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EAT

Aug. 29: The Salad Lady Pop-Up

Don’t Know Tavern, 1453 Light St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

All summer long, Don’t Know Tavern has been hosting a rotating cast of local eateries for its community pop-up series, but this weekend’s guest chef might be the one to beat. A true staple of the JFX Farmers Market, The Salad Lady will spend Saturday afternoon slinging her homemade seafood, chicken, and whitefish salads out of the Federal Hill spot for hungry bargoers and loyal followers alike. The Salad Lady is known for selling out of everything fast—including the stand’s signature egg and potato salads—so make your lunch plans accordingly.

 

DRINK

Aug. 28: End of Summer Hawaiian Luau

Old Line Spirits, 200 S. Janey St. 6-9 p.m. Free.

This Friday, Old Line Spirits is throwing a Hawaiian luau in honor of all of the tropical vacations and beach trips not taken during this unprecedented summer. Don your best Jimmy Buffet-inspired attire and head to the Highlandtown distillery for a night of tiki cocktails and fusion barbeque eats from local eatery Jurassic Pork. Pro tip: There is an admission cap to maintain safe social distancing, so get to the luau early to guarantee a Mai Tai or two.

 

SEE

Aug. 28-30: Mural Art Tour

Milk & Honey Market, 10 E. Lanvale St. Fri. 9-11 a.m., Sat. 9-11 a.m. & 4-6 p.m., Sun. 9-11 a.m. Free.

While many local museums and galleries are still closed due to the coronavirus, there’s plenty of artwork to see around every corner in Charm City. Thanks to mural art tours hosted by the Miller Productions team, residents and visitors can explore more than 60 artistic points of interest around the Station North Arts District on foot. Meet up with the guides at Milk & Honey Market and then set off on a two-hour adventure, featuring awe-inspiring works by artists from near and far.

 

HEAR

Aug. 29: Draughts & Laughs 4

Checkerspot Brewing Company, 1399 S. Sharp St. 7-10 p.m. $12-15.

Let’s face it: We could all use some more laughs and craft beer to get through the rest of 2020. Luckily, Checkerspot Brewing Company is hosting a physically distanced comedy night to give Baltimoreans just that. This Friday, visit the South Baltimore brewery for a “tailgate-style” show featuring local comedy acts such as Tommy Sinbazo, Erik Woodworth, and Theresa L. Concepcion, as well as plenty of gourmet snacks and brews to go around. Be sure to bring your own seating and tables to this pull-up event, and enjoy a night of live laughs among neighbors.

 

DO

Aug. 29: Baltimore Bookstore Crawl

Locations vary. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.

This Saturday marks National Independent Bookstore Day, giving bookworms everywhere the perfect excuse to support local shops and pick out new reads. Whether you plan to celebrate by purchasing books virtually or in-store, Baltimore shops such as Greedy Reads, Atomic Books, and Charm City Books will be happy to take your order. Be sure to check out each store’s safe browsing protocols ahead of your visit, and tag #BmoreBookstoreDay on social media for a chance to win a bookish prize.

One month after “Black Lives Matter” was painted along Linwood Avenue in Patterson Park, a new ground mural—and message—is being added to the ongoing conversation about Black lives in Baltimore.

On Friday, July 17, dozens of volunteers joined organizers with Baltimore Safe Haven, a nonprofit dedicated to providing a higher quality of life for transgender people, to transform the intersection of North Charles Street between 21st and 23rd streets with colorful street art that reads: “Black Trans Lives Matter.”

“Our message is clear: We can’t breathe,” says Iya Dammons, founder and executive director of Baltimore Safe Haven. “Over the past ten years, there’s been at least one transgender woman killed on the streets of Baltimore every year. We have not been breathing, and [the mural] symbolizes that we are in a state of emergency and we need help.”

Designed by artist Jamie Grace Alexander, the mural comes on the heels of last month’s Black Trans Lives Matter march and rally—the city’s first large-scale protest for the Black, trans community which brought about 200 supporters downtown. (A photo from the momentous demonstration, taken by Baltimore’s own Devin Allen, made it onto the cover of Time magazine last month.) Both events represent local efforts to incorporate Black trans lives into the Black Lives Matter movement.

“We’re not erasing the Black Lives Matter movement, we’re including ourselves in it,” Dammons says. “We come peacefully. We want people to take from the mural that all Black trans women, and trans women period, are in solidarity with the movement.”

Before paint hit the pavement on Friday afternoon, local LGBTQ activists, city officials, and Baltimore Safe Haven representatives spoke to the crowd about the increased need for visibility and resources within the trans community.

When Jabari Lyles, director of LGBTQ affairs for the mayor’s office, addressed the group, he said that progress for Baltimore’s Black trans community doesn’t end with painting streets.

“We know that, although this mural is a really great visible symbol for the intention to do more [for the Black trans community], this is still not enough,” Lyles said. “We have to continue to hold this government accountable—we’re talking about housing, jobs, services, and education.”

Dammons and her team hope that the mural serves as a constant reminder of the movement to protect and provide for one of the city’s most vulnerable populations.

“[The mural] symbolizes that my life matters,” says Josiah Camore, facilities manager of Baltimore Safe Haven. “I’m looking forward to seeing everybody come together to support us and this movement.”

After the colorful addition to the Charles Village streetscape is finished and the volunteers have all gone home, Dammons will continue on with her life’s work of providing members of the city’s LGBTQ community, especially those in survival mode, with everything from safer sex kits to hand sanitizer and face masks. Dammons says it’s the same reason she stands at the forefront of the Black Trans Lives Matter movement—to give Black, trans people the support they need.

“Oftentimes, people say, ‘Black lives matter,’ but they don’t always include the lives and voices of Black trans people,” Dammons says. “We’re taking back our authority.”

After months of waiting in the car to pick up no-contact delivery orders, Zoe Roane-Hopkins, like many of us, felt frustrated that the coronavirus pandemic brought even the smallest daily interactions—with baristas, waiters, and salespeople—to a halt. The 23-year-old, currently living in Silver Spring, noticed how the state-mandated social-distancing measures had not only cut the bottom lines of local businesses, but also transformed her community overnight.

So when Roane-Hopkins, who is finishing her master’s degree in industrial design from The Savannah College of Art and Design, heard about Baltimore’s call for designers to develop innovative approaches to safe, physically distant gatherings, she knew exactly how she could help.

“I wanted to create something that allowed people to be socially distant, but still social,” Roane-Hopkins says. “It would be nice if people could stay separate—so that they’re not breathing on each other—but still have that human interaction of walking somewhere and talking to someone else.”

Within a few days, the “Space Frame” was born. Roane-Hopkins drew up plans for a modular, customizable structure that, with a few adjustments, could transform into an outdoor eating area, a takeout counter, or a product-hanging platform. She submitted her colorful design to the Design for Distancing: Reopening Baltimore Together competition, an initiative by the City of Baltimore, Office of the Mayor, Baltimore Development Corporation, and the nonprofit Neighborhood Design Center (NDC) to reconfigure public spaces so shoppers can safely patronize local businesses in the age of COVID-19.

Roane-Hopkins says she was “extremely elated” to learn that “Space Frame” was one of 10 concepts selected by a panel of local small-business and public-health experts to win a $5,000 stipend, as well as the potential to see her concept come alive on the streets of Baltimore.

“Other cities are talking about little things people could do to promote social distancing,” Roane-Hopkins says, “but to have Baltimore come together, ask for ideas, and put them on in a way that benefits the people that live there—that’s impressive.”

The Design for Distancing competition, which is backed by a $1.5 million investment from Baltimore City’s COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Initiative, received 162 design submissions from across the country. The winning ideas were recently published in the Design for Distancing Guidebook, which is a free digital compendium that explains how the concepts can be adapted and installed in cities across the world.

Jennifer Goold, the executive director of the NDC, says the purpose of the guidebook is to help communities recover from the pandemic crisis together.

“The brilliant ideas of the design community are not ours to keep,” Gould says. “From the beginning, we wanted to share [these concepts] with others—to show how the resilience and wisdom of Baltimore can be an asset in times of challenges.”

Now that the 10 winning designs have been published, the next step is to use them as jumping-off points for the second part of the Design for Distancing initiative—public space interventions. This month, 17 Baltimore City districts—ranging from Mt. Washington and Pimlico to Hollins Market—will be paired with a local design-build team that will install temporary changes to neighborhood spaces in order to accommodate social distancing guidelines.

Although design-build teams may choose to incorporate ideas from the winning concepts, each installation will be based on the specific needs and preferences of each district. The Baltimore Development Corporation, which is funding the construction process, plans to begin the design-build stage at the end of July.

Doug Bothner and Kelly Danz, who were part of the Ziger|Snead Architects team that created the winning concept “Hygiene, Hon,” said that the four-person group focused on introducing manageable additions—such as hands-free hardware—that would help local businesses adapt to ever-changing public-health guidelines.

The Mt. Vernon-based team proposed implementing colorful signage to reiterate distancing recommendations, adaptive door hardware, and modular hand-washing stations that collect wastewater as irrigation for nearby planters.

“There’s so much in the scheme that speaks to how the physical environment has changed and how it might need to innovate in order to move into the new normal,” Bothner says. “As designers, we hope that this opportunity shows how design can help communicate best practices around health and the environment.”

Danz says that even if the “Hygiene, Hon” concept isn’t installed in one of the 17 Baltimore districts, she hopes that the team’s idea serves as inspiration for how urban areas across the country can reimagine their public spaces.

“In Baltimore and beyond, I hope that, if anyone builds this project, it helps people adapt to being in public with the restrictions of the pandemic,” she says. “I hope it brings some normalcy back to society.”

For Roane-Hopkins, the process of creating, developing, and publishing her “Space Frame” concept taught her that design can be a powerful tool for showing people how to see the world differently. She’s in talks with the local landscape architecture firm EnviroCollab to create a version of the “Space Frame” in Baltimore, and feels eager to be a part of this forward-thinking movement.

“The way that things are designed can show people that socially distancing can be beautiful, it can be colorful, and it can bring people together,” Roane-Hopkins says. “There’s not a lot of positivity in the world right now, so it’s important that if we have opportunities to show positivity in a space through design—we take them.”

From the first small rally in Charles Plaza 45 years ago to the rainbow-covered celebrations that span the city today, Baltimore Pride has always been about being accepted for who you are and who you love.

So while it was an emotional decision for Baltimore Pride Coordinator LaKesha Davis and her team to cancel beloved Pride Weekend traditions—including the time-honored parade, block party, and high-heeled race—due to the coronavirus, she says that the local LGBTQ community’s call for inclusivity is only getting louder.

“Baltimore is a very diverse city, and that’s what we promote in our Pride celebrations,” Davis says. “Everyone is welcome and should feel welcome to celebrate with us.”

On the heels of a historic Supreme Court decision that protects gay, lesbian, and transgender employees from discrimination based on sex, there’s plenty to (virtually) celebrate during the 45th anniversary of Baltimore Pride. But as the city swells with protests against racial injustice and police brutality, Davis encourages Baltimoreans to reflect on how the values of the Pride movement line up with the nationwide demands for equal civil liberties across all domains.

“Pride is a matter of inclusivity, and that aligns with interracial disparities,” Davis says. “I want people to take this time to get to know their neighbors and people who may not be like them, and embrace community, civility, and how we can celebrate who we are.”

From colorful Zoom happy hours to open discussions about how racism impacts the LGBTQ community, here are a few social-distance-safe ways to celebrate Pride this month:

June 19: Juneteenth Pride Cel-Liberation
In an alternate universe without COVID-19, Baltimoreans would be spending this weekend bouncing between Baltimore Pride and Juneteenth celebrations happening across the city. But since we’re social distancing, Baltimore in Conversations is keeping the momentum of both movements alive through this virtual event, with a focus on creating a space for reflection, healing, and celebration. Tune into this Zoom “cel-liberation” hosted by community organizer Alanah Nichole to hear performances and words by local artists, including Black Assets, Kotic Couture, and Alex Alexander.

June 19-28: SAY IT LOUD: Virtual Pride 2020
In lieu of in-person Pride events, the Baltimore City LGBTQ Affairs team is putting on a week-long collage of black LGBTQ art, experiences, and leadership. This can’t-miss series of performances and discussions highlights ongoing calls to action within the movement for sexual and gender justice, including a presentation on the experiences and needs of black transgender students in city schools and a conversation about racism in the drag community. The illuminating program will culminate in Q4BLM: Queers for Black Lives Matter march and rally on June 27, celebrating and inspiring solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement within the LGBTQ community. Times vary.

June 23: Virtual Pride Salon Series
Although Baltimore Pride events have been cancelled until 2021, the community work being done to make the Johns Hopkins’ LGBTQ community a more inclusive space is a year-round effort. This Tuesday, join Hopkins’ Director of LGBTQ Life Demere Woolway and alumnus Bill Kirst for an virtual interactive webinar addressing how LGBTQ inclusion necessitates an awareness of intersecting identities and oppressions on campus. 4-6 p.m.

June 23: Mentoring Youth Who Identify as LGBTQ
With an entire generation of teens quarantined at home and away from their peers, there’s never been a better time to develop a mentoring relationship with LGBTQ youth. Register for this one-day Zoom program, hosted by Maryland Mentor, to learn how to be a thoughtful and effective advocate for members of one of the country’s most underserved populations. 10-11:30 a.m.

June 24: Virtual Pride Happy Hour
All you need to celebrate the Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s third anniversary is rainbow apparel and a Wi-Fi connection. Log into this Zoom happy hour to raise a glass to this nonprofit organization, and stick around to network with fellow revelers and listen to tunes spun live by DJ Kelly Kel. 7-8 p.m.

June 25: Drag Story Time
All summer long, standout local drag performers have been entertaining kids and adults alike with lively virtual readings of stories that promote diversity and acceptance. Tune into the Creative Alliance’s Facebook Live feed every Thursday afternoon to hear some of the city’s favorite drag personas read aloud from feel-good stories, and be sure to send a virtual tip before moving onto nap time. 1 p.m.

June 27: Pride Inside & Out: Annapolis Pride
The team behind Annapolis Pride is bringing its supporters, sponsors, and partners together to take a stand against racial injustice. Come to this virtual meeting prepared to have an open discussion about racism, homophobia, and other forms of hate present in the Annapolis community, as well as methods for organizing against white supremacy. Visit the group’s website for anti-racism resources, along with updates on plans to host a virtual Pride festival later this year. 4-5 p.m.

Loretta Schaeffer took her nightly meals in Roland Park Place’s dining room for granted. Since moving into the continuing care retirement community (CCRC) nearly two years ago, the 84-year-old had gotten into the routine of eating breakfast and lunch in her apartment, and then joining fellow residents for dinner.

Moving out of the four-story home she and her late husband shared in Washington, D.C. and into the Roland Park community had been difficult for Schaeffer, and chatting with other seniors at the dinner table every night helped her feel less lonely in this unfamiliar city.

So when Roland Park Place announced in mid-March that, in order to protect its residents and staff from the rapidly spreading coronavirus, it was closing its doors to visitors as well as cancelling all group gatherings, Schaeffer was devastated.

“When they closed the dining areas, that fell on me like a ton of bricks,” she says. “I never realized how important those dinners were to me until now.”

Within the past few weeks, COVID-19, which has proven especially dangerous to the elderly and immunocompromised, has ravaged senior-living communities, with confirmed cases reported in more than 90 nursing homes and long-term care centers across the state. In early April, Gov. Larry Hogan announced the formation of “strike teams” that will bring triage, emergency care, and equipment to overburdened nursing homes to help them fight back against the outbreak that has infected nearly 7,000 people in Maryland.

But while state and health officials scramble to save the elderly residents who have contracted the novel virus and protect those who haven’t, the seniors quarantined inside local care communities, as well as their families and staff members, are struggling to make sense of this new, isolated reality.

“Life has completely changed, and, no matter your age, we are all worried and frustrated,” Schaeffer says. “I think clamping down on visitors and activities early has protected [Roland Park Place] so far, but the terrible effect is that it’s lonely and sad and scary.”

After the Maryland Department of Health issued a recommendation for long-term and continuing care communities to start implementing infection control measures, the majority of the state’s senior-care centers did just that. One by one, communities began restricting visitation, calling off group activities, adding sanitizing stations, and, in some instances, monitoring the temperatures of residents and staff.

Roland Park Place President Sam Guedoaur says the pressure to find and implement new safety measures—such as RPP’s new policy of limiting elevator rides to two people—is constant. “Every single day we come up with a new way to minimize the spread of the virus,” Guedoaur says. “We have to be diligent and continue to have strict measures to keep the residents and staff safe.”

And with families unable to visit their loved ones, the burden has fallen on the community’s staff members to care for nursing-home residents through this outbreak.

“The residents, the families, and the staff are really counting on each other to stay safe and healthy,” says Amber Knabe, the director of sales and marketing at Symphony Manor Assisted Living. “With how contagious everything is, it may be inevitable that the virus comes through [here], but if it does, we want to know that our team did everything possible to keep our families safe.”

Although most residents and their families understand why these social-distancing directives are necessary, not knowing when they’ll see their loved ones again has been a hard pill to swallow. Darlene Schafer, whose mother, Patricia, lives at Brightview Perry Hall, says that even though she’s confident that the independent-living facility is making appropriate safety precautions, it’s impossible not to worry.

“The reality is that I don’t know when I’m going to see my mother again,” says the Anne Arundel County resident. “We don’t know when this will end or when it’ll be safe to spend time with her again, so this is our new normal.”

To keep residents and their families connected during this lockdown period, local CCRC’s have had to get creative. Some communities have asked staff members to become de-facto technicians for residents who need help setting up Facetime and Zoom, while others, such as Springwell Senior Living Community in Mt. Washington, coordinated with less-able residents and their families to hold regular video calls on the center’s iPads.

When the staff at Symphony Manor realized how long it could be before residents can interact with their families again, the Roland Park community converted two of its lobby windows into “window visit stations.” At a designated time, residents can sit on their side of the glass—adorned with posters that read “We’re All in This Together!”—and wave to their loved ones seated on chairs in the grass.

“Some families have even made signs and stood on the front lawn so that their relatives can see them,” Knabe says. “We want [the residents] to know that people are thinking of them.”

And while the CCRC’s have had to put their scheduled programming on hold, many places have pivoted their activities in hopes of keeping residents active and engaged. Instead of game nights in the recreation room, residents play in their doorways against people down the hall. In place of a jam-packed fitness class, residents attend classes limited to five people. Some centers have even started initiatives inspired by the pandemic, such as a hand-washing poster competition, which Schaeffer entered with a rhyming poem about proper scrubbing technique.

When Darren McDonnell learned that Roland Park Place could no longer bring in entertainment for the residents due to the shutdown, the marketing associate decided to fill in. On St. Patrick’s Day, McDonnell, a longtime entertainer, brought a sound system into the facility’s courtyard and started singing, and it didn’t take long before residents went out onto their balconies to watch the performance. Now, by popular demand, McDonnell performs everything from Frank Sinatra classics to Broadway tunes twice a week, encouraging residents to send in song requests.

“It’s something that I can do to help the residents stay connected and give them something to look forward to,” McDonnell says.” I hope it lifts their spirits a little bit.”

As the weeks of quarantine turn into months, there’s still so much uncertainty surrounding what the next phase of the coronavirus outbreak will look like for nursing home residents and staff members. Sue Gelston, whose mother, Brenda, suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and lives in Springwell’s memory care unit, says that she anticipates the restrictions on senior-living communities will last longer than the state’s stay-at-home directives.

“Whenever the day comes when stores start to reopen and things start to go back to normal, the unit that my mom is in is still not going to be the same,” Gelston says. “The people there are so compromised that I think they will have to keep a lot of these procedures in place, even if the state says they can open the doors again.”

Until Schaeffer can hug her daughters or grandchildren again, she’s trying to stay motivated and busy. She talks with her family daily, practices her homework for her weekly balance class (35 sit-stands, with no hands), and exercises by climbing her building’s stairs while wearing a mask. But she says it’s hard to be positive when so many things, including the little things she took for granted, will be different when this is all over.

“I’m not worried about me or my savings—I’m worried about the world,” she says. “My children, my grandchildren, their future. I’m worried about that.”

EAT

April 10-12: Easter and Passover Carryout Meals

Locations, times, and prices vary.

It’s safe to say that this Easter and Passover weekend will look and feel different than any other.
Although more family celebrations will take place via Zoom and Facetime than around the dinner table this year, that’s no reason to forego tradition, which always starts and ends with food. Plan your weekend menu using our guide to local eateries that are offering carryout and delivery specials on everything from “Seder Containers” and matzo ball soup to deviled eggs and “Easter Egg” ice cream in honor of these springtime holidays.

DRINK

April 10-12: Booze To Go

Locations, times, and prices vary.

When Gov. Larry Hogan passed the March executive order to allow alcohol delivery and takeout sales from restaurants, bars, and other hospitality establishments amid the coronavirus pandemic, Marylanders breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Since then, tons of local spots have gotten creative with their to-go booze options, including Mr. Nice Guy Cocktail’s Tiger King-themed menu, Wet City’s signature slushies by Blinky, and Nepenthe Brewing Co.’s at-home brewing supplies. Order “essential supplies” for this weekend using our easy-access guide to Baltimore-based breweries, liquor stores, and eateries, and support your favorite small businesses when they need it the most.

SEE

April 12: Virtual Drag Brunch

12:30 p.m. facebook.com/bookmakerscocktailclub.

If there’s anyone who can transition a popular weekly drag brunch into a Facebook Live performance filled with top-notch performers, raffles, and more than a few breakfast cocktails, it’s Brooklyn Heights. This Sunday, instead of snagging a seat at Bookmaker’s Cocktail Club, pull up the Federal Hill bar’s Facebook page to watch some of Baltimore’s best drag performers sashay for the camera. Make a donation and enter to win raffle prizes to support local queens like Iyana Deschanel, Jasmine Blue, and Bambi Necole Ferrah, and count down the days until we can throw dollar bills at our favorite performers in person.

HEAR

April 10: Mary Prankster

8 p.m. wtmd.org.

Live music doesn’t come to a halt just because we can’t hear our favorite acts play in concert halls or venues right now. Instead, we can listen to up-and-coming musicians play from the comfort of their own living rooms, thanks to WTMD’s new Cabin Fever Concerts video series. This Friday, visit the Towson radio station’s Facebook page to watch a livestream performance by local singer-songwriter Mary Prankster, featuring an hour of intimate solo acoustics. Tune in to hear the reigning WTMD Artist of the Year play fan-favorite songs like “Local Honey” and “Rock n Roll Degenerate,” and mark your calendars for upcoming livestream spots by the likes of Letitia VanSant and Emily Wolfe.

DO

April 10: Fells Point Community Blood Drive

Su Casa Furniture, 901 S. Bond Street. 12:30-6 p.m. Free.

As local and regional hospitals face an emergency blood shortage in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Fells Point businesses and neighbors are coming together to host a community-sponsored blood drive. If you’re able to donate blood, register with the Red Cross and then visit the temporary station at Su Casa Furniture, which is volunteering its closed store to the cause. After making your donation, enter for the chance to win gift certificates to neighborhood staple Kooper’s Tavern.

Throughout the past few weeks, everyone has heard the same advice on how to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus: wash your hands, practice social distancing, and sanitize all shared surfaces.

But as COVID-19 continues to impact practically every aspect of daily life—from bar and restaurant closures to scrambles at area hospitals—many Baltimoreans are looking for more ways to help their neighbors in need.

“Today, with statewide closures and increasing anxieties around COVID-19, the food-insecure Marylanders we serve need us now more than ever,” reads a statement from the Maryland Food Bank, which is offering grab-and-go meals for students at select sites, working with seniors to double distribution efforts, and creating “Back Up Boxes” of nutritious non-perishables for families, all while continuing its normal food programs.

And there are plenty of other local organizations doing their part to support the community while maintaining social distance. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are a few ways to give back to the Baltimore community during this time of need.

Things To Do

Start a Virtual Food Drive
While self-isolating, as recommended by the Center for Disease Control, the best and easiest way to donate nonperishable food items to Marylanders in need is through a virtual food drive. Here’s how it works: Start by creating a no-boxes-needed drive through Maryland Food Bank’s website, fill your “cart” with desired donations (examples include everything from canned vegetables and fruits to milk and brown rice), and then share your page with your friends, family, and social media circle. The Maryland Food Bank will fill your “shopping list” and provide all donations to local families that are food-insecure.

Donate Blood
As Gov. Larry Hogan emphasized during his press conference on Thursday, area hospitals are facing an emergency blood shortage and are in need of donations from healthy individuals. Visit the Red Cross website to check your eligibility, find a nearby blood drive location, and make an appointment to give back to patients in need.

Join a Neighborhood Quarantine Response Team
Amid the pandemic panic, Baltimoreans from all corners of the city have come together to support their neighbors with compromised immune systems by forming neighborhood quarantine response teams. Volunteers can sign up to buy groceries, pick up prescriptions, and walk dogs for in-need community members in 15 (and counting) Baltimore neighborhoods and districts. If you don’t see your area on the list, create your own response team using the COVID-19 Volunteer Support Pack.

Order Takeout or Delivery from Local Businesses
Although Gov. Larry Hogan mandated that all bars and restaurants close their doors to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as of now, takeout and delivery services are still fair game. Since then, dozens of Baltimore restaurants have pivoted to offering customers take-home options such as curbside pickup and home delivery. To help keep your favorite local eateries afloat during these uncertain times, order a meal (or two) using our Charm City carryout guide. Don’t forget to wash it down with libations from a Baltimore distillery or brewery, which are now allowed to offer carryout booze.

Make Donation Kits
In a time when supermarket aisles are empty and household items are in short supply, local donation centers are in need of provisions now more than ever. Check out the wishlists of area charities, such as the Jewish Volunteer Connection and Health Care for the Homeless, to prepare donation kits filled with everything from bagged lunches to blankets to distribute to at-risk communities.

Contribute to Little Free Pantries
We all know and love the little free libraries that are scattered throughout the city, but in recent days, locals have transformed the small wooden boxes into temporary food banks. Drop off any extra nonperishable food items at spotted locations in Hampden and Canton, or transition a close-by mini community library into a makeshift food drive to help passerbys in need.

Places to Donate

United Way of Central Maryland
This nonprofit organization has continued its dedication to helping families and individuals living in poverty by founding the COVID-19 Community Fund, which supports its helpline call specialists who operate on the frontlines of providing resources to people in need.

Moveable Feast
While Moveable Feast, the local nonprofit that delivers nutrient-rich meals to people living with chronic illnesses, suspended its volunteer program to avoid in-person contact, the 30-year-old organization will continue providing meals to its at-risk clients.

Baltimore Virtual Tip Jar
There’s no way around it: The city’s service industry and its fleet of servers, bartenders, baristas, and other staff members are taking a tremendous hit during the coronavirus crisis. To put tips directly in their pockets, scroll through the Baltimore Virtual Tip Jar, which now lists more than 1,200 hospitality professionals, and make a PayPal or Venmo donation.

Paul’s Place
For 38 years, Paul’s Place in Southwest Baltimore has been improving the community’s quality of life by supplying visitors with hot meals, clothing, support services, and health and wellness programs. During these uncertain times, Paul’s Place representatives continue to provide emergency food boxes, as well as shower and laundry services, to neighbors in need.

COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Artists and Freelancers
As more events, performances, and productions cancel their events in compliance with the CDC’s recent guidelines, Baltimore-based performers are struggling with the loss of work. To help support their efforts, Alanah Nichole has started an emergency fund that will distribute donations to individuals and families impacted by COVID-19-related cancellations.

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If you’re an organization helping the community during the ourbreak, let us know by completing the following form:

When Julie Lilienfeld looked around her vintage and consignment store, Wishbone Reserve, on Sunday, she could tell that something was off. The streets outside the Hampden shop were empty, there was plenty of parking on Falls Road, and the number of customers browsing through the store’s antique wares had dropped significantly since the day prior.

That was when Lilienfeld and co-owners Athena Hoffberger and Ryan Haase realized that they needed to prepare for their business to take a financial hit as the coronavirus and its effects continue to impact Baltimore communities.

“This is the kind of experience that you see documentaries about, but you don’t think will actually happen during your lifetime,” Lilienfeld says.

As the city braces for the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, small business owners are concerned about how directives for limiting exposure to the virus—including “social distancing,” public-school closures, and event cancellations—will hurt their bottom lines and, ultimately, the lifespan of their business. On Friday, Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young sent a letter to Gov. Larry Hogan asking him to make federal funds available to Baltimore-based small businesses through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.

Due to the Center for Disease Control’s recommendation that people avoid crowds or large gatherings as much as possible, Pamela Hubbard, the co-owner of Lobo, says that her Fells Point corner bar has experienced a significant decline in business throughout the past two weeks. While Hubbard says the restaurant staff has always taken sanitation precautions, such as regular hand washing and wearing gloves, she’s worried about how Lobo can financially sustain a weeks or months-long slowdown in table turnover.

“You can prepare for a refrigerator to break or having to pay someone to fix your plumbing, but the cost of a pandemic is not something you have funds set aside for,” Hubbard says.

While Gov. Larry Hogan’s latest statements only cancelled public gatherings of more than 250 people, many business owners, like Daven Ralston of Charm City Books, made the decision to adjust their event schedules for the safety of themselves and their customers.

“We host tons of events each month, so it’s concerning to think about what that will do to sales heading into the spring,” says Ralston, who opened the Pigtown bookstore in November. “It’s a scary precipice to be balancing.”

A number of local shops and service providers have communicated directly with consumers about the additional measures they’re taking to keep their still-open storefronts clean and safe. On Thursday, Letta Moore, the owner of KSM Candle Co., sent out a message to her email subscribers to notify them about temporary changes to her in-house workshops, such as switching from glass stemware to disposable cups.

“If small businesses are explaining to their customers what they’re doing to combat the virus, take heed and have a little trust in them,” Moore says. “We’re boosting our efforts and it’s not cheap for us either, so I hope people consider continuing to go out and supporting the businesses when possible. Don’t give up on us.”

To combat the decrease in foot traffic and loss of revenue associated with in-house events, local purveyors are finding new ways to meet customers where they are. Several retailers, such as Brightside Boutique and Six2Six Society, are offering free or discounted shipping for online orders, while others, like Wishbone Reserve, are posting their merchandise to Instagram so buyers can shop virtually. Ralston says that she and Joseph Carlson, Charm City Books’ programming and outreach director, will deliver books and puzzles via their tandem bicycle to area customers for free.

Chanel Fleurimond, who runs Sobeachy Haitian Cuisine with her husband, Leo, says that while they don’t usually fill many delivery orders from their food stall in Cross Street Market, they plan to ramp up their efforts if business to the communal eatery remains stagnant. Fleurimond says that if people don’t want to risk visiting the Federal Hill food hall, getting Sobeachy’s traditional Haitian dishes delivered to their home is a great way to continue supporting the local venture.

Hubbard adds that purchasing a gift certificate to a local bar, restaurant, or coffee shop to be used at a later date can help boost cash flow to businesses during this slow economic period.

“[Lobo is] turning six years old this summer and we were looking forward to planning our party, and now, so quickly, a wrench got thrown into that,” Hubbard says. “People need to be aware that your favorite places to go or eat in the city are already feeling the impact of this, and will continue to have to make hard decisions about their entire business because of it.”

In light of the extremely uncertain and ever-changing circumstances, members of the small-business community are also leaning on one another, as well as local customers, for support. On Thursday, the event technology service Pixilated and networking community Startup Soiree created an online forum for Baltimore-based business owners and employees to address COVID-19-related concerns, ranging from software tools to minimize the coronavirus’ impact to links to local resources.

“We talk so much about the importance of community to local bookstores, but it really is like a relationship and a family, especially in Pigtown,” Ralston says. “If another business is hurting, we have to reach out and support them in any way we can.”

Earlier this week, the Wishbone Reserve store leaders posted a message to their Instagram followers that led with the phrase, “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” While the English proverb is typically used to describe March weather, Lilienfeld says that, deep down, she wanted the line to send a message of positivity to the shop’s worried customers.

“I don’t want people to be sympathetic; that’s not really what we’re looking for. We want them to know that them coming into [Wishbone Reserve] has been paying all of our bills,” Lilienfeld says. “We want to be truthful with people and say that we’re scared, too.”

EAT

March 8: Mera Kitchen x Wet City

Wet City, 223 W. Chase St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $30.

This Sunday, Chef Iman of the Mera Kitchen Collective will prepare a traditional Syrian brunch feast for friends, old and new, at Wet City. Known for bringing all corners of the city together through her passion for food, Chef Iman will serve a family-style, prix-fixe menu of some of her favorite brunch dishes during this one-day pop-up event at the Mount Vernon bar. Wash it all down with specialty cocktails, mocktails, and beers provided by Wet City, as well as coffee from Dear Globe.

DRINK

March 8: Rye’s Up

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore, 2 N. Charles St. 5-10 p.m. $75.

It’s no secret that Baltimore’s craft bartending scene has risen to new heights over the past few years, and this boozy fundraiser showcases some of the best mixologists the city has to offer. Snag tickets to the Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild’s annual all-you-can-drink affair, featuring 20 handcrafted cocktails, small bites from 15 local restaurants, and a silent auction to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Maryland. Stick around to see who is crowned the winner of this year’s best Rye Whiskey cocktail competition.

SEE

March 7-April 11: Helen Zughaib: Unfinished Journeys

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Imagine being evacuated from your childhood home during a civil war and not knowing if or when you would be able to return. And when you finally do, another war is about to begin. That’s the emotional journey artist Helen Zughaib weathered after being evacuated from Beirut. Now, she is telling the stories of injustice, violence, and hope experienced by the incident’s most vulnerable victims—women and children—through the strokes of her paint brush. Visit Creative Alliance beginning this weekend, and through April 11, to witness how this up-and-coming artist portrays everything from the initial uprising of the Syrian civil war to the current refugee crisis.

HEAR

March 6: Marketplace Mixtape

Mt. Vernon Marketplace, 520 Park Ave. 6-10 p.m. Free.

We’ll take any excuse to make a trip to Mt. Vernon Marketplace, but especially when it involves old-school tunes. For the first show in the food hall’s new First Friday series, up-and-coming DJ Cheaky Willie will be spinning hip-hop and dance beats all night long while patrons eat, drink, and dance the night away. If you need a little extra motivation to get down, we recommend stopping by the Taps Fill Station or The Local Oyster for beer or cocktails before hitting the dance floor.

DO

March 8: International Women’s Day

Hotel Revival, 101 W. Monument St. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Free.

There’s never been a better time to celebrate the women of Baltimore. In honor of International Women’s Day, grab a group of gals and spend Sunday at Hotel Revival, which will be hosting its annual fundraiser to support My Sister’s Place Women’s Center. Along with $5 wine specials for ladies, visitors can browse through jewelry from New Vintage by SAM, enter to win a candle-making workshop with KSM Candle Co., and sample cocktails made by women-owned distilleries.

EAT

Feb. 29: Sweet and Savory

Prigel Family Creamery, 4853 Long Green Rd., Hydes. 7:30-11 p.m. $50.

Yes, this event takes place outside of the city, and yes, it’s worth the drive to indulge in sweet and savory bites from two beloved local businesses. During this exclusive tasting, Prigel Family Creamery and Neopol Savory Smokery will team up to serve attendees a wide variety of meats, cheeses, local wine, beverages, and even mystery ice cream flavors. Make the quick trip to Hydes for this intimate, candlelit affair, and revel in the chance to eat as many delicious dairy products as possible.

DRINK

Feb. 29: Leap Day Specials

Locations, times, and prices vary.

If you think that Baltimoreans will use just about any holiday as an excuse to day drink, well, we would have to agree. This Saturday, celebrate leap day at one (or a few) of the local haunts that are serving up drink specials or hosting special activities to commemorate the extra day. Make your leap-year plans using our guide to events like a time capsule burial at Monument City Brewing Company or an open bar at Bond Street Social that will give you a hangover to last until 2024.

SEE

March 1: Four Women: Catlett, Holiday, Richardson, Scott

Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 2-5 p.m.$20-25.

In conjunction with both Women’s History Month and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s ongoing exhibition, Elizabeth Catlett: Artist as Activist, the downtown institution will host a performance of the production Four Women, inspired by the Nina Simone song of the same name. Spend Sunday afternoon learning about the lives of trailblazing women, including Elizabeth Catlett, Billie Holiday, Gloria Richardson and Joyce J. Scott, through an inspiring song and dance, and stick around to view the exhibition one last time before it closes later that day.

HEAR

Feb. 29-March 1: Frozen Harbor Music Festival

Power Plant Live! 34 Market Pl. $20-225. Fri 7 p.m.-Sun 1:30 a.m.

Not even the icy weather could stop this party. Now in its fourth year, this music festival will take over nine rock venues across downtown, including Rams Head Live! and Mosaic Night Club and Lounge, for three days of nonstop sets by more than 100 rising acts. Make plans to hop from venue to venue to catch performances by hip hop, rock, and rap groups in the heart of the Inner Harbor. Don’t forget to grab a picture with the party-animal polar bear mascot, Koasty, before the weekend ends.

DO

Feb. 29: Viva Brasil

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8-11 p.m. $15-18.

Shake, shimmy, and swing off the mid-winter blues during this annual Carnival celebration at Creative Alliance. While this jam-packed event features everything from costumed dancers to forro and samba dance lessons, the real draw lies in the live music that is sure to bring everyone to the dance floor. Dance the night away to Brazil and New Orleans-inspired tunes by Nation Beat and the JP Silva band all night long.

EAT

Feb. 23: Bottomless Cereal Sundays

101 Baltimore, 1118 S. Charles St., #101. 10-2 a.m. $10.

We love brunching in Baltimore; that’s been established. But, after a while, even the most dedicated brunchers can tire of the rotating cast of omelettes, jam-packed skillets, and French toast options. Luckily, 101 Baltimore is offering a new spin on a classic breakfast food, with an all-you-can-eat cereal bar every Sunday. Roll out of bed and head to the Federal Hill bar to watch cartoons and sip mimosas while you crunch on everything from Fruity Pebbles to Cocoa Puffs.

DRINK

Feb. 22: National Margarita Day

Locations, times, and prices vary.

With sunny skies and a high of 52 degrees predicted for Saturday, there’s never been a better time to bop around to local cantinas and taco joints in celebration of National Margarita Day. Whether you’re in search of creative takes on the classic drink (see Barcocina and Holy Frijoles) or just looking for the best boozy bang for your buck, we’ve got you covered. Plan out this tequila-soaked holiday using our guide to specials, one-of-a-kind drinks, and beat-the-clock deals, and don’t forget to nosh on a taco or two in between margaritas.

SEE

Feb. 22: Open Hours: True Laurels—A Gallop Through Time

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 2-4 p.m. Free.

This Saturday, pack the Baltimore Museum of Art Commons for a special screening of the 2004 documentary We Are Arabbers, which features a group of Baltimore-based people who carry on the centuries-old local tradition of selling goods via horse cart. After the credits roll, Lawrence Burney, the founder of local media platform True Laurels, will host a discussion with a group of former arabbers to talk about the practice and the regional culture that has formed around the beloved tradition.

HEAR

Feb. 22: The Life of Harriet Tubman

Enoch Pratt Free Library, Light Street Branch, 1251 Light St. 11 a.m. Free.

During this program to honor the legacy of Harriet Tubman, an American hero remembered for her efforts to rescue enslaved people before and during the Civil War, local reenactor Gina Lee will share a narrative of Tubman’s life and achievements at the Light Street branch of the Enoch Pratt Library. Reacquaint yourself with the historical figure’s vital place in our local and national history, and watch in awe as Lee, who previously transformed into Tubman for Baltimore’s Legends and Legacies Jubilee event, portrays how she lived, worked, worshipped, and led others out of slavery.

DO

Feb. 21-23: The American Craft Show

Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $14-36.

Calling all crafters! This annual weekend-long event is known for being a DIY haven, and this year’s lineup of more than 600 vendors from across North America will not disappoint. Browse through the Baltimore Convention Center’s vibrant marketplace to shop for everything from jewelry and clothing to furniture and home goods. Whether you leave with new baskets or necklaces or a dress, stop by to snag some thoughtfully made pieces.

EAT

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Specials

Locations, times, and prices vary.

Don’t (completely) panic: There’s still time to make last-minute Valentine’s Day dinner reservations. Whether you’re looking for a romantic table for two or late-night dessert spot, we’ve got you covered. Read through our guide to local menus for every V-Day agenda—first dates, dinner and a game, and casual spots, to name a few—before calling around to find open tables.

DRINK

Feb. 14-16: Belgian Beer Fest

Max’s Taphouse, 737 S. Broadway. 11-2 a.m. Free.

Nothing says “romantic date idea” quite like sampling hundreds of Belgian beers at Max’s Taphouse. This weekend, the Fells Point staple is stocking its bar with more than 250 varieties of Belgian bottled beers, with another 200 on draft, as well as takeovers each day by the likes of RAR, Stillwater, and Allagash. Swing by the revered taphouse to sip on a few new ales, snack on Belgian-inspired eats, and celebrate this 16th annual beer fest.

SEE

Feb. 14: Baltimore Art Gallery Opening

Baltimore Art Gallery, 855 W. 36th St. 7-9:30 p.m. Free.

This Friday, take a trip down the Avenue in Hampden to check out the neighborhood’s newest addition—Baltimore Art Gallery. The space will feature work made exclusively by local artists, with a focus on providing affordable, accessible pieces to Baltimore art collectors or casual shoppers. Browse through paintings and prints by area artists like Matt Muirhead and Kristin Wiebe during the gallery’s grand opening on Friday night, and take home your favorite piece and a frame by the night’s end.

HEAR

Feb. 15: Mortified Baltimore: Doomed Valentines

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7 & 9:30 p.m. $19-22.

Let’s face it: Everyone has (at least) a few cringe-worthy memories about a middle-school crush that you’d rather not relive. But in honor of Valentine’s Day, a group of brave souls will take over the Creative Alliance stage to share their own tales of awkward adolescent romance, with props like love letters and diary entries to back up their stories. Settle into the Highlandtown arts center and spend Saturday night experiencing flashbacks to the storytellers’ teenage heartsick moments, even if only to temporarily forget your own.

DO

Feb. 16: Pinewood Derby

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. 12-5 p.m. Free-$10.

Sharpen your tools and assemble your pit crew for Union Craft Brewing’s fifth-annual Pinewood Derby. This good ol’ fashioned tradition invites novice builders and expert crafters alike to make a wooden toy car and race it down a 40-foot racetrack. This year, spectators can monitor the finish line via the brewery’s giant projector screen while racers compete to win beer prizes and bragging rights. Stick around after the high-stakes action to knock back a few Duckpins and chow down on Well Crafted Kitchen’s special carnival-themed menu.

EAT

Feb. 7-23: Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week

Locations, times, and prices vary.

Calling all plant-based eaters: Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week is back with enough meatless specials, restaurant takeovers, and tasting activities to stay full all month long. The bi-annual affair features more than 20 participating green spots—including Baltimore favorites like The Land of Kush, Paulie Gee’s, and Wicked Sisters—to help you spend the weekend munching on the best vegan dishes in town.

DRINK

Feb. 8: Nepenthe First Anniversary Party

Nepenthe Brewing Co., 3626 Falls Rd. 12 p.m.-12 a.m. Free.

Somehow it’s already been a year since Nepenthe Brewing Co. opened its doors, and we’re not ashamed to admit how many Space Jellyfish IPAs and orders of thick-cut fries we’ve downed in that time. Celebrate the Hampden brewery’s first birthday with food specials, a commemorative pint glass, as well as three new beers including an imperial stout, an IPA with tropical notes, and a double IPA. Raise a glass (or several) to this local staple, and stick around all day long to catch pours of limited-release versions of some of Nepenthe’s most popular beers.

SEE

Feb. 7-16: The Rocky Horror Picture Show—Valentine’s Edition

Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. $45-65.

Who says The Rocky Horror Picture Show can only be experienced during Halloween? Turn up the heat ahead of Valentine’s Day with a date night full of kitschy mania, outlandish rituals like call-outs and cascading toilet paper, and singalongs with Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Rocky, and the whole Transylvania crew. Bring your sweetheart to see live performances during this special take on the 1975 cult film, which is almost guaranteed to leave them wanting more, more, more.

HEAR

Feb. 7: Live Lunch with Emily Wolfe

WTMD, 1 Olympic Pl., Towson. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

Back in September, Texas guitarist Emily Wolfe rocked the WTMD First Thursday Festival and showed the Baltimore crowd why NPR described her sound as “stormy, seductive blues-rock thunder, with riffs for miles.” Ahead of her Friday night show at The 8X10, this rising artist will play a live midday set at WTMD’s Towson studio for fans who want to get to know the singer behind songs like “Atta Blues” and “Steady.” If you can’t leave the office during lunch, no worries, tune into 89.7 FM to broadcast the show.

DO

Feb. 8: Melanin Market

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. 12-5 p.m. Free.

In honor of Black History Month, Union Craft Brewing will transform its taproom into a full-blown marketplace packed with some of the city’s best black artisans, vendors, and performers. In between cheering on the Lethal Ladies Step Team and musician Spirulina Green, explore the pop-up’s wide range of wares, including everything from custom notebooks and sporting goods to haircuts and vintage clothes. Don’t forget to slurp down a few half-shells from The Urban Oyster before heading home with your goodies.

EAT

Feb. 1: Ice Cream for Breakfast at The Charmery

The Charmery, Towson, Medfield, and Hampden locations. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

Instead of starting your Saturday with cereal and milk or burnt toast with butter and jam, make your way to The Charmery to try ice cream inspired by those breakfast favorites instead. Keep your jammies on for this annual sugar-crazed morning—taking place at all three of the ice cream shop’s locations around Charm City—and sample outside-of-the-box flavors like cold pizza, vegan açaí bowl, and whole bean coffee infused with Vent Coffee. If you really want to indulge your sweet tooth, order the Cereal Bowl, featuring five baby scoops, or the “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” milkshake, made with cold brew coffee and croissant flakes.

DRINK

Feb. 2: Super Bowl Sunday

Locations, times, and prices vary.

Yes, we’re all still heartbroken over the Ravens’ early exit from this year’s playoff run, but no, that won’t keep us from celebrating football’s biggest night with plenty of booze, wings, and more booze. We rounded up the best places to watch Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs—featuring beer specials and all-you-can-drink packages at local bars—where you are almost guaranteed to find crestfallen Ravens fans still mourning the Super Bowl game that got away.

SEE

Feb. 2: Groundhog Day on Groundhog Day

The SNF Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Avenue. 1-3 p.m. $8-11.

This Sunday, the world will watch with bated breath to see whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow on Groundhog Day. Whether the all-knowing groundhog declares six more weeks of winter or spring, celebrate this zany tradition by taking a matinee showing of Harold Ramis’ 1993 comedy of the same name at the historic Parkway Theatre. Whether it’s your first or thousandth time seeing the classic Bill Murray flick, don’t miss the chance to watch him relive Groundhog Day again and again on the big screen.

HEAR

Jan. 31: The Honey Dewdrops

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8-11 p.m. $15-18.

Since this Baltimore-based Americana duo released their fifth record, Anyone Can See, last spring, we haven’t been able to get tunes like “More Than You Should Say” or “Ecola” out of our heads. This Friday, snag a seat at Creative Alliance to hear Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish perform a collection of their harmony-soaked songs for an intimate audience. Be sure to pay close attention to the lyrics of songs like “Welcome to the Club” and “Going Rate”, which reflect the storytelling duo’s thoughts on the changing neighborhood of Hampden and the Baltimore Uprising.

DO

Jan. 31: Art After Hours

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 8-11 p.m. $20-25.

Art lovers, rejoice! The Baltimore Museum of Art’s late-night affair is back with a celebration of radical self-expression through art and fashion, thanks to inspiration from current exhibits Ellen Lesperance: Velvet Fist and Mickalene Thomas: A Moment’s Pleasure. As always, this night of revelry is packed with things to see and do: An anarchist sweater workshop with artist Ellen Lesperance, a retro brooch-making tutorial with artist René Treviño, and live performances by local R&B songstress Joy Postell and the Baltimore Boom Bap Society. Don’t forget to take advantage of the after-hours access to the galleries, where visitors can take in the exhibitions that influenced the event.

EAT

Jan. 26: Little Italy Meatball Fest

Pandola Learning Center, 914 Stiles St. 3-6 p.m. $40.

Sure, clean eating is all the rage, but there’s something about a giant plate of spaghetti and meatballs that makes it worth putting off the diet for a day. Bring your appetite to this all-you-can-eat meatball festival at Joe Benny’s, where attendees can help themselves to a seemingly endless buffet of pasta, salad, bread, and dessert. Sample each contestant in the Best Meatball competition and, if you can stomach it, enter into the meatball-eating contest for a truly carb-tastic afternoon.

DRINK

Jan. 25: Chesapeake Oyster, Wine, & Beer Festival

The Assembly Room, 316 Guilford Ave. 12-4 p.m. $69.

What’s the best way to wash down a bushel of world-class oysters? Heavy Seas beer, of course—and two dozen other wines and spirits you will find at this 13th-annual, adults-only seafood extravaganza. Blend briny bivalves and boozy flavors downtown at the Assembly Room, where tickets give you an all-access pass to a shuckin’ good time.

SEE

Jan. 25-Feb. 22: On The Verge

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Times vary. Free.

Creative Alliance is known around town for bringing together works that range in media, style, and material by artists that represent every corner of the city, and its latest exhibition is no exception. Opening with a reception on Saturday night, On The Verge showcases a wide variety of pieces by 25 up-and-coming artists, featuring some local names, as well as rising talent from Japan and Pakistan. Stroll through the Highlandtown arts center to take in these diverse works, and leave with a new favorite artist to keep up with as they rise through their career.

HEAR

Jan. 26: Beer Maria: Fully Tilted Music Collab

Full Tilt Brewing, 5604 York Rd. 10 a.m.-9p.m. $20.

Dear Maria, count us in. The hype surrounding Full Tilt Brewing’s collaboration with Towson-born punk rockers All Time Low will reach its peak this Saturday during the launch party for blonde ale, Beer Maria: Count Me In, inspired by one of the group’s mega hits. Spend the day at the Towson brewery sipping on the new brew, noshing on snacks by Bottoms Up Bagels and The Rolling Grill Pit Beef and Catering, and listening to guest performer James VanDeuson. There are heavy-handed rumors that All Time Low will take the stage for at least a few songs, so stick around to jam out and raise a glass with these hometown rock heroes.

DO

Jan. 26: Lunar New Year Celebration

The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

Ring in the year of the rat with this annual colorful celebration at The Walters Art Museum. With activities for visitors of all ages, let the kiddos help build a giant floral rat sculpture, participate in a zodiac-themed scavenger hunt in the Arts of Asia galleries, and snap photos in the photo booth. Be sure to secure a spot in the auditorium for a performance by The Baltimore Chinese School, and then make your way to the museum’s sculpture court to watch a traditional dance by the Johns Hopkins Yong Han Lion Dance Troupe.

EAT

Jan. 17: Lexington Market Celebration by The Night Brunch

Lexington Market, 400 W. Lexington St. 6-10 p.m. $5-10.

Lexington Market, one of the city’s landmark food and community hubs, is in the midst of a historic (and, in some circles, controversial) redevelopment that will transform the nearly 240-year-old property. To celebrate the market’s entrepreneurial and cultural spirit, The Night Brunch, a popular brunch-and-booze event series, is hosting an all-out party in the property’s ground-floor arcade. Get there early to snag eats from fan-favorite purveyors like Connie’s Chicken and Waffles, knock back a few specialty drinks, and dance the night away with beats by the Night Brunch’s own DJ Impulse.

DRINK

Jan. 18: Zay Day

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st Street. 12-5 p.m. Free.

It’s official: Union Craft Brewing’s Henry “Zadie” Benesch is the world’s oldest brewery worker, clocking in at 100 years old this weekend. Spend Saturday afternoon raising a pint (or two) to the employee known around the brewery for his world-class box-folding skills and love for Blackwing Lager with cigars, $1 coffee from Vent Coffee Roasters, and even a “make your own Zadie mask” station. The first 100 people through the door will participate in a “100 Person Blackwing Shotgun,” before joining the rest of the day-drinking party for live music by dagm, slices of lemon meringue pie, and plenty of brew-filled revelry.

SEE

Jan. 19: The Edgar Allan Poe House Literary Landmark Dedication

Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, 203 N. Amity Street. 1-2 p.m. Free.

In conjunction with Edgar Allan Poe’s 211th birthday on Sunday, his former home on North Amity Street—now a three-story museum—will be named Maryland’s first Literary Landmark. Join the crowd of Poe fanatics outside the revered poet and author’s house for a dedication ceremony hosted by Poe Baltimore and United for Libraries. Then, take a tour through the museum to see original furniture pieces from the family’s home and the room where Poe (supposedly) slept. Before you leave, be sure to take home a Poe-inspired poster or a RavenBeer glass to commemorate the special day.

HEAR

Jan. 19: J Roddy Walston

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m. $20.

If you did a double take when you saw the name J Roddy Walston without “and the Business” tacked onto it, you’re not alone. After a brief hiatus from the music industry, the rock-n’-roll singer will return to the Ottobar this Sunday, ready to add a single dose of strangeness and a few surprises to his homebase show. After a full solo set of Business songs (our bets are on “Take It As It Comes” and “Don’t Break the Needle”), prepare to hear a debut set by J Roddy’s new project, Palm Palm.

DO

Jan. 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: An Unequal Education

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

There are tons of local events happening around town this Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend to honor the reverend’s legacy of fighting for racial justice, but this program at Creative Alliance helps attendees apply his teachings to Baltimore’s own education system. This Sunday, gather at the Highlandtown arts center to watch Teach Us All, a 2017 documentary about educational inequality. Then, hear from local experts about the still-to-be-solved issues within Baltimore City Public Schools. To carry on the event’s purpose, join in to pack school supply kits, which include binders, highlighters, and lined paper, that will be donated to West Baltimore middle-school students.

EAT

Jan. 10-18: Baltimore Restaurant Week

Locations & times vary. $15-45.

To understand just how much locals love the city’s Restaurant Week, please direct your attention to the clock on the event’s website that counts down how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds are left until the deals begin. Through next Saturday, more than 90 local eateries will serve up fixed menus at a sweet price: two-course brunch or lunch for $15 to $20 and three-course dinner for $25 to $45. Map out a game plan, make your reservations, and prepare to indulge in a week of special selections from newcomers like Orto and True Chesapeake Oyster Co. and city staples like Tio Pepe Restaurant and The Prime Rib.

DRINK

Jan. 11: Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans

Locations, times, & prices vary.

There’s no doubt about it: Baltimore is ready to paint the town purple and watch Lamar Jackson lead the Ravens into the playoffs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of options for where and how to cheer on the 14-2 giants, no worries, we rounded up the best pre-games, parties, and Ravens Flock festivities for you. Check out our picks for the best spots to throw on a jersey, crack a beer, and celebrate the Ravens’ stellar season, including stand-out favorites like the Purple Patio at Mother’s Grille and Charles Village Pub in Towson.

SEE

Jan. 11: Harbor Point Ice Festival

Harbor Point, 1310 Point St. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Free.

It’s that time of year when Baltimoreans typically stay inside to avoid the blustering wind and bitter cold, but the Harbor Point Ice Festival gives locals and visitors alike the chance to wrap up and come together in this magical winter wonderland. Visit Harbor Point during this one-day affair to marvel at handmade ice sculptures, enjoy live music, explore eats from area food vendors, and participate in tons of family-friendly activities.

HEAR

Jan. 10: Music Under the Dome: Ziggy Stardust

Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 9-10 p.m. $15.

Even if you’re the biggest David Bowie fan out there, you’ve (probably) never experienced his cult-favorite album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, quite like this. Head to the Maryland Science Center on Friday night to experience the museum’s popular Music Under the Dome series, where the 360-degree sights and sounds of this out-of-this-world album will fill the planetarium dome. Since the first showing is already sold out, snag tickets to the 9 p.m. seating and then prepare to fly through galaxies and constellations during this alien-rock show.

DO

Jan. 11: Girls Rule! Dance Party

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 11 p.m-2 a.m. Free.

The first full work week of the new year has been long, to say the least. If you’re in need of a serious pick-me-up, end your Saturday night on the Ottobar’s dance floor, belting out the lyrics to “Truth Hurts” and “Call Your Girlfriend.” DJ Pancakes will be spinning the latest and greatest hits from all female artists until closing time, so dance off the week’s stress with three hours of tunes by the likes of Madonna, Missy Elliott, and more.

EAT

Jan. 3: Water Song Pop-Up at R. House

R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Free.

As the weather turns chilly this weekend, curl up with a bowl of authentic rice noodles to get a taste of Yunnan, China. During its final weekend in the R. House pop-up stall, Water Song will be serving up its signature combination of Mixian rice noodles, a tasty broth, a touch of meat, and tons of chili oil, along with fan favorites like spicy wonton soup and crispy pork chunks. If you still need a bit of convincing, check out Water Song’s drool-worthy Instagram photos to seal the deal.

DRINK

Jan. 3: Foam Fridays

Diamondback Beer, 1215 E. Fort Ave. 12-11 p.m. Free.

If your New Year’s resolution was to make 2020 the year of beer, this lager-loving night at Diamondback Brewing is the perfect way to kick it off. Every Friday, the South Baltimore brewery celebrates its growing selection of crisp lager beers with half-liter pours at only $4.50. Belly up to the bar to try this week’s featured brew: A 4.0 percent Czech pilsner with, of course, a healthy layer of foam on top.

SEE

Jan. 3-5: Baltimore Crankie Fest

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Times vary. $18.

Rediscover the art of storytelling through crankies—scrolls that are hand-cranked to show one illustrated scene at a time—during the seventh annual Baltimore Crankie Fest. Head to Creative Alliance for this celebration of the niche visual medium, featuring four performances with handmade crankies accompanied by musical guests. Watch as these hand-drawn stories unfurl before your eyes and participate in workshops on how to make your own crankie.

HEAR

Jan. 3: Letitia VanSant and Arty Hill

True Chesapeake Oyster Co., 3300 Clipper Mill Rd. 9-11 p.m. Free.

There’s been plenty of buzz going around about True Chesapeake Oyster Co., the new farm-to-table concept inside Whitehall Mill in Hampden. This Friday, in between slurps of half-shell oysters, hear local songstress Letitia VanSant and country singer Arty Hill serenade the late-night crowd with original tunes and classic covers. Or, as Hill puts it, it’ll be a night of he and VanSant “singing harmony and making fun of each other near delicious seafood.”

DO

Jan. 3-12: Pajama Party Palooza

Port Discovery Children’s Museum, 35 Market Pl. Times vary. Free-$17.95.

Let’s face it: We all get a little stir crazy during the holidays. Luckily, Port Discovery Children’s Museum is hosting the perfect opportunity to get the kiddos out of the house with this daytime pajama party, featuring pillowcase races, sock “skates,” and oversized games. Your little ones will spend the final days of winter break making jammies, watching movies with new friends, and participating in tons of indoor activities at the downtown museum.

EAT

Dec. 28: The Urban Oyster Drag Brunch

The Urban Oyster, 1704 Whetstone Way. 3 p.m. $7.

If you’re looking for a fun way to kill the awkward period of time between the holidays and New Year’s Eve, please turn your attention to this knock-out drag brunch at The Urban Oyster. In between bites of chef/owner Jasmine Norton’s cajun jambalaya, shrimp BLT on a waffle bun, and fried oyster and crab benedict, watch in awe as local drag performers Dee Dee Dereon, Kayden Amore Chloe, and Venus Fastrada sashay through the Locust Point restaurant. Snag tickets to the sure-to-sell-out afternoon show and get ready to indulge in killer seafood dishes, brunch cocktails, and beats by DJ Rob G3.

DRINK

Dec. 28: Holiday Hangover

Monument City Brewing Company, 1 N. Haven St. 1-6 p.m. Free.

After weeks of shopping for presents, attending a never-ending string of holiday parties, and downing eggnog, you’re probably experiencing what’s known as a “holiday hangover.” Luckily, the teams at Monument City Brewing and Dough Boy Fresh Pretzel Co. have the perfect cure for your holiday cheer-induced headache. Stop by the Highlandtown brewery on Saturday for a low-key afternoon full of Penchant Pils and Battle IPAs, as well as made-to-order pretzel creations from this up-and-coming food truck.

SEE

Dec. 27-29: Leah Clare Michaels: Melpomene & The Trinity of Mourning

Carroll Mansion, 800 E. Lombard St. Free.

The historic Carroll Mansion has been home to many things since the early 1800s, including a saloon, a vocational school, and a neighborhood recreation center. Now through this Sunday, the Lombard Street mansion is the site of a thought-provoking exhibition about a series of mourning rituals. Through videos and photographic documentation of three performative works, this exhibition shows artist Leah Clare Michaels cleaning the brass cobblestone memorials in Berlin and Rome that are dedicated to victims of the Holocaust. Take in these expressive works and examine how they challenge viewers’ ideas of public memory, public space, and mourning rituals.

HEAR

Dec. 28: Butch Dawson & Friends Holiday Show

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Free.

For the third year in a row, Baltimore-based rapper Butch Dawson will host this all-out holiday show, featuring the likes of standout artists Damn Kham, Shido, Lamatic, Baby Kahlo and Miss Kam, and Jurdan Bryant. Pack the Ottobar on Saturday night to hear Dawson perform tracks from his latest NSFW album Ollieworld, and keep the party going with back-to-back sets that are guaranteed to keep the crowd hype all night long.

DO

Dec. 28: Kwanzaa Celebration

Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St.. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $5.

Every year, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum hosts an all-out Kwanzaa celebration that brings Baltimoreans from all walks of life together to honor the week-long holiday that lauds African heritage in African-American culture. Head to the downtown museum to experience African dance and drumming performances, workshops, lectures, crafts, and even a marketplace highlighting the theme Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility. In between activities, walk through the galleries to view exhibitions such as EMPOWERED! Black Action Figures, Superheroes, and Collectibles.

EAT

Dec. 20: Creole Soul Grand Opening

R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 3:30-8:45 p.m. Free.

There’s been plenty of buzz about R. House this month as we said goodbye to two longtime staples at the Remington food hall—Arba Meditteranean and Little Baby’s Ice Cream—and prepared for the arrival of newcomers Creole Soul and Taharka Bros. Ice Cream. To kick off the New Orleans-style soul food concept’s first weekend in its new digs, stop by the stall for an on-theme grand opening party, featuring Mardi Gras-inspired face painting, a King Cake, and live jams by Rufus Roundtree. Don’t leave without indulging in some of chef Que Neal’s specialities: shrimp and grits, seafood gumbo, oyster po-boys, and “Mee Maw’s Famous” banana pudding.

DRINK

Dec. 22: Holiday Pawty

The Bluebird Cocktail Room & Pub, 3600 Hickory Ave., 3rd Floor. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Free.

This holiday shindig combines two of everyone’s favorite pastimes—drinking artisanal cocktails and gushing over puppy photos. After grabbing one (or a few) of Bluebird’s specialty drinks from the cocktail bar, mosey over to the Christmas tree where photos of the 10 “cutest pet photo” finalists will be on display. Vote for your favorite with cash or tickets earned with each cocktail purchase, with one dollar from every drink being donated to the Maryland SPCA.

SEE

Dec. 20: The Nightmare Before Christmas Kiki

Rituals: Bar & Venue, 12 W. North Ave. 9-11 p.m. $7-10.

According to the folks at Stillpointe Theatre, this show at Rituals in Station North takes the phrase “gay happy meeting” from the song “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” to a whole new level. Pack the club for a night of lewks and performances by some of Baltimore’s best drag performers, including Venus Frastrada, Washington Heights, and Dee Dee Dereon, as well as a visit from Santa Claus himself. Bring plenty of singles to support your local drag performers this holiday season—the true gift that keeps on giving.

HEAR

Dec. 21: Eze Jackson’s Dirty Christmas

Metro Gallery, North Charles Street. 7 p.m. $10-15.

Nothing says holiday cheer quite like local rapper Eze Jackson’s anti-Christmas party, and that’s not even sarcasm. Break out of the ugly sweater party rut and spend the night jamming out at Metro Gallery with special guests including rapper DDm, 11-piece brass band Bedlam Brass, and the veteran host himself along with The Backwudz Band. Don’t worry: That Mariah Carey song will be nowhere near this show.

DO

Dec. 21: Druid Hill Winter Solstice Celebration

Rawlings Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, 3100 Swann Drive. 7-10 p.m. $10-15.

This Saturday marks the winter solstice, and to celebrate the darkest day of the year, the Rawlings Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is hosting a fun-filled night complete with hay rides, a roaring fire, and solstice-themed music. With all the proceeds benefiting the Druid Hill Farmers Market, spend the evening sipping hot cocoa and creating “winter solstice resolutions” by the bonfire or duck into the conservatory to escape the cold and admire the festive poinsettias.

EAT

Dec. 13: 410 Empanadas at Monument City Brewing

Monument City Brewing, 1 N. Haven St. 5-10 p.m. Free.

If you haven’t yet tried the crispy empanadas from this up-and-coming food truck, this Friday is the perfect opportunity. A mainstay at city and county festivals, 410 Empanadas will make its Monument City debut with its signature bites stuffed with combinations like crab and Old Bay, spinach and cheese, and barbecue pulled pork. If you have room for dessert, try the seasonal pumpkin pie empanada and wash it down with Monument City’s barrel-aged imperial stout.

DRINK

Dec. 14: Highlandtown’s Winter Wine-derland

Seya CrossFit and Wellness, 3301 Eastern Ave. 12-5 p.m. $40-75.

There’s plenty of reasons to stock up on wine before the holidays: office parties, White Elephant swaps, and late-night gift-wrapping sessions, to name a few. Luckily, the first-ever Highlandtown Winter Wine-derland will fill Seya CrossFit and Wellness with more than 90 wines to sample on the spot or take home to wrap. Along with a curated tasting and discount bottle prices, this holly-jolly affair features a boozy hot chocolate station, pictures with Santa, complimentary gift-wrapping, and eats from local food vendors. Spring for the VIP package to enjoy a mini wine class with experts, charcuterie, and a local prize raffle.

SEE

Dec. 14: Under $500

Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. 6-10 p.m. $25-30.

This annual event is one of the highlights of the holiday season in the local art scene, with free-flowing beer and spirits, a lumberjack theme, and, most importantly, tons of affordable and original works of art. Now in its seventh year, this first-come, first-served art sale features works by dozens of local and regional artists, including the likes of Katie Pumphrey, Phaan Howng, and Peter Cullen. Browse through the downtown gallery to find a piece (or two) to purchase and take home, and then head down to the basement to watch holiday films and rub elbows with fellow collectors and artists.

HEAR

Dec. 13: Beyond Video Anniversary Party

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $3-5.

It’s officially been one year since an unassuming rowhouse on North Howard Street transformed into the home of Beyond Video, a crowd-sourced, nonprofit video store complete with a hypnotic paint job and thousands of titles on VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray. To celebrate its first birthday, pack the Ottobar to dance the night away to vintage soul, funk, and disco tunes provided by local legend DJ Mills. Stick around to snag Beyond Video merch, raffle prizes, and giveaways, and don’t forget to bring a few movies of the store’s wishlist to donate in exchange for raffle tickets and free admission.

DO

Dec. 14-15: Greater Goods Market

R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

There are tons of holiday markets to choose from this time of year, but this tried-and-true monthly shopping extravaganza has our hearts. After grabbing lunch inside the Remington food hall, spend the afternoon browsing through everything from handmade clothing to one-of-a-kind jewelry made by more than 50 local vendors. Bop along to beats by DJ Amy Reid (of GRL PWR fame) while you shop, and come back on Sunday to shop the exclusive mini-mart for a second day of shopping.

EAT

Dec. 6: Heritage Smokehouse Feast

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. $75.

Although we still miss the locally sourced lamb chops and steak cuts from now-closed Parts & Labor, former head chef and butcher George Marsh is keeping its spirit alive through his new venture, Heritage Smokehouse. In preparation for the restaurant’s opening in early 2020, the Heritage team is serving up this feast of epic proportions at Union Craft Brewing, with everything from smoked pork belly and spare ribs to pig heads and kielbasa. This meat-lover’s dream also includes sides like local vegetables and suggested beer pairings from Union’s tasting team.

DRINK

Dec. 7: Mahaffey’s Pub Winter Wonderland Party

Mahaffey’s Pub, 2706 Dillon St. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.

Mahaffey’s Pub is a longtime Canton staple for its no-frills attitude, drink specials, and annual all-day holiday block party. Bring the kiddos early for pictures with Santa, face-painting, and a toy drive for the Saint Francis Neighborhood Center, and then stick around for snacks by Snake Hill Food Truck. But the main attraction of the party is what will keep you warm all day: Flying Dog beers as well as spiked hot cocoa and apple cider.

SEE

Dec. 8: Holiday Pagoda Lighting

Patterson Park, 27 S. Patterson Park Ave. 4:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

Watch as the stars and snowflakes that decorate the Pagoda turn on during the fifth annual lighting at Patterson Park. Bring the whole family to the park to meet Santa and other holiday characters, squeeze in some holiday shopping with local gift vendors, or donate to the toy drive. Plus, this much-anticipated community kick-off doesn’t end once the park’s centerpiece is lit, but instead, welcomes locals to stay into the evening with tons of food trucks and live music to keep the celebration going.

HEAR

Dec. 6: Save Your Soul with DJs Baby Alcatraz and Rob Macy

Lithuanian Hall, 851 Hollins St. 8-11 p.m. $6.

Let’s face it: This is a stressful time of the year. Between last-minute holiday shopping and work performance reviews, we could all use an excuse to let loose and dance the stress away. Luckily, one of the city’s most beloved dance parties returns this Friday with an all-out vinyl shindig hosted by famed local DJs Baby Alcatraz and Rob Macy. Boogie down to a mix of Motown hits, funk breaks, big-beat blues, girl groups, swinging instrumentals, and (almost) every other genre at this monthly get-down.

DO

Dec. 6: R. House’s 3rd Birthday Bash

R.House, 301 W. 29th St. 6 p.m.-12 a.m. Free.

This weekend marks the third anniversary of Remington’s favorite food hall, and to celebrate, the theme of its all-night birthday party is, well, three. While the family-friendly activities like face-painting, balloon animals, and a scavenger hunt run until 9 p.m., the neighborhood favorite bartenders at R. Bar will be slinging $3 cocktails, boilermakers, and select beers and wines all night long. During the “adult swim” portion of the party, knock back a few edible glitter-infused Jello shots and take a turn at the microphone for a few celebratory rounds of karaoke.

Sure, you may have seen these guys around Hampden—scooping ice cream at The Charmery, fixing cars at K&S Associates, or serving cocktails at Bluebird Cocktail Room—but you’ve (probably) never seen them like this before.

A little context: Four years ago, a group of Hampden’s male entrepreneurs bared it all for two pin-up-style calendars—one mild and one wild—that were sold at businesses on The Avenue. Shot by local photographer (and Baltimore contributor) Justin Tsucalas, the 2016 calendars were a smash-hit success that raised about $8,000 for the Hampden Family Center, which provides neighborhood residents with educational and professional resources. The idea spurred the popular Ladies of Hampden calendar, featuring community leaders such as Deb Falkenhan of Falkenhan’s Hardware and Nikki Verdecchia of NV Salon Collective. Now, the boys are back for round two.

With all-new outlandish photos—featuring a mix of 12 new and returning “models”—this graduation-themed calendar is currently on shelves for $20 at Atomic Books, Trohv, Falkenhan’s Hardware, and K&S Associates. We got a sneak preview of some of the calendar boys, and here, Tsucalas shares some of his favorite behind-the-scenes moments from this year’s photoshoots.

This was actually the first shot that we did this time around. That’s Dan Harvey from Cotton Duck Title Co. on the Avenue. His concept was to recreate that iconic shot from The Graduate. That’s in his insurance office, and that’s Lou Catelli’s leg. For the 2016 calendar, Harvey was lying completely naked on his desk with a duck covering his, um, private parts. This shot is similar-ish, but it was weird how close his office is to the actual picture from The Graduate. Everything about it—even the door frame looks like the one from the movie. That was one of my favorite shots this time around; it sets the tone for the calendar really well.

Jay Caragay owns Spro Coffee and he wanted to do a take on the [fictional] Juan Valdez coffee man. We took this photo in the little courtyard behind Spro on a very, very hot September day. He had the props and the idea set, and he was willing to, um, show as much as he could. But we walked around that courtyard for a while looking for the right angle and light, and then eventually settled on that shot, which I think was very successful. Most of the guys wanted to have some product or brand placement for their businesses [in their photo], and I was against making it too obvious, but the coffee mug was just enough.

That’s Charlie Gjerde, the owner of Wicked Sisters and Papi’s Tacos. That was taken at his house, and he collected all of those taco-related pool floats himself. Since he’s the face of one of the calendar’s summer months, he wanted to get in the pool with some festive floats. That was one of the more adventurous set-ups, for sure. I mean, he’s sitting in a pool in an avocado with an avocado pit on his lap.

That’s David Scherr from K&S Associates, and he was in charge of the whole thing. His nickname is “The Big Wheel,” and in the first calendar he stood on top of his building naked and held a tire in front of himself. He wanted to do something that reflected back to that shot. He set up the red car in his mechanic shop, which was nice because the color contrast is great. That was probably the only photo that I had to burn and edit out his butt—a little more revealing than the Hampden Family Center probably would have liked—so we found a way to add a little more shadow and cover it up.

That’s Stefano Tanda who works at Daniela Pasta & Pastries, and since it’s a Sardinian restaurant, his idea was to pose like a suckling pig. That’s one of their speciality dishes, so that’s where the apple comes in. We didn’t have much time for this shot because the shop was about to open up, so we quickly rearranged the tables, got him up there, and then, since apparently when you roast a suckling pig you bind its legs behind its back, I had to tie him up a bit at his feet. Then, we knocked out twenty frames in about three minutes.

The shot of all of the shirtless dudes lined up is the cover of the calendar. That was taken at the Skatepark of Baltimore, and on the day of the shoot some of the guys put out a cattle call asking for people to come to the skate park within 20 minutes to be in the shot. A lot of people actually showed up and were down to take their shirts off.

EAT

Nov. 30-Dec. 24: Christmas Village

501 Light St. Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Inner Harbor will transform into an authentic German Christmas market. Starting on Saturday, Baltimoreans can stroll along rows of vendors selling traditional German food and drinks, as well as handmade crafts, toys, and ornaments. With live Christmas music and an atmosphere of cheer, the market is sure to stoke your holiday spirit.

DRINK

Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Eve

Locations, times, and prices vary.

Over the past few years, the night before Thanksgiving has become known as a night of late-night revelry as Baltimore natives return to their old stomping grounds to reconnect with friends from near and far. This Thanksgiving Eve, make your way through the crowds at mainstay neighborhood haunts like the Waterfront Hotel, Cross Bar, and Looney’s for all-night drink specials and live music, or catch up over rounds of beer at Jailbreak Brewing Co. and Black Flag Brewing Co.

SEE

Nov. 30-Dec. 22: Men On Boats

Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St. Times vary. $20-74.

A one-armed man makes his way through the American West on—you guessed it—a boat during this hilarious play opening this weekend at Baltimore Center Stage. Follow the journey of an explorer John Powell and learn about the untold history of the Grand Canyon, as well as the trials and tribulations of traveling through uncharted lands. Return for performances on the 12th, 15th, and 19th to join the artistic staff of Center Stage for AfterThoughts, a post-show discussion with company members.

HEAR

Nov. 29: Planned Parenthood Fundraiser with Eze Jackson, Wume, and Joe Keyes

Rituals: Bar & Venue, 12 W. North Ave. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. $10.

Whether you spent Black Friday scoring deals on holiday gifts or recovering from a turkey-induced food coma, make your way to Rituals on Friday night to support this annual Baltimore Planned Parenthood fundraiser. With a can’t-miss lineup of local acts like hip-hop legend Eze Jackson, Joe Keyes and The Late Bloomer Band, and synth-drum duo Wume, as well as appearances by a host of rising visual artists, this do-good concert brings together some of the city’s best talent in support of a worthwhile cause.

DO

Nov. 23: Cross Street Holiday Market

Cross Street Market, 1065 S. Cross St. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

If you haven’t yet visited the newly revamped Cross Street Market and experienced the historic market’s wide range of local food and drink purveyors, this annual holiday shopping extravaganza is the perfect opportunity. Get into gift-shopping mode and browse through wares by more than 40 Baltimore makers and vendors, and, after snagging something for everyone on your list, stick around to grab lunch from Cross Street favorites like Pizza di Joey, Gangster Vegan, Phubs.

EAT

Nov. 22-24: Roll Up at R. House

R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Free.

The rotating space at R. House has been a launchpad for several local food concepts (Urban Oyster and The Big Softy, to name a few), and now Roll Up, an Americanized eggroll pop-up, is taking its turn at the helm. Created earlier this year by Baltimore food industry veteran Whitney Johnson, the concept’s handmade eggrolls are packed with experimental fillings, such as crab dip and baked mac and cheese, and best paired with a pile of Roll Up’s beer-battered onion rings. Stop by the Remington food hall to sample one of each roll, including the “That’s Bananas” dessert roll, before the pop-up ends on Sunday.

DRINK

Nov. 23: Baltimore Whiskey Festival

The Assembly Room, 316 Guilford Ave. 12-4 p.m. $69.

Spend the evening sipping whiskeys from around the world during this fine spirits festival. Choose from 100-plus craft-distilled whiskeys, stop by the Founder’s Finds table to browse a curated selection of rare products, or learn about the art of distillation from experts during a series of free seminars. If the entry price makes you pause, keep in mind that a portion of the event’s proceeds will directly benefit the Spirit of Hope Children’s Foundation.

SEE

Nov. 24: Opening of Mickalene Thomas: A Moment’s Pleasure

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

Starting this weekend, the lobby at The Baltimore Museum of Art will be transformed into a homey living room, thanks to the linoleum floors, picture frames, and mixed-pattern furniture of artist Mickalene Thomas’ latest installation. Best known for her jewel-encrusted portraits of African-American women and high-profile clients such as Michelle Obama, Thomas is using this two-year exhibition to showcase works by Baltimore-based artists. Among them will be music videos by the likes of TT the Artist, Abdu Ali, and Hunter Hooligan—which will play on a loop as part of the installation. Be one of the first to see this immersive work during its opening reception on Sunday, and stick around for a signature cocktail, beats by DJ Trillnatured, and custom nail art by Power Decals.

HEAR

Nov. 23: Caleb Stine & The Revelations

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. $15-50.

To say that singer-songwriter Caleb Stine is a longtime mainstay of the Baltimore folk scene may be an understatement at this point. His Americana sound has drawn comparisons to artists from Townes Van Zandt to Neil Young, and this month, he will return to Creative Alliance to premiere a new batch of songs. Stine will bring his thoughtful and poetic lyricism to the stage and invite The Revelations band and a few other special guests to share it with him. Come out to support this local troubadour and revel in the good vibes he brings to every show.

DO

Nov. 23: Greedy Reads Grand Opening

Greedy Reads, 320 W. 29th St. 11 a.m. Free.

It’s been less than two years since the independent bookshop Greedy Reads brought new life to the corner of Aliceanna and South Ann streets with its curated selection of titles, author talks, and monthly book club. Now, owner Julia Fleischaker is opening a second location of the fan-favorite store in Remington. On Saturday, stop by to see the new digs—located just a stone’s throw away from R. House—before spending the afternoon browsing for a new winter read, participating in opening-day giveaways and games, and petting Audie, Fleischaker’s Labrador-greyhound mix and the official Greedy Reads mascot.

EAT

Nov. 16: Oyfest 6

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. 12-5 p.m. $15-50.

This annual oyster palooza checks all the boxes for a standout day of shucking, slurping, and sipping. Let’s go down the list: Bivalves from the bay sourced from regional farms; superior shuckers from The Local Oyster and True Chesapeake Oyster Co.; the fan-favorite oyster-eating contest; live funky sounds by Rufus Roundtree and Da B’more Brass Factory; and tons of beer from host Union Craft Brewing. Need we say more?

DRINK

Nov. 15-17: Rare & Obscure Beer

Max’s Taphouse, 737 S. Broadway. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Free.

For almost 35 years, Max’s Taphouse has been a mecca-like destination for local beer lovers, with thousands of bottles in its collection and a draft list so long that it practically nudges you to try something new. This weekend, the Fells Point staple will temporarily add nearly 100 rare and obscure beers to its menu, with more than 60 deep-cut drafts and a growing list of bottles and cans. Take this opportunity to sip on something new because, who knows, “That’s the Kind of IPA That Makes You Wish You Spoke French” or the “Sierra Nevada Bigfoot 2009” could be your new favorite beer.

SEE

Nov. 14-Dec. 1: Aladdin

The Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Times vary. $52-175.50.

On the heels of the live-action version of this classic Disney film, the story of Aladdin will come alive on The Hippodrome stage—minus the presence of Will Smith. Bring the whole family to the historic downtown theater to experience the adventures of a street urchin who falls in love with the princess of Agrabah, with plenty of songs, colorful characters, and romance to keep audience members of all ages entertained. Catch this eye-popping musical during its almost three-week run and get ready to go on a magic carpet ride for the ages.

HEAR

Nov. 16-17: Stop Making Sense

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. $15-50.

Whether you were in the crowd at the Talking Heads’ 1983 performance at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater or have watched the concert film “Stop Making Sense” a few times over, we can almost guarantee that you’ve never experienced the legendary show like this before. For two nights at the Ottobar, more than 25 Baltimore musicians and performers—including the likes of Landis Expandis on the drums and Jasmine Pope and Amy Reid as guest vocalists—will perform a full-throttle rendition of the epic concert with a light show and lamp-dancing included. Pack the Remington club for this do-good show, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition.

DO

Nov. 16: Holiday Bazaar

Belvedere Square, 540 E. Belvedere Ave. 12-3 p.m. Free.

Get into the (early) holiday spirit this Saturday at Belvedere Square’s family-friendly market, packed with handmade gifts by local artists and makers. In between browsing through wares by vendors such as Scarvelous and Allison Fomich of Tigerlillyshop, grab a sweet treat from Sofi’s Crepes or Chocolate by Jinji, bop along to live music, and spend the afternoon reveling in the start of this chilly holiday season.

EAT

Nov. 9: All Things Apple

Union Collective, 1700 W. 41st St. 12-5 p.m. Free.

Move over pumpkin, apple is winning this round of the great fall flavor throwdown. This Saturday, Union Collective businesses will pledge their allegiance to the superior fall fruit with this first-ever apple festival, featuring everything from apple pie shakes and ice cream at The Charmery to an apple-themed climb at Earth Treks Hampden. Mosey throughout the space to sample an apple-takeover menu at Well Crafted Kitchen, a special release at Baltimore Spirits Company, and fall-inspired syrups at Vent Coffee Roasters. Plus, get a first look at new neighbor The Wine Collective, which will be open for tours during the festivities.

DRINK

Nov. 9: Fall Fling & Golden Edition Release

Old Line Spirits, 200 S. Janney St. 3-11 p.m. Free

It’s been a big week for Old Line Spirits: The distillery opened its long-anticipated cocktail and wine bar at Cross Street Market on Tuesday, and on Saturday, it will host its annual fall fling and whiskey release. Stop by the Highlandtown spot on Saturday to be one of the first people to sample Golden Edition, the nation’s oldest American single-malt whiskey made from 100 percent malted barley and aged in white-oak barrels. After snagging a bottle of this rare spirit, stick around for live music, eats from Charm’d Kitchen, beer by Monument City Brewing Company, and sips from Old Line’s fall cocktail menu.

SEE

Nov. 9: Maryland Art Place Fall Benefit

Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $40.

Don your finest Great Gatsby-inspired garb (flapper dresses and fedoras encouraged) and head to Maryland Art Place for a jam-packed night of art, entertainment, and roaring ’20s debauchery. Watch live performances by artists from the gallery’s Tri-Annual MSAC Juried Show, including the likes of Dominique Zeltzman, Shonnita Johnson, and Stephanie Barber, before exploring the second and fifth floors to see new interactive works. In the main gallery, cheer on local cabaret singer Mariah Bonner, rockabilly band Jumpin’ Jupiter, and Baltimore drag queens Bambi Galore and Miss Calculated during this rousing all-night fundraiser for the contemporary art space.

HEAR

Nov. 8: LUXE

Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl. 9 p.m.-12 a.m. $5-10.

If there’s one local drag queen who can guarantee a turnout from all corners of the music, fashion, and entertainment sectors of the city—it’s Baby. Pack the Baltimore Soundstage on Friday night to hear beats from DJKB, Trillnatured, and Lemz, along with live shows by drag performers Betty O’Hellno, Iyana Deschanel, Pussy Noir, and Baby herself. Start planning your looks early for this all-night performance party and dance the night away alongside hosts like punk queen Alastor and musician Hunter Hooligan.

DO

Nov. 8: Lit City Baltimore

400 St. Paul St., 8-11 p.m. $40.

Although the first-ever Brilliant Baltimore festival comes to a close at the end of the weekend, the party isn’t over yet. Join hundreds of glow-in-the-dark revelers in the light tunnel on Saint Paul Street for this all-inclusive bash, featuring an open bar, snacks from local spots like SoBo Café and Refocused Vegan, and nonstop beats by DJ CoryT. Wave your glow sticks to the beat and celebrate another year of transforming downtown into a truly lit city.