If you are planning to be in the downtown area of Baltimore this weekend, we’ll pray for you. CFG Bank Arena alone is hosting big shows Thursday, Friday and Sunday, each sure to be a cause of major traffic. Couple that with a Bruce Springsteen concert Friday or the Ravens’ home opening game Sunday, and you can pretty much guarantee cars will be bumper to bumper. Luckily, these and several other events are still worth braving the streets for.

Thursday, Sep. 12

Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam is touring the world on the heels of their newest album, “Dark Matter,” released this year. The popular rock band, which took off in the ‘90s and has found success in every decade since, will perform songs off their most recent record, as as well as classics like “Given to Fly.”

Time: Doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m.

Location: CFG Bank Arena (201 W. Baltimore St.)

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Cost: Ticket prices vary.

Family friendly? Yes.

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Friday, Sep. 13

Hans Zimmer

Update, as of Sept. 13: CFG Bank Arena announced late Friday afternoon that the Hans Zimmer concert scheduled to take place later in the evening was canceled due to the composer’s “acute illness.” Original entry below.

Hans Zimmer will also be stopping by CFG. The Oscar and Grammy-winning composer and music producer has scored some of the most popular films ever during his 40-plus-year career, including “The Dark Knight,” “The Lion King” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Attending this concert will probably feel less like a regular show and closer to a live experience of some of your favorite moments from the big screen.

Time: Doors open at 7 p.m., event begins at 8.

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Location: CFG Bank Arena (201 W. Baltimore St.)

Cost: Ticket prices vary.

Family friendly? Yes.

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band

Bruce Springsteen was originally scheduled to perform at Camden Yards in 2023, but had to postpone with just days’ notice as he recovered from peptic ulcer disease. Now healthy, the singer and his E Street Band are ready to perform their biggest hits at our beloved baseball stadium for all you “hungry hearts.”

Time: 7:30 p.m.

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Location: Oriole Park at Camden Yards (333 W. Camden St.)

Cost: Tickets start at $72.

Family friendly? Yes.

Saturday, Sep. 14

Baltimore Rhythm Festival

The Baltimore Rhythm Festival will be a day filled with music and outdoor fun. The free event will feature local, national and international performing talent. There are workshops for all levels of musicians, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran. Check out open mic sessions, take in the drum circles, practice yoga or peruse the activities for children. Visit the website for more information.

Time: 12 p.m.

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Location: Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School (1600 Guilford Ave.)

Cost: Free, but you will need money for vendors.

Family friendly? Yes.

The Cookout

Associated Black Charities has organized The Cookout, a free event that celebrates Black heritage and resilience. They will have interactive exhibits, community resources and opportunities to connect with local Black-owned businesses as well as the usual festival fun with games and dancing. Stick around for the movement march for equity and justice.

Time: 10 a.m.

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Location: Canton Waterfront Park (3001 Boston St.)

Cost: Free.

Family friendly? Yes.

Oktoberfest 2024 (with Toilet Bowl Races)

Attempt to conquer a pretzel-eating contest, win musical chairs or take a stab at a German spelling bee at UNION Craft Brewing’s Oktoberfest celebration. You can compete for prizes in the Beer Olympics as you enjoy German-style beers and foods. This year’s event will also see the return of Hampden’s Toilet Bowl Races, the infamous Baltimore street race that’s been on hiatus since 2019.

Time: Oktoberfest is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Toilet Bowl Races are at noon.

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Location: 1700 W. 41st. St., Suite 420

Cost: $20 for your first stein and first fill and $12 for refills.

Family friendly? The race is. The beer? Not so much.

Sunday, Sep. 15

Baltimore Ravens home opener

Cheer on the Ravens for their first home game of the season. The team will try to bounce back from their loss against the Kansas City Chiefs when they take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon. With the temperature set to be in the 80s, there’s no better time to enjoy football in person.

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: M&T Bank Stadium (1101 Russell St.)

Cost: Ticket prices vary.

Family friendly? Yes.