EAT

Aug. 3: The Charmery Turns Six

The Charmery in Hampden, Towson, & Ice Cream Factory. Hampden & Towson 12-11 p.m., Ice Cream Factory, 12-10p.m. Free.

One of Baltimore’s favorite sweet shops is celebrating its sixth anniversary the only way it knows how—by hosting a nostalgic-themed party with new ice cream flavors inspired by old-school sitcoms. Stop by any of The Charmery’s locations to sample TV show-inspired flavors such as Golden Girls cheesecake with Golden Grahams, a Cheers beer nuts flavor made with Union Craft Brewing Skipjack Caramel, and a Giligan’s Island take on a vegan coconut cream pie. To really treat your sweet tooth, visit all three locations on Saturday to win a limited-edition Charmery mug and enjoy a free baby scoop with every purchase.

 

DRINK

Aug. 3: Guinness Open Gate Brewery Anniversary Party

Guinness Open Gate Brewery, 5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Free-$75

Somehow, it’s already been a year since the only Guinness brewery in America opened in Halethorpe, and local fans of the iconic Irish stout are more than ready to toast the brewery’s big birthday. On Saturday, start the day off with beer-inspired treats by Charm City Cakes (think tart hibiscus wheat and tangerine cream ale flavors), down some signature brews, and then party all night with a performance by country music superstar Frankie Ballard. And don’t miss the tapping of the new, small-batch anniversary brew called Grand Cru—a bourbon barrel aged stout blended with a rum barrel-aged golden ale.

 

SEE

Aug. 3: Solange Knowles’ When I Get Home

Lexington Market, 400 W Lexington St. 11-11:45 a.m. & 12-12:45 p.m. Free.

If you haven’t stopped by the Baltimore Museum of Art’s Lexington Market branch yet, this exclusive, free screening of singer-songwriter Solange Knowles’ art film is the perfect opportunity. The 41-minute piece is an accompaniment to Knowles’ latest album “When I Get Home.” It features futurist rodeo nods to the singer’s Houston lineage, and explores the concepts of origin and evolution. Catch one of the two screenings on Saturday afternoon to see new scenes and hear musical arrangements in this exclusive director’s-cut showing.

 

HEAR

Aug. 3: Micah E. Wood

Ottobar, 2549 N Howard St. 9p.m. $10.

Baltimore producer, photographer, and recording artist Micah E. Wood is bringing his unapologetically heartfelt sound to Remington this weekend. Hear this singer-songwriter gets into his feelings with tunes like “The Truth” before getting the crowd going with “Summertime,” and don’t miss out on performances by other rising local acts including Romantic States, DYYO, Eyas, and Station North Sadboi. If that isn’t convincing enough, there will also be ice pops by CM POPS for sale during this can’t-miss show.

 

DO

Aug. 1-4: BronyCon

Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W Pratt St. Thurs. 9a.m. – Sun. 5p.m. Free-$2,000.

Friendship will turn into magic at this weekend-long extravaganza that brings more than 9,000 My Little Pony fans together from every corner of the globe. Since this weekend’s convention marks BronyCon’s swan song, don’t miss the final chance to experience screenings, a talent show, more than 20 musical acts (including HollowPoint, Eurobeat Brony, and StrachAttack) and tons of special guests during the four-day cosplay utopia

Maryland Renaissance Festival: Leave it to Hamlet
Aug. 24-Oct. 20. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.. Crownsville Rd., Crownsville. Price varies. When Steve Wannall first performed with Shakespeare’s Skum, a local comedy troupe, at the 1997 Maryland Renaissance Festival, he was blown away by the number of dedicated fans waiting to see the four-person team act out hilarious riffs on the Bard’s famous works. After 23 years of playing everything from the lead in “Henry the Vee” to the goofy ghost of Hamlet’s father, Wannall, left, says he still loves seeing Ren Fest audience members connect with the centuries-old stories, especially when the cast adds Star Trek or Game of Thrones references into the dialogue. “It helps that we work with some of the best-written material in history,” he says with a laugh. “We’ve become the funny CliffsNotes of Shakespeare.”

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Maryland State Fair
Aug. 22-Sept. 2. 9 a.m.-10 p.m.. 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. $10. For the past 137 years, the Maryland State Fair has been summer’s last hurrah before the leaves begin to change. While fairgoers can look forward to classic festivities such as the thoroughbred races, Midway rides, and livestock shows, be sure to check out some of the festival’s brand-new additions, including axe-throwing, a cowboy circus, and a market square packed with local artisan vendors.

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Baltimore Improv Festival
To Aug. 4. $10-75. Time and Location vary. The biggest laughs in Charm City are reserved for the Baltimore Improv Festival, where local and nationally known comedians (including The Cast at Magnet Theater, pictured) take over stages across town to cut their teeth with seven nights of stand-up sets, workshops, and events. Whether you want to test out your comedic timing on stage or just need a night of lighthearted laughs, this 13th annual celebration of all things improv, run by our very own Baltimore Improv Group, is just the ticket.

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BronyCon
Aug. 1-4. Baltimore Convention Center. $30-150. Time varies. It’s that time of year again, when die-hard fans of My Little Pony take over the downtown streets and transform the Baltimore Convention Center into a magical cosplay utopia. Join thousands of “bronies” for this four-day extravaganza that honors the series and its cult following with a star-studded panel, screenings, costume contests, and gaming. Be sure to snag your tickets before July 25 to join in on the equine fun.

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Baltimore Restaurant Week
Aug. 2-11. $12-35. Time and Location vary. It’s been a whirlwind summer of openings and closings in the city’s restaurant scene, so the timing of this biannual tradition couldn’t have worked out better. More than 100 local spots are on board for this 10-day deal, which offers prix-fixe menus priced between $12-20 for brunch and lunch and $20-35 for dinner. Strategize your meals, and take advantage of all this delicious city has to offer, such as this grilled octopus appetizer from Birroteca.

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Maryland Latino Festival
Aug. 4. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.. 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium. Free-$600. Celebrate the Old Line State’s Hispanic and Latino communities during this annual family-friendly fiesta at the Timonium Fairgrounds. For its eighth year, this all-day festival is pulling out all the stops, including authentic Mexican and Salvadoran eats, kids’ activities, and performances by Dominican singer Luis Vargas and popular group Impacto Latino. True to tradition, this event also highlights the importance of fostering goodwill and civic participation by providing voter registration resources as well as information on community outreach programs.

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Hootie & the Blowfish
Aug. 8. 7:30 p.m.. Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia. $35-129.50. Since this Grammy Award-winning group was formed back at the University of South Carolina in the late 1980s, its unique blend of roots rock, pop, jangle, and folk music has inspired fans across the world and sold more than 25 million records. This month, the band will make a one-show stop at Merriweather Post Pavilion on their first full-scale tour in more than a decade, with the rich vocals of Darius Rucker and harmonies of guitarist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber, and drummer Jim “Soni” Sonefeld. Don’t miss the chance to belt out the lyrics to “Hold My Hand” and “Let Her Cry” alongside thousands of other Hootie heads.

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AFRAM Festival
Aug. 10-11. 12 p.m. Druid Hill Park. Free. As one of the largest African-American festivals on the East Coast, this two-day extravaganza is known for drawing big-name artists as well as thousands of fans to Druid Hill Park for a weekend of local eats and unbeatable entertainment. This year, the fan-favorite festival is using its popular Instagram page to highlight Baltimore-based movers and shakers (such as The Voice contestant Davon Fleming and Le Monade owner Carleen Goodridge) in an effort to promote local minority-run businesses and creators. During this jam-packed weekend, shop at the open-air marketplace, participate in exercise pop-ups, and hear acclaimed rapper Rick Ross along with sets by singer Sevyn Streeter, pictured, and Charm City’s own Dru Hill.

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Hot August Music Festival
Aug. 17. Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville. Free-$199. Time varies. As its name promises, the hot summer sun is sure to shine on Cockeysville’s Oregon Ridge Park for this 27th annual blues and roots festival. Although festival-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for a full day of performances by local and national acts, this year’s lineup, featuring Baltimore’s psychedelic Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, pictured, bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings, and folk band The Lil Smokies, will bring spectators to their feet. To keep the summer night rolling, attendees can rendezvous at The Greene Turtle in Hunt Valley for an afterjam with live music and drink specials.

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Baltimore Art, Antique, and Jewelry Show
Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Baltimore Convention Center. $20. Time varies. Art and antique enthusiasts will revel in the diverse and hard-to-come-by collections on display at the Baltimore Convention Center during this four-day creative show. Now in its 39th year, this Charm City classic offers unique finds such as furniture, American and European silver, porcelain, antique and estate jewelry, glass, and textiles. Be sure to check out the Antiquarian Book Fair and the Baltimore Fine Craft Show, which will also be present at the exhibit to share new and ancient treasures.

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Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.

 EAT

Aug. 13: WYPR + Salt

Salt Tavern, 2127 E. Pratt St. 4-6:15 p.m. $5-10.

As we reach the middle of August, it sadly means that our city’s beloved outdoor concert series will slowly start coming to a close. This Sunday, before you make your way to Patterson Park for its last live music of the season, swing by Salt Tavern in nearby Butchers Hill to pregame the show with our local NPR affiliate (and concert co-host) WYPR. At this 11-year-old Best Restaurant, fill your belly with a smattering of small bites by renowned chef Jason Ambrose—hopefully including the stalwart’s trademark Wagyu foie gras slider and tempting truffle fries—then scramble down Pratt Street to hear local 1960s soul collective, The Bellevederes.

 DRINK

Aug. 13: Charm City 5K Trail Run

Boordy Vineyards, 12820 Long Green Pike, Hydes. 6-11 p.m. $45.

What better form of encouragement for an evening run than endless amounts of wine? This Sunday, lace up for a 5K race through the picturesque Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore County, all the while reminding yourself of the finish-line reward: fine wine and cheese. Bring your friends and family to sample the winery’s roses, reds, and whites, with live music and a continued run of unseasonably cool weather—we hope.

 SEE

Aug. 11-13: BronyCon

Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $70-2,000. 

For one weekend a year, the streets of Baltimore transform into a colorful, cartoon paradise as fans of My Little Pony convene for the annual BronyCon festival. With a cult following of “bronies,” this cosplay convention features three days of autographs, costume contests, gaming, and one giant BronyPalooza concert. Whether you’re ogling as an onlooker or joining in the equine fun, head to the Inner Harbor to bear witness to this once-a-year affair.

 HEAR

Aug. 13: Us And Us Only

The Crown, N. Charles St. 8 p.m. $7. 

Last month, we were wowed by the new album of Baltimore indie-rocker Us And Us Only. The quintet’s second full-length release, Full Flower, is a feat of lush guitars, punching drums, and earnest vocals, created in part by the soon-to-be-closing Mobtown Studios. Each song fills the room with a nostalgic summer sound, like on “Kno” and “sun4u,” and solidifies their status as a Baltimore Band To Watch. Catch them live this weekend at The Crown, with Baltimore’s own psych-pop group Raindeer and folk singer Nina Gala, plus Brooklyn-based shoegaze trio with possibly the best band name ever: Really Big Pinecone.

 DO

Aug. 12: Baltimore AFRAM Festival

Druid Hill Park, 3001 East Dr. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.

For the past 40 years, the AFRAM festival, formerly known as the African American Heritage Festival, has kicked off in the high heat of Baltimore summer with thousands of festivalgoers at Camden Yards. This year, however, a few big changes are taking place, with a shorter timeslot, new venue, and more local than national focus. Though the revisions have incited some backlash, this celebration of African-American culture is still sure to be a jam-packed day full of art, music, community outreach, and family fun in its first-ever location—the verdant landscape of Druid Hill Park. 

Willie Nelson & Family
Aug. 19. Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 8 p.m. $45-75. 410-715-5500. It’s not hyperbole to call Willie Nelson one of America’s greatest songwriters. After four decades of timeless tunes like “On the Road Again,” he has cemented himself in our national narrative as country music’s ultimate guitar-strumming, pot-smoking, braid-dangling, bandana-donning, hippie-redneck sweetheart. For one wild Wednesday, hear him live with his full band and fellow Americana musicians, Old Crow Medicine Show.

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Baltimore magazine’s Best of Baltimore Party
Aug. 6. Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. 6-11 p.m. Sold out. 410-837-7400. Happy 40th birthday to our “Best of Baltimore” issue! Once again, we’re throwing a party at the historic Hippodrome to celebrate all things Charm City. For this year’s casino theme, don your best cocktail attire and roll the dice with hundreds of guests, dozens dishes from the region’s best restaurants, speciality drinks, and live music.

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BronyCon 2015
Aug. 7-9. Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. Times vary. $70-$125. 410-649-7000. Remember My Little Pony, the colorful dolls and cartoon of the 1980s? Thirty years later, it’s back and bigger than ever, with the world’s largest festival for and by “bronies,” aka adult fans (many of whom are bros). For the third year in Baltimore, join thousands of them for hundreds of screenings, panels, and activities.

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Maryland Renaissance Festival
Weekends, Aug. 29-Oct. 25. 1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $7-24. 800-296-7304. Hear ye, hear ye. Head back in time to 16th-century England and learn how the medieval folk lived at the 30th annual Maryland Renaissance Festival. Partake in jousting matches, live music, arts and crafts, and, if all else fails, chown down on a turkey leg and tip back some mugs of mead.

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Maryland State Fair
Aug. 28-Sept. 7. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free-$8. 410-252-0200. Cue the lights. Corral the animals. Start the Ferris wheel and spin the cotton candy. At the very edge of summer, the Maryland State Fair returns to Timonium for its 134th year. During its 11-day stay, make the most of those dog days with carnival rides, livestock, horse shows, bull riding, barrel racing, and a variety of competitions; plus beer, wine, and the finest fair food around.

[Image credits from top: David McClister; Lydia Woolever; Amy McGovern; Dave Fimbres Photography; Roy William Cox.]