40+ Things to do in May in Baltimore

KID-FRIENDLY

Harlem Wizards
May 3 | 7 p.m. | Coppin State University
The Harlem Wizards Basketball Team are bringing their show basketball to Coppin State University for an evening of sky-high slams, comedy, audience participation and athleticism in this family-friendly show.
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OrchKids 10th Anniversary Concert
May 3 | 7:30 p.m. | War Memorial
Join the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s OrchKids in celebrating 10 years of transforming the lives of Baltimore City youth through the power of music with a special celebration concert, featuring a special performance conducted by BSO Music Director and OrchKids founder, Marin Alsop.
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6th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair
May 5 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture
Enjoy author readings, illustration workshops, live performances, and art activities that celebrate children’s literature that tells the stories of African Americans and people of diverse ethnicities. Purchase hard-to-find titles in the Book Village.
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Day Out with Thomas
May 4-6 | Various times | B&O Railroad Museum
Spend the day with Thomas the Tank Engine and Sir Topham Hatt, along with interactive activities like carnival games and a moon bounce, live entertainment like sets from Marty the Magician, and other family fun.
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Saturday Morning Tunes Mini Masquerade Ball at the Lyric
May 5 |10 a.m.-Noon | Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric
Because there just aren’t enough reasons to dress our kids up and go dancing, WTMD’s Saturday Morning Tunes is presenting the inaugural Mini Masquerade Ball with music by the Bachelor Boys Band, playing all of our favorite kid-appropriate dance songs. The Lohr Family Follies will be performing their stage show, and Bmore HoopLove will present a hula-hooping stilt walker, a juggling uni-cyclist and interactive hula-hoopers. Plus: arts and crafts, a masquerade-themed photo booth from Baltimore Photo Social (with lots of props) and more.
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Overnight Adventure: Silly Circus Science
May 5-6 | Starting at 6 p.m. | Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Join Port Discovery’s professional knucklehead and silly circus scientist Gregory May as he takes you on a wacky tour of the scientific principles that make circus skills work. This hands-on experience explores juggling, rolling globe, lasso spinning, feather balancing, and much more—all within an atmosphere of play. Participants will also participate in a virobot activity, where they will build, test and even race simple robots.
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Big Truck Day
May 12 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Baltimore Museum of Industry
Get a close look at work trucks, emergency vehicles, construction equipment, and other machines from the Baltimore City Department of Public Works. Outdoor event, rain or shine.

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Family Fun Day at Power Plant Live!
May 19 | Noon to 4 p.m. | Power Plant Live!
Join Power Plant Live! as they kick off this year's series of Family Fun Days with a Preakness-themed event. The day will include themed games and activities, pony rides, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, and food. All proceeds from all-access wristbands will be donated to a local charity.
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Memorial Day Weekend Celebration
May 25-28 | All day | Port Discovery Children’s Museum
The museum will host a special Memorial Day weekend of events, including the storytelling Circle Time, a chance to build early childhood literacy skills in Mother Goose On The Loose®, and stretching with Life On Yoga Mountain.
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Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice Opening Weekend
May 26-28 | All day | Port Discovery Children’s Museum
In this opening weekend of Port Discovery’s latest exhibit, kids can circle the land in insect costumes, learn about the dinosaur food chain, enjoy an “eye spy” game featuring some of the animals and plants of the period, as well as create stories and complete an oversize dinosaur puzzle, then craft an ecosystem using a variety of techniques, including fossil rubbings, partial tracings, and free-hand drawing.
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FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

20th Annual Maryland Film Festival
May 2-6 | Stavros Niarchos Foundation Parkway Theatre and MICA Venues
The 20th Annual Maryland Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary by showcasing 40+ features and 60+ shorts from around the world on six screens in and around Baltimore’s Station North neighborhood, including the beautifully restored 1915 main auditorium of its year-round home, the SNF Parkway Theatre.
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Flower Mart
May 4-5 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Mount Vernon Place
Baltimore’s traditional free rite of spring festival in historic Mount Vernon includes more than 150 vendors, contests, all-day entertainment, an active kids’ area and gourmet local food vendors.
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Baltimore Brigade May Home Games
May 4, 25 | 7 p.m. | Royal Farms Arena
Baltimore’s newest professional sports team has two home games this month. Catch the fast-pace arena football games at Royal Farms Arena on May 4 or 25, and cheer for the team named for the military history and in reference to the War of 1812 and the inspiration for the penning of the poem that would later be known as The Star-Spangled Banner.
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Papi’s Cinco in the City
May 5 | Noon-7 p.m. | Central Plaza at Harbor Point
The inaugural Cinco de Mayo festival at Harbor Point will feature Mambo Combo and a mariachi band; Mexican food from Papi’s Tacos, Alexander’s Tavern and other vendors; and a chance to sip Mexican drinks like margaritas, sangria and Mexican beer. A portion of the proceeds go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
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AVAM’s 20th Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race
May 5 |11 a.m.-5 p.m. | American Visionary Art Museum
One of Baltimore’s most unique annual events, the Kinetic Sculpture Race features dozens of human-powered vehicles designed to travel on land and water, and made of used bicycles, gears and other parts. The crafts, which resemble creatures like the giant pink Fifi poodle, will travel through the city during this all-day race, which starts at AVAM.
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Zydeco Dance Party
May 5 | 8 p.m. | Creative Alliance
Bandleader, accordion player, and singer Dwight Carrier comes from a long line of distinguished musicians (he’s the nephew of Roy Carrier and cousin of Troy “Dikki Du” and Chubby Carrier, to name just a few), a family where playing zydeco music was a pastime for holidays and family gatherings. He embodies both tradition and a unique style that is infused with heavy blues and R&B influences.
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WWE Smackdown Live
May 8 | 7:45 p.m. | Royal Farms Arena
The WWE Smackdown Live comes to Baltimore with a double main event featuring WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. 2018 Royal Rumble Winner Shinsuke Nakamura and Charlotte Flair vs. Women’s Champion Carmella. Other WWE stars at the event will include Daniel Bryan, United States Champion Jeff Hardy, Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers, New Day and Naomi.
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Lithuanian Festival
May 12 13| 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Lithuanian Hall
The Lithuanian Festival Committee of Maryland presents the 46th Annual Lithuanian Festival, featuring Lithuanian food, vendors, beer, and folk dancing at the beautiful and historic Lithuanian Hall. The festival brings together Lithuanian-Americans from the Mid-Atlantic and those interested in learning more about Lithuanian culture and heritage.
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Fell’s Point Jazz & Arts Festival
May 12 | 1-6 p.m. | Fell’s Point Main Street
The Fells Point Jazz and Arts Festival features four groups that represent the finest in Batimore’s diverse jazz scene. The festival takes place on Broadway Square in the heart of the historic Fell’s Point neighborhood.
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47th Annual Historic House Tour of Fell’s Point
May 13 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Fell’s Point Visitors Center
This self-guided tour will consist of about a dozen houses, including such “perennials” as the Hollingsworth-Steele House, cc 1790; the Robert Long House and Colonial Garden c.1765 and the Thomas Lamdin House c.1799. The other homes will include an assortment of Fell’s Point residences ranging from cozy historic houses with beautiful urban gardens to dramatic, light-filled contemporary homes. Docents will be available at each location to further educate guests on the history of the home and the style and unique characteristics found within, as well as the story of the owners.
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She’s Not Kidding: Mother’s Day Comedy Showcase Featuring Meshelle
May 13 | 7 p.m. | Creative Alliance
Celebrate Mother’s Day with mothers who make you laugh. Headliner Meshelle (“The Indie Mom of Comedy”) is known for appearances on Nickelodeon’s “Search for the Funniest Mom in America 3” (Hosted by Roseanne Barr); “Martin Lawrence Presents: THE FIRST AMENDMENT STAND UP” (STARz); and BET’s “ComicView,” among others.
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Lexington Market Crab Derby
May 17 | 4 p.m. | Lexington Market
Lexington Market hosts its annual crab derby, with food from some of Lexington Market’s most iconic vendors, live music by Stryker's Posse, games, a VIP area, family zone, and, of course, the world-famous Lexington Market Crab Derby.
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The 143rd Preakness Stakes
May 18 | Pimlico Race Course
The annual Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown following the Kentucky Derby This year’s event features an option to watch the races from the new luxury glass climate-controlled structures that will make up the Preakness Village, as well as the popular InfieldFest, with vendors, a party atmosphere and concerts by Post Malone, ODESZA, 21 Savage, DJ Frank Walker, and DJ Vice.
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Sowebo Arts and Music Festival
May 27 | Noon-8 p.m. | Hollins Market
The annual Sowebo Arts and Music Festival near the historic Hollins Market in Pigtown brings the community together for music by local bands, art, food vendors and other family-friendly activities.
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Stoop Storytelling: Into the Wild
May 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Creative Alliance
Baltimore’s open mic storytelling series, Stoop Storytelling, this month features personal tales of adventures, misadventures, mistakes, and misery within Mother Nature’s loving embrace. Put your name in the hat to tell a 3-minute true, personal tale on the theme, or just come to listen.
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FOOD AND DRINK

Cinco de Market
May 5 | 5-11 p.m. | Mount Vernon Marketplace
Market vendors will be serving up food and drink specials inspired by Cinco de Mayor while live music by Mariachi Los Mensajeros Del Sur entertains.
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Springfest Live! Craft Beer Festival
May 12 | 3-7 p.m. | Power Plant Live!
Grab your friends and listen to live music all day with unlimited samplings of 150+ beers from 50+ breweries. Other highlights include a souvenir beer tasting glass, games, food vendors, contests, and educational sessions for homebrewing. Admission includes unlimited sampling, souvenir mug, program, access to contests, games, vendors, and live entertainment.
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Baltimore Wine and Food Festival
May 12 | Noon-5 p.m. | Rash Field
The third annual Baltimore Wine & Food Festival brings together world-renowned chefs, artisanal craftsmen, and culinary pioneers for a day of food and wine tasting by the waterfront.
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Cocktails at the Conservatory
May 17 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Rawlings Conservatory
Mix, mingle and enjoy botanically-inspired cocktails by master mixologists from Baltimore and beyond incorporating plants and flowers that can be found in the Conservatory’s collection of greenery. Admission includes three drinks, snacks and live music by Tomáš Drgoň and the Hot Jazz Club of Prazevica.
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Wine and Dinosaurs
May 17 | 7-9 p.m. | Maryland Science Center
Have a drink with the extinct as the Maryland Science Center’s Wine & Dinosaurs returns, offering an exclusive look at the Science Center after dark as you wander—wine in hand–through the Dino Hall and Terralink exhibits. The event also includes light fare, wine, and the science of wine presentation.
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Brews and Views
May 17 | 6-9 p.m. | Harbor Point Central Plaza
The Waterfront’s newest summer concert series features live music at Harbor Point’s Central Plaza, food trucks, bar service by Dooby’s, craft beer, vendors, and lawn style games. All concerts are free, and open to the public.
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Baltimore Museum of Industry Farmers’ Market Kick Off
May 19 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Baltimore Museum of Industry
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the BMI Farmers' Market with free museum admission, live music, kids' activities, and the opening of a new exhibition, "Why We Work." The market offers easy access to pedestrians and cyclists, and plenty of free on-site parking. Picnic tables are available, inviting visitors to relax by the harbor and visit with friends and neighbors. The market is a rain or shine event.
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Brew at the Zoo
May 26-27 | 1-7 p.m. | The Maryland Zoo
Experience one of Baltimore’s biggest beer festivals this Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy unlimited beer sampling of more than 80 brew varieties, plus live music, local artisan vendors and all-day admission to the Zoo.
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CONCERTS AND SHOWS

An American in Paris: National Tour
May 1-6 | 8 p.m. | The Hippodrome Theatre
An American in Paris is the new hit musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. Acclaimed director-choreographer and 2015 Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with Tony Award-winning orchestrations of unforgettable works from George and Ira Gershwin in the four-time Tony Award-winning production that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2014-2015 season.
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Alice in Wonderland
Through May 27 | Various times | Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
This fantastical tale, full of clever wordplay and timeless characters, is as beloved by adults as by children. Alice’s adventures reveal her pluck, innocence, resourcefulness, and imagination. Come with us to a day-glo Wonderland of absurd riddles, amazing creatures, and dazzling costumes and puppets that are both contemporary and inspired by the classic illustrations of Sir John Tenneil.
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Soul: The Stax Records Musical
May 3-June 10 | Various times | Baltimore Center Stage
This world premiere musical is inspired by the legendary story of Stax Records and the rise of iconic artists such as Otis Redding, The Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes, Booker T & The MG's, Rufus & Carla Thomas, David Porter, Wilson Pickett, Johnnie Taylor, and Eddie Floyd—who created the very foundation of American Soul Music.
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Lovett or Leave It
May 5 | 8 p.m. | Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric
Lovett or Leave It is a weekly podcast that marries the entertainment and humor of a variety show with the substance and information of a Sunday Show. It is helmed by Jon Lovett, Pod Save America co-host and a “straight shooter” who previously served as a speechwriter to President Obama and then-Senator Hillary Clinton. Each week, Lovett breaks down the week’s news with a rotating panel of comedians, journalists, activists, elected officials and others.
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The Book of Joseph
May 9-June 10 | Various times | Everyman Theatre
Like so many great mysteries, it all began in an attic with a dusty old suitcase... The discovery of a stash of letters stamped with Swastikas opens clues to an untold family history spanning multiple generations in The Book of Joseph—the gripping true story of resilience and truth-tracking determination spanning Baltimore and beyond. Richard Hollander’s book, Every Day Lasts a Year: A Jewish Family’s Correspondence from Poland, is brought to the stage in this mesmerizing new adaptation that restores a family’s uncharted legacy—celebrated by revelation and remembrance.
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Tom Jones
May 9 | 8 p.m. | Hippodrome Theatre
Tom Jones’ 50-year career has remarkably gone from strength to strength. Along with sustaining his popularity as a live performer and recording artist for five decades, he has garnered – at the age of 77 – the best reviews of his career for his most recent albums, Long Lost Suitcase, Spirit In The Room and Praise & Blame (Island/Universal).
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Movie with Orchestra: Raiders of the Lost Ark
May 11-13 | 8 p.m. | Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Under the baton of Jack Everly, experience Raiders of the Lost Ark like never before as the BSO performs John Williams' epic score alongside the classic Steven Spielberg film.
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William Shatner Live on Stage
May 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric
Audiences will enjoy a screening of the classic film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan on the big screen, followed by a live conversation with the one and only “Captain James T. Kirk.” Shatner will be sharing stories from portraying the original Captain Kirk and from his career spanning over 50 years as an award-winning actor, producer, director and writer
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BSO Pulse: Moon Taxi
May 17 | 8:30 p.m. | Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
BSO Pulse brings together the worlds of classical and indie music onto one stage. The concert begins with a BSO performance, followed by a set with Moon Taxi, and culminates with both groups performing on stage together. Between sets, BSO Associate Conductor Nicholas Hersh and WTMD morning host Alex Cortright talk about the meaning behind the music, bringing the artists into the conversation to reveal insights and to draw parallels across genres. The night kicks off with a pre-concert party at 6 p.m. in the lobby of the Meyerhoff featuring live music, happy hour drink specials, and food from our favorite Baltimore restaurants and breweries.
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