THURSDAY 30
Art: Adam Pendleton
For this solo exhibition, multidisciplinary artist Adam Pendleton will hang floor-to-ceiling vinyl works against three walls, then overlay those with paintings, collages and screen prints that embroider on his core philosophy. According to the artist, “Black Dada is a way to talk about the future while talking about the past. It is our present moment.”
Free. Through Aug. 13 at the BMA.
FRIDAY 31
Theater: Rent
Learn all about the 20th Anniversary Tour here.
Tickets: $101-$250. March 31-April at the Hippodrome.
Festival: Light City
Light City Baltimore returns this weekend, promising to be bigger and better than its predecessor. Expect new nightly events such as fireworks, a themed food and beverage program spearheaded by Sagamore Spirit (who else?), an assortment of new neighborhood light installations and, somewhat inexplicably, rapper Biz Markie. A few favorites from last year will make triumphant returns: notably, Tim Scofield and Kyle Miller’s “The Peacock,” a preening spectacular, and the Labs@LightCity “innovation conference,” this year featuring the likes of Pulitzer Prize-winning scientist Siddhartha Mukherjee and local author D. Watkins.
Tickets required for conference, but the festival is free. March 31-April 8 in the Inner Harbor.
SATURDAY 1
Event: Rye Rocks
Come out for a wild night of whiskey, BBQ and more at this celebration of Maryland rye, all benefiting the Walters.
Tickets: $75. 7 p.m. at the Walters.
Art: Baltimore Contemporary Print Fair
Considered by many to be the best art sale around, the Print Fair offers drawings, photos, prints and more from 20 emerging artists vendors.
Tickets: $15 for both days, $10 single day. April 1-2 at the BMA.
Food: Emporiyum
Traveling food market Emporiyum features a smorgasbord of multiculti fare from established national, regional and local artisans such as Duck Donuts, Route 11 Potato Chips, Swizzler Gourmet Hotdogs, Slingshot Coffee, Nutty Novelties and dozens of others. Enjoy music (courtesy of a DJ), sampling, sipping and gift shopping for yourself and others as you expand your knowledge of top-quality comestibles.
Tickets: $15-$40. April 1-2 at 600 E. Pratt St.
Comedy: Festival of Laughs
Mike Epps headlines the Festival of Laughs, which also features comedians Bruce Bruce, Rickey Smiley and Felipe Esparza.
Tickets: $55-$178. 8 p.m. at Royal Farms Arena.
Dance: Excalibur
Magic, wizardry, romance and adventure all coalesce in Excalibur, a dramatic musical interpretation of the King Arthur legend that dates to the 12th century. The Ballet Theatre of Maryland, whose artistic director, Dianna Cuatto, created this full-length production, breathes new life into the ancient tale, accompanied by an original score written by hammered dulcimer player Maggie Sansone, who will perform with her Celtic Ensemble.
Tickets: $27-$47. 7 p.m. at the Lyric.
Parade: Light City Parade of Fools
What better way to celebrate April Fool’s Day than with Baltimore’s largest kazoo band and the April Fool’s Hats Brigade?
Free. 8 p.m. in the Inner Harbor.
SUNDAY 2
Dance: The Firebird
Towson University Community Dance and the Columbia Orchestra team up to perform “The Firebird,” the iconic 1910 ballet highlighted by Igor Stravinsky’s original score and Michel Fokine’s choreography. The Firebird and Other Heroic Tales also boasts music from another popular fairytale: “Star Wars.”
Tickets: $11 (children), $16 (adults) in advance; $14 (children), $19 (adults) at the door. 3 p.m. at the Gordon Center.
Run: Red Shoe Shuffle
Gear up for a 5k run/walk to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore.
Registration: $45 for adults, $10 for children. 9 a.m. at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore on West Lexington Street.
