Handcrafted Art and Magical Ice Adventures: What's On in Baltimore Today

A Day of Creativity and Culture in Charm City

Today, Thursday, February 5, 2026, Baltimore offers a vibrant mix of traditional folk art, high-energy family entertainment, and intellectual exploration. From the start of beloved annual festivals to discounted access to the city's premier museums, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the local community today.

Baltimore Crankie Fest

The Creative Alliance kicks off one of the city’s most unique annual traditions today: the Baltimore Crankie Fest. A “crankie” is a traditional folk art form featuring a long, illustrated scroll that is “cranked” through a box while a performer provides musical accompaniment or live storytelling. This festival is the largest of its kind in the United States and showcases the work of both local and national artists. The opening performances tonight offer an intimate look at this mesmerizing handmade storytelling magic, blending visual art with folk music.

Disney On Ice: Frozen & Encanto

For families and fans of animation, the CFG Bank Arena hosts the opening day of 'Disney On Ice: Frozen & Encanto.' This immersive production brings the beloved stories of Arendelle and the Madrigal family to life through world-class ice skating, breathtaking acrobatics, and iconic sing-along moments. It is a major highlight for the city's entertainment scene this week, offering a magical experience for audiences of all ages.

The Science of Curiosity at Guilford Hall Brewery

Those looking for an evening of intellectual stimulation can head to Guilford Hall Brewery for the 'Profs & Pints' lecture series. Starting at 6:00 p.m., the session titled 'The Science of Curiosity' features local scholars discussing the biological and psychological roots of why humans crave knowledge. It is a perfect opportunity to pair a local craft beer with a deep dive into the mechanics of the human mind and the history of innovation.

Art Openings and Museum Access

• Rooted/Growing Exhibition: The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) celebrates its bicentennial with an opening reception at the Decker Gallery from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The evening includes a special live musical performance at 6:30 p.m. in collaboration with the Peabody Institute.
• Downtown Discovery Days: Today is a great time for museum hopping, as many downtown attractions—including the National Aquarium and the B&O Railroad Museum—are offering special 'Discovery Days' admission for $10 or less.
• Theater Highlights: Catch the ongoing production of 'The Great Gatsby' at the Hippodrome Theatre or August Wilson’s 'Fences' at the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, both of which have performances scheduled for this evening.