BREAKING: Baltimore Inspector General asks judge to hold Scott administration in contempt — Baltimore Brew

Deputy Commissioner Nadeau resigns from Baltimore Police Department — The Baltimore Sun

Why have special education complaints in Maryland increased 200% since 2022? — The Baltimore Banner

Residents say diesel smell is ‘pretty potent’ after leak reaches stream near Loch Raven Reservoir — WBAL

The Safe Streets Belvedere area has gone more than a year without a homicide.

Elected officials and community members gathered to celebrate the milestone of 365 days homicide-free in this Safe Streets catchment area, though officials noted that by Monday that period had extended into 379 days.

Leaders applauded the achievement while also acknowledging the work is far from over to make it a reality citywide.

“We know how much work we have done, but we also know how much work remains for us to do,” Mayor Brandon Scott said at a news conference Monday. “It’s not good enough for any of us up here that we have the lowest ever, because we all want to get to zero.”

The moment comes as Baltimore continues to see a dramatic decline in homicides. After eight straight years of more than 300 homicides from 2015 through 2022, the city has since stayed below that mark for the past three years and is on track to experience another record low this year.

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that the Safe Streets program has been a major driver of that reduction.

The success is due to Safe Streets being a community-led effort, Scott said.

“We didn’t need federal troops descending on Baltimore City. We didn’t need all the gimmicks,” he said, alluding to President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard into the streets of Washington, D.C. The president has threatened a similar imposition on Baltimore, which Scott has previously called “political theater.”

“We just needed a plan for Baltimoreans by Baltimoreans to be implemented with Baltimoreans, and you can see that has happened each and every day,” Scott said Monday.

Over the past 379 days, the Safe Streets Belvedere team has facilitated more than 120 successful mediations, said Stefanie Mavronis, director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement.

“It is the result of real work being done on the ground by people who care about their community, who put their lives in harm’s way to mediate potentially violent conflict, and who show up every day to build a better, safer future for Baltimore,” Mavronis said.

Mavronis attributed the success to Safe Street workers efforts “to promote peace and safety, and the ability to move in spaces that we in city government or those in law enforcement simply cannot. It’s working side by side with the community to co-produce public safety. Those who do not believe in Safe Streets can say whatever they want, but the work speaks for itself.”

Pastor Troy Randall has seen tangible proof of safer streets in the Belvedere area.

“I can walk up the street without any problems,” he said. “I have seniors that can sit on the porch again and converse with each other and share recipes. I have children getting on my nerves, playing in the middle of the street, throwing the ball. But guess what? They feel safe.”

Adam Rosenberg is the Vice President of Violence Prevention and Intervention at LifeBridge Health, which counts among its facilities Sinai Hospital that serves the Belvedere community.

Rosenberg said he wants to see more generations of Baltimoreans born at Sinai and fewer coming into the emergency room, especially for gun violence.

Toward that goal, Rosenberg said there has been a 52 percent reduction in gunshot wound admissions at Sinai Hospital. 

He added their Hospital Violence Intervention Team that of the 946 people who presented bedside with a gunshot or a gun-related injury last year, none came back as a victim of gun violence.

LifeBridge Health has been distributing free gun locks to community members in order to ensure households secure their firearms responsibly.

“One of the reasons we got into this business of working with Safe Streets and preventing firearm deaths is that guns became the No. 1 killer of kids in America, and we agreed they shouldn’t be. And there are currently 8 million children in America living in a house right now with an unsecured firearm. Our teams at Sinai Hospital saw too many kids over this last year who died of an accidental discharge…. This gun lock prevents it from happening.”

Starting on Wednesday, Maryland drivers must have their vehicles properly registered in the state of Maryland or risk a fine for each day it remains out of compliance.

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) ran a “Plate Where You Live” campaign to help drivers learn about how to register their cars in Maryland and the potential penalties of failing to do so by Oct. 1. Living in Maryland but driving a car with out-of-state tags can be costly and also indicate drivers may not be abiding by Maryland’s insurance laws. People who move to Maryland have 60 days to register their vehicles in the state.

At the end of July, the MVA mailed around 79,000 courtesy letters to Maryland residents who have vehicles registered with out-of-state plates to remind them of Maryland’s registration requirements and encourage compliance before enforcement begins.

“Proper vehicle registration is fundamental to road safety. Our goal is to help more Maryland drivers get into compliance for the well-being of everyone on our roads,” said Chrissy Nizer, Motor Vehicle Administrator. Nizer also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative.

“When drivers don’t register their vehicles properly, there is no guarantee those vehicles are safe and have the necessary insurance, putting everyone at risk of death or serious injury,” Nizer said. “We look forward to working with drivers, and our government partners to make Maryland roads safer for everyone. Safety is a everyone’s responsibility.”

The MVA has a dedicated website with resources and tools to help drivers new to the state or who want to maintain vehicle registration in other states. People here for college, or for a temporary job can secure a nonresident vehicle permit.

Starting on Oct. 1, vehicle owners who have not gotten the proper Maryland license plates for their cars will be given a 60-day warning to bring their vehicle into compliance with state law or get proper documentation explaining why they are exempt. After that, if their vehicles remain out-of-compliance, the owner will be fined $7 for each day it remains that way for up to 60 days, or $420. If after 120 days the vehicle is still not in compliance, the MVA will notify the local jurisdictions for more penalties, which may include civil action, booting, towing, vehicle impoundment, and seized out-of-state plates.

Visit the MVA’s “Plate Where You Live” page for step-by-step instructions, tools, and resources to complete the process. Additional assistance is available through ContactMVA or by calling 410-768-7000.

More than 400 students, staff and alumni gathered at Towson High School on Saturday for a ceremony in which the school’s new athletic field was officially named Randy Dase Field, in honor of one of its most influential figures — on the field and off.

A member of Towson’s Class of 1972, Dase earned nine varsity letters as a student athlete (soccer, basketball and lacrosse), was named the 1972 Towson Student Athlete of the Year, and was inducted into the Towson Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.

After graduating from Johns Hopkins University, where he played lacrosse, Dase returned to Towson High as a teacher and coach in 1977. He taught social studies at the school for 43 years and coached soccer, basketball, lacrosse and badminton for a total of 97 seasons, guiding the Towson Generals to 10 state championships, eight in lacrosse and two in soccer.

The new athletic field is the first completed component of a multi-phase expansion and renovation that’s underway at Towson High, which opened at 69 Cedar Avenue in 1949 and has more than 1550 students. A four-story addition is expected to open next year and much of the original building will be renovated after that.

Dase is the second Towson High graduate to have part of the campus named after himself. A segment of Cedar Avenue in front of the school is named Michael Phelps Way, after the swimmer who went there from 1999 to 2003 and won more Olympic medals than any other athlete, a total of 28 across four Olympic games.

Dase is also a cancer survivor, diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016. He was treated by the late Dr. Alan Partin, Jaworski Family Director of the Brady Urological Institute and Urologist-in-Chief at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Dr. Mohammad Allah, who now holds those titles at Hopkins. On Father’s Day of 2023, Dase threw out the first pitch at Oriole Park. representing the Brady Urological Institute for Prostate Cancer Day across Major League Baseball.  

Nearly a decade ago, the school’s soccer team surprised Dase with a Prostate Cancer Awareness Game. This year, following the field’s dedication, the team had its eighth annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Game, against Dulaney High School. The game was a fundraiser for the Brady Urological Institute and its Prostate Cancer Discovery Fund.

One way that Dase combined his roles as teacher and coach is that he arranged for several of his varsity soccer teams to tour the Brady Urological Institute and see the work it does and how it was able to help him and others.

On those tours, students got to hear from the doctors and other staffers who care for patients with prostate cancer and learn about their training techniques in a hospital setting. The tours gave the students a chance to ask questions and see what it’s like to be part of the medical profession.

‘Iron Man’

Before the game, speakers paid tribute to Dase’s legacy, leadership and impact on the community, calling him the ‘Iron Man’ of Towson High. They praised him as a great motivator who cared about character more than winning and embodied the school’s motto, “A Tradition of Excellence.” They said no one has been there longer than he has.

“Your legacy, as many have said, is not measured by wins, championships or years,” former lacrosse coach Rick Brocato told Dase. “It’s measured by the thousands of lives you changed, the confidence you built, the character you shaped and the example that you set. It’s only fitting that your name now becomes a permanent part of the community you have loved and served for so long.”

“Randy Dase IS Towson High School,” said former Towson High Athletic Director Justin Nash.

‘My dream came true’

Dase responded with a heartfelt talk in which he discussed why he stayed at one school for his entire career and what he got out of being a “General for Life.” He thanked those behind the field dedication and his career, starting with his family and including classmates, teammates, teachers, coaches, students, parents, alumni, administrators and friends. He said teaching at Towson High was his dream job after he graduated from Hopkins and got a call to take the place of a teacher who was retiring in the middle of the school year.

“Some say you can never go home again, but my dream came true,” he said. “I returned to Towson High School Feb. 1, 1977, as a 22-year-old social studies teacher. That’s a day I treasure for life.”

Towson High has been “very good to me,” Dase said. “It has given me an incredible life, wonderful friendships, countless memories…Most important, Towson taught me that no one accomplishes anything alone. I’ve said this a million times: Team stands for Together Everyone Achieves More. This field represents the ideal perfectly. Countless people worked together to make this field possible. Yes, my name will be associated with this field, but make no mistake: The field belongs to all of us.”

At this point, Dase became philosophical.

“This field is so much more than turf with lines,” he said. “It’s a classroom without walls. It’s a place for young athletes who will learn lessons that go far beyond sports: Commitment, teamwork, goal-setting, perseverance, sportsmanship. And the glue that holds that concept together is discipline. Discipline breeds success. Discipline is love. In this classroom, athletes will learn how to win with class, how to lose with class. It will build friendships here that will last a lifetime. It will push themselves beyond their comfort zone and discover exactly what they’re capable of being. What an amazing classroom, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be a student in this classroom and a coach in it for close to 50 years. What a privilege in my life.”

‘Play with heart and guts’

Dase closed by musing about students of the future.

“To the athletes who will run, play, compete, laugh and dream on this field, my hope is that you will play with heart and guts,” he said. “Always respect your opponents. Demonstrate good sportsmanship and character. Honor the game. Never take for granted the opportunity that you have to play. Be proud to represent your school and understand that lessons you learn here will stay with you after you leave this field. May this field be the starting point for your biggest dreams. Who knows what dreams will come true for the young people who play here in the years ahead?”

He also asked the audience to support Hopkins and its work.

“Please donate to the Brady Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital,” he said. “I’m standing here today because of brave doctors like Doctor Allaf.  Please donate today so we find out more about the cure.”

He was clearly touched by the outpouring of support.

“To have my name attached to this field is an honor far greater than I ever could have anticipated,” he said. “I’m profoundly humbled…To Towson High School, thank you for giving me a lifetime of memories that I will always treasure. It is truly a great day to be a General, and thank you again for this incredible honor.”

By Isabella González

Capital News Service 

WASHINGTON–Lawyers are trying to figure out how President Donald Trump’s administration plans to enforce the Foreign Agents Registration Act, following its recent warning to noncitizens who engage in “public activity.” 

The Department of Justice’s new press release is dominating discussions among attorneys who advise clients on this particular law, including at a recent FARA conference held in Washington. 

“The breadth of the statute gives DOJ an incredible amount of leeway,” said Alexandra Langton, associate at the law firm Covington & Burling. “In that sense, FARA is a powerful tool that is kind of a gift to an administration that may want to use all the tools available to go after adversaries.” 

In a Sept. 16 press release, the department said that anyone who acts as an agent of a foreign power to carry out public activities must register under FARA.

This includes public demonstrations “designed to further the propaganda or other goals of the foreign power.” 

“Failure to do so may result in significant civil or criminal sanctions,” the release warned.

This stood out to panelists like William Farah, managing partner of the law firm Berke Farah. 

“Typically, FARA has been used to go after people that are in lobbying-related activities on behalf of foreign principals,” Farah said during the conference.

“This is different,” he added. “This is not looking at the lobbying community. This is looking at organizations that may be engaged in activities that the policymakers don’t like.” 

In an email after the event, Farah said that the Sept. 16 release timing was unusual because it was not tied to any indictment, conviction or policy shift. He described practitioners’ reaction as “surprise and anticipation of more active enforcement.” 

The event was co-hosted by Lawfare and the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law. The center’s faculty director, Claire Finkelstein, said FARA is a potential tool against universities. 

“FARA potentially could be used as another tool to combat universities by the Trump administration,” Finkelstein said to Capital News Service after the conference. 

“And the DOJ press release from last week, at the very least, suggests that they may be interested in using it against nonprofits generally,” she added. 

During the whole day of conferences, the panelists also weighed whether the Justice Department announcement suggests FARA could be used against other targets, such as nonprofit organizations or media outlets.  

“While media organizations are supposedly exempted under FARA, the DOJ has recognized certain exemptions to that, and so potentially FARA could provide another tool to target certain media organizations,” Finkelstein said. 

Baltimore sports fans have a new radio station as of last week, when FOX Sports 1370 AM launched (WQLL-AM) to broadcast FOX Sports Radio’s lineup of live sports entertainment shows every weekday.

The new station, Fox Sports Baltimore, brings Baltimore listeners “Two Pros and a Cup of Joe” with LaVar Arrington, Brady Quinn and Jonas Knox from 6 – 9 a.m. ET, “The Dan Patrick Show” from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET, “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” from 12 – 3 p.m. ET, “Stugotz & Company LIVE” from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET, and “Covino & Rich” from 5 – 7 p.m. The radio station also features VSiN (Vegas Stats & Information Network) on nights and weekends.

“Sports are woven into the fabric of Baltimore, and we’re excited to bring some of the biggest voices in sports broadcasting to our listeners,” said Andy Grimshaw, market manager for WQLL-AM. “From the biggest stories and games to expert analysis and the latest in sports betting, FOX Sports 1370 AM will give Baltimore sports fans something to follow around the clock.”

During football season, Fox Sports Baltimore runs the Circa Friday Football Invitational, which this year has 25 professional sports bettors and expert handicappers competing for $30,000 in prizes. The show covers both college football and NFL schedules.

Baltimore has local sports radio stations, like WNST 1570 AM  in Towson, and 105.7 The Fan (WJZ-FM 105.7 FM) in Catonsville. The Fan broadcasts Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens games, as well. Fox Sports Baltimore is adding the national radio shows to area listeners’ choices, widening the sports perspective.

For nearly two decades, the Baltimore Tree Trust has been on a mission to restore Baltimore’s urban forest.

The nonprofit has an overarching goal of planting 2,000 trees annually, helping to grow the city’s tree canopy to 40% and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Tree Trust is breaking up its big-picture goal into smaller pieces by applying for grants that provide funding for specific projects, like its latest plan to create 900 new plantable sites across the city.

Read more (and listen) at WYPR

Leon’s, one of Baltimore’s oldest gay bars, is reopening this week after a 45-day hiatus.

Staff members announced on social media that the bar with entrances at 870 Park Avenue and 227 W. Chase St. will reopen on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 3 p.m.

Before its temporary closure, Leon’s was considered the oldest continuously-operating gay bar in Baltimore and one of the oldest gay bars in the country. Its name comes from Leon Lampe, who owned the bar in the 1930s. It has operated as a gay bar since 1957.

Leon’s closed temporarily on July 15 following the death of its owner for more than 20 years, Ron Singer, on July 7 at the age of 66.

Singer left Leon’s to family members, but representatives said they needed to close temporarily while the transition to new ownership was underway.

BELLA CURRAN | ACADEMIC DEAN
The Odyssey School

Bella Curran, M.S., has been named Academic Dean of The Odyssey School while continuing to serve as the school’s Head of Early Learning. In this role, Bella will provide oversight of curriculum, professional development, and teacher training across the school. During her 10 years at Odyssey, she has also served as Assistant Lower School Head, reading and writing tutor, and summer camp director. Additionally, Bella is an active member of the Odyssey Outreach team, helping to raise awareness of dyslexia in the community.

What drew you to a career in education?
As a child, I had a deep appreciation for school, learning, and reading. Books were a source of joy and curiosity for me from an early age. My younger brother had a very different school experience, and I struggled to understand why learning seemed so challenging for him. Once he was diagnosed with dyslexia and began receiving intervention, I witnessed a remarkable transformation in both his confidence and academic success. Seeing the impact that effective instruction could have on a student’s life inspired me to pursue a career in education. I wanted to help students who face similar challenges develop the skills, confidence, and lifelong love of learning that every child deserves.

What sets your school apart?
What sets Odyssey apart is our language-rich, highly individualized approach to learning.

We believe that all teachers are teachers of language. While students receive 50 minutes of explicit reading and writing instruction each day, literacy development is woven throughout every subject—from math to science to art.

Equally important is the sense of belonging students find here. At Odyssey, each student is deeply known, valued, and understood. Our teachers recognize how each child learns, and our students are surrounded by peers who share similar experiences. Many families tell us that Odyssey is the first place their child feels truly seen as a learner.

This article is part of our 2026-2027 Guide to Baltimore Independent Schools

Last week, we shared news about a Baltimore hotel being awarded two MICHELIN Keys; the Harborplace developer’s response to residents’ lawsuit seeking to block their project; and a new location for Einstein Bros. Bagels.

Revisit the stories here:

“Baltimore hotel is awarded two MICHELIN Keys“: A Baltimore hotel was awarded two MICHELIN Keys in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide. It is the only Maryland hotel to receive the Two-Key distinction.

“Harborplace developer says citizens who filed lawsuit to block its project value ‘nostalgia for a few’ more than ‘progress for all’“: Harborplace’s owner says the city residents who filed a lawsuit this week to block its project value “nostalgia for a few” more than “progress for all,” and vowed to move ahead with its plans.

“Einstein Bros. Bagels opens new location in Laurel“: Einstein Bros. Bagels recently opened its newest location in Laurel. It is the company’s ninth Baltimore-area store.

“Hopkins graduates who stayed Baltimoreans for life: Some of the names may surprise you“: Sure, you know a Hopkins grad. But did you know THESE people were Hopkins grads? And they’re making Baltimore a better place.

“The Naked Man: Freedom of Expression in the Land of the Free“: The artist known as Ham draws attention to himself in Baltimore and New York City by showcasing nudity.

Put your local news knowledge to the test with David Conn’s Daily Dispatch Quiz.

6 questions. 90 seconds.

Today’s topics include:

• Tangier Island’s disappearing act
• A tropical fruit’s Maryland secret
• Hazmat crews descend on Towson

See how you stack up against other quiz-takers on the leaderboard.

Brag – or lament – about how much you really know in the comments below.

A free DDQ coffee mug will be awarded to each month’s Leaderboard winner, as well as anyone who refers at least three people to become subscribed players.

The Daily Dispatch Quiz has an app, too. Download it by clicking the Dispatch logo at the end of the quiz.

Shooting near Towson University not connected to campus, police say – CBS Baltimore

Ravens pull off miracle with 7-second drive to beat Cowboys in Rio – Yahoo! Sports

5 suicides in 5 weeks at Fort Meade’s Cyber Command – Baltimore Banner

Diesel reaches Towson stream after spill at Baltimore County Detention Center – WBAL News Radio

Child rescued after basement fire at Loch Raven home – FOX Baltimore/WBFF-TV

Ocean City street flooding during Nor’easter – Delmarva.now

Whether you’re looking for some spooky but family-friendly entertainment, or you want to fully lean into Halloween horror, October has so many different types of fun events.

From annual favorites like The Great Baltimore Lantern Parade and Dia de Los Muerto Festival at Patterson Park, to the first-ever Edgar Allan Row paddle event at the Inner Harbor, there’s a little treat for everyone.

Check it all out in our October events roundup:

Week of Oct. 1 through Oct. 4

Jerrell Gibbs: Come home with me, ongoing through May 7, 2027, Baltimore Museum of Art. This solo exhibition from Baltimore-based Jerrell Gibbs features about 30 paintings inspired by Gibbs’ childhood, family, friends, and the idea of home. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.

Thursday Night Fright, Thursdays, Oct. 1 through Oct. 15, doors at 6 p.m., movie at 8:05 p.m., Maryland Science Center. Three Thursdays. Three John Carpenter film classics. Celebrate the Halloween season with classic horror films on the largest indoor screen in Maryland.

New/Next Film Festival, Thursday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 4, The Charles Theatre. Presented by Baltimore Public Media, the fourth annual New/Next Film Festival will feature more than 160 films on five screens over four days. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.

ZooBoo, Friday, Oct. 2, through Saturday, Oct. 31, Maryland Zoo. Throughout the month of October, enjoy Halloween-themed activities at the zoo. There will be an inflatable corn maze, pumpkin patch, sack races, costume contests, trick-or-treating through the zoo, and more.

9^th Annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards, Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4, Lexington Market. Due to due to demolition occurring near Poe House, Poe Fest is moving Lexington Market this year. This year’s festival will feature Victoria Price, the world premiere of her father Vincent Price’s documentary, an outdoor stage with live performances and dramatic readings, the annual Black Cat Ball, and more. See the full list of festivities in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.

Mama I’m a Big Girl Now, Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4, Baltimore Center Stage. Join Kerry Butler, Laura Bell Bundy, and Marissa Jaret Winokur as they revisit the show that helped launch their careers and friendship, while singing hits from the shows that made you fall in love with them.

Maritime Magic, Friday, Oct. 2, 6.p.m, Douglass-Myers Maritime Park. Join Living Classrooms Foundation for the 38th annual Maritime Magic, benefiting Living Classrooms’ hands-on education, workforce development and community programs. Enjoy food and drinks from 50 restaurants and caterers and live music by Super Sonic Shorties with opening act The Fitzkee Brothers with Peter Levin.

Stravinsky & Prokofiev with Heyward, Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and Music Center at Strathmore. Join conductor Jonathon Heyaward and the BSO for a season opener driven by rhythm, color, and modern energy.

Power to the People, Saturday, Oct. 3, Merriweather Post Pavilion. Tom Morello presents a day of peace, love, justice, and music, featuring special guest Bruce Springsteen and live performances from Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Tom Morello, Joan Baez, Public Enemy, Stephen Stills, Jack Black, Dropkick Murphys, Cypress Hill, and more. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.

See Beyond Festival, Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Maryland School for the Blind. In its fifth year, this free community event features live music, local food trucks and vendors, and hands-on activities that encourage people of all ages and abilities to “see beyond” through adapted activities that help everyone learn about and embrace accessibility.

The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe, Saturday, Oct. 3, 5 p.m., Hippodrome Theatre. Combining neo-classical ballet and African Diaspora movement traditions, “The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe” explores the inner world of the writer behind some of America’s foundational horror stories.

The Smashing Pumpkins, Saturday, Oct. 3, doors open at 7 p.m., event begins at 8 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. Pumpkin season is in session, and what better way to celebrate than with The Smashing Pumpkins’ “The Rats In A Cage Tour.” The band will perform two sets: one commemorating the 1995 album, “Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness,” which recently marked its 30th anniversary, and another exploring the group’s career over four decades of hits, deep cuts, and fan favorites.

Outlander in Concert, Saturday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. This officially licensed concert celebrates the global phenomenon Outlander as a live orchestra performs the score against scenes from the series.

Chelsea Handler, Saturday, Oct. 3, doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Comedian, television host, and author Chelsea Handler is coming to Baltimore on The High and Mighty Tour. Handler has written seven New York Times best-selling books, including “I’ll Have What She’s Having,” which she published in February 2025.

MJ Night, Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. Presented by Club 90s, this celebration of the King of Pop will feature Michael Jackson’s biggest hits, remixes, deep cuts, and dance floor classics.

Market on Main, Sunday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hunt Valley Towne Centre. This festive fall edition of Market on Main features local makers, unique finds, good eats + sips, and autumn fun.

Week of Oct. 5 through Oct. 11

Modest Mouse, Friday, Oct. 9, 8 p.m., Pier Six Pavilion. American indie rock band Modest Band will perform at Baltimore’s Pier Six Pavilion. They released their eighth studio album, “An Eraser and a Maze,” in June 2026.

Disco Inferno: A 70’s Celebration, Friday, Oct. 9 through Sunday, Oct. 11, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and Music Center at Strathmore.

Black Celebration, Friday, Oct. 9, 9 p.m., Ottobar. Get ready to Dance with the Devil as DJs Hell O’Kitty, Jerrod Bronson and DJ Mills spin Goth, Industrial, New Wave, Soul/R&B and more. Red and black attire & devil costumes highly encouraged!

Derrick Stroup, Friday, Oct. 9, doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Alabama native stand-up comedian Derrick Stroup had his debut Netflix special “Nostalgic” premiere globally on March 10. Now, he’s coming to Baltimore to spread some laughter on his Running Hot Tour.

Top of the Morning, Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m., M&T Bank Exchange. Enjoy food, drinks, vendors, and Afro Caribbean, R&B, and hip hop music.

Edgar Allan Row, Saturday, Oct. 10, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Baltimore Blueway. Launch from anywhere along the Baltimore Blueway and row your way to Fells Point, where paddlers will gather on the water before setting out on a spooky journey through Baltimore Harbor. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.

Recital & Evensong for Indigenous Peoples Day, Saturday, Oct. 10, 4:30 p.m., St. David’s Church. Presented by Music at St. David’s, this event features a recital by New York-based tenor and clarinetist Dylan Aguayo (Taíno), followed by choral music offered by the Choir of St. David’s, including works of Kirsten Kunkle (Mvskoke), Andrew Balfour (Cree), and Charles Shadle (Choctaw). Free with suggested donation.

The Second Saturday S#!T Show feat. Ryan Neser, Saturday, Oct. 10, doors and happy hour at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Ottobar. Join host Mike Quindlen as he welcomes comedians Ryan Neser, Chris “O-Dubb” Pierce, Sandy Bernstein, Earl Elliot, and Kreg Paul to the stage.

Lewis Black, Saturday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m., Hippodrome Theatre. Grammy award-winning comedian, actor, and writer Lewis Black can be heard as the voice of “Anger” in Disney/Pixar’s “Inside Out” and “Inside Out 2.” His final comedy tour, “Goodbye Yeller Brick Road,” recently ended but he will still be performing a live show in Baltimore.

Week of Oct. 12 through Oct. 18

Great Talk – The Data Center Outrage: Can AI Survive without Data Centers? Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m., University of Baltimore. As data centers multiply across the country — consuming electricity, water, and land — Great Talk invites a panel of experts to take on the question directly: what does AI actually cost us, and can it survive without this build-out?

Alsop Conducts Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique, Thursday, Oct. 15 through Sun. Oct 18, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and Music Center at Strathmore. In recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11, Marin Alsop leads a program that opens what composer John Adams called a “memory space,” in his Pulitzer Prize-winning On the Transmigration of Souls. 

Disney on Ice, Thursday, Oct. 15, through Sunday, Oct. 18, CFG Bank Arena. Watch the magic of Disney come to life on the ice. Enjoy stories from “Zootopia 2,” “Tangled,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Toy Story,” and “Monsters, Inc.”

Movies on Main: Hocus Pocus: Thursday, Oct. 15, 6 p.m., Hunt Valley Towne Centre. Bring your crew and lawn chairs, grab a spot, and enjoy a free family-friendly film under the open sky.

Walk a Mile in My SHADES, Thursday, Oct. 15, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Blind Industries and Services of Maryland. Join BISM and community partners for a celebration in recognition of White Cane Safety Day. Enjoy food trucks, hands-on activities and demonstrations, community resources, networking, a community walk, and more while learning about blindness, independence and the important role of the white cane.

For King + Country, Thursday, Oct. 15, doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. The Grammy-award winning duo “for KING + COUNTRY” will bring new music from their forthcoming album, “The Most Beautiful Colours,” as their tour makes a stop in Baltimore.

OktoBEARfest, Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17, Maryland Zoo. Kick off the weekend with an exclusive 21+ event featuring seasonal brews, festive vibes, and wild encounters, or stop by Saturday for the beloved OktoBEARfest tradition, with unlimited sampling of 60+ seasonal brews, plus wine, seltzer, and cider. Enjoy live music, local vendors, and all-day admission to the Zoo.

Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show, Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 18, Maryland State Fairgrounds. This three-day celebration of home and garden will feature hundreds of exhibitors, local makers, home improvement experts, family-friendly experiences and celebrity guests. Read more in this Baltimore Fishbowl article.

Baltimore Running Festival, Saturday, Oct. 17, McKeldin Plaza at Inner Harbor. Explore Baltimore as you race fellow runners through the city’s streets. Whether participating in the marathon, 98 ROCK’s .05K, or an event length somewhere in between, lace up your running shoes and get going!

Different Words for Happiness, Sunday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 15, Everyman Theatre. Written by Everyman Theatre Resident Company Member Katie Kleiger, this “stirring and intimate exploration of the human heart” makes its world premiere.

Punk Rock Flea Market, Sunday, Oct. 18, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Ottobar. Bring your best ghoulfriend for an afternoon of food, drinks, vendors, weird treasures, creepy goodies, punk-rock treats, and more.

The Dillinger Escape Plan, Sunday, Oct. 18, doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., Nevermore Hall. The Dillinger Escape Plan returns to Baltimore with special guests Johnny Booth, Godeyes, and Burial Waves.

Moms Unhinged, Sunday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m., M&T Bank Exchange. Are you a mother? Do your friends and family describe you as a little (or a lot) unhinged? That’s okay! You’ll be in good company at the “Moms Unhinged” standup comedy show, featuring headliner Janae Burris as well as comedians Avril Granato and Magen King.

Week of Oct. 19 through Oct. 25

UMB Presents: Broadway in Baltimore, Monday, Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m., M&T Bank Exchange. Broadway actors Norm Lewis (“The Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Misérables”) and Felicia Curry (“Into the Woods”) will perform favorites from the Great American Broadway Songbook. Curry is also a resident company member at Everyman Theatre in Baltimore. This concert will benefit scholarships and the CURE Scholars Program at the Unviersity of Maryland, Baltimore.

Cradle of Filth, Monday, Oct. 19, doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. On the Majestic In Death II tour, Cradle of Filth will make a stop in Baltimore with Blackbraid, Worm, and Black Satellite.

Grateful Dead ‘Reckoning’ Tribute, Monday, Oct. 19, doors open at 6:30 p.m., event starts at 7:30 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings will perform music from the Grateful Dead’s acoustic live album “Reckoning,” which marks its 45th anniversary this year. They will also play other Grateful Dead classics.

Mozart Meets Latin Masters, Friday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 25, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and Music Center at Strathmore. Six-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Giancarlo Guerrero offers a journey driven by the rhythm and lyricism of Latin and Classical masters.

Trio Sirènes, Friday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m., St. David’s Church. St. David’s 2026-2027 Ensemble-in-Residence Trio Sirènes, made up of members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, present a program for Debussy Trio (flute, viola, and harp). Free with suggested donation.

Shrek Rave Swamp-O-Ween, Friday, Oct. 23, 9 p.m., Baltimore Soundstage. “Cool Is Dead, Just Come Have Fun!” 18+.

Blade Rave, Friday, Oct. 23, 9 p.m., Nevermore Hall. Step into the vampire underworld with DJS playing a mix of goth/techno/house, themed cocktails and limited blood bags, GoGo Dancers, cosplayers, a midnight bloodbath, and more. 18+.

Get The Led Out, Friday, Oct. 23, doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Philadelphia-based band Get The Led Out will pay tribute to Led Zeppelin. This “American Led Zeppelin” showcases the English rock band’s early years as well as some deeper cuts.

Mushroom City Arts Festival, Saturday, Oct. 24, 12 p.m., Carrie Murray Nature Center. Are you a fun guy? Learn about mushrooms, watch crankie performances, use air-dry clay and paper mache to make mushroom art, and enjoy other activities at the Mushroom City Art Festival.

The Great Baltimore Lantern Parade & The Dia de Los Muertos Festival, Saturday, Oct. 24, festival at 4 p.m., parade at 7 p.m., Patterson Park. With over 20 years of monumental lantern making and spectacle-creating under their belts, the diverse communities of Baltimore will gather for this annual tradition.

Journey, Saturday, Oct. 24, doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7:30 p.m., CFG Bank Arena. If you’ve always wanted to see the band Journey perform live, don’t stop believin’ now! Your chance is here as Journey brings its Final Frontier Tour to Baltimore.

Halloween Baltimore, Saturday, Oct. 24, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Maryland Science Center. Explore multiple floors of music, dancing, costumes, immersive experiences, rooftop views, and surprises as the Maryland Science Center transforms into Baltimore’s biggest Halloween party. 21+.

Sing Along Broadway, Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, M&T Bank Exchange. Sing along to Broadway’s biggest hits during this musical theater party, with selections like “Defying Gravity,” Seasons of Love,” “One Day More,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” The event will feature medleys, solos, Broadway-themed games, comedy, and plenty of opportunities for audience participation.

7th Annual Halloween Market, Sunday, Oct. 25, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Ottobar. Something wicked this way comes…30+ vendors all ready to bargain your immortal soul for cursed artifacts, handmade oddities, vintage finds, art and more!

Coco Live-to-Film Concert, Sunday, Oct. 25, 3 p.m., Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Experience Disney and Pixar’s Coco on the big screen while the Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México performs the complete score live.

Six The Musical, Sunday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 1, Hippodrome Theatre. Hear the six wives of Henry VIII tell their stories in this sensational musical.

Week of Oct. 26 through Oct. 31

The Haunted House, Wednesday, Oct. 28, doors open at 5 p.m., talk starts at 6:30 p.m., Guilford Hall Brewery. In this installment of the Profs and Pints lecture series, hear from Brittany Warman, a former instructor at Ohio State University and co-founder of The Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic. From gingerbread houses to Bly Manor, Warman will give a talk about the history of the haunted house in folklore, literature and real life.

Halloween Rally: Glow Edition, Thursday, Oct. 29, 10 p.m., Power Plant Live. Party monsters, unite! The 45th installment of this after-dark outdoor festival will be full of costumes, blacklights, inflatables, drinks, and dance music. Attendees must be age 21 or older.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Movie Screening, Thursday, Oct. 29, through Saturday, Oct. 31, M&T Bank Exchange. Watch a new 4K restoration of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” movie, complete with a live shadow cast, audience participation, costume contest, and more.

Billy Strings, Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31, CFG Bank Arena. Grammy-winning American guitarist, singer, and bluegrass musician Billy Strings is coming to Baltimore. The Michigan-raised — and now Nashville-based — musician released his most recent album, “So Much for Goodbyes,” in August 2026.

Marvin: The Marvin Gaye Musical, Friday, Oct. 30, doors open at 7 p.m., event starts at 8 p.m., Lyric Baltimore. Je’Caryous Johnson presents “Marvin: The Marvin Gaye Musical,” using Motown’s greatest hits to tell the story of Gaye’s life and artistic journey.

Psycho in Concert, Friday, Oct. 30 and Sunday, Nov. 1, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Experience the iconic thriller Psycho as the BSO performs the legendary, strings-only score live.

Pete the Cat, Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1, Baltimore Center Stage. Join Pete the Cat and second-grader Jimmy on an adventure that leads them all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus.

Einstein Bros. Bagels recently opened its newest location in Laurel. It is the company’s ninth Baltimore-area store.

The bagel and breakfast chain’s latest addition is at 3475 Laurel Fort Meade Road. The location has the brand’s new “Elevate the Morning” store design, created to be more inviting for customers who dine in and a designated mobile pick-up area for those on the go.

It will be open seven days per week from 6 a.m.– 2 p.m. with indoor seating for up to 45 people.

“Our new bakery in Laurel expands Einstein Bros. Bagels’ presence between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.,” said Adam Modzel, COO of Einstein Bros. Bagels. “Laurel’s position between two major metropolitan areas, combined with its strong residential base and commuter traffic, makes it a strategic market for our brand. This opening allows us to serve guests in the Laurel community while establishing a foundation for continued growth throughout the DMV region.”

To celebrate the new location’s opening, Einstein Bros. Bagels is offering a free Egg Sandwich with any in-bakery purchase through Oct. 22. Customers who mention promo code “9080” at checkout will get the free sandwich.

The bakery also offers catering options for corporate functions, special events, and group gatherings. Individual customers can join the Einstein Bros. Rewards program to get benefits like complimentary daily coffee and earn points redeemable for menu items.

Baltimore Choral Arts Society has named a new executive director.

Adam Frank, who joined the music nonprofit in an interim capacity earlier this year, will become its next executive director as Choral Arts prepares to open its 61st season.

“As a tenor myself, I understand firsthand the power of choral music and the connection and community that comes from singing together,” Frank said. “Baltimore Choral Arts has an extraordinary legacy, and I believe we have an exciting opportunity to build on it by bringing new audiences into the art form, expanding our commitment to music education, and deepening our connections throughout the Baltimore region.

The organization will kick off its season Oct. 18 with its “American Belonging” concert, which will feature a mix of classics and new works that explore America’s ideals and its aim of being a welcoming and resilient land that offers opportunity for all.

“‘American Belonging’ is a great example of where we are headed, and I’m thrilled to work alongside Music Director Anthony Blake Clark, our singers, board and staff to shape what comes next,” Frank said.

“Choral Arts is at an exciting point in its history, with an opportunity to build on 60 years of excellence while being more ambitious about what choral music can mean to our community,” Clark said. “Adam understands that vision and brings both the experience and leadership to help us realize it. Having him as a partner gives us the opportunity to think bigger about how we serve our audiences, singers, students and the broader Baltimore community.”

The opening concert will take place at Goucher College’s Kraushaar Auditorium. Author and WBJC host Judith Krummeck will guide audience members through the program.

It will include classics like Randall Thompson’s “Frostiana,” a setting of Robert Frost poems, as well as works by immigrant and natural-born American composers including Saunder Choi, Rich Campbell and Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw.

Tickets, starting at $25, and subscriptions are now available at the Baltimore Choral Arts Society’s website.

Frank most recently served as Managing Director of Baltimore Center Stage. Before that, he held leadership, general management, marketing and artistic roles at organizations including New York City’s Waterwell and The Public Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and the Los Angeles Music Center.

He earned his MFA in Theater Management from the Yale School of Drama (renamed the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale in 2021) and his MBA from Yale School of Management.