The second weekend of October brings a mix of festivals, art and performance to the city. You can start your Friday with a classic whodunit on stage or seasonal brews at the Zoo, then spend Saturday at Fells Point’s waterfront festival or catch the closing day of The Brave at Galerie Myrtis. On Sunday, Opera Baltimore rounds out the weekend with Puccini’s Tosca, a sweeping production of love and betrayal.
Friday
Subscape, locations and times vary
Baltimore’s DIY music scene takes the spotlight with Subscape, a three day festival spread across Metro Baltimore, Mobtown Ballroom and Ema’s Corner, which aims to celebrate the “subversive elements fueling Baltimore’s bleeding-edge underground.” More than 60 local and touring artists will perform across different genres, from punk and experimental to indie. Admission is free, with donations going toward paying the performers.
OktoBEARfest, Maryland Zoo, One Safari Pl., 6–10 p.m.
The Zoo’s fall beer festival kicks off Friday night with OktoBEAR-Eve, a 21+ event featuring seasonal brews, music, vendors and after-hours access to the zoo. Tickets start at $35, and proceeds support animal care and conservation.
Saturday
Fells Point Fun Festival, Thames St., 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
One of Baltimore’s most popular neighborhood festivals returns to the waterfront with live music, local food and plenty of shopping. Stages throughout the weekend will feature rock, blues, country and jam bands, while vendors serve up everything from crab cakes to craft beer. Local artists and small businesses will also be set up along Thames Street. Admission is free.
The Brave: Affirming Power, Presence & Possibility, Galerie Myrtis, 2224 N. Charles St., 2–6 p.m.
This is the final day to see the group exhibition curated by Myrtis Bedolla, The Brave, which brings together painting, sculpture, photography and installation to explore the histories and futures of the African diaspora. Works by artists including Devin Allen, Jerrell Gibbs and Fabiola Jean-Louis reflect on themes of freedom, identity and resilience. Admission is free, and gallery hours are by appointment.
Sunday
Tosca, The Stephens Hall Theatre, 7900 Stephens Ave., Towson, 3 p.m.
Opera Baltimore closes the weekend with Puccini’s Tosca, a story of love and betrayal set in Rome. The production follows singer Floria Tosca as she becomes entangled in a struggle between her lover, a painter with idealistic convictions, and the city’s ruthless police chief. Expect soaring voices, dramatic staging and one of opera’s most powerful finales. Tickets range from $15 to $120.
