The arrival of spring brings with it plenty to do in Baltimore. Let this April 2009 Baltimore calendar of events be your guide.
|| Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus ||
April 1 through April 5, 2009, varying start times
A timeless tradition, the circus is back at 1st Mariner Arena during the first week of April. Tickets range from $14 to $70, and are available online or by calling 410-547-7328.
|| Harborplace Street Performer Auditions ||
April 4, 2009, noon
Cheer on your favorite acts and support local talent by attending the tryouts. A panel of judges ultimately will decide which musicians, jugglers, magicians and other street performers will be asked to perform at the Harborplace promenade during spring and summer weekends, but the auditions are open to the public. And the price is right: free.
|| Irish Sports Clinic ||
April 5, 2009, noon
The Baltimore Gaelic Athletic Association is offering this clinic for free to both men and women interested in learning the Irish sports of hurling (a hybrid of field hockey and lacrosse) and Gaelic football (similar to soccer). Anyone interested can simply show up at Latrobe Park.
|| Wax Actual ||
April 8 through May 2, 2009. Official opening April 11, 5:00 p.m.
This art exhibit assembles work from contemporary artists who seek verisimilitude in their paintings through the inherent qualities of wax. The exhibit is displayed at the Amalie Rothschild Gallery, upstairs at the Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave.
|| Picasso's Early Years ||
April 11, 2009, 3:00 p.m.
As part of the Baltimore Museum of Art's special exhibit, A Circus Family: Picasso to Leger, learn how Picasso's early circus paintings informed his famous Cubist works later in his career. National Gallery Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Harry Cooper delivers this free talk. For more information, call 443-573-1832.
|| 2009 NISL Championship Game ||
April 11, 2009, 7:35 p.m.
We don't yet know who will come to Baltimore to take on the Blast in the 2009 National Indoor Soccer League Championship, but we do know it will be held at 1st Mariner Arena. The Blast earned home-field advantage thanks to their top regular season record. The team has won four of the last six league crowns. Tickets range from $16 to $30.
|| Spirit of Baltimore Easter Cruise ||
April 12, 2009, 12:30 p.m.
Looking for a different activity this Easter Sunday? Try an Easter cruise aboard the Spirit of Baltimore. Tickets include a buffer and breathtaking views of the city, harbor, and bay. They are $44.90 ($22.45 for children ages 3 to 11), and can be purchased by calling 866-312-2469.
|| Privateer Day ||
April 18, 2009, 10:00 a.m.
Argggggh! (That's the sound a pirate makes, isn't it?) Fells Point is invaded by pirates during this annual event, which includes both family and adult activities. The ship Fearless will be docked on the Ann Street Pier, and will offer a free story time for the young ones at 10:30 a.m. At noon there are more stories in Broadway Square, and the festivities continue through the 7:00 p.m. adult "Bring your own grog" cruise. Many Fells Point bars get in on the action, offering specials Friday and during Saturday night's Pyrate Invasion pub crawl.
|| March For the Animals ||
April 19, 2009, 10 a.m.
This 14th annual 1.5-mile walk-a-thon benefits the Maryland SPCA. Registration for the event at Druid Hill Park begins at 9 a.m. The day features prizes for the top walkers, a mysterious origin contest, a pet costume contest, and doggie musical chairs. There will be training tips, an agility course, and a demonstration by Mid-Atlantic Disc Dogs.
|| Thomas the Tank ||
April 24-26, 2009, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wildly popular Thomas the Tank Engine is coming to the B&O Railroad Museum. Kids and their families can take a ride on this 15-ton replica of the star of the children's series. The ride takes about 25 minutes, and tickets are $18 for ages 2 and up. They are available online or by calling 866-468-7630.
|| City Paper Brew Fest ||
April 25, 2009, 1:00 p.m.
The venerable Baltimore alternative newspaper throws its 13th annual Brew Fest at Broadway Square in Fells Point. More than 50 beers are available, along with food and live entertainment by the Fashionably Late. Tickets are $30 and available online or by calling 410-523-2300.
