EAT

May 26: Momo X Sandlot

Sandlot, 1000 Wills St. 3-7 p.m. Free.

Skip the typical Memorial Day backyard barbecues (sorry, Mom) in favor of this culinary star-studded cookout at Harbor Point’s waterfront oasis. Hit the “beach” and spend Sunday afternoon sampling eats from some of the best grillmasters in the city, including Spike Gjerde of Woodberry Kitchen, Steve Chu of Ekiben, David Thomas of Ida B’s Table, and Carlos Raba of Clavel, as well as special guest Tae Strain of Momofuku CCDC in Washington, D.C. Jam out to live music by local troubadour Caleb Stine and, once the food coma has passed, indulge in sweets from Pure Chocolate by Jinji Fraser and David Alima of The Charmery.

DRINK

May 25-26: Brew at the Zoo

The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl. 1-7 p.m.$24.99-75.99.

We can’t think of a better way to kick off Memorial Day weekend than hanging out with Maryland Zoo’s polar bears and penguins while sipping on local brews. In between unlimited samplings of beers from more than 80 regional breweries, bop along to live music by artists like Ballyhoo! and Amish Outlaws and soak up the suds with eats from dozens of food vendors. Best of all? Every dollar raised goes directly back to the zoo.

SEE

May 25: Baltimore Drag Awards

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $18.

If you thought this year’s Met Gala featured the best campy couture looks around, think again. Follow the trail of glitter and false eyelashes to the Creative Alliance for the annual Baltimore Drag Awards, hosted by powerhouse MCs Brooklyn Heights and Betty O’Hellno who will lead the camp-tastic audience through a cocktail mixer, awards ceremony, and a series of fierce performances. While it’s too late to sit VIP, snag tickets to be in the company of the city’s best drag performers and see if you can spot the standout entertainers featured in our June Pride issue.

HEAR

May 26: Sowebo Arts & Music Festival

1100 Hollins St. 12-8 p.m. Free.

Summer in the city is full of street festivals, but after 36 years this Sowebo arts and music extravaganza continues to stand out among the pack. Held on the streets around Hollins Market, this neighborhood-wide affair boasts three stages of music—with sets by local bands like Deaf Scene and Joe Keyes and the Late Bloomer Band—along with tons of family-friendly activities, including a craft rumble, a petting station with furry friends from Irvine Nature Center, and a puppet performance by Black Cherry Puppet Theater.

DO

May 24: Art After Hours

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 8-11 p.m. $20-25.

When visiting hours end, the real art party begins. To commemorate the final weekend of the Monsters & Myths: Surrealism and War in the 1930s and 1940s exhibition, pack the Baltimore Art Museum to experience sound art, musical performances by artist Hans Berg, Surrealist-inspired games, and pop-up activities through the night. After downing signature cocktails and bites from Gertrude’s Restaurant, take advantage of late-night access to the galleries and spend some time with works by artists like Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso before the exhibition closes on Sunday.

While the shenanigans of New Year’s Eve are right around the corner, there are plenty of things to do this weekend. Before you pop the champagne Monday night, start the long weekend with these bar specials, glitzy performances, and cultural happenings.

EAT

Dec. 29: Wing Festival

Delia Foley’s, 1439 S. Charles St. 12-4 p.m. $25-30.

Baltimore is no stranger to outrageous food challenges (think the El Toro Grande burrito at Blue Agave or the Seafood UFO at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood), but Delia Foley’s wing-tastic festival takes it to a whole new level. Along with all-you-can-eat wings and drink specials, an entry ticket to this third annual event admits attendees into the speed-eating competition (yes, there is a trophy), a “facemelter” challenge featuring the highest sauce heat allowed per law, and a create-your-own sauce competition.

DRINK

Dec. 30: Ravens vs. Browns Watch Party

Lee’s Pint & Shell, 2844 Hudson St. 3 p.m. Free.

There’s a lot riding on a Baltimore Ravens win against the Cleveland Browns this weekend: The chance to clinch the AFC North for the first time since 2012, a postseason spot in the playoffs, and, most importantly, an open bar at Lee’s Pint & Shell. Watch the regular season-finale at this Canton corner spot, knock back a few three-dollar drafts and five-dollar Smirnoff bombs and crushes during the game, and celebrate with a one-hour open bar with Miller Lite and Smirnoff if the Ravens head to the playoffs after Sunday night’s game.

SEE

Dec. 29: Glitter Ball

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $25-28.

New Year’s Eve may be known as the most glitz and glam-filled night of the year, but thanks to hosts and local burlesque performers Betty O’Hellno and Jacqueline Boxx, this Saturday’s Glitter Ball is making a run for the coveted title. Get dressed to impress (and sparkle) and head to the Creative Alliance to experience a winter wonderland-themed affair filled with circus performers, a Sparkle Market to add even more shine to your look, and an all-out dance party. For the main event, cheer on noteworthy performers like New York City’s Perle Noire and Poison Ivy during one of the most extravagant burlesque shows of the year.

HEAR

Dec. 29: Eze Jackson’s Dirty Christmas

Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St. 7 p.m. $5.

As much as we love the holiday season, the annual agenda of attending one ugly sweater party after another and listening to the same Christmas carols gets old. Luckily, veteran local rapper Eze Jackson is throwing his annual anti-Christmas party in time to break you out of your post-holiday funk. Head to Metro Gallery on Saturday night to hear performances by rising rapper Locus, singer-songwriter Omnia Azar, and, of course, Jackson with The Backwudz Band. Pro tip: Bring a coat to donate and receive a free Flying Dog Bloodline beer.

DO

Dec. 29: Kwanzaa Celebration

Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 12-4 p.m. $5.

Whether you’re a practiced celebrator or simply want to learn more about the week-long holiday, devote the third day of Kwanzaa to this all-out celebration at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Visit the downtown museum to take in traditional African dance and drumming performances, learn more about the holiday’s rich history during workshops and lectures, and browse locally made goods in the African Marketplace.