EAT
Sept. 24: St. Demetrios Greek Festival 2021
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. 2504 Cub Hill Road. Sept 24, 5 p.m. to Sept 26, 6 p.m. Free.
With this two-day fling (which is set to celebrate its 48th year this weekend,) the folks at St. Demetrios are pulling out all the delicious stops—so be sure to come hungry. This Friday through Saturday, bring the whole family out to the Northeast Baltimore church to enjoy folk dancing, live tunes by Pelagos Entertainment, crisp sips, and, of course, delicious Greek fare. On Saturday only, snag a spot in line to grab some roasted lamb sandwiches while they last. And all weekend long, graze on comfort favorites like grilled chicken or grilled pork-based souvlaki skewers, classic gyros, fresh-made tzatziki, and Kataifi, a Greek dessert of sweet, shredded filo dough.
DRINK
Sept. 25: Guilford Hall Brewery Grand Opening and Oktoberfest Kickoff
Guilford Hall Brewery. 1611 Guilford Ave. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free-$75.
New to the Station North area, Guilford Hall Brewery has officially set up shop on the former site of the original 1898 Crown, Cork, and Seal factory—just in time for some end-of-week sipping and Oktoberfest fun. Grab tickets online ahead of your trip to the Greenmount West taproom (which includes a Biergarten) and celebrate the grand opening with $5 half-liter draft pours, courtesy of brewmaster Martin Coad. While you sip, be sure to fill your stomach with a serving of German-esque treats (we suggest pairing the festive bites with the brewery’s Oktoberfest Marzen Lager and Hefeweizen.) Plus, VIP ticket holders can really get into the spirit with a live performance by Bavarian band Alte Kumpel.
SEE
Sept. 24: Fire & Shadow: The Rise and Fall of Bethlehem Steel Opening at the BMI
Baltimore Museum of Industry. 1415 Key Highway. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free-$12.
Opening this weekend, this new permanent exhibition honors Baltimore’s industrial past and how it shaped the city we know today in an exploration of steel-industry heavyweight Bethlehem Steel. Through vivid photos, first-person narratives, original artifacts (everything from workplace IDs to flame-resistant clothing), and objects presented in three dimensions through augmented reality, attendees can explore the Sparrows Point mill that was once the world’s largest producer of the world’s most important product.
HEAR
Sept. 24: Soul Cannon, Konjour Collective, and Josh Stokes with Theophilus London at the Ottobar
Ottobar. 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m. $12.
A fierce lineup of local performers are on the bill for tonight’s Ottobar show with Trinidadian rapper Theophilus London—known for his genre-bending influences (his new album, Bebey, is described as New Wave Caribbean) and collaborations with the likes of Solange Knowles and Tame Impala. Throw on a mask (and don’t forget to bring proof of vax) to groove to London’s smooth sounds after enjoying explosive sets from Baltimore greats including the Eze Jackson-fronted, experimental hip-hop quartet Soul Cannon, improvisational jazz group Konjour Collective, and drummer-singer extraordinaire Josh Stokes.
DO
Sept. 25: Baltimore Family Biking Open House
Peabody Heights Brewery. 401 East 30th St. 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Free.
Throughout the years, the folks at Bikemore have worked tirelessly to improve safe bicycle infrastructure between city neighborhoods. Of course, a large part of that mission is keeping families safe while riding with little ones. This weekend, bring the tykes and gather with other local bike enthusiasts at Peabody Heights Brewery to learn more about how to safely ride as a family. Grab a pint and browse bike seats, cargo bikes, and even kid bikes of all sizes if you’re looking to transition your junior riders to their own set of wheels. Plus, representatives from local organizations—including the Baltimore City Department of Transportation, Baltimore Downtown Families Alliance, and Rails to Trails Conservancy—will be on hand at the outdoor event to answer questions about bike-friendly routes.
WEEKEND LINEUP: Sept. 17-19
EAT
Sept. 19-21: Mid-Autumn Festival Feast at NiHao
NiHao. 2322 Boston St. Sept 19: 12–3 p.m. Sept 20-21: 5–9 p.m. $95.
In Chinese culture, the Mid-Autumn Festival—also called the “Moon” or the “Mooncake” festival, in reference to the fullness of the harvest moon—is the second largest celebration next to the Chinese New Year. Centered on reunions and shared meals—with the ornate Chinese mooncake pastry as the star of the show—it’s what NiHao visionary Lydia Chang celebrated growing up. And now, it’s the inspiration behind the Canton restaurant’s latest collab with chef Antoni Szachowicz, formerly of Inferno Pizzeria in Gaithersburg and The Oval Room in Washington, D.C. While they last, reserve a slot on Tock to secure a Mid-Autumn Festival Package, which is available to purchase for dine-in or takeout. Then, indulge in an opulent spread that includes stuffed lotus root, red braised pork belly, wine-glazed duck breast, and taro dumplings. For dessert, enjoy persimmon-stuffed pumpkin cakes alongside red bean mooncakes, of course.
DRINK
Sept. 18: Halfway to St. Paddy’s at Delia Foley’s
Delia Foley’s Pub. 1439 S. Charles St. 11a.m. to 11 p.m. Free.
Contrary to pumpkin spice season, the crew at this lovable Irish pub has their sights set on spring—and all things green—with a full day of discounted St. Paddy’s sips. This Saturday, throw on some green gear (don’t forget a face mask to finish your festive look) and head to Delia Foley’s in Federal Hill to enjoy live sets by the Clipper City Trio and the John Hall Duo. To quench your thirst between tunes, specials (available from open to close) will include $4 Guinness Blonde drafts, $5 Jameson sips, $6 Guinness pints, and $7 Jameson Irish crushes.
SEE
To Sept. 19: Betty Cooke’s Legacy at the Walters
The Walters Art Museum. 600 N. Charles St. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
With her sculptural poise and technique that melds nature with clean-cut lines and modernist flare, Betty Cooke has made her mark on jewelry as we know it. And after seven decades, the MICA alumnus is just getting started. “I’m always waiting for the surprise. I can’t wait to come up with something that I’ve never done before,” says Cooke, who believes that with “a circle and a line, you can make anything.” At the Walters this Saturday, catch the 97-year-old artist’s first major museum retrospective, comprising everything from her earliest pieces (dating back to the 1940s and 50s) to her latest work, accompanied by photographs, drawings, artwork, and sketched designs.
HEAR
Sept. 18: Summer Music Moves Festival
Baltimore Center Stage. 700 North Calvert St. 4-6 p.m. Free.
In keeping with today’s new COVID-safe norms, this year’s iteration of the much-loved music fest—organized by Center Stage, with help from the Baltimore Jazz Alliance and the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund—was designed to boast indoor and outdoor fun. However, due to inclement weather, this weekend’s performances will take place inside the Mount Vernon venue. This Saturday, stay dry while you groove along to area greats including Joe Keyes & The Late Bloomer Band, The Lafayette Gilchrist Trio, J Pope & The HearNow, and The Rachel Winder Quartet.
DO
Sept. 17: Mount Royal Night Market
Mount Royal Soaps. 2740 Huntington Ave. 6-10 p.m. Free.
The Mount Royal Soaps team is kicking off the weekend with some good clean fun—including handcrafted goodies, Snake Hill Grill bites, and free Peabody Heights pours for patrons over 21. This Friday at the Remington shop, get your savory food truck fix while you fill your bag with everything from graphic tees and fancy razors. Don’t forget to cop this “bitty baby bat ring” to help prepare for the upcoming spooky season.
WEEKEND LINEUP: Sept. 10-12
EAT
To Sept. 11: Café Dear Leon “Street of Rome” Pizza by the Slice Pop-Up
Café Dear Leon. 2929 O’Donnell St. 12-9 p.m.
While Café Dear Leon has temporarily closed its doors for a staff break (with plans to reopen on Oct. 1,) fans can still get their carb fix all month-long—thanks to co-owner Min Kim and crew. Throughout September, the folks behind the Canton hotspot are bringing Rome to Baltimore with pizza by the slice. Starting this weekend, visit Café Dear Leon to grab yours while supplies are in stock. Try the “Funghi” slice—which boasts handmade mozzarella, roasted mushrooms, sliced red onion and thyme—alongside an order of “Suppli al Telefono” (crispy fried Roman risotto balls.) And don’t forget to quench your thirst with a non-alcoholic spritz.
DRINK
Sept. 12: Lagers and Locals: Market for Mental Health at Peabody Heights
Peabody Heights Brewery. 401 E 30th St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.
This Sunday, in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Maryland Chapter, Peabody Heights will play host to an array of makers selling crafty, local merch. Swing by the Old Oriole Park taproom starting at 10 a.m. for a crispy sip (we suggest the new Bud Nelson “Best Coast” Double IPA.) While you’re there, browse everything from soothing scents and spooky stickers to resin art. Proceeds will benefit Baltimore’s Out of the Darkness walk, an event on Oct. 30 that will amplify conversations about suicide prevention.
SEE
To Sept. 12: Merriweather District Artist-in-Residence Exhibition: Heuphoria
Merriweather District. 6100 Merriweather Drive. 4th Floor. Times Vary. Free-$12.
Spanning more than 27,000 square feet (installations include a 120-foot long tunnel,) this technique-transcending exhibition comes to the Merriweather District for one weekend only. Now through Sunday, visit the downtown Columbia hub to view the handpicked works of artists Andrew Burke, Morgan Bobrow-Williams, Chrystal Seawood, and Bobby Zokaites. Be sure to snap pictures as you piece together oversized puzzles, savor live performances, explore a range of handpicked works, and traverse an otherworldly green room space.
HEAR
Sept. 10-24: BROS Presents Funktopia
Baltimore Rock Opera Society. 9 W 25th St. 8 p.m. $50.
Next stop: Funktopia. Starting this Saturday, the Baltimore Rock Opera Society invites fans to throw on their most glamorous gear for a fittingly rollicking, color-soaked tribute to hip hop and funk. At the brand new Voxel Theater—which will function as Funktopia’s confetti-drenched and Cadillac-traversed town square—experience the splendor of the trailblazing genres and their many greats, as portrayed lead performers Drizzy Tha Don and Mook E Blaylock. Listen and follow along in-person (or online, beginning Sept. 24) as the pair delivers live renditions of the works of George Clinton, Kendrick Lamar, and more.
DO
Sept. 11: Charm City Run to Remember
9/11 Memorial (in front of the World Trade Center). 401 E Pratt St. 8:46-11a.m. $45-55.
Twenty years after the horrific attacks, this annual sprint to commemorate and honor 9/11 victims (the only of its kind in Baltimore, since 2002) will commence this weekend. Rise early and register online for your 5 or 11K walk or run ahead of Saturday’s 8:46 a.m. start time. Depending on your ticket, you can choose to take off alongside Charm City Run at the World Trade Center’s 9/11 Memorial, or opt to chart your very own virtual course. Proceeds from the event—which has hosted more than 30,000 runners and raised more than $400,000 since its inaugural run—are donated to efforts such as purchasing defibrillators for police cars, bringing dogs to the K9 unit, and supporting families that have lost a loved one in the line of duty.