Eat
May 18: Rise & Rave by Kitsch Cafe
Kitsch at R. House. 301 W. 29 St. 7-11 a.m. Free-$10
It’s said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and on Sunday morning, the team at Kitsch is offering an opportunity for you to pair your coffee and toast with music and movement. Dubbed “Baltimore’s first-ever breakfast rave” (the concept has been popularized in other cities like London and New York), the early-morning event will kick off with a stretch session by Erin Duffy Yoga, followed by a live DJ set by Begone Music Duo. Swing by the glitter station to get rave-ready before the dance party begins. While you’re moving and grooving, be sure to grab light breakfast bites, coffee, and a drink from the electrolyte hydration station to start your day on a high note.
See also: Opening Day at the BMI Farmers Market
DRINK
May 16-17: Baltimore Fermentation Festival
Hex Superette. 5718 York Rd. May 16: 7-9 p.m. May 17: 1-5 p.m. $25-125
If you’re a fermentation fanatic, join other enthusiasts for this first-ever fest celebrating the gut-friendly process. The party starts Friday with an evening of fermented cocktails, snacks, and a Q&A with James Beard Award-winning author of The Art of Fermentation Sandor Katz. Come back on Saturday to sit in on demos and shop an entire marketplace of everything from kimchi and kraut to vinegar and sourdough. As far as sips go, look out for local faves like Suspended Brewing, Old Westminster Winery, and Tortuga Kombucha, as well as an afternoon cocktail workshop with the bar team from Clavel.
Also of note: Hotel Ulysses in Mt. Vernon is hosting a Funky & Fermented Happy Hour on Friday, featuring major New York producers like Alice Jun of Hana Makgeolli Brewery & Tasting Room; Aaron Fox and Daniel de la Nuez of Forthave Spirits; and Rachel Petach of Current Cassis.
SEE
May 17: Latin American Art Opening Day Celebration
The Walters Art Museum. 600 N. Charles St. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free
For the first time in The Walters’ history, works from the museum’s expansive collection of art from South, Central, and North America and the Caribbean have been curated into one space—placing an emphasis on the cultural and historical significance of Indigenous art of the Americas. To commemorate the unveiling, the Walters team has put together a full lineup of public programming on Saturday, including on-the-hour curator tours (the exhibit is housed in the renovated North Court galleries), talks with featured contemporary artists, hands-on crafts, live performances, and visiting local Latin American shopping and food vendors. See more details, here.
See also: Nightscape at Night Owl Gallery
HEAR
May 18: BLK ASS Basement Bash
The Garage at R. House. 301 W. 29 St., 4-8 p.m. $4
To celebrate four years of uniting and amplifying Black-owned businesses with the BLK ASS Flea Market, founder Bri Mobley is throwing a rager in Remington. Show up to the Garage at R. House in your best summer dance party ‘fit to enjoy Afro-Caribbean vibes with host Davon Kane, DJ Huxtable, and Queen HD the DJ. Be sure to hit the cash bar and check out the tooth gem and tattoo activations in between sets on the dance floor.
See also: Landis Harry Larry, Micah E. Wood, and Glorian at the Ottobar
DO
May 17: Preakness 150
Pimlico Race Course. 5201 Park Heights Ave. Prices vary
Preakness weekend is always a big deal, but when the trusty thoroughbreds round the track on Saturday, it will mark the race’s 150th anniversary—making the event all the more special this year. Whether you’re headed to place bets (and catch T. Pain and Wyclef Jean) at Pimlico or watching from a local bar, put on a big hat, sip a Black-Eyed Susan, and bask in all of the Maryland pride. ICYMI—check out our photo essay commemorating all of the pageantry and personalities throughout the years, here.