All events were scheduled at the time of posting. Please confirm with event hosts before making plans.
October
Through October 24
Maryland Renaissance Festival. A tradition for the entire family, begins its 45th season August 28th and runs Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day Monday through October 24th for nine weekends of thrills, feasting, handmade crafts, entertainment and merriment in Crownsville, near Annapolis. The 27 acre Village of Revel Grove comes to life each autumn with more than 200 professional performers on ten stages, a 3,000 seat arena with armored jousting on magnificent steeds and streets filled with village characters. Join His Most Royal Highness King Henry VIII in the forests and glades with over 140 artisans exhibiting crafts in their own renaissance shops, five taverns featuring cool libations, 42 food and beverage emporiums providing a vast array of succulent and sweet treats to sate even the most hearty of appetites. Ticket options vary; prices range from $9-$28 per person. Dates and festival times vary. See link for more info. Maryland Renaissance Festival, 1821 Crownsville Rd, Annapolis. https://rennfest.com/
1-31
Doors Open Baltimore. In-person tours are returning to Doors Open Baltimore. Throughout October, attendees can expect tours of parks and neighborhoods, and behind-the-scenes tours of beloved Baltimore landmarks. In addition, Baltimore Architecture Foundation (BAF) will offer virtual programs including live presentations and lectures, and virtual tours of buildings not accessible to the public. Many events have already sold out or reached capacity, so act fast if you are interested. There will also be engaging virtual programs to attend. See link for more information and full schedule of events; some events are highlighted in our calendar below: https://www.doorsopenbaltimore.org/events/.
19
Downtown Partnership Annual Meeting. Downtown Partnership’s Annual Meeting is chance to celebrate a years worth of accomplishments and progress for Downtown Baltimore, and the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore as an Organization. The evening will feature remarks from Shelonda Stokes and elected officials, the areas BEST networking, open bar, and light bites from some of our favorite Downtown vendors. Registration required. $100 Member; $175 Non-member. 5PM-8PM. One Charles Center, 100 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-annual-meeting-registration-167465396509
20
Eutaw Farm and the Creation of Northeast Baltimore. As part of Doors Open Baltimore, the citywide festival of architecture and neighborhoods, Archaeologists Jason Shellenhamer and Lisa Kraus will share the results of their six-years of field work and research in Herring Run Park, which has uncovered the remains of one of Baltimore’s largely forgotten great estates, Eutaw Farm. Like most of Baltimore’s homes of the rich (and sometimes famous), including the Carrolls of Homewood and the Garretts of Evergreen, the history of Eutaw speaks to a wealthy white family’s rise and fall. But the archaeology of Eutaw Farm also reveals remarkable and astonishing stories about the development of Northeast Baltimore and the founding families of Baltimore, those you may have heard of and those whose stories have never before been told. In person or virtual option. Covid restrictions in place; registration required. $12 in person (discounts available); FREE virtual. 6PM-7PM. Gilman Hall, Bowman Dr., Room 50, Baltimore. https://www.doorsopenbaltimore.org/events/eutaw-farm-and-the-creation-of-northeast-baltimore/
The Art of Making Chili. Football is back and what is the best way to celebrate? With a big pot of homemade Chili! Join this cooking class to make a few different versions of this classic comfort food: Texas Red Chili (No Beans!); 3 Bean Vegetarian Chili (Lot'so Beans!); Verde Chicken Chili; Carne Adovada (Pork Chili); and, Cincinnati Style Chili over Macaroni. $59.99. 6PM-8:30PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/football-season-the-art-of-making-chili-tickets-169215715761
21
A History Lover's Guide to Baltimore Book Talk (Virtual). Presented via Zoom. Join BAF and the Baltimore City Historical Society (BCHS) for a conversation with Brennen Jensen and Tom Chalkley, authors of the new book A History Lover’s Guide to Baltimore (History and Guide). The books navigates nearly three hundred years of colorful history with plenty of recommendations for historical locations to visit. Author and BCHS board member Kristina Gaddy will be the moderator. Registration required to obtain zoom link. FREE; donation encouraged. 5PM-6PM. https://www.doorsopenbaltimore.org/events/a-history-lovers-guide-to-baltimore-book-talk/
The Rustic Cuisine of Argentina. When you think of Argentina you think of Beef, and for an exceptionally good reason! But Argentina also has a variety of other delicious creations in their lexicon. In this class you'll explore such unique dishes as: Empanadas Salteñas; Roasted Ribeye with Chimichurri & Potatoes a la Plancha; Berenjas en Escabeche: Marinated Roasted Eggplant with Tomato & Anchovy; Caramel Flan. $79.99. 6PM-9PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St, Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-rustic-cuisine-of-argentina-tickets-169197515323
22-24
Baltimore Comic Con. Celebrating its 22nd year, Comic Con comes to Baltimore's Convention Center for three days of panels, presentations, workshops and comic fun! Covid restrictions in place, see link for more info. Ticket prices and options vary. 1PM-7PM Friday; 10AM-7PM Saturday; 10AM-5PM Sunday. Baltimore Convention Center, One W Pratt St., Baltimore. https://baltimorecomiccon.com/
22
Restoring the Hawley-Hutzler House (Virtual). Presented via Zoom. The grand Victorian 8,000 square foot Hawley-Hutzler Mansion was once the home of the Hutzlers, who owned the famous department store of the same name. The mansion has gone through significant alterations since it was built in 1887, including being converted to offices, and in the 1970s, split up into apartments. Needless to say, there would be a lot of work to do to restore this mansion to its former grandeur. Architect Ward Bucher, AIA of Encore Sustainable Architects will be presenting. He and his wife Lisa Harley Johnson have taken up the task of renovating the mansion — the ultimate historic preservation passion project. Participants will hear about the interesting history of the home and its previous residents, and the restoration work currently underway. Registration required to obtain Zoom link. FREE; donations encouraged. 1PM-2PM. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/restoring-the-hawley-hutzler-house-tickets-166708801513
Date Night! Steakhouse. Join Schola to make some great steakhouse classics with a few updates! Class participants will start with a traditional Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons, then make Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with two sauces: Charred Tomato Cocktail Sauce & Remoulade. Next, you'll pan sear Beef Tenderloin with a Bernaise Sauce over Sauteed Asparagus. To finish, you'll make a Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream. $85/person. 6PM-9PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-menu-date-night-steak-house-tickets-169213691707
23-24
Oktobearfest. Dust off your lederhosen! Fall-flavored beer sampling is coming back to the Zoo for the 9th year. OktoBEARfest 2021 will feature unlimited sampling of 50+ seasonal brews. Plus, enjoy live music and German-inspired food & fare from local vendors and artisans. It’s your chance to be part of this wildly popular fall festival! Tickets sell quickly and you’ll need to act fast to get the lowest price. $55; $30 Designated Driver or under 21; $75 Sipper Supper; FREE children under 2 years of age. 1PM-6PM both days. Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Place, Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/special_events/oktobearfest/
23
Outdoor Sculpture Tour. This docent-led tour gives insights into our various fantastical outdoor sculptures. Hear about our 55-foot whirligig by Vollis Simpson; Dr. Evermor's Bird Band out of salvaged mechanical parts; and more! Also, be one of the first to view AVAM's newly-restored, just reopened Meditation Chapel by artist Ben Wilson. The tour is free with museum admission. After you purchase your tickets, then meet outside of the main entrance. FREE with museum admission. 11AM. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy., Baltimore. https://www.avam.org/event-details/outdoor-sculpture-tour-4
Station North Arts District Walking Tour. A tour of Station North led by Charlie Duff. Located in the heart of Baltimore, Station North was the first area in Baltimore to receive the State designation as an Arts & Entertainment District in 2002. Spanning the neighborhoods of Charles North and Greenmount West, Station North is a diverse collection of artist live-work spaces, galleries, rowhomes, and businesses, all just steps away from Penn Station, Mount Vernon, Charles Village, the Maryland Institute College of Art, the University of Baltimore, and Johns Hopkins University. Registration required. FREE; donations encouraged. 11AM-12PM. Penn Station-Baltimore (in front of the Male/Female statue), 1500 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/station-north-arts-district-walking-tour-tickets-168425746943
Sparrows Point’s Women of Steel. Hear from women who worked at Sparrows Point about the challenges and opportunities they experienced at the steel mill in this one-hour discussion at the North Point Branch of Baltimore County Public Library. Audience members will have an open Q&A and an opportunity to share personal stories after the discussion. Presented in partnership with the Baltimore Museum of Industry. FREE, no registration required. 11AM-12PM. Baltimore County Public Library, North Point Branch, 1716 Merritt Blvd., Dundalk. https://www.thebmi.org/programs-events/sparrows-points-women-of-steel/
The 22nd Great Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival. Remerging from the pandemic cocoon like a mystical glowing butterfly is the 22nd Annual Great Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival! No need to check your eyes, you read that right, the Lantern Parade is back!! Participants will be marching in Patterson Park like days of yore (rain date: Sun Oct. 24th) complete with magical illuminated floats, boisterous marching bands, stilt-walkers, and more!! Come before the Parade for our Festival by the Pulaski Monument in Patterson Park where you can make your own lantern, eat delicious food, move your body to DJ rhythms, and peruse our Artist Market. The annual Costume Contest is ON! Covid restrictions in place. FREE. 4PM Festival; 6:30PM parade line-up; 7PM Parade. Patterson Park, Baltimore. https://www.creativealliance.org/baltimore-lantern-parade-2021
24
Greek Brunch. Everybody loves the healthy ‘Mediterranean’ diet of Greece. So, the chefs at Schola thought it would be fun to take some of these classic Greek dishes and make them for brunch. Join them to bake almond olive oil cake muffins Loukoumades - drizzled with honey, cinnamon and walnuts, Tyropita – cheese pies topped with a poached egg, a decadent lamb & potato hash and baked eggs with tomato & feta topped with tzatziki. $59. 11:30AM-1:30PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greek-brunch-tickets-163854117075
27
Margaritaville Happy Hour. Join this cooking class to make Guacamole, Salsa Verde & Pico de Gallo; Black Beans & Rice; Tacos con Ropa Viejo with Handmade Tortillas; Shrimp, Queso Blanco & Corn Chile Rellenos; Queso con Chorizo with Tortilla Chips; and Churros with Cinnamon & Sugar. $59.99. 6PM-8:30PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/margaritaville-happy-hour-tickets-169222463945
28
Best Products “Tilt” Showroom (Virtual). Presented via Zoom. This presentation will dive into the history of the Best Products “Tilt” Showroom, a lost post-modern landmark in the suburbs of Baltimore. The building opened its doors in October of 1978 in the Eudowood Plaza shopping center in Towson and immediately drew praise, criticism and crowds of curious shoppers. The Tilt was built to appear as if the entire front wall of the store had been lifted by a superhuman force and precariously balanced on the edge of the roof. This eye-popping architectural illusion was more than just a publicity gimmick; it was a surrealist-inspired work of art that sought to fuse public sculpture and architecture. Registration required to obtain Zoom link. FREE; donations encouraged. 5PM-5:30PM. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/best-products-tilt-showroom-tickets-167074661811
The Principles of Thai Cookery. In this class, participants will prepare six of classic Thai dishes and enjoy them family style, as is the tradition in Thailand: Pork & Shrimp Summer Rolls with Dipping Sauce; Tom Yum Soup with Mushrooms; Marinated Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce; Pad See Ew with Stir Fried Vegetables; Coconut Curry Shrimp; Thai Basil Beef; and, Jasmine rice to accompany all of these dishes! $79.99. 6PM-8:30PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thai-food-basics-tickets-169531365879
29-30
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival. Baltimore’s Favorite BBQ Festival is back and better than ever! Get ready to enjoy all those pleasures that true Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbecue, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass, and Smoked Beasts! It’s two great days of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbecue eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon. Tons of fun is planned for attendees - Meat Coma session with exotic smoked meats; Whiskey Maze; Hillbilly Swamp Shack; Halloween Costume Contest; Candy & Whiskey Pairings; games, prices, giveaways and more! $29 Friday Night General Admission; $39 General Admission Saturday; $59 VIP Friday; $69 VIP Saturday; $125 All Access Pass. 6PM-10PM Friday; 2PM-6PM Saturday General Admission; 12PM-6PM Saturday VIP Admission. MD State Fairgrounds, The Cow Palace, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. https://timonium.beerandbourbon.com/
29-31
ZooBoo! Come celebrate Halloween & the fall season with the Zoo’s 38th annual ZooBOOO! Wear your favorite costume, visit some of your favorite animals, and collect candy at our many trick-or-treat stations. FREE with Zoo admission. 10AM-4PM each day. Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Place, Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/special_events/zoobooo/
29
A History of Poppleton. Presented via Zoom. Learn about the history of Poppleton with Professor Nicole King (Department of American Studies, UMBC). King has worked with local residents and preservationists to document the important Black history of Poppleton, which has been threatened by slum clearance, urban renewal, highway construction, and redevelopment. You will also learn about ongoing advocacy efforts to preserve Poppleton's historic places and fight displacement, such as the proposed CHAP local historic district, Black Homeownership in Old Poppleton. Registration required to obtain Zoom link. FREE; donations encouraged. 1PM-1:30PM. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-history-of-poppleton-tickets-169166705169
2021 AIA Baltimore and BAF Excellence in Design Awards Celebration. As the 6th oldest chapter of the American Institute of Architects, AIA Baltimore celebrates its 150th birthday in 2021! Join us in celebrating this milestone with the architectural and design community at the 2021 AIA Baltimore & BAF Excellence in Design Awards. The Excellence in Design Awards promotes AIA Baltimore architects, as well as project contractors, consultants, and owners and recognizes Baltimore Architecture Foundation Golden Griffin and Roger Redden Award recipients who have contributed significantly to Baltimore's built environment. Enjoy networking with fellow professionals in the field and see the Baltimore Center for Architecture and Design, the new home of AIA Baltimore and The Baltimore Architecture Foundation, along with other professional design organizations. This event will feature delicious local fare and open bar highlighting the best of Baltimore's culinary and craft beverages. $100 Non-member/public; $75 Member; $40 Emerging Professional; $25 Student; $40 Virtual. 4:30PM-9PM. One Charles Center, 100 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-aia-baltimore-and-baf-excellence-in-design-awards-celebration-tickets-167312585447
Date Night Asian Cuisine. Join this class for some Asian favorites for Date Night. Bring your favorite sous chef in for some fun in the kitchen! Menu to include: an Assortment of Dim Sum: Shrimp & Pork Wontons with Chili Garlic Dipping Sauce, Crispy Eggplant, & Mushroom Rangoons; Peking Duck Breasts with Baby Bok Choy & Mandarin Pancakes; and, Asian Five Spice Chocolate Cake. $85/person. 6PM-9PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/date-night-asian-cuisine-tickets-169206847235
Boheme in the Heights. The long-awaited animated Spanish-language Afro-LatinX reimagining of Puccini’s classic opera comes to the big screen, with live music performed by the original cast. This film, created by young animators from Baltimore School for the Arts and throughout the region, is set in Washington, DC’s Columbia Heights neighborhood through the winter and spring of 2020. Boheme in the Heights tells of the exuberant creative power of youth, the transcendence of love, and the heartbreak of first loss. Covid restrictions in place. $28, $25 members (+$3 service fee); $150 Reserved Table for 4 (+$3 service fee). 8PM. Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://www.creativealliance.org/events/2021/boheme-heights
30
Community Concert Series: Baltimore Children’s Choir. Join the Baltimore Children’s Choir for a free, family-friendly, outdoor musical performance along the Baltimore Museum of Industry’s waterfront. Youth ages 8-18 will present a variety of repertoire in this one-hour performance supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council. The Baltimore Children’s Choir is a nonprofit organization that makes choral music accessible to children in the greater Baltimore area, in a positive, child-centered environment. FREE, no registration required. 11AM-12PM. The Point, Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy., Baltimore. https://www.thebmi.org/programs-events/baltimore-childrens-choir/
31
Sunday Funday Halloween Costume Brunch. Come to this special Schola class as your favorite character or just come as yourself, just as long as you show up! Best costume wins a $50 gift certificate to Schola! Participants will be making Savory Dutch Baby Pancakes with Smoked Salmon & Creme Fraiche, Scalloped Breakfast Potatoes with Sauteed Peppers, & Onions, Fall Vegetable Egg Strata, Candied Smoked Bacon, Cheesecake Stuffed Pumpkin Bread, and Warm Apple Cider. Schola is a BYOB establishment. $59.99. 11:30AM-2:30PM. Schola, 916 N Charles St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunday-funday-halloween-costume-brunch-tickets-165210138973
Farmers' Markets
Baltimore Farmers' Market and Bazaar. (April - December). The Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar, returns for its 44th season. Just in time to kick off the spring season, the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar welcomes back beloved elements like hot food vendors and the Bazaar’s artisans in a limited capacity. The Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar will continue maintaining public health regulations to provide a safe experience for all. Open Sundays 7AM-12PM, from April 4 through December 19. Holliday and Saratoga Streets, Baltimore. https://www.promotionandarts.org/events-festivals/baltimore-farmers-market-bazaar
BMI Farmers' Market. The BMI Farmers’ Market is a great way to spend your Saturday morning. Purchase fresh produce, oven-fresh bread and sweets, bright flowers, tasty ready-to-eat treats, artisan items, and more. Health guidelines including social distancing and use of face coverings will be in effect. Open Saturdays 9AM-1PM from May 15 through November 27. Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy., Baltimore. https://www.thebmi.org/programs-events/bmi-farmers-market/
Catonsville Sunday Farmers' Market. Sponsored by the Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce, this Sunday Market offers produce picked at the peak of freshness along with a delicious variety of baked goods and specialty items that include adult-beverages. Meet the people who grow and produce the food and beverages you love. The Chamber is proud that the Sunday Market continues to be a community center, where friends and neighbors meet for a relaxed, old-fashioned farmers market experience. Open Sundays 9AM-12:30PM from May 2 through November 21. Catonsville Sunday Market, 15 Mellor Ave., Catonsville. https://catonsville.org/chamber-events/community-outreach/catonsvilles-farmers-markets/
Cross Street Farmers' Market. The Cross Street Farmers' Market is committed to supporting local farmers and providing the community with safe, convenient access to fresh food. Vendors span the entire length of E Cross Street, just outside of Cross Street Market. The Market hosts some of the best growers and makers from Maryland and surrounding areas - 75% of their vendors are Baltimore-based! Open Saturdays May 1-October 30, 9AM-12PM. E Cross Street between Charles and Light Sts., Baltimore. https://www.crossstreetfarmersmarket.com/
Fells Point Farmers' Market (year-round). Located at the corner of Broadway and Thames Streets in historic Fell’s Point, this market is a long-standing tradition. (You can still see the old stall numbers etched in the curbs surrounding Broadway Square). Stop by for grab-and-go bites, fresh produce and spirits from local distillers. Located just blocks away from downtown hotels, it’s also easily accessible from Water Taxi Landing 11. Open Saturdays, December through April, from 9AM-12:30PM; May through November from 7:30AM-12:30PM. Broadway & Thames Streets, Baltmore. http://www.fellspointfarmersmarket.com/
Good Life Thursday Farmers' Market. Local wine/local food/local music is Boordy Vineyard's motto! Come for some local veggies from their good friends at One Straw Farm, and flowers and ice cream from their neighbors at Belvedere Farm and Prigel Family Creamery. You can shop for coffee and kombucha, oysters and olive oil, and lots of delicious sweets and enjoy gourmet cooking from favorite restaurants: The Food Market of Hampden or La Barrita Restobar of Butcher’s Hill. Local musicians play every week – so please stay for a while and enjoy the food and music – there are picnic tables spread around and you are welcome to bring your own picnic blanket or chairs. Open Thursdays from 3PM-7PM May 6 through October 21. Boordy Vineyard, 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes. https://www.boordy.com/visit/events/good-life-thursday-farmers-markets/
Kenilworth Farmers' Market. The Kenilworth Farmers Market is located at The Shops at Kenilworth in Towson at the lower level parking lot, “Down Under” the parking deck. Local vendors sell vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, cheese, pastries, honey, nuts, wine, flowers, mushrooms, spices, and more! Open Tuesdays from 3PM-6PM from April through November. The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Dr., Towson. https://thekenilworthmarket.com/
Pikesville Farmers' Market. Local produce, meats, wine, spirits, candles, soaps and more! Open Tuesdays 2PM-6PM from May 18 through November 30. Pomona Square, 1700 Reisterstown Rd, Baltmore. https://www.pomchamber.org/farmers-market/
Pratt Street Market. Looking for an exceptional lunchtime experience? The Pratt Street Market has moved locations this year, one block to the west. Check it out beginning May 6th through October on Thursdays from 11AM-2PM. Located at Pratt and S Charles Sts., Baltimore. https://www.godowntownbaltimore.com/events/default.aspx?eid=8C7D6B08-BE54-EA11-A2F0-000C2975210C
32nd Street Farmers' Market (year-round). The Waverly Farmers Market is more than a source of good food, it’s also the Charles Village social event of the week. Open year-round, rain or shine, the market provides fresh fruit and veggies, thick slabs of meat ready for the barbecue as well as baked goods and preserves, among other culinary delights. Open Saturdays 7AM-12PM, all year long. Located in the parking lot at the intersection of E 32nd Street & Barclay Street, Baltimore. https://www.32ndstreetmarket.org/map/
Ongoing Online and Virtual Enrichment Events
Miscellaneous and Just for Fun
LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems! Mo Willems, beloved children's author, invites you into his studio every day for his lunch doodle. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. If you post your art to social media, be sure to hashtag it with #MoLunchDoodles! New episodes will be posted each weekday at 1PM and then remain online to be streamed afterwards. Check back each weekday for new lunch doodles! FREE. https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems
Mitchell School of Fine Arts Classes. Artist-owner Trevor Twist has modified youth and adult art lessons of varying skill levels through a virtual classroom, focusing on artist expression across the likes of painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Ongoing. Times and prices vary. Via Zoom. https://www.mitchellartschool.com/classes--private-lessons.html
Museums, National Parks and Gardens
Volunteer Park Conservatory Live Stream. You can get "plant therapy" on your couch for free through their live streams. Word is these live streams happen around mid-day, but if you miss a live stream, Instagram holds onto them for 24 hours; just check out their "story." FREE. https://www.instagram.com/vpconservatory/
Virtual Tour of The Waddesdon Manorm in Waddesdon, England. This Neo-Renaissance style château that has been a Rothschild family home since the late 1800s. The house, the grounds, and the majority of the collections seen throughout the home have been left to the National Trust, so that the public can visit and appreciate the home and gardens. The gardens were designed by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild with help from landscape architect Elie Lainé. The breathtakingly beautiful interiors of Waddesdon Manor can also be virtually toured using the link provided. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyYuxTfdtKo
Virtual Tour of Claude Monet’s Garden, Giverny, France. Claude Monet's garden inspired much of his painting. Royal Academy curator Ann Dumas introduces Claude Monet’s garden at Giverny in Normandy, which is open to the public between March and November and maintained by a team of gardeners led by James Priest. FREE. Garden tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjWx2WNXFF4.
Virtual Tour of Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago IL. With over 50,000 members, the Chicago Botanic Garden has the highest membership of any public garden in the United States. The Garden consists of 385 acres and has a grand total of 27 gardens and four natural areas. Some of the 27 gardens include the English Walled Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Plant Science Center. Boyce Tankersley, director of plant documentation, takes you on a tour of what's in bloom this summer. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV0Ryaw0hGc
Virtual Tour of Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Papaikou, HI. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden sits on 17 acres and it includes not only its own garden, but a nature preserve as well. With waterfalls, streams, and a boardwalk situated on the Pacific coast, this virtual tour is certainly a calming one, both visually and audibly. Expect to see more than 2,000 plant species, including over 80 species of heliconias and bromeliads, not to mention coconut and mango palm trees that have been around for over a century. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtZ0dcUzGX8
Virtual Tour of Kew Gardens, Richmond, England. Kew Gardens is part of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which also includes Wakehurst, a historic house and garden located over an hour away, in West Sussex, England. Located on 326 acres and boasting its own palace, Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This virtual tour of 10 of the top ten sites in the Kew Gardens, also includes Kew Palace, the main surviving structure is known as Dutch House, which was once the residence of King George III and his family. Kew Gardens and Wakehurst have a grand total of approximately 27,000 taxa of plants, over 8 million specimens of plants and fungal herbarium, and a seed bank that contains more than 40,000 species. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioG_Vfh0Kxw
Virtual Tour Five National Parks. If you want to escape to the great outdoors, you can virtually explore national parks. Google Arts & Culture teamed up with five national parks across the country to provide video tours led by rangers. From glaciers in Alaska to volcanoes in Hawaii, the tours will take you on incredible journeys. FREE. https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parks-service/parks
Museum Tours from Around the World. On Google Arts & Culture, you can take a virtual tour of thousands of museums around the world. According to Fast Company, the tech giant partnered with more than 2,500 museums and galleries, some of which include the Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and London's National Gallery. FREE. https://artsandculture.google.com/partner?hl=en
Virtual Tour the Louvre. While the Louvre in France is closed, you can virtually tour their exhibits. Tours allow you to zoom in on certain pieces and descriptions for more information. FREE. https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne
Virtual Tour Buckingham Palace. An iconic building and official residence of The Queen, Buckingham Palace has been the focus of many moments of national celebration. It is also a busy working building welcoming tens of thousands of people through its gates each year for Investitures, Garden Parties, Audiences and other events. Explore this magnificent building via a virtual tour. FREE. https://www.royal.uk/virtual-tours-buckingham-palace
Virtual Tour of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami, FL. Vizcaya is a Mediterranean Revival-style villa with Baroque elements that was once the home of businessman James Deering. The estate consists of 43 acres. It took eight years and $15 million to build the villa, and another year to complete the Italian Renaissance-style gardens and Vizcaya Village, which consists of 11 buildings across 12 acres, including greenhouses, fields, staff quarters, a garage, barns, and workshops. Explore the grounds and buildings in this virtual tour. FREE. https://vizcaya.org/virtualtour/
Virtual Tour of The Frick Collection, New York, NY. This Beaux Arts-style mansion located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan was once home to Henry Clay Frick, one of the most prominent industrialists during the Gilded Age. Take a virtual tour and see Old Masters paintings, decorative arts, and European sculptures in this former residence turned art museum, which includes Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Whistler, Bellini, Vermeer, and Goya, to name a few. FREE. https://www.frick.org/visit/virtual_tour
Virtual Tour of the Vatican Museums. Instilling a sense of wonder in everyone who enters, the 15th century Sistine Chapel is most renowned for Michelangelo's ceiling frescos. You'll have them (and the rest of the place) to yourself if you visit virtually, before making your way through a whole series of Vatican Museums—not least, Raphael’s Room and the New Wing. FREE. http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/collezioni/musei/tour-virtuali-elenco.1.html
The National Museum of Natural History. One of the world's most visited museums, and in our own backyard, this branch of the Smithsonian is magic at keeping kids of all ages entertained and learning. If your household could use some of that right now, head on in and start exploring the fossils, ocean life, even the insect zoo. And for pure eye candy, hit the Gems and Minerals Wing, or the Butterfly Pavilion. FREE. https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour
Volcanoes National Park. It may not be the best known of our national parks, but Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is certainly one of the most unforgettable, as you'll experience on this ranger-led tour. You’ll see stunning images of the rippling black rock formations and the still-fiery lava flows that feed them. You’ll also stand inside a rainforest, go underground to tour a lava tube and take a helicopter flight over an active volcano—a vantage you’d be hard pressed to find on an actual visit. FREE. https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parks-service/hawaii-volcanoes/nahuku-lava-tube-tour
The British Museum. Home to no fewer than 8,000,000 works, this is one of the world's largest collectiosn. Even the tiniest objects hold their own on this virtual tour - you can view individual pieces, play audio to learn more, and search for related works. There's also a scrolling capability that lets you go back thousands of years. FREE. https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/
Tour the Taj Mahal. Built by a 17th-century Mughal emperor in memory of his favorite wife, who died during childbirth, the Taj Mahal is one of the most lavish architectural tributes on earth. For perspective on how the marble exterior shade-shifts throughout the day, from early-morning pinks to dusky blues, check out this video. The persistent thrum of tour groups makes the scene that much more realistic. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=665AHTNpf2o
Virtual Deep Dives. Immerse yourself in the deep blue sea. NOAA is willing to take you there gear and cost free: You can do a series of virtual dives through National Marine Sanctuaries, whether you want to peace out to the waters around American Samoa (don’t miss Big Momma), the Florida Keys (have a look at the Aquarius Reef Base research center) or any of several spots in between. FREE. https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/vr/
Street Art Tours. If you’ve ever turned a city corner to be stopped in your tracks by the Technicolor explosion of a mural, you know the impact of street art. You can explore the world’s best graffiti, from Buenos Aires to Bombay, in Google’s impressive Street Art collection. See dozens of collections of the world's street art including giant abstractions that transform no-nonsense industrial buildings in Moscow, portraits in the arrondissements of Paris, and in Berlin, relive the fall of the wall through its iconic graffiti. FREE. https://streetart.withgoogle.com/en/online-exhibitions
Northern Lights. The traditional version of Northern Lights chasing includes piling on layers of clothing, waddling into a gorgeous but bone chilling expanse, waiting, running inside to warm up and repeating this dance hoping that you don't miss your chance. One advantage of watching from home, which you can do thanks to Manitoba’s Churchill Northern Studies Center, is that you cut straight to nature’s most amazing light show. Late winter into early spring happens to be among the best times to tune in. FREE. https://explore.org/livecams/aurora-borealis-northern-lights/northern-lights-cam
The Great Wall of China. Of the Great Wall's 4,000 total miles, 3,000 or so are walkable. Visit this New Wonder of the World virtually and start doing reconnaissance for your own trek without wearing out the tread on your gym shoes. FREE. https://www.thechinaguide.com/destination/great-wall-of-china
Zoos and Aquariums
Smithsonian National Zoo Webcams. Aquariums and zoos across the country are live streaming their animals, so you can see what they're up to. Smithsonian's National Zoo has webcams of naked mole-rats, lions, giant pandas, and elephants. While the webcams will remain online, the animals might not be visible because volunteers won't be operating the webcams. FREE. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams
Houston Zoo Webcams. Tune in to the Houston Zoo webcams to see giraffes, gorillas, elephants, chimps, rhinos, and and leafcutter ants. FREE. https://www.houstonzoo.org/explore/webcams/
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Webcams. Through 10 webcams, you can virtually visit sea otters, moon jellies, sharks, penguins and other see creatures. FREE. https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams
The National Aquarium Webcam. Tune into the National Aquarium's Blacktip Reef, Jellies Invasion and Pacific Coral Reef livestreams and enjoy a piece of the Aquarium from home. Cameras are only live streaming during business hours. After hours you can enjoy a previously recorded live stream segment. FREE. https://www.aqua.org/Experience/live#pcr
San Diego Zoo Webcams. The country’s most-visited zoo, with more than 3,500 animals in residence, was a pioneer in the world of open-air habitats and remains a leader in conservation science. You can catch a number of the most beloved inhabitants on live streams. Your virtual visit even has an edge over real life: Though mega-celebs Bai Yun Xiao Liwu were repatriated last year, you'll still find great archival footage of them on the Panda Cam. FREE. https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams
Safari Live. SafariLive comes very close to the experience and thrill of going on a safari. Track lions, leopards and hyenas as you make your way around herds of wildebeest and elephants, all while expert rangers school you on what you're seeing. Great inspiration to book your next safari, when we are all out of our social isolation, of course. https://www.facebook.com/WildEarthLIVE/ or https://www.facebook.com/WildEarthLIVE/videos/904091053345547/
Musical Performances
BroadwayHD. BroadwayHD, a streaming service for theater fans started in 2015, has long been bringing Broadway performances to people’s living rooms. On the platform, subscribers will find a combination of acquired performances including performances of Cats, The King and I, and Sound of Music, along with originals the platform filmed including performances of Kinky Boots and 42nd Street, from Broadway, The West End, and other elite venues around the world. The platform is currently offering a free seven-day trial, along with a wildly affordable $8.99 monthly plan. So go ahead and watch as many times as you want. You can even sing along if you please because you’re in your own house, who’s going to complain? $8.99/month or $99.99/year after the 7 day FREE trial. https://www.broadwayhd.com/
Digital Stage from The Kennedy Center. Watch extraordinary performances from the Kennedy Center's stages and beyond. They'll feature original works, new clips, and the best of their vast archive which you can also explore on your own. FREE. https://www.kennedy-center.org/digitalstage/
Berlin Philharmonic. The legendary Berlin Philharmonic is essentially playing house concerts with no door charge. Redeem the voucher code BERLINPHIL and receive free access to all concerts and films. FREE. https://www.digitalconcerthall.com/en/live
Sydney Opera House. Now is your chance to take a peek inside the Sydney Opera House. Accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, cellist Benjamin Schwartz and soprano Nicole Car, you'll wander through a day in the life of the site, from early morning, before the performers arrive, to stolen moments between acts. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hunddVoMjo
Educational Resources and Entertainment for Kids
Scholastic Education Courses. To help millions of students whose schools have closed continue to learn, Scholastic is offering free day-by-day projects. According to its website, “Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families, or with their teachers.” The educational projects are categorized by grade levels, which range from pre-k and kindergarten to grades 6 plus. FREE. https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
Coloring Pages. Baltimore artist Landry Randriamandroso has announced that he will be posting coloring pages for kids and adults on his Facebook page. FREE. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012200018757
Science at Home. These science experiments, brought to you by the Maryland Science Center, will keep kids' minds learning and engaged. FREE. https://www.mdsci.org/learn/resources/science-at-home/
American Visionary Arts Museum Educational Resources. AVAM offers art workshops at the museum year-round that complement their collection and exhibitions. With these videos, they are coming to YOU with how to's of art projects you can do right at home with everyday household items. Enjoy, and have fun! FREE. http://www.avam.org/for-educators-and-educatees/educational-resources.shtml
Baltmore Museum of Industry. Museums offer a rich learning experience which doesn’t have to stop when you’re at home. Keep kids of all ages engaged during this break from school with these FREE activities designed and collected by the education staff at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Check back regularly for new activities that explore local industry which we hope will inspire the inventors and innovators of tomorrow. FREE. https://www.thebmi.org/visit/visit-from-home/
Mother Goose on the Loose. This exciting fun-filled story time uses rhymes, songs, puppets, musical instruments and more to stimulate the learning process of babies and toddlers. Mr. Cork is presenting his interactive story time via his Facebook page. He goes live every day at 10:30AM with a new story and at 4:30PM with a dance party! FREE (tips accepted via Venmo and Paypal). https://www.facebook.com/sprocketlearning/
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is dedicated to teaching students about the history and culture of the Chesapeake Bay’s communities and environment. Scroll down this home page to the Classroom Resources section for links to lessons and videos that you can introduce to children who are home from school. FREE. http://cbmm.org/learn/school-programs/
The Museum, Arts and Culture Access Consortium. The Museum, Arts and Culture Access Consortium has created a webpage to provide access to many at home learning resources from some of New York City's cultural institutions. Check back often. More content connections are being added everyday! FREE. https://macaccess.org/home-new/at-home-activities/
Wilkening Consulting. A Seattle based parent and museum consultant has compiled a list of museums with online lesson plans and learning. Check back often for updates and additional links. FREE. http://www.wilkeningconsulting.com/parental-resources.html
Neil Gaiman Reads. English author, Neil Gaiman, is known for writing a vast array of books from graphic novels to children’s books, from short stories to collaborations with the late-great Terry Pratchett. Readers may also know Neil Gaiman for his soothing voice when he reads the likes of Lewis Carroll’s The Jabberwocky in no other than a tulgey wood for a charitable cause. Gaiman has shared free online readings of his works The Graveyard Book and Coraline. Head to his Mouse Circus website for younger readers to listen. FREE. http://www.mousecircus.com/videos/
Goodnight with Dolly. Beginning April 2nd, everyone’s favorite Book Lady, Dolly Parton, is bringing children and families everywhere just what they need during a time of unrest. Goodnight with Dolly is a 10-week special series of weekly videos featuring Dolly reading select Imagination Library books. It is the hope that this gift will further inspire a love of books and shared storytime during this important period. Dolly hopes this series of stories will provide comfort and reassurance to coping kids and families during the shelter-in-place mandates. There are also links for activity sheets on the site. FREE. https://imaginationlibrary.com/goodnight-with-dolly/
ZUMBA & More with Alondra. Zumba and exercises for kids and teens with Alondra through Facebook Live! A unique way of exercising through dance and movement. Say goodbye to stress and have fun! Tip your instructor via Venmo: @alondraGrisel-Flores. FREE. Tuesdays at 6PM. https://www.creativealliance.org/events/2020/zumba-more-alondra or https://www.facebook.com/Creativealliance/
Exercise Classes and Videos
Barry's Bootcamp. Can't get to the gym? Barry's, a gym in NYC, will be streaming a band workout at least once a day on its Instagram. FREE. https://www.instagram.com/barrys/channel/
YMCA Exercise Videos. During this time of uncertainty, the Y is here for you. The Y continues to be your support for health and wellbeing, wherever you are. Regular exercise is one component of a healthy lifestyle that can help reduce stress and prevent illness. The Y is offering a variety of at-home exercise options called YMCA 360. You can take group exercise classes for all ages right in your own home at no charge for a limited time! Find some of your favorite classes by browsing videos. https://ymca360.org/
Kore Bootcamps. Virtual Bootcamp! Keep fit while social distancing. $50, first month only. https://korebootcamps.com/
Yoga Live! Movement as a Self Love Language. While you can’t head to Creative Alliance, that doesn't mean you can't continue monthly yoga sessions! Grace Marshall will be on Facebook Live Saturday mornings providing all with her Yoga: Movement as a Self Love Language workshop! This yoga class contains a plethora of movement styles for you to experiment with and incorporate into your own routine at home. Work with the natural rhythms of your body and learn breathing techniques to increase the mind and body connection. Visit this Facebook event on Saturday to join in Live! Tip your instructor via Venmo: @gracemarshmallow. FREE. https://www.creativealliance.org/events/2020/yoga-movement-self-love-language-2
Cooking Classes and Videos
Baltimore Chef Shop. The “recipes and tips” section of Baltimore Chef Shop has instructions and videos for some fun and kid friendly recipes. FREE. https://www.baltimorechefshop.com/recipes
Great Italian Cooking Lessons With Massimo Bottura. On MasterClass, the subscription site that taps into the expertise of top names in a variety of fields, from the arts to business, you can learn the secrets of contemporary Italian cuisine with the maestro himself, Massimo Bottura, whose three-Michelin-star Osteria Francescana twice took top place at the World's 50 Best Restaurants Awards. The course, called Massimo Bottura Teaches Modern Italian Cooking, covers a lot of ground, from learning how to make Mediterranean-style sole to a “better than panettone” souffle. $90. https://www.masterclass.com/ You can also find Bottura cooking lessons for free with the recently launched “Kitchen Quarantine” series on his Instagram site, where the famous chef shows what he’s cooking at home during the pandemic. https://www.instagram.com/massimobottura/channel/?hl=en
How To Make Carbonara With Michael White. Chef Michael White of Marea, Morini, and Ai Fiori knows carbonara. He talks through what al dente means, how to cook spaghetti perfectly al dente, whether you should use guanciale, bacon, or pancetta, and whether it’s ever appropriate to throw your spaghetti against the wall. The real secret, though, is copious amounts of pecorino and parmesan cheese. FREE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-IDUHH0_ow