The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will hold its annual Celebration Gala fundraiser Sat., Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m., at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The event will offer patrons an evening of entertainment and fine dining and a concert (at 8:30 p.m.) will feature conductor Marin Alsop and renowned violinist Hilary Hahn. Tickets run $50 and $75 for the concert. Call 410-783-8054.
Ukraine festivities
Baltimore City's Showcase of Nations annual Ukrainian Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11, at Patterson Park (at Linwood and Eastern avenues). On the bill will be dance ensembles, Ukrainian Easter eggs, a Ukrainian beer garden and traditional crafts. Hours are Saturday, noon-9 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-7 p.m. Admission is free. Call 410-687-3465 or go to http://www.ukrainianfestival.net.
Science on Friday
Port Discovery will hold a Freaky Friday Science Lab Fri., Sept. 9, 1:30-3 p.m., at Port Discovery, 35 Market Place, in Baltimore City. For this weekly event, children get the opportunity to participate in a fun, hands-on science activity led by Scientist Sarah. Admission is $13.95 general; kids younger than 2 are admitted free. Call 410-727-8120.
Children's theater benefit
The Children's Playhouse of Maryland Inc. will host its fifth annual Gala Fundraiser Sat., Sept. 10, 7 p.m., at the Community College of Baltimore County's Essex campus, Building B. Admission is $25. Call 443-840-2787.
South African views
The Maryland Institute College of Art will host an opening reception for a new exhibit, Paul Emmanuel: Transitions, Fri., Sept. 9, 5-7 p.m., in its Brown Center's Rosenberg Gallery (1301 W. Mount Royal Ave.). Emmanuel, a South African artist, created the exhibit to explore how the military has influenced ideas of masculinity in his native country. The reception will be followed by an artist talk in Falvey Hall from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free. Go to http://www.mica.edu.
Annapolis coins
The Colonial Coin Club will sponsor the Annapolis Coin and Currency Show Sun., Sept. 11, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., in the Knights of Columbus Hall (2590 Solomon's Island Road). This event will showcase rare coins and paper money brought in by 30 dealers from around the region. Admission is free. Call 410-379-5646.
A creative fundraiser
The Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts will host a fundraiser, Arts Alive 13, Fri., Sept. 9, 6-11 p.m., at 801 Chase St., Annapolis. Tickets are $150 per person and tables for 10 people begin at $1,500. Call 410-263-5640 or go to http://www.marylandhall.org.
Crafty Catonsville
One of Baltimore County's most popular outdoor arts and crafts fairs will set up shop Sun., Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 38th Annual Catonsville Arts and Crafts Festival will feature more than 200 arts and crafts vendors, dozens of food dealers, and live performers. It can be found along the town's main artery, Frederick Road. Admission is free. Call 410-719-9609, or go to http://www.catonsville.org.
More fair fun
Can't get enough of fairs? Then you'll love the news that annual Anne Arundel County Fair happens Wednesday-Sunday, Sept. 14-18, at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, in Crownsville. Showcased will be agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, games, 4-H exhibits, livestock, a petting zoo and a flea market. Hours are Wednesday and Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Thursday, noon-11 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission is $6 general; children younger than 6 are admitted free. Call 410-923-3400 or go to http://www.aacountyfair.org.