Yup, 2014 just came to a close, but don't let the pages of your new 2015 calendar stay white for long. There's plenty of events (some old favorites, some brand-new) lined up to make sure this year will be as exciting as the last. Save these dates - and for more upcoming events, or to submit your event, check out our new events database at baltimoresun.com/events.
January
Baltimore County Restaurant Week
Keep your belly and your wallet full by eating out at some of your favorite restaurants off of prix fixe menus. Jan. 9-24. Restaurants throughout Baltimore County. baltimorecountyrestaurantweek.com.
Mo'Nique and Friends Live
Join one of Woodlawn's funniest natives, Mo'Nique, for a night of laughs that could combat any winter blues. 8 p.m. Jan. 10. $42.50-$62.50. Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St. france-merrickpac.com.
'Dancing With the Stars' Live
From the TV screen to Baltimore. Catch some of your favorite “DWTS” personalities performing live. 8 p.m. Jan. 14. $35-$75. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. lyricoperahouse.com.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Celebrate the life of the iconic civil rights leader by watching marching bands, decorative floats and much more at the 15th annual parade. Noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 19. Free. Starts at intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Eutaw Street. bop.org.
Jay Leno
The former late night funnyman comes to Baltimore to perform some of his classic stand-up comedy. 8 p.m. Jan. 22. $45-$200. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. lyricoperahouse.com.
Jason Alexander
Before Alexander was George Costanza he was a Broadway song-and-dance man. Watch him engage in the world of musical theater again. Jan. 23-25. $45-$95. Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. bsomusic.org.
Polar Bear Plunge
Join or watch thousands of participants plunge into freezing cold water to benefit Special Olympics Maryland. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Jan. 24. Registration donations start at $50. Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E. College Parkway, Annapolis. plungemd.com.
Chris Brown/Trey Songz
Enjoy the smooth vocals and lyrics of Chris Brown and Trey Songz on their Between the Sheets Tour, with special guest Tyga. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31. $49.75-$99.75. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. royalfarmsarena.com.
Orioles Fanfest
Talk about fan appreciation! Attend forums, browse booths and even have the opportunity to meet your favorite Orioles. It's Jan. 31, with hours and price TBA. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. orioles.com.
February
Comedian Katt Williams
Either with a date or flying solo, fill Valentine's Day with laughter. 8 p.m. Feb. 14. $48-$128. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W Baltimore St. royalfarmsarena.com.
Cupid's Undie Run
Don't be shy! Join hundreds of participants running through the city in their underwear to raise money for the Children's Tumor Foundation. Doors open noon Feb. 14; run starts at 2 p.m.. Registration $40-$55. Meet at Luckies Tavern at Power Plant Live, 10 Market Place. cupidsundierun.com.
American Craft Council Show
Crafts, crafts and more crafts. Explore the handmade work of over 650 artists, all under one roof. Feb. 20-22. $14-$36. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. shows.craftcouncil.org/baltimore.
Absolutely Febulous
From Feb. 15 to 28, expect Baltimore Restaurant Week deals ($20-$30 at participating eateries) as well as deals on hotels, museums and more. absolutelyfebulous.com.
Monster Jam
Bring the whole family out to watch monster trucks get down and dirty in various expeditions. Feb. 27-March 1. $20-$60. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W Baltimore St. royalfarmsarena.com.
March
Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival
Brace your belly for this triple-threat weekend of beer drinking, bourbon tasting and barbecue eating. March 13-14. $25-$196. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. beerandbourbon.com.
Baltimore Spring Fest
Spring into spring with Keith Sweat, Ginuwine and more. 7:30 p.m. March 14. $45.50-$69.50. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W Baltimore St. royalfarmsarena.com.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Hit the streets in your most festive green attire. March 15. Time TBA. Free. Starts at staging area at the Washington Monument and continues through Pratt Street and Market Place. irishparade.net.
Ledisi/Raheem DeVaughn
Singer and actress Ledisi's sultry voice will be joined by DeVaughn and Leela James. 7:30 p.m. March 15. $35-$85. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. lyricoperahouse.com.
April
‘Wicked'
Drift away to the land of Oz in the hit musical about a time before Dorothy. April 1-26. $37.50-$157.50. Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N Eutaw St. france-merrickpac.com.
Baltimore Tattoo Arts Convention
Mix, mingle and talk (or get) tats with enthusiasts from all over the place, including stars from TV shows “Ink Master” and “L.A. Ink.” April 10-12. $20-$40. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. villainarts.com.
Orioles home opener
Crack open a Natty Boh and sit back to watch the O's take on the Blue Jays. 3:05 p.m. April 10. Camden Yards, 333 W. Camden St. orioles.com.
Fells Point Privateer Festival
Aye, aye, captain! It's the festival's 11th year. April 18-19. Throughout Fells Point. fellspointmainstreet.org.
‘The Price is Right'
Will you be the one to “come on down”? Catch the classic game show live. 7:30 p.m. April 21. $28-$48. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. lyricoperahouse.com.
BMA's Wurtzburger African Art Gallery/Asian Art Galleries reopen
Embrace culture at these two renovated spaces. Both reopen April 26. Free. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. artbma.org.
May
FlowerMart
Pick up flower and garden accessories from dozens of vendors while enjoying gourmet food vendors and live entertainment. May 1-2. Parks surrounding Washington Monument and Mount Vernon Place. flowermart.org.
AVAM Kinetic Sculpture Race
Human-powered sculptures trek through the streets, mud and harbor waters. 10 a.m. May 2. Free for spectators. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway. avam.org.
Maryland Film Festival
Watch a slew of original and eclectic films from all over the world over five days. May 6-10. Various prices and locations. md-filmfest.com.
Iggy Azalea
Ms. “Fancy” brings her Great Escape Tour to town. With Nick Jonas, Tinashe and DJ Wizz Kidd. 7:30 p.m. May 13. $39.50-$69.50. Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. royalfarmsarena.com.
Wine in the Woods
Enjoy gourmet treats, live bands and wine tasting. Go on, you deserve it! 11 a.m. May 16-17. Price TBD. 5950 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia. wineinthewoods.com.
Preakness
Place your bets on the underdog or the fan favor- ite, or just go have a good time during InfieldFest at this annual horse race and live music extravaganza. Gates open 8 a.m. May 16. InfieldFest tickets are $80 until April, $90 in May. Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave. preakness.com.
Maryland Deathfest
Jam out to over 80 different metal bands at this year's festival. Various times. May 21-24. Single-day tickets start at $25. Rams Head Live, Edison Lot and Baltimore Soundstage. marylanddeathfest.com.
June
John Mellencamp
Mellencamp returns to Baltimore for his Plain Spoken Tour. 7:30 p.m. June 12. $39.50-$129.50. Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. lyricoperahouse.com.
Honfest
Celebrate the endearing goodness of honoring historic, working-class Baltimore. Peruse the streets with hundreds of '60s-era styled Hons. June 13-14. Free. Streets surrounding 36th Street, Hampden. honfest.net.
Latinofest
Immerse yourself in Hispanic culture by dancing the day away, trying classic dishes and admiring art. Date, times and prices TBD (usually third week of June). Patterson Park. latinofest.org.
African American Festival
Mix culture, empowerment seminars and live performances and what do you get? A great time. Celebrity appearances and times TBD. June 20-21. Free. Camden Yards Lots B and C between Camden Yards and M&T Bank stadium, 1101 Russell St. africanamericanfestival.net.
July
Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration
Mark our country's birth with fireworks and live entertainment at the Inner Harbor. Visitors can also picnic at the World Observation Level while viewing the display. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. July 4. Free. bop.org.
Idina Menzel
Hear the voice behind Disney's “Frozen” and the Broadway musical “Wicked” perform during Menzel's world tour. 8 p.m. July 8. $50.25-$122.75. Hippodrome Theatre, 12 N. Eutaw St. france-merrickpac.com.
Caribbean Carnival
Experience the tastes, sites, and vibe of the Caribbean culture with a parade, food and craft vendors and entertainment. Date TBD (usually second week of July). Times and prices TBD. Lake Clifton Park, 2701 St. Lo Drive. dccarnival.org.
Artscape
Join the masses for America's largest free arts festival with exhibits of sculpture, photography, and live performances. July 17-19. Various locations. artscape.org.
Otakon
Anime fans flock to this three-day convention to celebrate East Asian popular culture. July 24-26. Ticket prices TBD. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. otakon.com.
Baltimore Pride
Show your support for Baltimore's LGBT community. Free. July 25 in Mount Vernon, July 26 in Druid Hill Park. baltimorepride.org.
August
BronyCon
Catered to Bronies (superfans of the new cartoon version of “My Little Pony”) of all ages, this convention includes vendors, live entertainment, actor and artist talks and more. August 7-9. Times and ticket prices TBD. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. bronycon.org.
One Direction
The English lads bring their energetic dance-pop sound to Baltimore in their On the Road Again Tour. 7 p.m. Aug. 8. $39.50-$109.50. M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St. livenation.com.
Baltimore Fashion Week
For its eighth annual production season, budding artists and designers prove that fashion is also art. Aug. 14-16. Various locations and ticket prices. baltimore-fashionweek.com.
Hot August Music Festival
Enjoy a diverse collection of bands in the summer heat. Lineup TBD. Aug. 15. Times and ticket prices TBD. Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Road. Cockeysville. hotaugustmusicfestival.com.
Maryland State Fair
Nearly half a million visitors come each year for this summer staple of concerts, exhibitions and rides. Aug. 28-Sept. 7. $3-$8. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. marylandstatefair.com.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Come dressed in your Renaissance best to experience merriment of revelers, musical acts, vendors and treats from meat pies to mead. Aug. 29-Oct.25. Prices TBD. 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis. rennfest.com.
September
Ravens season opener
Joe Flacco and the boys (and probably some newbies) start another season. TBD (usually first or second week of September). M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St. baltimoreravens.com.
Hampdenfest
Show off your skills in Hampden's Got Talent or even in the annual toilet bowl race. If that's not you're thing, you can snack on crabs and enjoy live entertainment and vendors (and probably spot John Waters). Date TBD (usually third week of September). Free. hampdenfest.blogspot.com.
Maryland Wine Festival
Tap into your inner sommelier and sip locally made wine, watch demonstrations or taste treats from several vendors. Sept. 19-20. Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S. Center St., Westminster. Hours and prices TBD. marylandwine.org/mwf.
Baltimore Book Festival
Bookworms unite. Sept. 25-27. Free. Inner Harbor. baltimorebookfestival.org.
Baltimore Comic-Con
All things comic come together for this three-day convention, including special guests, artists and exhibitions. Sept. 25-27. Ticket prices TBD. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. baltimorecomiccon.com.
October
Free Fall Baltimore
With over 300 events to choose from, this annual festival includes visual and performing arts shows, exhibits, and workshops for the budding artist all over the city. Throughout October. Various locations. freefallbaltimore.org.
Fells Point Fun Festival
Eat, drink, and be merry at this 49th annual fest. Date TBD (usually first week of October). Throughout Fells Point. fellspointfunfest.com.
Baltimore Beer Week
This is the week to go bar-hopping in Baltimore for samplings of local hops and food, as well as special tasting events and contests. Oct. 9-18. Various locations. baltimorebeerweek.com.
Pigtown Festival
Pigtown lives up to its name during this festival with pigs running down Main Street, vendors, activities and more. Date TBD (usually second week of October). Free. Pigtown. pigtownfestival.com.
Baltimore Running Festival
With multiple distances to choose from, this fest often includes participants ranging from professional runners to costumed walkers. Oct. 17. Throughout the city. thebaltimoremarathon.com.
Maryland vs. Penn State
Penn State heads to Maryland turf to take on the Terrapins. Time TBD. Oct. 24. M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St. umterps.com.
Halloween in Fells Point
Want some Halloween scares and perhaps some laughs, too? Just take a stroll around Fells Point. You won't be disappointed. Oct. 31.
November
Charm City Fringe Festival
Theater aficionados and amateurs alike can explore many genres of theater with local artists, vendors and entertainment. Dates TBD (usually the first week of November). charmcityfringe.com.
Festival of Trees
You'll think you're in the North Pole after you step into this land of fairy tale forests, gingerbread towns, train gardens, and craft vendors. Nov. 27-29. $7-$13. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org.
Miracle on 34th Street
See these historic Hampden homes transform into a lit-up Christmas village with a local flair. Nov. 28. W. 34th St. christmasstreet.com.
December
A Monumental Occasion
This annual lighting of the Washington Monument includes local entertainment for adults and kids, as well as a visit from Santa and a fireworks show. 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Free. Mount Vernon Place centered on 600 block of N. Charles Street. bop.org.
Mayor's Christmas Parade
The 42nd annual parade will include live music, new balloons, an appearance from Miss Yuletide, bedecked floats and plenty of holiday spirit. Dec. 6. Time TBD. Falls Road to 36th Street to Chestnut Avenue. mayorschristmasparade.com.
Night of 100 Elvises
If you weren't around to see Elvis in person, perhaps 100 Elvis impersonators will be enough to bring the King back. Dec. 5-6. Tickets TBD. Hunt Valley Inn, 245 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley. nightof100elvises.com.
New Year's Eve Spectacular
Ring in 2016 with a bang — literally — by taking in a chorus of fireworks at the stroke of midnight, as well as enjoying live entertainment beforehand. Dec. 31. Inner Harbor. bop.org.