As we step into May, Baltimore offers a vibrant array of events catering to diverse interests. Here’s a curated list of happenings from May 1 to May 8, 2026:
Friday, May 1
Peabody Institute Performances
The Peabody Institute presents several free performances:
- Friday Noon:30 Recital Series: Jazz
Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Location: Cohen-Davison Family Theatre, 1 East Mount Vernon Place - AI & Music Forum: Richard Johnson
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Centre Street Performance Studio, 1 East Mount Vernon Place - Graduate Jazz Ensemble
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Eubie Blake Cultural Center, 847 North Howard Street
For a full schedule, visit the Peabody Institute’s events page.
30 Years of Infected Mushroom (DJ Set)
Celebrate three decades of electronic music with Infected Mushroom’s DJ set.
- Time: 9:00 pm
- Location: Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place
- Tickets: Available through the venue’s website
Saturday, May 2
Fiesta de Mayo featuring TWINSICK
Kick off Cinco de Mayo celebrations with a lively night of music and festivities.
- Time: 8:00 pm
- Location: Power Plant Live!, 34 Market Place
- Details: Enjoy performances across multiple bars and nightclubs, with headliner TWINSICK. Must be 21 or over to attend.
More information can be found on the event’s page.
May Day Festival of Resistance
Engage in a weekend of cultural and social events.
- Dates: May 1, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm; May 2, 10:30 am – 3:00 am
- Location: Compound, 2239 Kirk Avenue
- Activities: Film screenings, poetry, music, art, and more
- Suggested Donation: $20 (sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds)
Proceeds support the Palestine Women’s Legal Aid and Counseling Center. Follow @baltimore_2_palestine on Instagram for updates.
Exhibitions at The Baltimore Museum of Art
Explore new art exhibitions:
- Matisse and Martinique: Portraits and Poetry
- Rachel Lee Hovnanian: Nature Deficit Disorder
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: The Baltimore Museum of Art
Admission is free. Visit the museum’s website for more details.
Sunday, May 3
Day Out With Thomas
Families can enjoy a day with Thomas the Tank Engine.
- Time: 9:30 am
- Location: B&O Railroad Museum
- Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster
Looking Ahead
Artscape 2026
Mark your calendars for Artscape, the nation’s largest free outdoor arts festival.
- Dates: May 23 – May 24
- Time: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Location: Downtown Baltimore
- Highlights: Performances by The Roots and Stephanie Mills, SCOUT Art Fair, Sondheim Semifinalists Exhibition, and Kidscape
For more information, visit the event’s page.
Enjoy the diverse events Baltimore has to offer this week!