One thing about Charm City that is simply indisputable: We love our seafood.
To celebrate the bounty of the bay, B. Scene Events & Promotions is hosting the second annual Baltimore Seafood Festival at Canton Waterfront Park on September 19 from 12-7 p.m.
B. Scene owner Beth Laverick says that the city’s lack of seafood-centric soirées sparked the idea for last year’s inaugural event.
“Baltimore gets so excited about seafood, and there are always street festivals and block parties going on but not a lot on a larger scale,” Laverick says. “But I also wanted to make sure it wasn’t a ‘fish-fry’ event. The city has a lot more talent than that.”
This time around, organizers are kicking it up a notch by adding to the restaurant lineup, doubling the number of bars, and introducing new cooking demonstrations.
While taking in the harbor side views, festival-goers are invited to sample the seafood specialties of returning restaurants like Cafe Gia, Langermann’s, and Stuggy’s, and first-timers like Nick’s Fish House, Cazbar, and La Scala.
Some of this year’s featured fare will include chargrilled Chesapeake Bay oysters from Ryleigh’s Oyster, mussel pizzas from Verde, crabby fries from Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, shrimp and jalapeño ceviche from Mare Nostrum, steamed crabs from Captain James Landing, and Thames Street Oyster House’s signature lobster rolls.
“You never want to settle for the ‘okay’ restaurants, you really want to go after the good ones,” Laverick notes. “I handle all of the logistics, but it’s the restaurants that make the event a success.”
In addition, live performances by horn-heavy funk group 8 Ohms Band and local roots and reggae musicians Unity will be featured, along with various fall cocktails, beer and wine, face painting, and parachute games for kids.
Laverick says she’s excited to welcome the large number of tourists making their way into the city for the festival, while also bringing the local community together.
“Food is appreciated by everyone,” she says. “I would love someone who has never heard of ceviche to come and feel comfortable.”
Carnival-style ticket packages (vendors accept food and drink tickets rather than cash) start at $12 and are available here.