Spend the day exploring one of Baltimore’s greatest treasures! Join naturalist Anne Draddy, author of Druid Hill Park: The Heart of Baltimore, for a leisurely adventure through the winding paths, hidden stories, and natural beauty of Charm City’s beloved 476-acre oasis. Along the way, gather leaves, flowers, and found treasures to transform into your own striking cyanotype print with artist Jennifer Yablonski. Using this 180-year-old photographic process, you’ll create beautiful blue-and-white artworks inspired by your discoveries. After getting creative, relax with a picnic lunch in a shady park pavilion and enjoy good conversation with fellow explorers.
This performance troupe brings together Latin American teens to encourage self-expression and promote team building through traditional Mexican and Latin American dance.
Located at Creative Alliance Creativity Center, youth create awe-inspiring artwork. We teach students creative problem-solving techniques and use the arts to develop critical thinking skills. Teaching hands-on art projects, cooking, movement, tours through our galleries, and visits with CA resident artists.
Learn to move like you mean it. This class breaks down the art of heels performance — from commanding walks and sharp choreography to the kind of stage presence that stops a room. Students will cover heel technique and footwork, performance styling and body movement, choreography fundamentals, and how to perform with confidence and intention. Whether you've never worn a heel on stage or you're ready to sharpen your skills, this class meets you exactly where you are.
Step into the world of classic burlesque — where glamour, history, and self-expression meet. In this introductory workshop, Aquarius Moon guides you through the foundational techniques of the art form while celebrating the rich legacy of burlesque performance. Students will cover classic bumps, grinds, and shimmies, the showgirl stance and stage presence, and how to strut like a true burlesque queen. Each session focuses on a signature technique and prop — come prepared!
This performance troupe brings together Latin American teens to encourage self-expression and promote team building through traditional Mexican and Latin American dance.
Capoeira is a dynamic Brazilian art form that blends self-defense, acrobatics, and dance. It helps improve balance, coordination, and physical strength while introducing participants to a different language and culture. Practiced with music and rhythm, Capoeira encourages learning through movement in an engaging and energetic way. Classes are beginner and family-friendly. Each class in the series you learn a new skill. Come yourself, or bring the whole family and enjoy moving together!
Olé, mole! Celebrate the coming of Fall with an authentic Oaxacan mole dinner (meat and vegetarian options) hosted by renowned Baltimore artist and long time Creative Alliance Supporter Lois Borgenicht in her gracious Roland Park home. Following dinner, tour Lois’ distinguished collection, including work by Milton Avery and Max Beckmann, who were represented by her mother, former NYC gallery owner Grace Borgenicht, and see other modern masters such as Corinth, Matisse, Derain, Davis, and Hartley.
Martin Sexton tours in support the 25th anniversary of Live Wide Open - the critically-acclaimed double vinyl live album. The show will include these fan-favorites as well as some new material and surprise covers.
Learn classic and modern Middle Eastern style belly dance. Both a social dance and a form of entertainment, belly dance is a great way to meet amazing people and learn about Egyptian history and culture. Pick up the foundational moves and vocabulary of belly dance, while learning about ethics, etiquette, music, and history of belly dance. And be ready to MOVE! We'll explore isolations, spatial awareness, strength, flexibility, and some use of props. All experience levels welcome!
The festival kicks off with a celebration of the weird and twisted side of Baltimore area’s burlesque and variety scene. Expect to be both titillated and uncomfortable at the same time, in the most delicious way possible. The following night, masquerade with us through the eerie ambiance on Saturday night. Don your finest attire and join the sinister mischief makers and the dreamers as we take you on a journey into all that is dark and whimsy. Let us entice you and titillate your senses with bewitching acts of burlesque, belly dance, sideshow, circus, and drag! Stick around after the show for a dance party with DJ Villainess as she spins dark beats and hypnotic rhythms.
Salons during the Harlem Renaissance were vital, intimate gatherings hosted in private homes and social spaces. They provided sanctuary for Black intellectuals, artists, and LGBTQ+ figures to share their work, debate politics, and shape the "New Negro" movement. These safe havens were crucial in launching the careers of iconic figures like Zora Neale Hurston, Countee Cullen, Alain Locke, and Jean Toomer.
Movies in the Lounge is a launchpad for emerging and mid-career filmmakers, providing not just a screen, but an engaged community eager to discover new voices and participate in meaningful dialogue about cinema.
Ever wonder how latex clothing is made? Wanted to feel latex against your body? Or just wanted to look shiny? Hosted by NYC burlesque performer and producer
Calamity Chang, Shine Onstage: Make Your Own Latex Bra, is a beginner-friendly DIY workshop where you’ll learn the basics of creating your own latex clothing in a fun, supportive environment.
Come Monkey around with the award winning Primate himself, The Evil Hate Monkey! In this class you will be led through a series of theater type games that will help you break down your inhibitions, get out of your head and be free to discover new possibilities. There will be an emphasis on working with props, whether it’s a boa, a glove, a shoe or even a banana, there is always room to see that prop/costume piece in a different perspective.
Whether you perform burlesque, drag, circus, comedy, music, magic, or another variety art, this workshop is designed to help you create a polished, memorable act that stands out on the festival stage. Join Maria Bella, producer of The Charm City Burlesque & Variety Festival, for an insider's look at what producers and selection committees actually look for—from concept, pacing, music, and storytelling to professionalism, applications, and common mistakes that can cost performers a spot.
Explore the magic of sound and clay in this hands-on, intergenerational rattle-making workshop for children ages 7+ and their parents or caregivers. Together, participants will discover ancient musical instruments of the Americas and explore how rattles have long been used for storytelling, celebration, and connection across cultures and time.
Join Victor Bennett of Wildside Nursery, who has built his nursery around propagating native plants from the local population, as he shares ideas of how to make our spaces more usable for people, pollinators and other wildlife. Enjoy thoughtfully prepared light fare and drinks while learning from Victor in the warm, historic atmosphere of Manor Mill, which has been painstakingly restored over the last five years by Creative Alliance supporter Angelo Otterbein.
Enjoy a guided tour through Manor Mill's native gardens, offering insights into plant selection, habitat creation, and sustainable landscaping practices you can bring home to your own yard. The evening culminates in a hands-on activity – a fun, interactive way to connect with the natural world and your fellow guests. Come for the knowledge, stay for the community, and leave inspired to transform your space into a native habitat.
Abbondanza—the Italian word for abundance—is more than a meal; it's a celebration of family, culture, and connection. Gather around the table as chef Francesca Gallucci prepares a generous five-course family feast inspired by cherished traditions and the stories that travel with us. Through food, conversation, and familial memories shaped by her work and travels in Utah, Francesca explores how place and family nourish both artists and communities. Creative Alliance Trustee Antoinette Peele; and fine artist, portrait photographer and photojournalist Schaun Champion will discuss their work honoring the living relationship between artist, family, and culture. Come for the feast, stay for the conversation, and leave with your heart and your stomach full.
Looking to upgrade the normal offerings of Sunday Family Dinner? Join renowned Chef Idalee DiGregorio in the bucolic home of Dawna Cobb and Joe Meyerhoff. Learning to cook new foods has never been more fun and engaging with Chef Idalee's unique style of teaching. Bring friends and family as you work in groups of 4 to prepare a 4-course Thai feast including Green Papaya Salad, Drunken Noodles with beef, Green Curry with chicken or tofu, and Mango Sticky Rice. Keep refreshed with Tsingha beer and Thai Iced Tea as you surprise yourself with the incredible food you made!
This performance troupe brings together Latin American teens to encourage self-expression and promote team building through traditional Mexican and Latin American dance.
Located at Creative Alliance Creativity Center, youth create awe-inspiring artwork. We teach students creative problem-solving techniques and use the arts to develop critical thinking skills. Teaching hands-on art projects, cooking, movement, tours through our galleries, and visits with CA resident artists.
Embrace your imagination in this stylized character design and development class! Come ready to hone your creativity, dream up fantastical characters, and watch them come to life as you draw them.
With a focus on illustration, anime, and comic books, you can unlock new styles and techniques OR hone your own unique style under the guidance of professional artist and dreamer Lydia Ethem.
This performance troupe brings together Latin American teens to encourage self-expression and promote team building through traditional Mexican and Latin American dance.
Capoeira is a dynamic Brazilian art form that blends self-defense, acrobatics, and dance. It helps improve balance, coordination, and physical strength while introducing participants to a different language and culture. Practiced with music and rhythm, Capoeira encourages learning through movement in an engaging and energetic way. Classes are beginner and family-friendly. Each class in the series you learn a new skill. Come yourself, or bring the whole family and enjoy moving together!
This monthly program will be sharing ways to meet the challenges of daily life by staying connected to our choices without reacting to people and situations. This is an opportunity to discover well-being within your body and mind regardless of your situation. On alternating months, the program will be done in Spanish.
Learn classic and modern Middle Eastern style belly dance. Both a social dance and a form of entertainment, belly dance is a great way to meet amazing people and learn about Egyptian history and culture. Pick up the foundational moves and vocabulary of belly dance, while learning about ethics, etiquette, music, and history of belly dance. And be ready to MOVE! We'll explore isolations, spatial awareness, strength, flexibility, and some use of props. All experience levels welcome!
Join soprano Natanya Sheva Washer and guitarist Sean Brennan for an evening rooted in connection and compassion – celebrating the underrepresented voices of the Americas. From the lyrical depth of African American composers Harry Burleigh and Rosephanye Powell to the beloved melodies of Mexican composers Maria Grever and Consuelo Velazquez, the repertoire bridges histories and traditions. These works speak across borders and generations, reminding us that loving our neighbor begins with listening – deeply and respectfully – to one another's stories. The setting will be the classic formal spaces of a well-preserved Bolton Hill “Grand Dame.” Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks are provided as you explore the less heard sounds of these incredible musicians.
The art of cocktail making dates back thousands of years through 85% of the known cultures on the planet. Join Creative Alliance Deputy Director Alec Lawson and the Creative Alliance Hospitality Manager Ann Weaver with a journey through the history of bourbon as they craft 8 cocktails to sample. Learn about the complex history of bourbon while being entertained with historical trivia. Suzan Garabedian hosts the event in her historic Federal Hill home with seasonal heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
For 27 years our community has been making Baltimore shine. Come create your favorite Patterson Park animal lantern with us! Maybe a duck, squirrel, or Oriole bird? We can’t wait to see what you’ll create. Bring your lantern back to our spectacular parade on Saturday, October 24th (rain date: October 25th) and you can shine bright through the night!
School of Magic Arts celebrates our favorite holiday with our popular Potions Workshop! Take a slightly spooky, slightly silly journey into the world of chemical-reaction-based stage magic. We’ll be making astonishing potions that grow, vanish, and even do color changes. Your monsters will be the hit of the block as they show off their new skills for Halloween!
This performance troupe brings together Latin American teens to encourage self-expression and promote team building through traditional Mexican and Latin American dance.
Located at Creative Alliance Creativity Center, youth create awe-inspiring artwork. We teach students creative problem-solving techniques and use the arts to develop critical thinking skills. Teaching hands-on art projects, cooking, movement, tours through our galleries, and visits with CA resident artists.
Have you ever had an idea on how to make a game better or want to see what games are like before they reach your shelf? If you've ever played a game and thought "This would be better if . . ." then you would love playtesting with Break My Game!
Born 1986 on the island of São Nicolau and singing ever since, Lucibela's assured, warm voice is formed from years of assimilation of the sounds of morna and coladera. She began performing with a band while at the high school, later going on to sing in hotels in Boa Vista, entertaining tourists, performing songs made famous by the great singers of Cabo Verde such as Cesária Évora, Titina or Bana; songs that she knew by heart and made her own. In 2012, she moved to Praia, soon attracting attention in the city's music venues, finally making a breakthrough at the 2017 Atlantic Music Expo, leading to invitations to Belgium and Lisbon, where she recorded her debut album with producer Toy Vieira, Cesária Évora's musical director, furthering her aim of carrying on the great diva's legacy.
This performance troupe brings together Latin American teens to encourage self-expression and promote team building through traditional Mexican and Latin American dance.
After six weeks of mastering the fundamentals of improv comedy, these students are ready to take the stage! Join us for a night of spontaneous comedy as these newfound performers put everything they've learned into action. Come out and support local comedy!
Capoeira is a dynamic Brazilian art form that blends self-defense, acrobatics, and dance. It helps improve balance, coordination, and physical strength while introducing participants to a different language and culture. Practiced with music and rhythm, Capoeira encourages learning through movement in an engaging and energetic way. Classes are beginner and family-friendly. Each class in the series you learn a new skill. Come yourself, or bring the whole family and enjoy moving together!
Bechdel Cast Ten Year “Whoops We Didn’t Dismantle the Patriarchy” Anniversary Tour
It’s been ten years, and we can still remember the fresh podcast. The recording equipment had never been used. The movies had never been watched. The Bechdel Cast was called “The Show of Dreams”… and it was, it really was!
Join hosts Jamie Loftus and Caitlin Durante for a LIVE SHOW celebrating their TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY of hosting The Bechdel Cast!
Learn classic and modern Middle Eastern style belly dance. Both a social dance and a form of entertainment, belly dance is a great way to meet amazing people and learn about Egyptian history and culture. Pick up the foundational moves and vocabulary of belly dance, while learning about ethics, etiquette, music, and history of belly dance. And be ready to MOVE! We'll explore isolations, spatial awareness, strength, flexibility, and some use of props. All experience levels welcome!
This year marks the fourth year of Unidos En El Arte, Creative Alliance's annual exhibition celebrating Latino artists in Baltimore and beyond. What began as a single show has grown into a tradition, one built on supportive relationships between artists, families, and neighbors in Highlandtown and across the city. The exhibition brings together work that merges craft and fine art, honoring both heritage and experimentation. Join us for the grand opening on October 16 at 6pm and stay for the artist talk at 7pm, because Unidos has never been just an exhibition. It is a community that shows up for its artists.
This year marks the fourth year of Unidos En El Arte, Creative Alliance's annual exhibition celebrating Latino artists in Baltimore and beyond. What began as a single show has grown into a tradition, one built on supportive relationships between artists, families, and neighbors in Highlandtown and across the city. The exhibition brings together work that merges craft and fine art, honoring both heritage and experimentation. Join us for the grand opening on October 16 at 6pm and stay for the artist talk at 7pm, because Unidos has never been just an exhibition. It is a community that shows up for its artists.
Forget your to-do list and come dance. DJs Kempton Ingersol, Guy Flynn, and Terry Thompson are bringing the soundtrack for an unforgettable night at The Loom at Meadow Mill. Think chic vibes, flowing cocktails, throwback favorites, and a packed dance floor inside one of Baltimore's historic mill buildings. Need a break? Step outside to the patio, grab a snack, and hang by the fire before diving back into the music. It's the perfect excuse to gather your crew, put on something fun, and dance the stress away.
Danny Joe’s Tree House invites families to slow down and engage with our play-based stories that provide valuable opportunities to deepen social-emotional learning and media literacy. As a preschool teacher, Danny Joe cares deeply about empowering kids with critical-thinking skills and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Explore the magic of sound and clay in this hands-on, intergenerational rattle-making workshop for children ages 7+ and their parents or caregivers. Together, participants will discover ancient musical instruments of the Americas and explore how rattles have long been used for storytelling, celebration, and connection across cultures and time.
Explora la magia del sonido y la arcilla en este taller práctico e intergeneracional de creación de sonajas para niños a partir de los 7 años, junto con sus padres, madres o cuidadores. Juntos, los participantes descubrirán antiguos instrumentos musicales de las Américas y explorarán cómo las sonajas se han utilizado durante mucho tiempo para contar historias, celebrar y crear vínculos a través de las culturas y el tiempo.
Grab a drink and create your favorite Patterson Park animal lantern with us! Drink Specials! Halloween Dance Music! Horror Films! And Lanterns Galore! Adults only for this class. Come hang out and have fun.
Step inside Martin Knott’s Mount Vernon home for a one-of-a-kind evening where music, art, and stories come together. This remarkable home is also a living gallery, filled with vintage instruments, striking artwork, and a jaw-dropping collection of original Grateful Dead concert posters spanning the band’s legendary career. Sip cocktails, enjoy an intimate performance by Baltimore’s own Brandon Woody, savor a delicious dinner, and explore every colorful corner while swapping stories with fellow guests. The night culminates with a final set from Brandon, making for an unforgettable evening of sound, conversation, and creative energy.
In this fun and engaging day-long course, you will be introduced to the world of the tarot, a centuries-old system of divination and self-knowledge. You will learn how to read the cards through a simple, highly visual system and get direct, hands-on experience from a knowledgeable professional instructor. Best of all, there is no memorization required—just a willingness to engage with these powerful symbols through your active imagination.
For 27 years our community has been making Baltimore shine. Come create your favorite Patterson Park animal lantern with us! Maybe a duck, squirrel, or Oriole bird? We can’t wait to see what you’ll create. Bring your lantern back to our spectacular parade on Saturday, October 24th (rain date: October 25th) and you can shine bright through the night!
This performance troupe brings together Latin American teens to encourage self-expression and promote team building through traditional Mexican and Latin American dance.
Located at Creative Alliance Creativity Center, youth create awe-inspiring artwork. We teach students creative problem-solving techniques and use the arts to develop critical thinking skills. Teaching hands-on art projects, cooking, movement, tours through our galleries, and visits with CA resident artists.
This performance troupe brings together Latin American teens to encourage self-expression and promote team building through traditional Mexican and Latin American dance.
For 27 years our community has been making Baltimore shine. Come create your favorite Patterson Park animal lantern with us! Maybe a duck, squirrel, or Oriole bird? We can’t wait to see what you’ll create. Bring your lantern back to our spectacular parade on Saturday, October 24th (rain date: October 25th) and you can shine bright through the night!
This drop-in figure drawing course is suitable for all skill levels. Untrained new artists will learn multiple approaches to figure drawing while seasoned artists will have the opportunity to hone their skills and further train their eye. Each class will feature a nude model and begin with quick gesture poses. The remaining time will be spent on the artistry of longer poses. The goal is to train all artists to more quickly and fluidly capture the gesture of the entire figure.
Food has long carried political meaning, and its significance in revolutionary America is no exception. Join art and culinary historian Nancy Siegel to uncover a richly layered story in which meals, ingredients, and even kitchenware helped Americans define what democracy should look—and taste—like. From tea boycotts and homemade Liberty Tea to Washington Pie and Election Cake, ordinary foods became vehicles for protest, persuasion, and celebration in the years surrounding the Revolution and the Early Republic. The setting is the original 1846 Cedarcroft farmhouse, and the program, which includes revolutionary food tasting, is based on Nancy’s forthcoming book, "Political Appetites: The Power of Food in Revolutionary America" and the documentary "Feeding the American Revolution."
A one-of-a-kind experience curated, performed, and prepared by two of Baltimore's most creative women. Experience the food artistry of Sylva Lin’s Culinary Architecture and the imaginative artistry of Kelly Jo Chartier’s In the Dark Circus Arts, which will entertain guests with their in-house circus arts performance company and school members on contemporary circus apparatuses. Explore a delicious landscape of grazing tables and thoughtfully selected wines, paired to enhance the performance. An immersive evening where food, wine, and art come together to delight the senses.
You Had To Be There is the stand-up comedy tour that’s been selling out theaters across the country, and now Charles McBee is bringing it to Baltimore. In this hilarious night of nostalgia, Charles takes audiences back to the 80s and 90s before smartphones, social media, and group chats ran our lives.
With over 20 years of monumental lantern making and spectacle-creating under their belts, the diverse communities of Baltimore come together each year to create The Great Baltimore Lantern Parade and Festival in Patterson Park!
This performance troupe brings together Latin American teens to encourage self-expression and promote team building through traditional Mexican and Latin American dance.
Located at Creative Alliance Creativity Center, youth create awe-inspiring artwork. We teach students creative problem-solving techniques and use the arts to develop critical thinking skills. Teaching hands-on art projects, cooking, movement, tours through our galleries, and visits with CA resident artists.
Learn to move like you mean it. This class breaks down the art of heels performance — from commanding walks and sharp choreography to the kind of stage presence that stops a room. Students will cover heel technique and footwork, performance styling and body movement, choreography fundamentals, and how to perform with confidence and intention. Whether you've never worn a heel on stage or you're ready to sharpen your skills, this class meets you exactly where you are.
Step into the world of classic burlesque — where glamour, history, and self-expression meet. In this introductory workshop, Aquarius Moon guides you through the foundational techniques of the art form while celebrating the rich legacy of burlesque performance. Students will cover classic bumps, grinds, and shimmies, the showgirl stance and stage presence, and how to strut like a true burlesque queen. Each session focuses on a signature technique and prop — come prepared!
This performance troupe brings together Latin American teens to encourage self-expression and promote team building through traditional Mexican and Latin American dance.
Oyster/ Scallop Shell painting and decoupage- Create some beautiful items for your home decor in this easy to make craft! Participants can use 3 shells to either paint or decoupage. The instructor will seal your favorite 2 shells with resin (the other shell will be sealed with mod podge.)
Over six weeks, you will develop the core skills needed to host and perform a professional showcase of improv comedy. Highwire Improv's expert instructors will be with you every step of the way, holding the space to make silly choices, explore comedy, and learn how to create art together. By the end of the class, you will be an ensemble ready to host and put on a full student showcase!
Looking for a cozy, creative way to spend your evening? Join us for Craft & Cinema Night, a relaxed get-together where we’ll unwind with a great movie and bring our current craft projects to life. Whether you knit, crochet, embroider, sketch, or just like to keep your hands busy, this is the perfect chance to meet fellow makers, share some laughs, and enjoy a film in good company. The lights will stay on low in the theater so you can comfortably see your craft while watching. All skill levels (and movie lovers) welcome! Bring your own craft supplies.
Step into a haunted dance floor filled with the best dark sounds of the '80s and '90s. From The Cure and Siouxsie to Nine Inch Nails and Garbage, we'll be spinning goth, darkwave, synth-pop, industrial, and alternative dance classics all night long.
