Fall is in the air, and it’s time to start getting spooky. This weekend ushers in the Halloween festivities with the Great Lantern Parade and ArBOOretum. Plus, artists open their studios, comic con swoops in and the Stonewall International Poetry Slam debuts as part of Black Pride Month. Here’s the full rundown:
Baltimore Open Studio Tour: Oct. 23-24, citywide. Artists and makers around the city invite the public in to see the spaces and tools that bring their visions to life. It’s a chance to step inside the artistic process.
Stonewall International Poetry Slam: Through Oct. 24 at various venues. The event features workshops, open mics and poetry slams around the city, all leading up to the finals at Baltimore Center Stage on Oct. 23.
Baltimore Comic Con: Oct. 22-24 at Baltimore Convention Center. Comic book fans converge on downtown Baltimore for a chance to meet the artists behind the heroes, peruse the latest titles and a little cosplay.
ArBOORetum: 5:30-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 22, at Cylburn Arboretum. The Cylburn mansion embraces its spooky side for an evening of family-friendly activities including hikes, games, crafts and more.
NYC Comedy Invades Baltimore: 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 22 at Joe Squared. Bret Raybould headlines a set of touring stand-up comedians who have appeared in one-hour specials on networks like Comedy Central, MTV and SiriusXM.
Celebration of Black-Owned Businesses in Baltimore: noon-5 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 23, at 4500 Harford Road. The outdoor event features an opportunity to meet Black entrepreneurs and small businesses, with more than 30 vendors, as well as kids’ activities. Hamilton-Lauraville Main Street, WYPR, The Cube, UnBoxing Change and Morgan State University’s Entrepreneur Development & Assistance Center organized the event.
Unmarked Film Screening and Discussion: 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. The screening features a film exploring disappearing African American cemeteries of the South, and what can be done to preserve them. Co-director Chris Haley leads a discussion following the film.
Bill Maher: 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 at The Lyric. The political commentator, author and host of “Real Time” on HBO brings his live stage show to Baltimore, returning to his stand-up comedy roots.
The 22nd Great Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival: 4 p.m. festival, 7 p.m. parade on Saturday Oct. 23 at Patterson Park. Halloween gets its glow back in Southeast Baltimore, as the Creative Alliance-organized parade returns with colorful floats, marching bands, and plenty of lanterns to light the night. Come early for the fest to make a lantern, and get stretched out with costumed yoga.
2021 Black Femme Supremacy Film Fest Outdoor Screening: 2:30-11:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 at Whitelock Community Farm. The film fest presents an evening of outdoor programming featuring a panel on climate justice, sustainability demos and two sets of short film screenings after sunset.
Fire Fest 2021: 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 at Baltimore Clayworks. The Mount Washington ceramics center features an evening of kiln firings, demos and games. Get close to the hot center of the artists’ work.
Casey Cares Rock ‘n Roll Bash: 6:30-11:30 p.m. at Rams Head Live! Supporting Casey Cares’ programming for critically ill children, the benefit concert features AC/DC cover band High Voltage, the The 19th Street Band and more special guests.
PROUDfest Concert: 9 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 23 at La Familia Arts & Media. Baltimore Black Pride presents a celebration featuring TT The Artist, DDM, Langston King, Black Assets, RovoMonty and Kotic Coture. It’s an official after-party for the Stonewall International Poetry Slam.
Marin Conducts Rachmaninoff: Oct. 23-24 at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Maestra Marin Alsop leads the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in a program that includes “Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks” by Strauss and the BSO-commissioned world premiere of Anna Clyne’s “Restless Oceans.” In the finale, pianist Lukáš Vondráček performs Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
Making Strides of Baltimore: 8-11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24, at Harry and Jeanette Weinberg YMCA. The 5K walk raises funds for research and awareness for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Pre-registration is required.
Harbor Harvest Fall Children’s Festival: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24 at Rash Field. Head down to the harbor for all the autumnal attractions, like a pumpkin patch, pony rides, petting zoo, hay maze and more.
T. Rose International Bridal Show: noon-3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24 at 110 South Eutaw St. Meet the professionals who can help outfit and accentuate weddings in Baltimore. The event features a fashion show, and giveaways.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals: 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24 at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens head into a division clash with the Bengals riding a wave of winning.
The CIB Baltimore Halloween Shredtacular Spooktacular: 5-9 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24 at Skatepark of Baltimore. The roller skating group gets together for a Halloween event. Bring wheels, grab some candy and compete in a costume contest.
Barry Moton: 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24 at An Die Musik Live! The vocalist leads a combo performing jazz, funk and R&B. Moton will be celebrating the release of new EP “What Had Happened Was.”
Black Pride Pre-Halloween Bash: 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24 at La Familia Arts & Media. Featuring Abdu Ali, the event features music, performers and a special prize for the attendee with the best costume.
Thank you for including Barry Moton Sunday concert at An die Musik Live! in your column.