Typically, we only get 365 days in a year to have fun. But, every four years, we have an extra day. For Leap Day 2020, many local breweries and restaurants are celebrating with parties, specials, and new beer releases on Saturday, February 29. Here’s where to make the most of the extra day and enjoy the festivities:

Bmore Brew Bus Tour: The second-annual Bmore Brew Bus Tour, where locals hunt down the best craft beer that Charm City has to offer, is taking place on Saturday. With stops at Guinness, Heavy Seas, Jailbreak, and Crooked Crab breweries, there will be plenty to see and taste. A ticket includes a tour of Guinness, a complimentary beer or flight from each location, round trip transportation, and snacks. Multiple locations. $89.

Checkerspot Brewing Company: Checkerspot in South Baltimore is tapping into the leap year with unlimited pours. The “Big Beer Leap Year” event will bring back limited-edition beers from the past two years. The brewery will open an hour early for VIP admission, and at 1 p.m. for regular admission. Old favorites being served will include “Golden Strongman,” “Jean Quad,” “Barrel Aged Jean Quad,” “Elijah Craig Bourbon Barrel Big Wig Brown,” and the “Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Big Wig Brown,” which are all from 2018. Last year’s special beers will include the “High & Mighty IPA” and the “Bear Imperial Porter.” All beers are first come first serve, so be sure to get there early before the taps run dry. 1399 S. Sharp St. $35 regular admission, $50 VIP.

Oliver Brewing Company: At Oliver Brewing Company’s tasting room in East Baltimore, sample five new can releases starting at 12 p.m. to celebrate the extra day of the year. Among them is “I Wish I Was At The Yard,” a dry-hopped pale ale created in collaboration with Monument City Brewing Company. Next up is the “Fruit Can Man V3,” an imperial sour brewed with tart cherry, red currant, and raspberry. “Undulatus” is a hazy IPA with a cream finish. The newest collaboration with Stillwater Artisanal is “The Future Isn’t What It Used To Be,” a double dry-hopped IPA. This duo also collaborated with Chesapeake Cider Company to create the “Apple Cobbler Fruit Shake,” a nitro sour ale with apple, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk sugar. With plenty of exciting flavors coming out, Oliver Brewing Company has many options to choose from. Pair your can with a slice from Dizzy Cow Pizzeria, which will be slinging delicious pies all day long. 4216 Shannon Dr.

Diamondback Beer: The celebration at this South Baltimore brewery will double as a release for its new barrel-aged Barleywine, as well as a launch party for its new Tour & Tasting program. Diamondback’s new traditional English Barleywine is aged for 16 months in Tawny Port, red zinfandel, and muscat barrels before being blended together—creating the final product, the “Liquid Richie.” The new Tour & Tasting Program will provide three different chances to experience Diamondback’s brewing process on Saturday. Tour the production facility, experience a guided tasting of four special releases, and bring home a swag bag all for the price of $25. The taproom will be serving $5 “Green Machine” pints all day, and feature live music by Nate & Friends from 2-4 p.m. 1215 E Fort Ave, Suite #008.

Union Craft Brewing: Cleverly honoring the date, Union Craft Brewing will offer an array of beer deals from 2:29-9:29 p.m. on Saturday. Buy two beers for $9 and spend your afternoon soaking up the extra day. With nine beers on tap, you have plenty of time to try them all during this seven-hour event. 1700 W 41st St.

Monument City Brewing Company: This Highlandtown hangout just announced a surprise release party on Saturday for “NOBO,” its New England-style IPA. Overflowing with juicy flavors from its triple hopping, the beer will be available in limited drafts and cases. Starting at 12 p.m., this will be the only drop of the year for “NOBO,” so beer lovers are encouraged to come and get it while it’s available. Monument City will also be filling up its first time capsule, and the team is accepting contributions from the public. The time capsule will be sealed and buried underneath the brewhouse until February 29, 2024, so be sure to return in four years to claim your keepsakes. 1 N Haven St.

Bond Street Social: If a cocktail is your preferred drink of choice, Bond Street Social in Fells Point is ready to supply. The waterfront favorite will be hosting a $28 open bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., in which party-goers will be served premium well mixed drinks, domestic bottled beer, and house red and white wines. 901 S Bond St.

Final Farewell Party at Howl at the Moon: Howl at the Moon at Power Plant Live is hosting its final event of the year before it closes and moves to Washington, D.C. From 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. enjoy drink specials, live music, and more. 22 Market Pl.

Free Birthday Cake at Miss Shirley’s Cafe: Leap Day only comes every four years, which is why Miss Shirley’s is offering a special birthday surprise for Leap Day babies. On Saturday, any guest who was born on February 29 will receive a free cake. Choose between the “Crab Cake Po’Boy” or a tall stack of specialty pancakes to celebrate your big day. This offer is only available on Saturday, and is redeemable at any Miss Shirley’s Cafe location. Tell your server that you would like to redeem the Leap Day promotion, present a valid ID, and enjoy your free cake. Multiple locations including 750 E Pratt St.

COMING SOON

Pekara: Former Roggenart regulars will be happy to hear that a new iteration of the now-closed Mt. Washington cafe is opening in Roland Park next month. Pekara, the Serbian word for bakery, is the brainchild of Serbian-born owner Radomir Mihajlovic and head baker Borislav Petkovic—both of whom previously worked for Roggenart. The duo will bring the bakery’s signature European breads and pastries to the new shop, which is expected to open on West Coldspring Lane across from Miss Shirley’s in November.

Be on the lookout for a variety of fresh-baked loaves (think white, rye, challah, spelt, and multigrain varieties), as well as fruit tarts, Danish and French pastries, and Petkovic’s savory Burek pie made with flaky phyllo. Mihajlovic says that the coffee program will be simple to start, but he hopes to add more complex drinks as time goes on. After weeks of gas and electric delays, he’s excited to finally unveil the spot to the community. “I’ve lived in Roland Park for 30 years, so I know a lot of the neighbors,” he says. “Everyone just keeps asking and asking about it. I can’t wait for us to open.”

BRUNCH BULLETIN

The Urban Oyster: Five months after opening a permanent home for her roving oyster bar in Locust Point, chef/owner Jasmine Norton has added weekend brunch into the mix. Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., head to the bright McHenry Row spot to indulge in options like a plump crab cake and fried oyster benedict, Cajun jambalaya topped with a runny egg, and a shrimp BLT sandwiched between two waffles. To make the deal even sweeter, every fourth Saturday diners will be able to sip cocktails and enjoy all of the mid-morning fare during an intimate drag brunch hosted by Dee Dee Dereon, with performances by Kayden Amore Chloe and Venus Fastrada.

The Night Brunch Festival: For more than a year, Treason Toting Company co-owner Jason Bass and local DJ Ryan Rhodes (more fondly known as DJ Impulse) have been hosting evening brunch pop-ups—which inevitably turn into all-out dance parties—at area bars and restaurants. Now, they’re throwing the first-ever Night Brunch festival October 4-6 at Harbor Point. The three-day celebration will feature eats from the likes of Clavel, The Local Fry, The Urban Oyster, Home Made, Orto, and Vida Taco Bar. Plus, enjoy photo booths, a Truly cocktail bar, and, of course, plenty of live music.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

10/5: Cōl Bōl Tire Shop Pop-Up

The former Parts & Labor space will fill with the scent of classic Liberian cuisine by chef Carleen Goodridge this weekend. As part of the ongoing Tire Shop series that activates the Remington restaurant with local chef pop-ups, Goodridge is hosting an authentic takeover with recipes that reflect her family’s heritage, including jollof rice and nut-based palm butter soup. To add to the experience, there will also be Afrobeat music spun all afternoon, a photo backdrop created by Regal Clothes, and West African-inspired brews from Washington, D.C.-based Sankofa Beer Company.

10/5: Stein Day // Lagerfest 2019 at Diamondback Brewing

Head to Diamondback in South Baltimore this weekend the welcome fall in an Oktoberfest-style tented biergarten on the brewery’s patio. Throughout the day, take in the live sounds of D.T. Huber & The Whale Show, The High and Wides, and Fried Pickin’ while sipping special releases like the “Forte” German-style pilsner and “Everything All the Time” Helles lager. There will also be plenty of offerings to line your stomach including sausages by Snake Hill, a whole-hog barbecue by John Brown Butchery, and Diamondback’s own Bavarian soft pretzels.

SHUT

Melody Cafe: Last week, Mt. Vernon said goodbye to this coffee shop, study spot, live performance venue, and all-around community hub. The subterranean space—opened by Darryl Strange and his teenage son Juwan Davis in December 2017—closed its doors for good last week after its landlords gave the owners a 60-day notice to vacate back in July. The owners recently took to social media to clarify that it wasn’t their decision to close. “We want to thank each and everyone of you for your dedication, your support, your love, and most importantly your encouragement,” they shared on Instagram. “Being a small business is hard, but we are here having started off with just a few drinks and a prayer to having formed many relationships with many people and businesses.” In addition to its coffees and breakfast plates, Melody became known for its frequent open mics, karaoke nights, spoken word performances, and movie viewing parties.

EAT

April 20: Greener Fest

Diamondback Beer, 1215 E Fort Ave. 12-10 p.m. Free.

Any seasoned drinker will tell you that wine isn’t the only type of adult beverage that deserves a good food pairing. This Saturday, take your beer-tasting experience to the next level during this all-day festival that couples Diamondback’s limited-release beers with delectable bites by local pop-ups like Masarap Bmore, Clark Burger, and Avenue Kitchen & Bar. Spend the day snacking on fresh burgers and truck tacos, knocking back a few IPAs, and jamming out with area bands like folk group Pressing Strings, whiskey-rockers Old Eastern, and garage-folk band Skribe.

DRINK

April 20: Brews & Bands

WTMD, 1 Olympic Pl. 12-4 p.m. $30.

The only thing that pairs better with beer than great food is great music. For the fifth year, pack the WTMD studio for all-you-can-drink beer from 15 local breweries, including regional favorites like Heavy Seas Beer, Nepenthe Brewing, and Flying Dog Brewery. With a beer (or two) in hand, bop along to performances by local indie rock band Thunder Club and Baltimore-born Mark Hopkins & the Pretty War. With unlimited tastings of 30 beers, this annual shindig will have you swaying to the rhythm and buzz.

SEE

April 20-June 15: Blackface: A Reclamation of Beauty, Power and Narrative

Galerie Myrtis, 2224 N Charles St. 6-8 p.m. Free.

In collaboration with multicultural arts platform The Agora Culture, Galerie Myrtis will fill the walls of its Old Goucher gallery with photographs, paintings, and multidisciplinary works that explore contemporary notions of black identity. In this two-month exhibition, striking artworks, along with a compilation video, offer a counter narrative to historical and current negative stereotypes of African Americans and reassert the power and beauty of black bodies. Mark your calendar for June 15 for a discussion with contributing artists Tawny Chatmon, Alfred Conteh, Jerrell Gibbs, Jas Knight, Arvie Smith, and Felandus Thames on the final night of the exhibition.

HEAR

April 19: Rise Bmore

Union Baptist Church, 1219 Druid Hill Ave. 7-9:30 p.m. Free.

We already gave this momentous evening of words, music, and movement our seal of approval as 2017’s Best Concert, now get ready to give it yours, too. Now in its fourth year, this Druid Hill concert in honor of Freddie Gray, the Baltimore man who died while in police custody in 2015, will bring local spoken-word artists, activists, musicians, and dancers together for a free evening of artistic expression on the anniversary of his death. Starting with a conversation about art and activism with the founders of A Revolutionary Summer (a program for young women to discuss the creative works of black female artists), take in performances by the Peabody String Sinfonia as well as acts like singer-songwriter J. Pope, poet Tariq Touré, and beatboxer Shodekeh—and reflect on what’s still needed to instill justice and inspire change in our city.

DO

April 20-21: Easter Egg Hunts

Multiple locations. Times vary. Free.

This Sunday, don your best pastel-colored outfit and hop along to parks across the city for a sugar-crazed Easter morning. From Patterson Park to Federal Hill to O’Donnell Square Park, tag along as the little ones hunt for candy-filled eggs and then spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying bouncy castles, cotton candy, photo booths, and visits from the Easter Bunny during this picture-perfect day of family fun.

In between brewing the signature Green Machine IPA and Forte pilsner, the team at Diamondback Brewing in Locust Point has been firing up the oven, rolling out dough, and testing recipes in an effort to make their dream of having an in-house food program a reality.

Though the prep space that the owners have built inside the modern-industrial brewery is only about 50 square feet, co-founder Colin Marshall assures that its size has no effect on the flavors: “The kitchen is small,” he admits, “but the taste that comes out of there is pretty mighty.”

This Wednesday, Diamondback will debut its inaugural menu featuring 12-inch Neapolitan pizzas, hand-twisted Bavarian pretzels with Green Machine beer cheese, and large charcuterie boards meant for sharing. The new eats are launching in conjunction with expanded hours at the taproom, which is staying open until 8 p.m. on Sundays and will begin opening on Tuesdays starting next week. (In addition, Diamondback’s new food license has one drawback in that dogs are no longer allowed inside.)

Marshall says that offering food has been a priority since 2016, when the brewery opened and began hosting local food trucks and pop-ups on busy nights. But it took some time to come up with a plan to execute a menu made in-house.

“It’s been in the works since we opened,” he says. “But, in the past six months, we have really been working through the concept, deciding what we’re going to serve, and figuring out how we would begin to keep it sustainable moving forward.”

Taproom manager Ryan Belton and baker/bartender Cassidy Johnson—industry veterans who were both brought on within the past year—further helped to solidify the path toward pizza. Given the tiny kitchen space, the two thought it was best suited for a small menu of simple, well-executed fare.

With flavors ranging from a margherita with fresh basil to the “Inverno” topped with lemon and ricotta, the deep-crust pies are formed using dough handmade by Johnson. They are then covered in Belton’s signature, herby red sauce and custom five-cheese blend by local distributor The Great Cheese before heading inside a TurboChef pizza oven.

“Theoretically and also conceptually, we just kind of thought, ‘If we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it well,’” Marshall says. “It can’t just be filler, like ‘Hey, we have food now.’ It needs to be something we would all enjoy ourselves if we were eating it elsewhere.”

Of course, the food menu is also meant to align with the beer program. Just as the draft lineup rotates monthly, the pizzas will also change based on which toppings are in season.

“You can always count on Forte and Green Machine, but the other seven or eight beers on tap are changing from month to month,” Marshall explains. “The same goes for the pizza—you’re always going to be able to get a cheese, but with summer coming along you might have a lighter, zesty citrus option as well.”

To further the seasonal approach, the brewery hopes to craft the summer menu using leftover vegetables from its Community Supported Agriculture program with One Straw Farm—one of the many neighborhood initiatives that Marshall hopes to continue as Diamondback evolves with its new menu and taproom hours.

“We want more of the community members around here to frequent us,” he says. “Being out on the peninsula, we’re a bit isolated, but we’ve definitely got that neighborhood feel.”

EAT

Nov. 23-Dec. 24: Christmas Village in Baltimore

West Shore Park, 501 Light St. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.

Save the leftover turkey and stuffing for another day and spend the rest of the weekend sampling authentic German fare at the annual Christmas Village. From grilled-to-order bratwurst and Bavarian burgers to sweet tooth staples like lebkuchen (German gingerbread) and strudels, this traditional holiday market is packed with enough German delicacies to pull you out of your post-Thanksgiving food coma. Don’t forget to snag holiday gifts like homemade hot sauce and marzipan on your way out.

DRINK

Nov. 23: Black Friday Celebration

Diamondback Beer, 1215 E. Fort Ave. 12-11 p.m. Free.

Whether you’re looking to get out of the house (aka away from your extended family) or need a reprieve from the Black Friday madness, Diamondback Beer has you covered. Stop by the Locust Point brewery for buck-a-shuck oysters, slices by BricknFire Pizza Company, and free-flowing pours of seasonal brews like Maple Thief, an oatmeal stout, and a Kolsch called Atmospheric Conditions. After warming up with a beer or two, head out to the patio to hear live music by local group Gene & Friends.

SEE

Nov. 24- Jan. 1, 2019: Miracle on 34th Street

700 W. 34th St. 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Free.

Although Hampden is known as a neighborhood that marches to the beat of its own drum (see Hampdenfest and Honfest), it does follow the unwritten rule against displaying holiday decorations and lights before Thanksgiving. But two nights later, the entire 700 block of West 34th Street will come alive with decked out digs and displays including illuminated Bohs, flamingos, crabs, and, of course, the famous hubcap tree. In this weird and wonderful Charm City tradition, join tons of locals and visitors alike in admiring the “most outrageous Christmas lights” in Maryland.

HEAR

Nov. 23: Joy Postell

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m. $12.

We’ve been eagerly anticipating this powerful singer’s debut album since her first single, “Consciousness,” dropped more than two years ago, and it was well worth the wait. This Friday, hear this rising local artist perform brand-new tracks from her full-length album, Disapora, and experience how Postell’s fusion of jazz, soul, hip-hop, R&B, and spoken word creates a moving commentary on love, growth, and injustices faced by the African-American community. Be sure to get to Ottobar early to hear sets by noteworthy locals like rapper Butch Dawson, genre-bending artist Josh Stokes, hip-hop mainstay Al Rogers Jr., and singer-songwriter Bobbi Rush, as well as DJ sets by Loc Spice, Styles b0nd, and Jacob Marley.

DO

Nov. 23-24: Bazaart Holiday Art Market

American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. Fri. 12-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

Start the holiday season off right by supporting local artisans during the American Visionary Art Museum’s annual art market, featuring tons of one-of-a-kind items that make early-bird shopping special. Held on Small Business Saturday, the market will highlight original creations made by more than 40 regional artists such as paintings, textiles, and jewelry. After you’re shopped out, take a free tour of the acclaimed Jim Rouse Visionary Center.

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

 EAT

August 20: Fiesta Del Sol

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave. 12-6 p.m. Free.

We’re all especially excited about the sun right now—what with the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse taking over our skies on Monday afternoon. One day early, celebrate that giant star and the high-heat of summer with a Sunday Funday at the Union Craft Brewing. The local brewery will be releasing its guava and passionfruit flavored Older Pro white wine barrel-aged goses variants with tacos by Clavel and ice cream by The Charmery. There will be mini pools in place for cooling off, and Reggae Spin Cycle spinning the feel-good tunes throughout the afternoon. 

 DRINK

August 19: Diamondback Beer x Max’s Taphouse | DQ’d Collaboration

Max’s Taphouse, 737 S Broadway. 11 a.m. Free. 410-675-6297.

There’s a good chance you’re already planning to spend your Saturday daydrinking at Max’s Taphouse, but with the help of Diamondback Beer, there’s now some extra incentive. On Saturday, head to the legendary bar for its annual Hopfest celebration, where the local craft brewer will be realizing its new collaboration beer, DQ’d. The brew boasts blueberry and raspberry flavors with a heavy hit of oats and wheat and a touch of vanilla bean. With such a killer combo, be sure to get it while it lasts.

 SEE

August 20: Red Bull Amaphiko Festival

Impact Hub Baltimore, 10 E. North Avenue. 3- 8 p.m. Free.

It’s not every weekend that a national brand throws a festival in Baltimore, but the energy drink’s social entrepreneurship program sees something in Charm City. For the last week, the festival has hosted events, lectures, and workshops throughout in Station North, and this Sunday, they’re throwing a celebration of creativity and community. At Impact Hub, catch a full day of programming, including special performances by hip-hop duo Bond St. District, rapper Abdu Ali, the Eubie Blake drum circle and dance program, and Q&A with the likes of best-selling author D. Watkins, rising photographer Devin Allen, and Afropunk Festival founder Jocelyn Cooper. Free and open to the public, it’s feel-good way to end the week.

 HEAR

August 19: Hot August Music Festival

Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $66-189. 877-321-3378.

For the 25th year, Baltimore County’s biggest music festival descends on the hills of Oregon Ridge Park with more than 10 musical acts. Soak up the sounds of eclectic jam bands like Lettuce and Electric Love Machine, and Americana all-stars like headliners Old Crow Medicine Show and the Infamous Stringdusters.

 DO

August 20: Free to Breathe Yoga Challenge

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Pl. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Fundraising required. 608-833-7905.

For the second year, the Maryland Zoo will be taken over not by sneakers and strollers but leggings and yoga mats. Last year, the Free to Breathe Yoga Challenge helped raise more than $70,000 for increasing the survival rate of lung cancer, which is the leading cancer killer in the U.S. This year, they hope to double that figure. With deep breaths and restorative exhales, this yoga retreat will feature eight hour-long sessions with some of the city’s best instructors, as well as a walk-in wellness marketplace for fitness demos and healthy food and drink. Whether you downward dog as an individual or reverse warrior with an entire team, open your lungs and support a good cause.