Baltimore’s beloved Charm City Fringe is back! The 2026 edition of the festival features 12 shows supported by the work of more than 30 performing artists whose work spans performance genres including dance, spoken word, poetry, music, film, and theatre. For two weekends, shows will be performed throughout The Peale, Baltimore’s Community Museum, located in the heart of downtown Baltimore. Catch performances Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm to 10pm, and Sundays from noon to 3pm, April 24 – 26 and May 1-3. Tickets start at $18 for students and artists and are sold by day — guests pay one admission and can see anything that day has to offer, all under one roof at The Peale. The 2026 Lineup Over 50 performances will commence throughout the six-day festival, featuring bold new work from the following artists: “A Solo of Strength” from Isaih Robinson and Petula Caesar “A Solo of Strength” is an immersive one-man theatrical experience set inside a surreal museum. Audiences explore striking art installations before watching a charismatic man tour what he believes is his legacy, only to uncover truths about love, trauma, violence, and survival in a poetic, raw reckoning. “Born Greg” from Max Kaczor “Born Greg” is about comedian Max Kaczor whose name was, for 24 hours, “Greg.” Max looks at what life has become, and imagines what it could’ve been. Weaving together childhood memories, family quirks, and life experiences, Max brings you on a journey of what it means to be “Born Greg.” “Empty Night” from Hattimatim-Team An injured thief encounters a wounded tiger as both try to find food for their children. Award-winning playwright Abhisek Bhattacharya’s “Empty Night” is a story of our time when the forests are shrinking, animal habitat dwindling. It is a story of discovering what it truly means to be human. “From Breastfeeding to Burning Man” from Claudia Brown This one-woman play follows “Hannah,” a single mother in her 40s navigating healing and hope in the “Burner” community, following the sudden end of her 15-year marriage. Through dialogue and flashbacks, Hannah searches for inner peace and healing. This show features some audience participation. “in of my mind” from Jazzo Artist Jazzo builds a mind live using vocal looping and spoken word. Each harmony becomes a voice (confidence, doubt, logic) then spiral, competing for control. As the soundscape grows, her thoughts argue, agree, and reshape reality. A musical interior landscape where sound continuously changes. “Kaleidoscope” from ZBRI Dance “Kaleidoscope” is an abstract story told through dance and live music, exploring how both positive and negative energies ripple in communities, taking audiences on a journey through the ways we can rely on each other to create waves/fractals of social change. Audience participation is welcome throughout this family friendly show. “open heartsong surgery” from Robert Campbell “open heartsong surgery” explores love as a multifaceted, expansive, abundant, sensual, cerebral, and ever-evolving concept through poetry (visible text and spoken word voiceover) and film. “Doing It My Way LIVE” from RAYSHARD Artist RAYSHARD blends soulful RB vocals, pop and dance energy, and interactive audience engagement into a vibrant live performance. Through music, storytelling, and uplifting conversation, RAYSHARD creates an inclusive, high-energy experience where audiences sing, move, and connect. Each show celebrates joy, authenticity, and community while delivering recognizable, crowd-pleasing performances. “Reactor” from Thann Tolley The convictions of renowned nuclear physicist Matthew Bromwell are tested beyond what anyone thought possible in “Reactor,” a tragic love story about doing what must be done to save the future, no matter the cost. Is love that transcends time enough to break the cycle? Or does Matthew need something more? Shida X ignites the stage with an electrifying dancehall experience rhythmic and grooving, rooted in Caribbean culture and bold storytelling. Interspersed throughout her set, she engages the audience through call-and-response, teaching a patois verse for sing-along, and guiding a brief dance — transforming the audience into active participants in a vibrant, unforgettable cultural celebration. “Write A Will… Get Religion” by James Bunzli A comic, whimsical romp written and performed by James Bunzli through his past choices and evolving ideas about what matters. In addition to these shows, the first floor of The Peale will be activated each day by the artists of oddly comPSD, featuring DJ sets and arts activities for audiences. Guests can also watch visual artist Donnart paint live festival Saturdays, April 25 and May 2. And everyday of the festival, DJ Boom will host karaoke in the third floor gallery space. Concessions will be available for purchase on site, including a variety of vegan and non-vegan soul food bowls from Chef Elle Moseley’s Cre8tiveMindz Café. Charm City Fringe presents the 2026 Charm City Fringe Festival, featuring 12 shows performed across six nights (April 24-26 and May 1-3) at The Peale, 225 Holliday St, Baltimore, MD. Tickets range from $18-$38 for a day pass to $98 for an all-access festival pass, and are available here.  About Charm City FringeFounded in 2012, Charm City Fringe is a nonprofit that develops, showcases, and celebrates new and innovative theater by providing a stage for the city’s freshest, weirdest, boldest performing artists at the annual Charm City Fringe Festival and Nights On The Fringe. Featuring fresh new shows, after-parties with live music and comedy, and exclusive festival collaborations, Charm City Fringe projects are not to be missed. Charm City Fringe aims to connect and elevate the theater community, attract non-traditional theatergoers, and engage communities not commonly represented in traditional theater spaces. ...read more read less