Get your calender out, lots to do in and around Charm City
Hello everyone,
Spring has sprung and the events are starting to pile up on top of each other. There is no way to do everything on this list and this list is already a condensed version of what is going on in our lovely Baltimore. Still, if you have an event you would like to list, please send them along and I will include them. I particularly like the small local events that might not make it into the pages of City Paper or the other event listings out there.
Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, April 2nd - “THE LIBATION LOUNGE” @ the GIN MILL – 7pm - 2am
The Gin Mill has been featuring old school cocktails and the food I’ve had has been really good. This Thursday they are offering free samples of their cocktails and new food items. From their website: The menu on this evening will consist of classic cocktails ranging from the late 1800’s to modern day libations. From the Ward 8 to the Remington we are presenting a total of eight cocktails bi weekly, which will have a broad range of style and taste. The mood will be set to a 1940’s theme, no flat screens, no rock, just hand crafted drinks and conversation.
Friday, April 3rd – Vinylmore 2: Tiny Town – Atomic Books Hampden – 8pm
Friday, April 3rd –The Big Waltz: First Fridays At The Walters Art Museum - 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM – Free
From their website: First Fridays at the Walters is the place to delight the senses and entertain the soul! Join us as we focus on the Walters’ 19th-century art collection with music, cocktails and live performances. Cash bar featuring “The Strictly Ballroom,” live waltz performances and lessons with the Towson Dance Studio, and live music by Peabody Conservatory musicians.
Please enter at the Charles Street entrance. http://thewalters.org/eventscalendar/eventdetails.aspx?e=1190
Saturday, April 4th – Orioles FanFest – Camden Yards – 10:30am – 3:30pm - $10
Get a sneak peek at this season’s team with an open workout, autograph sessions, and question and answer sessions.http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/bal/fan_forum/fanfest.jsp
Saturday, April 4th - Beer, Bourbon & BBQ - Maryland State Fairgrounds - $30 advance / $35 door - 2pm-6pm
I’ve been to this a couple of times and there is a huge variety to taste. VIP tickets have sold out and advance ticket sales end at noon on April 1st. www.beerandbourbon.com
Sunday, April 5th – Woody’s Rum Bar Sunset Sunday Party – 11am -?
Located above Slainte, Woody’s has a great view of the harbor and some kicking rum drinks. They are open Saturday and Sunday with featured food and drink specials as well as live music. They haven’t posted a start time for the music. www.woodysrumbar.com
Sundays, April 5, 19, 26 – Boordy Vinyards – Red, Whites & Bluegrass –1:00pm-5:00pm - $12 (there may be an additional charge for a tasting glass)
The Boordy Vineyard is beautiful and I’ve been to one of their other events and it was worth the trip. I’ve seen people bring in an entire picnic but double check with the winery before loading your car with a weeks worth of groceries. From their website: Celebrate the release of the fabulous vintage of 2007 red wines & 2008 whites wines while listening to the best bluegrass bands in the region. Traditional foods available for purchase.
Live Music
Sunday April 5 - Jericho Bridge
Sunday April 19 - Jackass Flats Bluegrass Band
Sunday April 26 – Smooth Kentucky Band
http://www.boordy.com/main.html
UPCOMING:
If you are interested in these events, I suggest getting your tickets now.
Saturday, April 18th – Maryland Grand National – Gates 12:00pm – Post 3:15pm $20-$225 (per passenger car – advanced purchase required)
Begun in 1898 by several young men who wanted to compete, but were too young to enter in the Maryland Hunt Cup, the Grand National Steeplechase became a standard in Maryland Timber Racing. The two races are often compared, and do share many similarities. But if the Hunt Cup is the most demanding timber race, the Grand National is the most demanding three-mile timber race—a critical difference, as the shorter distance means racing faster over eighteen unyielding obstacles. Since the race moved to the current course in 1946, there have been sixteen horses to win both races, but there have been fifteen Hunt Cup winners to start the Grand National and never win. The Grand National Steeplechase is a truly unique race with its own distinct set of challenges. http://www.marylandsteeplechasing.com/main/mgn/datetime.htm
Saturday, April 25th - City Paper’s 13th Annual Brew Fest - Fells Point - $30
This is always a great event. Get your tickets early and get there early. They always sell out and the line can get crazy, if you are a slow starter. 50+ beers and live music.
Saturday, April 25th - The MD Hunt Cup – Gates 11:00am Post Time 4:00pm - $35 per car General / $100 per car Patron (either one must be purchased in advance)
Located up in Hunt Valley (Shawan/Falls Rd) Tailgate all day and then enjoy the horse race.
In 1922, Worthington Valley became the permanent home of the four mile, twenty-two fence racecourse. Since then, the size and spectacle of the race has grown as fans bring their friends and families for an afternoon of tailgating and picnicking on the hill than overlooks the racecourse. Join the crowd of spectators as they stand on the same hill that their grandfathers did and watch as the top equine athletes compete for the Maryland Hunt Cup.
http://www.marylandsteeplechasing.com/main/mhc/datetime.htm
Saturday, May 2nd – Kinetic Sculpture Race – American Visionary Art Museum – Free
This wacky race involves human-powered machines designed to travel on land, mud and in the harbor. Kinetinauts compete for the coveted Mediocre Award (finishing right smack in the middle) and Next-to-the-Last Award. Get out and cheer for your favorite contraption. http://www.kineticbaltimore.com/
Saturday, May 2nd – Sunday, May 3rd – Maryland Beer and Food Fest – Ripken Stadium – 11am-5pm - $20
I’ve never been to this beer festival but the site is claiming over 150 different beers, wines and spirits to taste. http://www.mdbeerfoodfest.com/
Friday, May 15th – Black Eyed Susan – Pimlico – 10am
In the past some of us have played hooky to spend this day at the track. Lots of fun and WAY less crowded than Preakness.
From their website: One of Pimlico’s oldest stakes races, the Black-Eyed Susan was first run at Pimlico in 1919 as the Pimlico Oaks. The name was changed in 1952 to compliment the Preakness and to acknowledge the Maryland state flower. The mile and one-eighth test for three-year-old fillies is traditionally run the Friday before the Preakness. The race was first graded in 1973 and has been a Grade II event since 1976. www.preakness.com
Saturday, May 16th – Preakness - $ (depends on where you sit)
The second jewel in the coveted Triple Crown. www.preakness.com and there are also some other events at http://www.preaknesscelebration.com/
Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17- Wine in the Woods – Symphony Woods, Columbia –12pm-6pm - $25
Bring a picnic, lawn chairs and a blanket and enjoy a day of wine and music. Get there early to beat the lines. Taste a few and then pick up a bottle or two and relax.
