Here’s everything you should do in Baltimore this weekend:

Friday

90s by Nature Dance Party at The Motor House

If you’re the type of person who’s “naughty by nature,” then give a big Hip Hop Hooray for the Motor House for hosting a 90s Hip Hop and R&B party on Friday night. It’s an event *without* a cover charge, so use those funds to find a vintage Coogi sweater or some old Clark Wallabees. With a lineup highlighted by only the best songs from the last millennium, everything’s going to be alright during this night of nostalgic favorites.

Bleachers at Power Plant Live

The indie pop band makes at appearance at Power Plant Live on Friday night to headline a highly anticipated show in Charm City. Bleachers have rose to prominence over the last couple years as one of the biggest groups in indie music, so it’s slightly surprising to see general admission tickets on sale. Grab them fast because $1 of each purchase will be donated to The Ally Coalition, an organization which raises money and awareness in support of LGBTQ equality.

Charm City Stories Exhibition at Johns Hopkins Center for the Visual Arts

The city’s first narrative medicine magazine, Charm City Stories is a collaboration between 7 universities to create a writing and arts publication focused around illness. The exhibition kicks off the release of the inaugural issue, and will feature poetry readings, short films, and access to the gallery space.

First Friday Sew-cial at Domesticity Fabric Craft Shop

First of all: “Sew-cial” is so clever that I’m mad at myself for never thinking of it. Second of all, it’s actually a really cool idea to add to Baltimore’s weekend social scene. The gathering is intended to bring together crafts-people in a welcoming space to work collaborate and make new friends. Although the event is free, donations will be accepted on behalf of Baltimore Civic Works.

Neighborhood Lights / Highlandtown Garden Party at Conkling Street Garden

Let there be light! There’s a lot happening in Highlandtown on Friday, and it starts with the opening of its neighborhood lights exhibit as part of Light City 2018 (There will be other exhibits all throughout Baltimore this weekend as well. The full lineup can be found here). This also coincides with the opening of the Conkling Street Garden, a new collaborative space in the neighborhood.

The Voice of Venezuela at The Creative Alliance

So remember how I just said it’s a busy night in Highlandtown? It continues with an excursion to Venezuela hosted by The Creative Alliance. The Voice of Venezuela is a performance featuring parranda and other music typical to the South American nation. It’s a can’t-miss event for world music fans.

White Envelope Arepa Pop-Up at The Creative Alliance

You know the old saying: What’s a concert without food? Before the performance on Friday night, White Envelope is hosting a pop-up arepa bar at The Creative Alliance. This event will highlight the roots and stories behind Afro-Venezuelan cooking, and will feature a special menu around that identity. Chef Federico Tischler will end the pop-up with a presentation of the history of Afro-Venezuelan food as well. Come for the arepas, stay for the music. And viva Venezuela!

Saturday

3rd Annual Bike Swap and Social at Baltimore Bicycle Works

It’s a wheel-y exciting time to be a bike owner in Charm City! Baltimore Bicycle Works, the worker-owned co-op, is hosting their 3rd annual bike swap and social on Saturday. For visitors looking to unload their wheels, reserve a table in advance of the event to ensure there is enough space. Otherwise feel free to join and hang out with fellow cyclists.

Commons Collaboration: Rainwater Mapping

Since April showers bring May flowers (please do not remind me it is supposed to snow this weekend, just go with it), the Commons Collaboration project is hosting a discussion on rainwater mapping with local artists. Visitors will learn how the topography around the Baltimore Museum of Art affects the flow of rain water and how emerging green technologies can be used to capture rainwater as well.

Fruit Tree Fair at Rawlings Conservatory

We all love free samples. Specifically, we love free samples of food. Now what if I told you that you can get a free sample of something that produces more food? Sounds good, right? Well at Rawlings Conservatory’s Fruit Tree Fair, City residents can walk leave with their very own fruit trees to bring home! Don’t worry, there is also a community resource fair to help new tree owners learn about the proper way to care for their new backyard accessory.

For the Greater Goods Market at R. House

The Greater Goods Market is back at R. House on Saturday, but this time to benefit Thread, an organization that engages underperforming high school students with increased access to community resources. It’s a great time to take advantage of a tax refund to treat yourself and help an organization doing good in the community.

Haenyo Pop-Up at Monument City Brewing

The Korean pop-up is taking shop at Monument City Brewing on Saturday to serve a menu featuring the ingredients from local Maryland farms transformed into Korean dishes. Come for a beer and stay for some delicious food. The full menu can be found on their Facebook page.

Hip Hop Yoga at Exittheapple Art Space

Celebrate the power of sound, focus on wellness, and connect with your fellow yogis in this all-level, judgement-free class at Exittheapple Art Space. The music will be curated by multimedia artist Pierre Bennu to take this all-inclusive class to the next level. Remember to bring your own mat as well as any other blocks or straps necessary to complete poses.

Shucking in the Street at Lee’s Pint and Shell

Awww shucks. As Lee’s Pint and Shell approaches the shucking of their 200,000th oyster, the Canton establishment has decided to give back by hosting a block party on Saturday afternoon. They will be serving free oysters (20,000 of them) on a first-come, first-serve basis until they run out. Real quick, can we talk about how ridiculous it is that they are giving away 20,000 oysters!?! That’s 10% of the total number of oysters they’ve served as an establishment. And they are giving it out in an afternoon. Lee’s Pint and Shell is a real one for that, so show support and make your way down to Hudson Street on Saturday.

Sunday

All About Bees Workshop at The Baltimore Zoo

In case you have not heard the “buzz,” bees are like, super super important. On Sunday, The Baltimore Zoo is expecting a “swarm” of local beekeepers and enthusiasts to learn how the Zoo contributes to the health and populations of the colonies. It’s a great opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Zoo helps these powerful insects.

Anything But Brushes at Holt Center for the Arts

It’s a paint party with everything but the brushes! Visitors will leave with their own colorful canvas completed using only their hands. It’s fun for the whole family at the Holt Center for the Arts.

A/V Cart: A Multimedia Experience at The Creative Alliance

Opening Day 2018 at Baltimore Farmer’s Market

With all apologies to the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday is Charm City’s biggest opening day of the year, signaling the return of the Baltimore Farmer’s Market! Yes it is Farmer’s Market season again folks. Things get started at 7:00 AM, so show up early to get first picks at the season’s freshest fruits and veggies. Also quick pro tip because I’ve seen too many people pay to park: Mercy Medical offers free parking validation for those who attend the market! Pull into the garage and remember to stamp your ticket before leaving the market.

Opening Day + Open House at Lift Yoga + Strength

In order to celebrate the return of the Baltimore Farmer’s Market, Lift Yoga + Strength is hosting an open house to celebrate the grand opening of their resigned entry lobby. There will be refreshments, deals on class packs, and even two free classes that will be hosted throughout the day. There is no advanced registration for the classes, so spots are open on a first-come, first-serve basis.