Motown Soul and Gatsby Glamour: A Cultural Sunday in Baltimore

A Day of Drama and Heritage

Baltimore's cultural calendar is packed this Sunday, February 1, 2026, offering everything from Broadway glitz to soulful musical tributes. Whether you are looking for a matinee performance or a hands-on community workshop, the city has a diverse array of options to fill your afternoon. Charm City truly comes alive today with a blend of historical reflection and contemporary artistic expression across its most iconic venues.

Spotlight on the Stage

• The Great Gatsby at the Hippodrome: Step into the Roaring Twenties with the touring production of The Great Gatsby. This theatrical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel brings the decadence and tragedy of Jay Gatsby's world to the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. Catch the matinee at 1:00 p.m. or an evening show at 6:30 p.m.
• Echoes of Motown: For those who prefer the rhythms of the 1960s, the Morgan State University Murphy Fine Arts Center is hosting Echoes of Motown: A Musical Requiem of Rhythm and Resistance at 3:00 p.m. This performance blends poetry, spoken word, and dance with the timeless music of legends like The Temptations and Diana Ross.
• Theater Closings: It is the final chance to catch two local favorites. The Vagabond Players conclude their run of The Shark is Broken, a witty behind-the-scenes look at the filming of the movie Jaws, while the Spotlighters Theatre wraps up August Wilson’s Seven Guitars. Both productions have seen strong attendance and represent the best of the city's independent theater scene.

Galleries and Music

• Baltimore Museum of Art: Today marks the final day of the immersive video installation John Akomfrah: The Hour Of The Dog. This powerful piece explores memory and social change through a six-channel video display. Additionally, visitors can still explore the widely acclaimed Amy Sherald: American Sublime exhibition, which showcases the transformative portraiture of the renowned Baltimore-based artist.
• Symphonic Afternoon: The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra takes the stage at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall at 3:00 p.m. Music Director Jonathon Heyward leads the orchestra through a program featuring works by Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich, perfect for a contemplative Sunday afternoon.

Community Workshops

• Vision Board Brunch: Start the second month of the year with intention at Baltimore Unity Hall. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., community members can gather to chart their goals for 2026. Supplies are provided for attendees to create visual representations of their aspirations in a supportive environment.
• Tamale Workshop: Head to Breath of God Lutheran Church at noon for a culinary deep dive. This workshop teaches the traditional recipes and techniques for making tamales, and participants get the chance to enjoy a meal together and take home their handmade leftovers.