will be on display at the Fells Point hotel. The free event is part of a worldwide series.
Christmas Village in Baltimore Preview Weekend: Nov. 17-18 at Inner Harbor. Get a first look at the German village featuring seasonal shopping, treats and activities through the holidays.
Cranksgiving: 12:30 p.m. at Charm City Meadworks. Meet up to traverse the city by bike for a scavenger hunt/food drive.
Open Hours: A Seat at the Table: 1 p.m. at Baltimore Museum of Art. Culinary artist Krystal Mack discusses her work “The Table of White Supremacy,” and food as a form of social and political expression.
Maryland’s First Century: 2 p.m. at Reginald F. Lewis Museum. The free session explores the origins of the state and history of slavery.
“Baltimore’s Strange Fruit: A Story of Food Apartheid and the Struggle for Sovereignty“: 3 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Art. The film screening and celebration explores the city’s food system and race, class and land from Black Yield Institute.
Annual Winterfest and Holiday Sale: 6 p.m. at Baltimore Clayworks. It’s the opening reception for the event featuring handmade pottery and mixed media works from national and local artists.
Brotopia Open Mic: 7 p.m. at Peabody Heights Brewery. The Baltimore Rock Opera Society’s first membership party offers a chance to take the stage. Members get in free, and it’s open for general admission as well.
Tell the Truth: Opera Fundraiser: 7 p.m. at Space 2640. Dr. André Godsey’s work explores police brutality and the pursuit of justice. Get a preview ahead of next summer’s premiere.
“Lisa Lampanelli’s Losin’ It” storytelling event: 8 p.m. at Center Stage. The comedian spins a yarn with true-to-life observations and tales.
Drunk Shakespeare, part ii: 8 p.m. at Single Carrot Theatre. The Remington company’s actors have a few beverages and start reciting lines from ol’ Willy Shakes.
Off the Cuff: Copland Symphony No. 3: 8:15 p.m. at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The BSO presents the American composer’s symphony featuring “Fanfare for the Common Man.” Check out drink specials, local food and more music in the lobby at the less formal performance.
Skin Tight Soul Party: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at The Crown. Station North gets on down with DJ Landis Expandis, MC B Rizzle and others.
Sunday, Nov. 18
Shop-Til-You-Drop Mega Boutique: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Beth Tfiloh Congregation. Shop children’s clothes and toys, women’s fashion, crafts, jewelry and more.
Put a Scoop on It: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Charmery in Towson. The Big Softy and Charmery team up for a pop-up pancake event, with ice cream and all the toppings.
Broadway Pier Jam: noon-3 p.m. at Broadway Pier. Meet for outdoor salsa and bachata dancing in Fells Point with Baltimore Congress.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals: 1 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium. The flock returns from its bye week for a division match-up.
Holiday Double Feature: 1:30 p.m. at the Parkway Theatre. Kick off the holidays with screenings of the classics “Home for the Holidays” (set in Baltimore!) and “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.”
Forced Servitude at Hampton: In Black and White: 2-3:30 p.m. at Hampton National Historic Site. Tour the colonial mansion and learn about the slaves and servants “who toiled to make the Ridgelys’ lavish lifestyle possible.”
Wreather Madness: 4-7 p.m. at Windup Space. The holiday craft expo features wreaths, gingerbread, cornucopias and advent calendars.
2018 DMV Fashion Showcase: 5-9 p.m. at The Downtown Cultural Arts Center. Logan James and Raven Paris host the event marking PEPV brand’s release of its fall and winter line, and a look at more local brands.
The Body: 7:30 p.m. at the Metro Gallery. The experimental metal duo plays in support of “No One Deserves Happiness,” the self-described “grossest pop album of all time.” Author & Punisher and Curse open.
Mustard Plug: 8 p.m. at the Sidebar. The long-running ska band swings through town. The Mellon Farmers, Urban Crater and MSH ope.
Upcoming:
- Christmas Village returns to the harbor on Nov. 22.
- Shop local on Black Friday at Open Works’ Shop Black and AVAM’s Bazaart.
- Small Business Saturday is back on Nov. 24. Start making a list.
- Later that day, the Miracle on 34th St. returns in Hampden.
- The Patterson Park 5K and Homebrew Contest trots out on Dec. 1.
- The annual Monument Lighting welcomes the holiday season on Dec. 6.
