Eat
Feb. 13-15: Valentine’s Day Dining Specials
Times, locations, and prices vary.
Whether you’re into the gushiness of Valentine’s Day or you’re boycotting the holiday altogether—it’s going to be a great weekend for dining out. Peep our special dining guide for a snapshot of what’s on the menu at area restaurants in the next few days—from crab imperial roasted chicken and Maine lobster with rigatoni at Yeibo Kitchen in Old Goucher to steak and crab cakes at One-Eyed Mike’s in Fells Point.
DRINK
Feb. 13-16: 22nd Annual Belgian Beer Fest at Max’s Taphouse
Max’s Taphouse. 737 S. Broadway. Times vary. Free admission.
The inflatable Pinky the Elephant—the official mascot of Huyghe Brewery’s Delirium Tremens Belgian Strong Pale Ale—is currently stationed on the roof of Max’s in Fells Point, which can only mean one thing. It’s Belgian Beer Fest weekend. Now in its 22nd year, the one-of-a-kind beer bash offers a selection of more than 100 Belgian drafts. On the tap list, look out for the greats (including the aforementioned Delirium), while also sampling Belgian-inspired releases brewed in Maryland, including Diamondback’s Cascara saison, Manor Hill’s Echos Of Sanctity, and Waredaca’s Geedie.
SEE
Feb. 13: Station North Second Friday Art Walk
Various venues in Station North. 5-9 p.m. Free admission.
Wind down from your workweek with this Station North ritual, which offers an evening of open-door access with special entertainment at the arts district’s many venues. Among the events on the lineup this time around are an artist talk with Khalil M of Today’s Supper (currently on view) at Mama Koko’s, a live music showcase featuring singer Marc Evans at Motor House, DIY Valentine’s Day Shrinky Dinks at No Land Beyond, and an opening reception for Area 405’s first tenant exhibition, 405 Daily, highlighting he works of 17 artists. See all of the programming and customize your own route, here.
See also: Dawn at Everyman Theatre, August Wilson’s Fences at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, Block Party Black Comedy Showcase at Highwire Improv
HEAR
Feb. 14: Cupid’s Takeover ft. Enslow
Angels Rock Bar. 34 Market Pl. 7 p.m. Show at 9:30 p.m. $15.
Say goodbye to gushy romance and hello to girl power at Angels Rock Bar, where our own homegrown pop star Enslow—whose “feel-good, girly, glittery sound can stay on constant rotation and command the stage, too,” as we wrote recently—will serenade the crowd. (Required listening for the car ride there includes “Cowboy Like Me” and a fantastic Fleetwood Mac cover of “Little Lies.”) Shred a photo of your ex at the door for a free shot; take advantage of a one-hour open bar from 7-8 p.m.; and down discounted beer, bombs, and Surfsides with beat-the-clock specials the rest of the night.
See also: Psycho Killers: An Evening of Talking Heads and Assorted Love Songs; Icarus Phoenix w/ Glorian, Shelby Morgan, and Bryce Bowyn
DO
Feb. 15: 11th Annual Pinewood Derby
Union Craft Brewing. 1700 W. 41st St. 12-5 p.m. Free admission.
Once a year, the taproom at Union Craft Brewing turns into a bona-fide speedway, featuring a 40-foot track built for racing creatively decorated mini cars handmade out of wood. If you’ve always wanted to get a front-row seat to the tradition, head to Hampden on Sunday to grab a pint (the barrel-aged Pinehead DIPA was, of course, brewed specifically for the occasion), chow down on eats from Carroll & Son Fine Foods, and watch the tiny vehicles fly. Be sure to stick around until the end, when entrants will be awarded a multitude of trophies and prizes.
See also: Girls Who Walk Baltimore: Galentine’s Walk, Friendzy: A Galentine’s Evening at Golden West
Looking for more happenings to celebrate love in all of its forms this weekend? Check out our Ultimate Galentine’s Day Guide.