“They stood up and fought it tooth and nail,” says Joy Giordano, executive director of Fell’s Point Main Street, which stepped in to help revive the event in 2012. “It has truly been a community festival since day one.”

Though the three-day fête, returning Sept. 30- Oct. 2, maintains its roots as a fundraiser to benefit the Preservation Society of Fell’s Point, its offerings and attractions have evolved significantly throughout its 50-year run.

To celebrate the anniversary, thousands will crowd the cobblestone streets surrounding Broadway Square this weekend to browse handmade wares from more than 100 local crafters, sample eats and drinks from fan-favorite food purveyors, and enjoy the festival’s largest music lineup to-date—featuring upwards of 20 acts ranging from Prince-tribute and ’90s cover bands to local rockers Kelly Bell Band and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack.

Dubbed the longest-running community festival in Baltimore City, the gathering aims to be inclusive for locals and visitors alike, with attractions including an art wall curated by seniors at MICA, a family-friendly Kids Zone with face-painting and balloon animals, and an International Plaza on the 600 Block of East Broadway showcasing Hispanic music and culture.

One of the many noteworthy changes implemented over the years occurred when organizers got rid of the festival’s beer gardens in 2013. Thanks to a new open container provision, attendees can now drink anywhere inside the festival’s grounds.

Giordano says that, in the midst of the neighborhood’s recent development and expansion (The Rec Pier’s Sagamore Pendry Hotel is slated to open in 2017), it’s exciting to bring back a familiar tradition.

“Fells Point is such a wonderful blend of old and new,” she says. “And the festival is a great opportunity to celebrate our roots and remember what it was, while also taking a look at the vision for what it’s about to be.”

A number of small businesses in the area also participate by extending their footprint onto the sidewalk for the weekend. South Broadway stalwart Bertha’s Mussels, for example, will be shucking oysters and selling mussels, t-shirts, and its signature “Eat Bertha’s Mussels” bumper stickers outside of the restaurant all weekend long.

“It’s our busiest weekend of the year,” says co-owner Andy Norris, whose parents Tony and Laura opened Bertha’s, the neighborhood’s first-ever sit-down restaurant, in 1972. “We’re proud to say we’ve been here almost all 50 years—we only missed a few.”

A lifetime Fells Point resident, Norris says that some of his fondest memories of the festival include seeing community members pedal homemade pierogies and lemon sticks from their stoops in the early ’80s.

“At that time, so many cool and funky people living here just came out on the street and put everything about themselves into the festival,” he says. “That’s what made it so special—all of their eclectic funkiness. Fells Point was just a raw, artsy gem.”

Just down the street, neighborhood newbie 8 Ball Meatball will be participating in its first-ever fun fest with a sidewalk sale of grab-and-go street food like crab balls and meatball sandwiches.

“There’s no doubt that Baltimoreans love a good party,” says 8 Ball owner Paul Weitz, who has lived in the neighborhood since 2009. “I love walking around in a big group and popping into all of the bars. The outdoor vibe combined with the waterfront and the façade of the businesses is all a part of the overall uniqueness and aura of Fells.”

Local boutique Poppy & Stella will also be getting in on the fun, discounting all of its merchandise by 20 percent throughout the weekend in honor of the festival.

Owner Kelley Heuisler has enjoyed watching the Fell’s Point Fun Festival evolve in the eight years since she opened her shop, and always bears its history in mind.

“It’s interesting that Fells Point was almost [gone] 50 years ago,” she says. “The fact that we were able to overcome that, and band together and survive, is a testament to the neighborhood as a whole. The fabric of Fells is a really beautiful representation of the best that Baltimore has to offer.”

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In keeping with the organizers’ tradition of creating makeshift venues out of vacant city properties (last year’s event was held in the former H&S Bakery distribution center in Harbor East), the festival will set up shop in the third-floor retail space, formerly a Best Buy, at 600 E. Pratt Street on April 16 and 17.

“It’s important for the city to rally behind local food producers and also to show outside vendors the strong food community that Baltimore has,” says Sue-Jean Chun, co-founder of The Emporiyum. “Our event gets bigger every year and we’re so excited to bring all of the vendors together under one roof.”

While browsing goodies from out-of-towners like D.C.-based sushi burrito purveyor Buredo, New York-based lobster lord Luke’s Lobster, and Ocean City-based boozy beverage distillery Hoop Tea, be sure to check out local eats from the likes of Big Bean Theory, Baltimore Waffle Company, Bottoms Up Bagels, Buddhabites, Dooby’s, The Local Oyster, Pinch, Charm City Meadworks, Clavel, Ekiben, HEX Ferments, KoDee Cakes, Trisha’s Almond Toffee, Union Craft Brewing, and V-No Wine Bar. Among the lengthy list of local vendors are these five favorites:

Alma Cocina Latina
Caracas-born restaurateur Irena Stein delivers some of the most authentic Latin cuisine around at this hotspot, which opened in the Canton Can Company last year. This weekend’s fete will mark Stein’s Emporiyum debut, and she’s excited to give diners a taste of what Alma is all about: “We’re doing a special dish that is very representative of our craziness in the kitchen at the restaurant,” she says. Stein’s team will serve a Venezuelan shrimp roll topped with authentic guasacaca (think avocado salsa), green mango mustard, cilantro, lime zest, and microgreens, all piled on top of a matte-black squid ink arepa bun. If you’re in search of vegetarian options at the festival, Alma will also be whipping up a special Venezuelan corn pancake with queso fresco.

8 Ball Meatball
This Fells Point newbie has been making a name for itself with its inventive meatball creations since opening in the former Tapas Adela space in February. Locals might already be familiar with the restaurant’s classic, chicken, and spicy pork meatballs ladled with different sauces and served either sub or slider style. But if you haven’t gotten a chance to stop in, the 8 Ball team will be posting up at the Emporiyum, serving its signature Greek meatballs with tzatziki sauce and crab balls topped with Old Bay aioli.

The Corner Pantry
European-inspired cuisine from British chef Neill Howell is the focus of the menu at this casual cafe in Mt. Washington. Savory lunch and dinner offerings—such as waffle BLT sandwiches and colorful beet salads—are plentiful, and the confections from the restaurant’s claim-to-fame bakery make it easy to save room for dessert. From house-made pop tarts and scones to jumbo chocolate-chip cookies and classic crumpets, there are tons of sweets options too. The Corner Pantry will be on hand to quell sweet tooth cravings this weekend, selling its creative doughnuts that come in flavors ranging from tiramisu and vanilla matcha to lemon meringue and maple sticky bun with glazed walnuts.

Diamondback Brewing Company
What started as a couple of college friends brewing craft beer on their stovetop at the University of Maryland, College Park has now become Diamondback Brewing—a homegrown craft beer company that has already released six signature sips since launching in November 2014. Its lineup, which includes the citrusy 3:30 Amber Ale and The Bamb Black IPA, is available at a handful of beer bars around town, but if you haven’t gotten a chance to try it out, swing by Diamondback’s booth this weekend to sample its Omar’s Oat Pale Ale and its summer seasonal Citronova Session Ale.

Cream Cruiser
There’s a chance you’ve spotted Cream Cruiser founder Katherine O’Brien riding around on her seven-speed dessert bike to serve specialty ice cream sandwiches at various local markets. The sweet treats, which come in flavors ranging from chocolate chip and mint Oreo to double chocolate and bananas foster, sandwich a hefty scoop of Taharka Bros. ice cream between two fresh baked cookies. While strolling around The Emporiyum, swing by Cream Cruiser to try a few bite-sized sandwiches made specifically for the tasting event. Flavors on deck for this weekend include chocolate chip with pistachio, oatmeal raisin with toasted coconut, and double chocolate with raspberry cheesecake.

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James Beard Awards Semifinalists Announced: Chef Cindy Wolf has once again been named a semifinalist for the 2016 James Beard Awards. The list of contenders, which was released earlier this week, lists Wolf as a nominee in Best Chef Mid-Atlantic category. Wolf’s low-country Harbor East fixture Charleston has also been recognized, snagging a nod in the Outstanding Wine Program category. Both Wolf and Charleston were the only Maryland chefs or restaurants to make the cut this year. Stay tuned for updates, as the finalists will be revealed in March and the winners will be announced in May.

OPEN:

Colette: Last week, Bottega owner Adrien Aeschilman launched this brand new bistro in Station North. Complete with gold accents, dim lighting, and a marble-top bar, the 80-seat spot is officially up and running, highlighting upscale French fare and an expansive selection of pre-Prohibition cocktails.Diners can look forward to chef Stefano Porcile’s rotating menus, listing inventive dishes such as seared scallops with cauliflower and blood orange, grilled tuna belly with arugula and sherry vinegar, and roasted pear honey cake with lemon curd and lavender. 1709 N. Charles St., 443-835-2945

Cosima: This long-awaited spinoff from Donna’s owner Donna Crivello finally opened last weekend in Woodberry’s Mill No. 1. The rustic, multi-level space boasts a circular bar, an open kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven, and reclaimed furniture. Crivello’s Sicilian heritage is reflected in the menu, which features staples such as arancini (crispy rice fritters with smoked mozzarella and pesto), pasta alla Norma with roasted eggplant and charred tomatoes, and house made pizza topped with figs, gorgonzola, and broccoli rabe. 3000 Falls Road, 443-708-7352

Grotto Pizza: Known for its strong beach-town presence, this Delaware-based pie chain boasts several locations scattered everywhere from Ocean City to Rehoboth. Last week, Grotto expanded into the area with a new shop in Columbia. The 8,000-square-foot eatery, which features a full bar and plenty of high-top and booth seating, serves the brand’s signature pizzas, salads, wings, and pastas. 7075 Minstrel Way, Columbia, 443-538-8200

COMING SOON:

8 Ball Meatball: The grand opening of this new meatball shop from longtime Fells Point resident Paul Weitz is set for this Sunday, February 21.Situated in the former home of Tapas Adela on Broadway, the recently rehabbed space now highlights locally inspired interior features, like a wall mural by Baltimore artist Kelly Walker and custom light fixtures by designer Michael Metcalf. The menu at 8 Ball lists beef, chicken, pork, and vegetarian varieties paired with five different sauces, as well as side dishes like cheesy polenta. The restaurant will offer daily lunch and dinner service, and late-night eats on the weekends. 814 S. Broadway, 443-759-5315

Ground & Griddled: In a video announcement released this morning, yet-to-open Remington food incubator R. House revealed that this new concept will be the first to move in. The eggs-and-coffee startup is the brainchild of Café Cito owner/executive chef Dave Sherman, and will emphasize made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and next-level coffee drinks when the space debuts in September. 301 W. 29^th St., 443-347-3570

CH-CH CHANGES:

The Ivy Hotel: The ultra-exclusive Ivy Hotel in Mt. Vernon recently announced that it will begin to offer high tea service to the public starting in April. Since the hotel opened in June 2015, all of its amenities (with the exception of its spa and its restaurant, Magdalena) have been offered to guests only. The Ivy will serve high tea, complete with light bites and optional champagne pairings, Friday through Sunday. Stay tuned for more details. 205 E. Biddle St., 410-514-6500.

SHUT:

The Mallow Bar: After failing to find investors to secure the future of her business, local food entrepreneur Nikki Lewis is halting production of her signature marshmallow treats to pursue other ventures. The Mallow Bar’s White Marsh factory and café closed earlier this week, and now, Lewis plans to offer consulting services for other local food startups. Before opening in White Marsh, The Mallow Bar operated a location at Horseshoe Casino, which closed after six months. 11620-H Crossroads Circle, White Marsh

Silo.5% Wine Bar: A message posted to Silo.5% Wine Bar’s website last week revealed that the Locust Point hangout had shuttered its doors for good after five years in business. The spot—a spinoff of 13.5% Wine Bar in Hampden—specialized in upscale tavern fare and an expansive list of international wines. 1200 Steuart St., 443-438-4044

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