Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.
EAT
July 14: Jumbo Gumbo
Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave. 5 p.m. $5.
If you haven’t heard the whispers yet, our favorite seafoodie, The Local Oyster, has something new in the works. Think jumbo gumbos, crawfish boil, local oysters (naturally), and the sounds of the Big Easy. We know where we’ll be hanging out when Second Line opens its doors in Remington in early 2018, but this Friday, get an early taste at our beloved Woodberry brewery. Throw back pints of Duckpin, slurp down True Chesapeake oysters, and crush New Orleans-style eats with a special NOLA collaboration between The Charmery and Center Cut Doughnuts. (Beignet scoops, anyone?) To step up the experience, Rufus Roundtree and The B’More Brass Factory will be on hand for that full-on second line vibe. Here’s hoping they’ll even start their own procession around the UCB parking lot.
DRINK
July 15: Mood Swings at Boordy Vineyards
Boordy Vineyards, 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes. 6-9 p.m. $20.
There’s something about summer that makes us nostalgic. We yearn for the berry pies of our grandmother’s kitchen and the big band music of stereo on hot sticky nights. This Saturday, quench that wistful thirst by making your way to the county for a throwback evening, filled with fine wine and the sounds of old standards echoing across the rolling countryside. At Boordy Vineyards, the 20-plus-piece Mood Swings will be in tow for a show for all ages, with ice-cold whites, summery roses, and warm-weather reds flowing into the night. Get a little tipsy, dig into local ice cream, and dance under the stars.
SEE
July 15-16: Baltimore Caribbean Carnival
Clifton Park, 2701 St. Lo Dr. Sat. 12-10 p.m., Sun. 12-9 p.m. Free.
The Baltimore Carribean Carnival might just have the city’s best parade. During this weekend-long celebration of tropical paradise, transport to the islands without even hopping on I-95. Join thousands of attendees to soak up the sounds of steel drums, snack on endless authentic eats, and best of all, see the colorful costumes as you follow this loud, lively parade.
HEAR
July 14: My Morning Jacket with Gary Clark Jr.
Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pwky., Columbia. 5:30-11 p.m. $46-76.
My Morning Jacket is an instant feel-good show. At any given concert, winding jams like “One Big Holiday” will have you forgetting your weekday worries, and a coterie of cover songs will have you crooning to the likes of Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, and Erykah Badu. For one Friday night, catch old MMJ favorites and maybe even a few new hits from James’ latest stellar solo album, Eternally Even. The group will also be joined by guitar virtuoso Gary Clark Jr., whose rock skills are revered by the likes of The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. Simply put, he’s likely to steal the show. Just listen to “Bright Lights” to see what we mean.
DO
July 14: Bey vs. Ye vs. Jay Dance Party
Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Free.
We’ve all picked sides during the whole Carter Family debacle over the years. You might side with Jay-Z. Your girlfriend might side with Beyoncé. Her best friend might side with the West-Kardashian clan. (We’ll always stand by Solange.) This Friday at the Ottobar, you can finally pick a winner with a dance-off to support your team. For four hours, get down on the dance floor as DJ Mills spins your favorite tracks from Queen B, Jay, and the crazy-but-genius Kanye. Open to all genders and ages, it’s one of the best dance parties in the city. We’ll definitely be trying to sneak in a stray “Losing You.”