Students head back to school at the end of August, but there are still several summer vacation days left to enjoy before then. Embrace your inner child (or treat an actual child in your life to a fun adventure) with whimsical events throughout the month. From a science festival all about making messes, to a convention celebrating “Power Rangers” media, there’s no dull moment. And don’t worry, there’s plenty for the adults too, like tasting hoppy beers or playing bingo for big prizes. Check it all out in our August events roundup: Twilight Thursday: Summer Concert Series, ongoing through Thursday, Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Foundry Row. Bring your lawn chairs, relax, and enjoy live performances from local bands. Summer Fridays at The Shops at Kenilworth, ongoing through Friday, Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m., The Shops at Kenilworth. Enjoy visits from family-friendly organizations, including Irvine Nature Center and Port Discovery. Medieval Mindscapes, ongoing through Aug. 23, Walters Art Museum. Featuring 22 works curated from the Walters’ collection of rare books and manuscripts, this exhibition showcases illustrated prayer books from the Middle Ages. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article. Friday Night Live: Summer Concert Series, ongoing through Friday, Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Hunt Valley Towne Centre. Enjoy live music from your favorite local bands, a pre-concert magic show with Liam Laugherty, and free balloon art. Fratino and Matisse: To See This Light Again, ongoing through Sept. 6, Baltimore Museum of Art. Displaying their works side by side, this exhibition juxtaposes figure studies, interiors, and still-lifes by Louis Fratino and Henri Matisse. Week of Aug. 1 through Aug. 9 Baltimore Crab Crawl 5K and 10K, Saturday, Aug. 1, 7:45 a.m., Participate in the Baltimore Crab Crawl races through Patterson Park. Points will count towards Bishop’s Events’ year-long 5K, 10K, and Back of the Pack series, as well as their Fall Series. There is even a virtual option for those who cannot make it to Patterson Park on the race day. The event benefits Operation Turbo, which ships care packages to U.S. military members who are deployed around the world. Bit Gen 20, Saturday, Aug. 1, 3 p.m., Ottobar. Bit Gen Gamer Fest will celebrate 20 years with 15 bands on two stages, game-inspired cocktails, and a selection of free-play arcade and console games. John Williams Steven Spielberg: Movie Magic, Saturday, Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Hear the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra perform the music of John Williams, who has composed scores for many of filmmaker Steven Spielberg’s projects, such as “Jaws,” “E.T.,” “Jurassic Park,” and others. Steven Reineke will be the conductor for the night. Bmore Flea – Clutch The Pearls, Sunday, Aug. 2, 12 p.m., Peabody Heights Brewery. Shop from more than 30 jewelry makers and curators. Cat Video Fest, Thursday, Aug. 6, and Friday, Aug. 7, 4:30 p.m., Warehouse Cinemas Rotunda. No need to scroll endlessly on your phone at home — you can watch cat videos with fellow friends of felines at the Warehouse Cinemas at the Rotunda in Hampden. The event will feature hours of submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and other videos, all featuring cats. Making Moves: DMV, Thursday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m., Red Emma’s Bookstore. A free event with arts leaders from the region discussing the invisible labor and arts administration processes behind the scenes. Talk will include local dance case studies exploring themes of labor organizing, adaptive thinking, and the power of community. Speakers from Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Presented by The National Center for Choreography-Akron. Attendance is free, RSVP requested. Best of Baltimore Party, Thursday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., MT Bank Stadium. Baltimore magazine is celebrating its Best of Baltimore issue. With the event being held at MT Bank Stadium this year, there will be more food, more drinks, more music, and more space than ever before. Barry Manilow, Friday, Aug. 7, doors open at 6 p.m. event begins at 7 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Grammy, Tony, and Emmy award-winning singer Barry Manilow, who was previously scheduled to perform in Baltimore in March, will now take the stage in August. Like his other shows, Manilow will celebrate local music educators with the Manilow Music Teacher Award. CLLCTIVGive 2026, Friday, Aug. 7, 7 p.m.–midnight, Baltimore Museum of Industry, Baltimore. This annual 24-hour giving day returns with a goal of mobilizing $2 million, culminating in a community celebration at the Baltimore Museum of Industry honoring Black joy, cooperative economics, and the power of community. Music for Maryland: Harford County, Friday, Aug. 7, 7 p.m., Chesapeake Theater. As part of their “Music for Maryland” community concerts series, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is traveling to Harford County. The concert will feature conductor Nicholas Hersh, violinist Agnes Tse, and violist Colin Sorgi. Ranger Boom Baltimore, Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Lord Baltimore Hotel. It’s time to combine your Zords as Power Rangers fans come together for an exciting convention. The event will feature cosplaying, panels, and vendors. And don’t miss special guests Justin Nimmo (Silver Ranger in “Power Rangers in Space”), Kevin Duhaney (Blue Ranger in “Power Rangers Dino Thunder”), Jeff Parazzo (White Ranger in “Power Rangers Dino Thunder”), Baltimore-based filmmaker Jamie Nash, Power Ranger cosplayer Beauty_Babayagha, Andrew Gray (Red Ranger in “Power Rangers Megaforce”), and Amy Rolle (the villain Trakeena in “Power Rangers Lost Galaxy”). 2026 Rock Opera Big Bang, Saturday, Aug. 8, 1 p.m., Ottobar. Join Baltimore Rock Opera Society as they premiere their explosive new works. Beyond the Shadow of a Doubt, Saturday, Aug. 8, 6–10 p.m., Atrium Artspace, Station North. A retrospective of local multi-disciplined artist, creative, and photographer Sean Dackermann‘s work. Read about it in this Baltimore Fishbowl article. The Second Saturday S#!T Show feat. Matt Pennington, Saturday, Aug. 8, doors and happy hour at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Ottobar. Join host Mike Quindlen as he welcomes comedians Mo Noor, Trish Smart, Kurt Ryan, and Daphne London to the stage. Summer Splash Zone, Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Maryland Zoo. Beat the heat with a splash day at the zoo. Ride water slides, play on splash pads, and jump in bounce houses. Plus, watch some of the zoo’s animal residents cool off. Attendees should wear swimming attire and bring a towel. Haitian Caribbean Festival, Sunday, Aug. 9, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Patterson Park. Komite Ayiti is hosting their 6th annual Haitian Caribbean Festival, featuring live music performances, Haitian food vendors, local art vendors, and more. Bryan Adams, Sunday, Aug. 9, doors open 6:30 p.m., event begins at 7:30 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Rock singer Bryan Adams is rolling with the punches during the second U.S. leg of his tour. He will visit Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena in a show with guests Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Week of Aug. 10 through Aug. 16 BTS World Tour ‘Arirang,’ Monday, Aug. 10, and Tuesday, Aug. 11, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., MT Bank Stadium. K-Pop boy band BTS have taken the world by storm, and now they’re coming to Baltimore. Catch the group’s “Afirang” tour as it makes a stop at MT Bank Stadium for two nights. Olivia Dean, Wednesday, Aug. 12, doors open at 7 p.m., event begins at 8 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. After receiving a Grammy nomination for “Best New Artist,” rising star Olivia Dean is coming to Baltimore on her tour, “The Art of Loving Live,” across the United States and Canada. Nature by the Fire, Friday, Aug. 14, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Irvine Nature Center. Warm up by the campfire, roast some marshmallows, and join Naturalist, Ash, for nature themed fun, including a visit from one of Irvine’s animal ambassadors. Happy Hour with the Otters Bobcats, Friday, Aug. 14, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Maryland Wilderness area of the Maryland Zoo. Visit the zoo after hours for an adults-only evening featuring local craft beer and wine, games and prizes, a keeper chat, and yes, otters and bobcats. 18th Annual Baltimore Fashion Week, Friday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m., Opening Ceremony, and Saturday, August 15, 7 p.m., Closing Ceremony, War Memorial Building, Baltimore. Bringing together emerging talent, established designers, retailers, and creative visionaries, the 2026 designer lineup reflects a diverse collection of creative voices representing Maryland and beyond. Read about it in this Baltimore Fishbowl article. Juvenile / The 400 Degreez Band, Friday, Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. New Orleans-native rapper Juvenile and his official touring band, The 400 Degreez Band, will take the stage in Baltimore at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Feast of Saint Gabriel Festival, Friday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 16, Little Italy. Feast of St. Gabriel Festival will fill the streets of Little Italy. Attendees can participate in a chef’s table experience, with Little Italy chefs cooking a delicious dinner. There will be plenty of other food and drinks, as well as live entertainment on stage, sing-alongs, and dancing in the street. Hopfest, Friday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 16, Max’s Taphouse. Choose from more than 50 of the hoppiest IPAs, DIPAs, and TIPAs. This event is free to enter, but attendees must be at least 21 years old. 13th Annual Summer Plein Air Show, Saturday, Aug. 15, 3–5 p.m. Crystal Moll Gallery, Baltimore. Opening Reception with Demo and Paint-Out. Paint-out takes place before 3 p.m., demo by Amanda Milliner is at 3 p.m., reception is from 3–5 p.m. with wet paint sale. Exhibition dates for gallery show: Friday, August 7 through September 26. Charm City Wellness Expo, Saturday, Aug. 15, 12–4 p.m., Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center, Baltimore. Enjoy a day of fitness, wellness and nutrition, and a fun-filled afternoon of movement and wellness for the mind and body. There will be an outdoor fitness class led by B’MORE HILLS; yoga, chair barre, and BodyWERK Dance Fitness; massage and acupressure, and more. Mess Fest, Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16, noon to 4 p.m., Maryland Science Center. It’s time to get messy in the name of science. The Maryland Science center will hold its annual Mess Fest, featuring a window mural, slimy mixtures, live science demonstrations, and other activities. Breakfast with the Penguins, Sunday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Penguin Coast at the Maryland Zoo. Enjoy an al fresco, buffet-style breakfast beside the zoo’s penguin exhibit. A penguin keeper will be on hand to teach attendees about these feathered friends, including the more than 90 African penguins who call the Maryland Zoo home. BrickFair Baltimore LEGO Fan Expo, Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Baltimore Convention Center. Build the future you want to see with a day full of fun for fans of all things LEGO. Big 3 Anime Rave, Saturday, Aug. 15, 9 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. The Big 3 Anime Rave is back, promising cosplay, video games, a power up contest, and more. Ottobar’s Punk Rock Flea Market, Sunday, Aug. 16, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Ottobar. Rummage through chaos and find your next personality at this all ages, pet-friendly flea market. Week of Aug. 17 through Aug. 23 Summer Sounds with The New Romance, Friday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Belvedere Square. Enjoy tunes provided by The New Romance and shop in an open-air market. Kids can pick up a free back-to-school bag and the Belvedere Square Merchants’ Association will be collecting donations for Baltimore kids in need. THE UPSIDE: Album Release, Friday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. Presented by Transcendent Events, this event will feature We Are Not Spies, Pat Renny, Sidequest, and Just For Kicks. Liquid Nitrogen Slushie Lab, Saturday, Aug. 22, 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., Maryland Science Center. Watch a demonstration on how to make a slushie using liquid nitrogen. Then, in true Baltimore style, get a small lemonade slushie with a peppermint stick (à la the lemon stick treats enjoyed at Flower Mart and other Baltimore summer events). Hampden Bizaar, Saturday, Aug. 22, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., in front of Co-Balt/Hampden Yards at 1014 W. 36th St. Shop from vendors who gather every other Saturday. An Evening with NRBQ, Saturday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m., Ottobar. Spend the evening with NRBQ, a “rare group that’s eclectic, stylistically innovative, and creatively ambitious while also sounding thoroughly unpretentious and accessible.” Week of Aug. 24 through Aug. 31 Chance the Rapper, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m., Nevermore Hall. Chance the Rapper is coming to Baltimore. After bursting onto the Chicago hip-hop scene, Chance has gone on to win three Grammys, including for his 2016 mixtape, “Coloring Book,” which became the first streaming-only project to win a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. The rapper released his latest studio album, “Star Line,” in 2025. Bingo at the Zoo, Friday, Aug. 28, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Mansion House Porch at the Maryland Zoo. Old McDonald might have had a farm (B-I-N-G-O) but Baltimore has a whole zoo! Play games of bingo at the zoo and have a chance to win over 20 prize baskets, each valued at a minium of $100. This event is for attendees aged 18 years or older. Subscape 2026, Friday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Aug. 30, Current Space and Le Mondo. Baltimore’s free, all ages, DIY music festival has hardcore, indie, punk, metal, and everything in between! This is the third year for Subscape, opening Baltimore’s underground music scene to a wider audience. See Subscape on Instagram for lineup announcements and vendor details. Breakfast with the Rhinos, Saturday, Aug. 29, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Watering Hole at the Maryland Zoo. Learn about rhinos from one of the keepers who help care for these majestic creatures, and enjoy an al fresco, buffet-style breakfast alongside them. Shockrave, Saturday, Aug. 29, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ottobar. Show up and glow up for this anime rave happy hour, presented by Avid Mindset (cosplay encouraged). Baltimore KittyCon, Sunday, Aug. 30, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Baltimore Museum of Industry. Meet adoptable cats, peruise local vendors, enjoy food and drinks, participate in crafting and other activities. This event is presented by Cat Hospital at Towson and hosted by BARCS. ...read more read less