Walkability was a huge factor for Michael Neall when he decided to open Blue Dog BBQ in the former Heavy Seas Alehouse space, which sits on the corner of Central Avenue and Bank Street near Little Italy.

“One of the first things we did was check out the walk score for our location,” says Neall, who opened Blue Dog with partners Sean Stoll and Jon Royce last October. “It was a 96. That’s about as good as it gets for a business that would rely on foot traffic.”

After months converting the space from a brewpub to a barbecue joint, the team was finally ready to fire up its signature all-wood smoker and welcome the first wave of customers. But just five days before the grand opening, jersey walls were put up along Central Avenue as the city’s Departments of Transportation and Public Works prepared to begin a large-scale infrastructure improvement project in the area—which included installing new subterranean electric, sewage, and plumbing conduits.

“When the barriers went up, our hearts skipped a beat,” Neall says. “We immediately just thought, ‘Okay, how are we going to deal with this?’”

This is a question that many small business owners have been asking themselves in the midst of ongoing development throughout the city. Specifically in the Harbor East and Fells Point areas, where detour signs and traffic cones have become routine, restaurateurs have been struggling to cope with construction projects that have taken years to finish.

Take Sunni Gilliam, who opened Teavolve on the corner of Aliceanna and South Eden streets in 2008. The cafe preceded many of the shiny residences and luxury shops that have since sprouted up in Harbor East, and it’s now stationed in the heart of construction for the new Liberty residences—which will be anchored by a 50,000-square-foot Whole Foods on the ground floor when it debuts this summer.

“We’ve seen some challenges,” Gilliam says. “There’s definitely been a decline in our figures, but we’re very fortunate that people still find a way to get here. They’re still making a point to come in and support us.”

Gilliam mentions the loss of parking on South Eden and Aliceanna Streets as a major deterrent for customers. She speculates that it contributed to the closure of the neighboring Mussel Bar—which shuttered last year, but is reopening as a jazz club this spring. Just a few blocks over in Fells Point, businesses are facing similar issues as a result of the redevelopment in Broadway Square.

“It hasn’t been easy,” says Carrie Podles, co-owner of Alexander’s Tavern on the 700 block of South Broadway. “We’ve lost so much parking, and there doesn’t seem to be any parking replaced. Business was booming four or five years ago, and then it was one thing after another and it just seemed like it was never ending.”

In response to the construction—which began with the Marketplace at Fells Point apartments and continues with the overhaul of Broadway Market—Podles says she has been encouraging customers to use ridesharing platforms when coming in to the restaurant. Additionally, Alexander’s has been amping up its off-site catering to make up for the loss of diners.

A self-proclaimed optimist, Neall at Blue Dog has also been searching for innovative ways to drive business throughout construction. He and his team recently participated in the Baltimore Wing Festival to spread the word about his restaurant, has been promoting their private party room, and has found success using delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Despite the barriers and heavy equipment that will likely surround his barbecue spot until the end of the year, Neall remains positive about how the city has responded to his concerns. He says that officials have been gracious about sending notices of planned outages and potential water shutoffs so that the restaurant can prepare accordingly.

“So often you hear about antagonism between businesses and government, but I haven’t had that experience at all,” he says. “I found that they have been very understanding. We all recognize that this is a needed infrastructure project, and that, if the city is going to progress, it’s going to have to do these types of things.”

He also mentions that the city is working on adding a crosswalk at the corner of Bank and Central so that potential patrons can access the restaurant without having to deal with the extended pedestrian detour.

“When I’m walking down a sidewalk and I see a sign that says ‘sidewalk closed,’ what that says to me, and to any potential customer seeing it, is ‘don’t go there,” he says. “And that’s the direct opposite of what we want.”

Though dealing with construction remains tough, business owners agree that the ongoing projects will benefit the overall vitality of their neighborhoods in the long run.

“We’re fighting the fight,” Podles says. “We just need to make it to the end to enjoy all of the benefits.”

Gilliam sees the light at the end of the tunnel for Harbor East: “It’s going to feel like an entirely new area,” she says. “We were here when hardly anything else was. Before it was stagnant, so we welcome the construction because we know it’s going to pay off big time. We just have to hold on for a couple more months.”

EAT

Dec. 1: Old Thyme Christmas

Location & times vary, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

Fells Point already feels otherworldly thanks to its storied history and cobblestone charm, but, for the 15th year, the neighborhood will transform into a winter wonderland during this annual fête. Snap pictures with Santa Claus after he arrives by tugboat at 9 a.m., and then join Ol’ St. Nick for all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets at waterfront staples like Abbey Burger, Alexander’s Tavern, and The Admiral’s Cup. Stick around to compete in eggnog-drinking and “carole-oke” contests, and then cap off the night by witnessing the annual tree lighting in Broadway Square and the Lighted Boat Parade floating down the harbor.

DRINK

Dec. 2: Patterson Park 5K, Fun Run, and Homebrew Tasting

2601 E. Baltimore St. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $15-45.

If you’ve ever jogged the length of Patterson Park and craved an ice-cold beer afterward, this is the race for you. At this seventh annual fundraiser for Patterson Park Public Charter School, start your afternoon with a one-mile or 5K run. Then, once you catch your breath, head over to the beer garden to sample local homebrew submissions. Cast your vote for your favorite pour, and spend the rest of the afternoon sipping beers by Full Tilt Brewing and jamming to live music by area acts Black Eyed Boh and Chris Diller.

SEE

Dec. 2: Mayor’s Christmas Parade

4207 Edgehill Ave. 1-5 p.m. Free.

Celebrate the first weekend of the holiday season with this 46th annual parade that leads a jolly assortment of local marching bands, giant balloons, festive floats, a fleet of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and, of course, Santa Claus and Miss Yuletide through the streets of Medfield and Hampden. Join thousands of onlookers along the two-and-a-half-mile parade route—which begins at Poly Western High School, winds down Cold Spring Lane, and ends at 37th Street—to catch some candy, sip on hot cocoa, and give a wave to Mayor Catherine Pugh.

HEAR

Dec. 2: The Beach Boys

The Modell Lyric, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 6-9 p.m. $50-120.50.

Of all of the bands that have shaped the history of pop music, these iconic, California-loving boys are still at the top of the list. And while the whole band isn’t back together, you can feel all of the good vibrations and hear original bandmate Mike Love croon to sun-kissed hits like “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” on the Lyric stage. As an added bonus to a night filled with beachy favorites, a copy of Love’s new collection of holiday songs, Reason for the Season, is included with every ticket.

DO

Dec. 1: Night of 100 Elvises

Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore St. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. $55-1,500.

Dust off your white jumpsuit and blue suede shoes—the most rockin’ Elvis-themed party of the year is back and groovier than ever. This 25th extravaganza dedicated to the King of Rock n’ Roll boasts three rooms (Calvert Ballroom, The Jungle Room, and the Viva Las Vegas Lounge) filled with back-to-back performances by tribute artists and impersonators that will keep you swiveling your hips all night long. While the music is the main event, don’t forget to admire the vintage memorabilia, Elvis ice carving, and, above all else, grab a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich for the ride home.

There are so many things to love about the annual Baltimore Seafood Festival at Canton Waterfront Park. The end-of-summer tradition, which returns on Saturday, September 15 from 12-7 p.m., offers a blend of live music (this year’s headliners include local favorites The Scotch Bonnets and Honey Extractor), cooking demonstrations, crafters, and family-fun activities against the backdrop of the sparkling harbor. But, at the heart of the five-year-old fête is its wide array of seafood specialties.

With more than 35 area restaurants and food trucks participating this year, the event will have plenty of diverse dishes paying homage to the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay. Among the purveyors returning is The London Chippy—a can’t-miss food truck (just look out for the massive Union Jack logo) that specializes in authentic fish and chips. Owner Anthony Robinson, who was born and raised in London, says that he was pleasantly surprised by the adventurous palates at the Seafood Fest last year.

“Typically, we get a lot of customers who stick with fried catfish or trout, but at the festival last year people were like, ‘No we want the cod and the traditional fish and chips,’” Robinson remembers. “It was a great feeling knowing that people really understood who we are and what we do.”

Despite potential cloudy skies, Robinson is looking forward to serving up his authentic delicacies to festival-goers rain or shine: “Fish and chips in the rain is very London,” he says with a laugh. “We welcome every single drop.”

Whether you prefer fish, crab, oysters, shrimp, lobster or a sampling of them all, here are a few highlights on the menu this weekend.

CRAB

Flash Crabcake Co.: This mobile crab company prides itself on peddling its signature six-oz. cakes at an affordable price ($10 with saltines and $11 as a sandwich on a potato roll). Flash will also be selling its classic cream of crab soup—an ideal snack to warm your soul in the potentially soggy weather.

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood: No Bawlmer seafood event is complete without hard-shell crabs. This Dundalk favorite—which has been particularly vocal about its love of crabs in response to the controversial PETA billboards that recently sprouted up in the city—will be slinging half-dozen orders of premium males while supplies last. Jimmy’s will also feature steamed shrimp and crabby fries for attendees who are down to get their hands dirty.

FISH

The London Chippy: The regional food truck, which makes stops everywhere from Northern Virginia to North Baltimore, will be frying up its signature cod and haddock and serving it alongside crispy “chips” and creamy coleslaw. Specials for the day will include mini lobster rolls, crab fries, and hush puppies.

RA Sushi: Harbor East diners are probably familiar with the colorful rolls at this dimly lit sushi spot. Catch RA at the festival to sample the Rainbow Roll (a classic California roll topped with tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, and salmon) and the Tootsy Maki, which mixes crab, shrimp, cucumber, and crunchy tempura bits and tops it in a sweet eel sauce.

OYSTERS

The Local Oyster: Head to the red, white, and black tent to slurp oysters from this fan-favorite seafood spot headquartered at Mount Vernon Marketplace. The Local Oyster will be shucking Skinny Dippers on the half shell from partner True Chesapeake Oyster Co. farmed in Southern Maryland.

The Urban Oyster: Swing by this local pop-up to visit chef Jasmine Norton, who will be hawking her oysters prepared three ways. Sample them raw, chargrilled, or fried and tucked into a taco with cilantro and lime.

SHRIMP

Nick’s Fish House: At this Port Covington staple, regulars typically start their meals off with an order of the chef’s famous “Boom Boom Shrimp”—crispy fried shrimp in a spicy Sriracha aioli. Try it at the festival alongside Nick’s crab balls and soft shell crab bites.

Southern Provisions: This Canton Square bar will be showcasing its Lowcountry influences with a warm shrimp gumbo over rice. Get your barbecue fix by pairing the gumbo with SoPro’s one-bite pulled pork sliders.

LOBSTER:

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls: Chow down on mounds of Maine meat from this Annapolis favorite, which is widening its Baltimore footprint with a new stall in Belvedere Square and a yet-to-open Inner Harbor location. The brand will feature its classic rolls (chilled lobster salad with mayo and lemon), warm Connecticut-style rolls with butter, New England clam chowder, and signature “lobstah” bisque.

SNACKS

Alexander’s Tavern: Crab tots are an essential part of the Seafood Fest experience, and Alexander’s has some of the best in town. Dig in to the orders of crispy tots smothered in cheesy crab dip, or go handheld with a classic crab pretzel from the Fells Point pub.

Dessert Fantasies: If you happen to save room for dessert, local baker Tosha Williams will have plenty of cupcakes to satisfy sweet tooth cravings. Her Locust Point bakeshop highlights flavors ranging from to classic strawberry shortcake to chocolate fudge cakes topped with Berger cookie bits.

 EAT

May 5: Papi’s Cinco In The City

Central Plaza at Harbor Point, 1310 Point St. 12-7 p.m. $10.50-70.68. 410-299-8480. 

Since this Fells Point taco joint opened its doors in 2014, Papi’s annual Cinco de Mayo event has been a can’t-miss fiesta filled with salt-rimmed margaritas and Mexican street fair-inspired bites. This year, Papi’s is raising the bar with an all-day celebration at Harbor Point, featuring live Latin music from Mambo Combo and Zakke Latin Fusion Band, taco-eating contests, and even a live donkey. Along with Papi’s signature street tacos, nachos, and elote, nosh on Alexander Tavern’s Mexican-inspired tot-chos and baja chicken sliders at this inaugural festival.

 DRINK

May 5: Kentucky Derby Block Party

The Chasseur, 3328 Foster Ave. 12-8 p.m. $10. 410-327-6984. 

The 143rd Preakness Stakes is only two weeks away, but if you can’t wait until then to get your horse-racing fix, head to this Canton corner bar to celebrate “the greatest two minutes in sports.” The Chasseur is pulling out all the boozy stops for its fifth annual derby block party, including brewery tents and trucks from local favorites like Union Craft, Waverly Brewing, and Monument City, as well as a vodka bomb special and a mint julep bar for something a little stronger. Snack on eats from local food stands (featuring sweets from Cream Cruiser and Balti’Marons) and catch live music performances by bluesy band Ricky Wise & The Dirty Unit, as well as DJ AYYYE ONE, AstroSquid, and Victims of Experiences.

 SEE

May 5: Kinetic Sculpture Race

American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. 410-244-1900. 

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the American Visionary Art Museum’s weird and wonderful event that challenges contestants to race handmade, human-powered sculptures through 14 miles of land, water, and mud. Watch from the sidewalk (we recommend braving the crowds for a spot at Canton Waterfront Park or Patterson Park) as these motorized works of art, decorated to fit the theme “Mysteries & Tall Tales,” compete for awards like “Worst Honorable Mention” and “Grand Mediocre Champion.”

 

 HEAR

May 5: Mini Masquerade Ball

Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric, 140 Mt. Royal Ave. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free-$17. 410-704-8938.

Just when we thought WTMD’s kiddie concert series, Saturday Morning Tunes, couldn’t get any cuter, they throw a masquerade-themed party packed with enough music and entertainment to leave their pint-sized listeners (and their parents) ready for a nap by noon. This Saturday, bring the kiddos to the Lyric to hear a family-friendly set by the Bachelor Boys Band, dance with a hula-hooping stilt walker, and design colorful masks to wear during the party.

 DO

May 4-5: FlowerMart

Mount Vernon Square, 699 Washington Pl. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. 410-274-5353.

Before the clouds roll in this weekend, head to Mt. Vernon Place for this beloved springtime celebration filled with flowers, colorful hats, and classic lemon peppermint sticks. At this 107th annual festival, kick off spring in the city with arts and crafts vendors, live music and entertainment, and plenty of Bawlmer-style eats like Maryland crab cakes and pit beef sandwiches. Stick around on Saturday to see the parade of pets dressed in their best spring outfits and the annual maypole dance.

Hersh’s Pizza & Drinks: Though the motto at this Riverside hangout has always been “Pizza for President,” owners Josh and Stephanie Hershkovitz are offering a special drink deal that pays homage to the actual election. In the spirit of unity, the bar will run a duo special that features two cocktails inspired by both parties throughout Inauguration weekend. For $15, sample both “The Donald” (Anejo tequila, Spanish berry liqueur, lemon, and bitters with a gold sugar rim) and the “Nyet My President,” a classic White Russian combining Kahlua, vodka, and cream served with an orange twist. 1843 Light St., 443-438-4948