A Date with John Waters, Classic Soul, and Zoo Romance: What’s On in Baltimore Today

Celebrate Charm City This Valentine’s Day

It is Saturday, February 14, 2026, and Baltimore is buzzing with a diverse array of events ranging from operatic history and cult-classic comedy to soul-stirring concerts and unique animal encounters. Whether you are looking for a romantic evening or a deep dive into local culture, today’s schedule offers something for everyone.

Morning & Afternoon Highlights

• Roots and Resonance: An Operatic Love Letter to Baltimore: Starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, this collaborative program with the Jewish Museum of Maryland explores the shared history of Black and Jewish communities through music. The event features a panel of scholars and a recital by acclaimed opera singer Daniel Rich.
• Nevermore, My Valentine Tour: From 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Baltimore Visitor Center hosts a unique Edgar Allan Poe-themed bus tour. Participants will visit the historic Carroll Mansion for a candlelight toast and conclude with a special reading at Poe’s final resting place.
• Baltimore Crankie Festival: The 12th annual festival continues today at the Creative Alliance. This celebration of “crankies”—hand-cranked scrolling panoramas—blends visual art with folk music and storytelling for an intimate, fireside-style experience.

Evening Entertainment

• A Date with John Waters: Spend your Valentine's evening with Baltimore’s own “Pope of Trash.” John Waters takes the stage at Baltimore Soundstage at 8:00 p.m. for his legendary one-man show, offering a filthy and funny look at his creative process and life in the city.
• New Edition Way 2026 Tour: For soul and R&B fans, the CFG Bank Arena hosts a massive concert featuring New Edition with special guests Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton. The show begins at 8:00 p.m. and promises a night of classic hits.
• RENT in Concert: The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra presents a symphonic version of the hit musical “Rent” at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The performance starts at 8:00 p.m., bringing the iconic rock opera to life with full orchestral backing.
• Sex at the Zoo: From 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Maryland Zoo offers an intellectually stimulating look at the animal kingdom's courtship rituals. This adult-only event includes an open bar, live jazz, and encounters with zoo residents.

Art & Community Meetups

For those looking for a more hands-on experience, Baltimore Clayworks is hosting the "Teapots XI" exhibition throughout the day. Additionally, local markets and specialty dinners, such as the Valentine’s Day Dinner atop the Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor, provide plenty of options for a memorable Saturday in the city.