Now in its fourth year, the Baltimore Seafood Festival has become an end-of-summer tradition for locals looking to properly soak up the final days of the season with waterfront views and seafood specialties from nearly 30 area restaurants.

“It’s not the typical concession stand food that you might see at some other large-scale events,” says organizer Beth Laverick, owner of B. Scene Events & Promotions. “It’s a true showcase for the local restaurants and food trucks.”

Returning to Canton Waterfront Park on Saturday, September 16 from 12-7 p.m., the bash highlights eats and drinks from a plethora of local purveyors, live cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities like parachutes and lawn games. Plus, a jam-packed local music lineup will showcase the bluesy sounds of Kelly Bell Band, familiar covers from Sons of Pirates, ska-influenced tunes from The Players Band, and roots and reggae jams from Strykers’ Posse.

Aside from the new bands, other fresh highlights will include a host of additional vendors joining the pack (The Elephant, Flash Crabcake Co., and Avenue Kitchen & Bar, just to name a few), and a program that admits VIP ticketholders one hour early to avoid long lines at the entrance and enjoy mimosas and pastries before the festivities officially begin.

Laverick estimates that the event will host nearly 8,600 festival-goers this year—more than double the total attendance of the inaugural fête in 2014.

“In general, Baltimore City is very casual—people like to eat, drink, and relax,” she says. “And they really enjoy being on the waterfront. Seafood and water just go together.”

While we’re sure all of the seafood staples will be scrumptious, here are a few items to look out for while strolling around the park next weekend:

Oyster Tacos from The Urban Oyster
Local chef Jasmine Norton is making a Seafood Fest debut this year, serving snacks from her new pop-up shop The Urban Oyster—which has appeared at various food halls and farmers’ markets this season and will soon debut a food truck. In addition to her signature chargrilled oysters, Norton will also offer seafood nachos (think toppings like shrimp, crabmeat, and beer-infused Old Bay queso) and an oyster taco topped with a pickled slaw. Laverick had the chance to sample the taco during Norton’s recent residency at R. House: “The acidity of the coleslaw with the fried oyster is the perfect combination,” she notes. 

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
No true seafood festival is complete without an authentic lobster roll, and this Annapolis spot will have plenty on hand when it sets up shop at Canton Waterfront Park next weekend. The brand, which opened its Naptown flagship in 2014 and plans to expand with a stall in Belvedere Square Market this fall, tops its rolls with mounds of Maine meat that is served either classic (warm with melted butter) or salad (chilled with mayo, celery, and lemon) style. 

Baltimore Quesadillas from Mexican on the Run
Be on the lookout for this green machine, which has become known for its authentic tacos and burritos since it started roaming around the city last summer. Though many of the truck’s menu items are inspired by owner Jimmy Longoria’s roots in Mexico, the chef honors Charm City with the Bmore Quesadilla—which is filled with jumbo lump crab meat, shrimp, melted cheeses, and pico de gallo and topped with an Old Bay crema. Alongside the quesadillas, Longoria will also serve a special fish taco created exclusively for the event. 

Spicy Crab Deviled Eggs from DogWatch Tavern
This fan-favorite Fells Point sports bar, known for its signature beer towers and relaxed pub vibe, will be cooking up a storm next weekend. Swing by the DogWatch tent to sample eats including cream of crab soup and fried oyster po boys. The staff will also be slinging orders of spicy crab deviled eggs, which arrive topped with lump crab meat and a dash of Sriracha. “They’re my daughter’s favorite,” Laverick says of her 6-year-old, who accompanied her on a recent crawl to sample a few of the Seafood Fest dishes. “She’s an adventurous eater for her age. Once she ate one, she couldn’t stop.” 

Faidley’s Crab Cakes
The 131-year-old Lexington Market institution joins the lineup for the first time this year, peddling its signature crab cakes that owner Nancy Devine forms by hand. Aside from their vendor presence, the team will also be featured under the cooking demonstration tent—hosting a live tutorial on how to properly pick a crab. Laverick says that the demo will particularly come in handy for the out-of-towners heading in for the event: “I’m from New Hampshire, so I know that steamed crabs can be intimidating if you’ve never experienced them before,” Laverick says. “Getting Faidley’s to join was a huge win.”

If there is a bright side to saying goodbye to summer, it’s that football season is officially around the corner. There’s no better way to cheer on the Ravens than by gathering with other die-hards around the big screens at your neighborhood bar. This season, throw on a jersey and head to these local watering holes to enjoy discounted food and drink deals while watching the birds duke it out.

Ale Mary’s: Known for its beer list and collection of vintage knick-knacks (be sure to check out Christmas Story-style leg lamp at the bar), this corner dive in Fells Point is a great place to showcase your purple pride. During all Ravens games throughout the season, enjoy specials including $3 Bud Lights and Henry’s Hard Sodas, $4 Pollock Johnny’s sausages, $5 punch, $5 bombs, and a $7 deal on one pound of grilled wings paired with a domestic bottle of your choice. 1939 Fleet St., 410-276-2044

Alexander’s Tavern: At this popular Fells Point hangout, fans throw back free shooters whenever the Ravens score a touchdown. Don your most festive purple garb to watch the game while enjoying half-priced nachos and tots, as well as $3 Miller Lites, $4 Blue Moons, and $10 Miller Lite pitchers. 710 S. Broadway., 410-522-0000

Bmore Around Town: You can’t go wrong attending a pregame party hosted by this group of local tailgating experts. This season, Bmore Around Town has moved its tailgates to the brand new Stadium Square lot on the corner of West Ostend and Leadenhall streets near Lot H. Tickets to the all-inclusive events include a full open bar, bottomless buffet of stadium fare, live DJ entertainment, and games like corn hole, flip cup, Kan Jam, and jumbo Connect Four. Aside from its home-game celebrations, Bmore Around Town also offers fans road trip packages for away games. 443-865-5935

Claddagh Pub: If you haven’t had the chance to check out this Canton staple’s new outdoor bar, football season is the perfect opportunity. Dubbed “The Cork Yard Bar” the new space features four outdoor screens and heaters so that fans can keep warm during the chillier months. Sunday specials to look out for (offered both inside and outside) include $3 pints, $6 bombs and Crushes, one pound of jumbo shrimp for $16.95, and a deal on 30 wings paired with a pitcher of beer for $19.95. 2918 O’Donnell St., 410-522-4220

Dogwatch Tavern: Equipped with comfy couches, pool tables, and group games like Bear Pong, this Fells Point hangout has a relaxed vibe that mimics catching the game in the comfort of your own living room. Grab a group of friends and head to the bar to enjoy 22-oz. Miller Lite drafts for $5, an order of wings for $7, and Miller and Coors Light buckets for $15. If you’re feeling particularly festive, order one of the bar’s signature 100-oz. beer towers for $20. 709 S. Broadway, 410-276-6030

El Bufalo: Post up in front of any one of the 13 screens at this multi-level Canton Square favorite to watch all of the action unfold this season. Though it might not be the most traditional sporting-event sip, El Bufalo offers $7-off all of its mega margaritas on game days. Other specials include $8 orders of disco fries, $10 flatbreads, $15 Bud Light Buckets, and group deals like a case of Bud Light and 25 wings for $100. 2921 O’Donnell St., 410-814-0594

Huck’s American Craft: This Brewers Hill beer bar gets creative with its football specials, which include $5 “Raven-ade” drinks and purple bombs, as well as free shots whenever the birds score a touchdown. Fans can also pair $2 Natty Bohs with snacks like wings, sliders, onion rings, and pretzel-dough pizzas. 3728 Hudson St., 443-438-3380

Mother’s Grille: Nothing says Ravens season like an afternoon spent downing drafts on Mother’s Purple Patio, which features live DJ entertainment and a radio broadcast of the game. During all Sunday games, the Federal Hill football headquarters offers fans all-you-can-eat boneless wings paired with Miller Lite for $35. At Mother’s Baltimore County location in Timonium, take advantage of specials including $5 Fireball shots, $6 Purple Crushes, $15 Yuengling buckets, and $3 hot dogs. Multiple locations including 1113 S. Charles St., 410-244-8686

Mt. Washington Tavern: This Mt. Washington neighborhood haunt celebrates football season in style. In addition to its Purple Friday lunch menu (think discounted burgers, quesadillas, beers, and Tito’s vodka drinks), the tavern also features an lengthy list of specials whenever the birds take the field. Get comfortable at the bar to enjoy $8 slow-roasted Buffalo wings, $10 queso fundido dip, and $15 loaded nachos topped with chili, cheeses, and Applewood bacon. Wash down all of the eats with $2 Narraganset Lager cans, $4 Old Hilltop drafts, and $6 vodka drinks. 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903

JD’s Smokehouse: We were stoked when this former O’Donnell Square mainstay announced that it would be returning to Canton last year. Now stationed at the corner of South Luzerne and Foster avenues in the space previously occupied by American Harry’s, JD’s is back with its selection of imported beers and finger-licking barbecue. Throughout football season, swing by the new digs to enjoy $2 Natty Bohs, $5 Ravens Crushes, $5 domestic buckets, and $12 Union Craft buckets. Food specials of note include “The Tucker Long” (a smoked sausage hoagie with onions and peppers) for $7.95, and the “A-5 Burger” topped with onions, mushrooms, and provolone with two sides for $9.95. 623 S. Luzerne Ave., 410-522-2266

Wicked Sisters: If you’re looking for a spot to tune in from North Baltimore, this Hampden hangout highlights plenty of flat screens. Gather with other fans to chow down on $2-off select appetizers (think meatballs and sriracha honey Brussels sprouts), $3 Natty Boh drafts, and $4 pours of “Old Man Gjerde”—an ode to owner Charlie Gjerde crafted by The Brewer’s Art. 3845 Falls Road, 410-878-0884

Jimmy’s Seafood: Throughout the years, this Dundalk restaurant has become a go-to for sports fans and local athletes alike. To celebrate the return of the birds, Jimmy’s is debuting a new “Sunday Funday” deal featuring two-for-one drinks during Sunday games. Also new this season, happy hour specials (think $3 Summer Shandy and $7 Crushes) will run until midnight for all Monday-night matchups. 6526 Holabird Ave, Dundalk, 410-633-4040

Bluegrass Tavern

Federal Hill
Far from
the chugging frat boys of Cross Street, just two blocks from the western
terminus of Fort Avenue, sits Bluegrass, a warm and welcoming piece of
Appalachia plunked down in Federal Hill. Decorated like an upscale
hunting lodge, Bluegrass stays on theme with a vast selection of
bourbons, ryes, and whiskeys and a southern-inflected menu. (Try the
cornbread, served in a cast-iron skillet with molasses butter.) On a
recent evening, singles and families, young and old alike, could be
found at the 12-seat bar, high-top tables, and sidewalk seats. And the
staff seemed to know them all. The cocktail menu changes seasonally, and
we happily imbibed the new Fall Shandy with Templeton Rye, Carpano
Antica Sweet Vermouth, spiced brown-sugar simple syrup, and brown ale,
reveling in its autumnal richness. 1500 South Hanover St., 410-244-5101,
bluegrasstavern.com

Bond Street Social

Fells Point
It
should be no surprise that the owners of Bond Street Social, which
opened in October 2011, include investors in Mad River Bar & Grille,
just across the harbor. While Bond Street is more upscale, the bars
share a similar meat-market vibe. There is no mistaking why patrons
flock here—guys still dressed in their investment-banking suits and
girls all gussied up in barely-there dresses. But there are certainly
other reasons to enjoy the chic spot. The interior was thoughtfully
remodeled and the décor reminds us of an urban ski chalet: indoor
fireplaces, dark red walls, and log-cabin accents. The menu is filled
with contemporary concepts, like shared plates and drinks. (Cocktail
pitchers are a whopping 80 ounces.) We’re intrigued by a liquid-nitrogen
martini, which arrives smoking, and we’re warned not to drink it for
two minutes to avoid cold burns from the -320-degree-liquid. Sure, it’s
contrived, but the peach-flavored cocktail is delicious. While the house
music pulses, we realize it would be easy to judge this place, but it’s
way more fun to play along. 901 S. Bond Street, 443-449-6234, bondstreetsocial.com

DogWatch Tavern

Fells Point
Drink
at DogWatch Tavern 30 straight days and they’ll put your name on the
back of a bar stool. We start our streak after another miraculous O’s
victory on a Tuesday night in September. The place is filled with fans,
many drawn, no doubt, by the $5 Boh-and-brat special. With leather
couches more comfortable than what we have at home facing a bank of TVs
bigger than ours, it’s a fantastic place to watch a game. Or play one.
From a host of the board variety (we could spend all day playing Trivial
Pursuit while sipping $2 Natty Boh drafts) to skee ball, DogWatch is
the perfect bar for those who like a little competition with their
drink. After polishing off nachos with chicken chili, we plop down on
one of the couches and decide we’ll never leave. They politely bounce us
at closing time, but we’ll be back. Twenty-nine more visits to go. 709
S. Broadway, 410-276-6030, dogwatchtavern.com

The Harp

Nottingham
No
one at The Harp—or anywhere else on Earth—is having more fun this
Friday night than the six fiftysomethings sitting around the tall table
in the back corner of the massive bar room. The place is packed with
drinkers of all ages, none of whom are downing car bombs with as much
enthusiasm as this bunch. While people who were born in the ’80s drink
draft beer and watch the O’s, the golden group is partying with purpose
sufficient enough to make the Irish, who inspired the theme here, proud.
They’re not fooling with plates of meaty wings, fat waffle fries, or
sensational crab fritters. That would only distract from the libation.
They don’t care that they’re in a suburban strip mall, or that the
blaring band makes conversation difficult. They know a great bar is
about service, surroundings, and soul, all of which The Harp has in
plentiful supply. 8706 Belair Road, 410-529-4277, theharprestaurant.com

Hersh’s Pizza & Drinks

Riverside
This
new addition to the South Baltimore landscape—which opened just over a
year ago—is known primarily for its wood-fired pizzas. But it’s also
evident that Hersh’s quickly has become a quintessential neighborhood
bar. On this warm fall night, young families and groups of friends
gather at the eatery’s picnic-style tables outside while, inside, they
cozy up to the rectangular bar—with its smoky gray walls, mirrored
background, and a sign that reads “Pizza for President.” Another nominee
should be head bartender Jamaal Green (formerly of Charleston), who is
whipping up drinks like a scientist in a lab—a muddling station here, a
chopping area there. In between his lightning-speed work, he greets us
with a friendly smile and tosses down two napkins, “What can I get you?”
We tell him about our weakness for ginger beer and he expertly crafts
the complex, spicy-sweet Eva Peron, one of many creative cocktails on
the menu. But, don’t ignore the beer selection: On tap tonight are gems
from Union, 21st Amendment, Dogfish Head, and Ommegang. We soak it all
up with a specialty pizza and, as we look around, are envious of most of
the patrons, lucky enough to live just around the corner. 1843 Light
Street, 443-438-4948, hershspizza.com

Hudson Street Stackhouse

Canton
Camouflaged
in the neighborhood’s brick uniform, you might mistake Hudson Street
Stackhouse for just another Canton row home. But, one step inside, and
you realize this place is special. The huge Natty Boh mural painted on
the wall signifies that beer is taken seriously. Indeed, there are
nearly 40 brews on tap, with a focus on Belgian varieties. We order a
Chimay Tripel and it’s served to us in a proper goblet. The Stackhouse
could be described as a sports bar—most patrons are clad in football
jerseys and usually it’s the go-to destination for Baltimore-based
Capitals fans. (Alas, the NHL strike has prevented such excitement this
year.) However, that hasn’t stopped locals from piling in, for the
knowledgeable bartenders, cheap food specials, and those rare,
high-proof beers. 2626 Hudson Street, 410-342-0592, hudsonstreetstackhouse.com

Kooper’s North

Lutherville-Timonium
The
original Kooper’s Tavern in Fells Point found a winning combination
with its appetizing pub grub, robust beer selection, inviting waterfront
location, and friendly barkeeps. Could it recreate the magic in the
’burbs? The answer is yes. Though Kooper’s North isn’t a carbon copy of
the original—the décor is more modern and the location is between a dry
cleaners and a picture framers in a Mays Chapel shopping center—it’s
still got enough of the original’s easygoing charm. The bartenders are
amiable and happy to chat when things are slow. The flat-screens are
most often tuned to sports. And the daily food specials popularized by
the original Kooper’s (fajitas on Mondays, burgers on Tuesdays, etc.)
remain intact. Try to make time for Belgian Thursdays, when the bar’s
many Belgian beers are discounted and the kitchen serves moules frites
(mussels and fries), $9, three different ways. 12240 Tullamore Road,
410-853-7324, koopersnorth.com

Leinenkugel’s Beer Garden

Downtown
Unlike
most downtown bars, Leinenkugel’s feels open and airy. The
glass-and-metal structure resembles a greenhouse, and, on nice days, the
roof retracts and doors open onto the beer garden, merging the indoor
and outdoor spaces. Outside, you’ll find groups huddled around
picnic-style tables or lounging in Adirondack chairs (with built-in cup
holders) by the fireplace. Its location adjacent to the Power Plant
Live! complex packs a lively crowd on weekend nights and before shows.
The bar boasts more drink options than its neighbors—more than 30 drafts
(priced by the pint, liter, and pitcher) include a respectable mix of
domestic craft brews and the bottle list has some import options. Heavy
on Leinenkugel’s own beers, of course, the selection also includes
regional favorites alongside well-known national breweries. In true
German biergarten style, plenty of communal seating provides the
opportunity to meet new people over a pint. Don’t miss the tables
installed with pour-your-own taps, because, let’s face it: No one likes
waiting for the next beer. 34 Market Place, 443-208-3316, leiniebeergarden.com

Liam Flynn’s Ale House

Station North
Some
“Irish” bars come on too strong. You feel like the owners would punch
you in the face with a shamrock if they could, so desperate are they to
impress you with their “Irishness.” But not Liam Flynn’s Ale House, and,
paradoxically, it’s all the more convincing for it. The 17-month-old
Gaelic-themed watering hole, with soft yellow walls and the eponymous
Flynn almost always behind the bar, specializes in British Isles ales,
whiskeys, and ciders, but also saves two taps out of its 15 for locally
brewed, cask-conditioned ales. It hosts live Irish music every
Wednesday, but you can find Beyoncé on the jukebox. It is a base for
fans of Glasgow Celtic and London’s Fulham football clubs, but will also
show the O’s game should patrons request it. In short, it does what any
actual Irish pub does and just focuses on being a good bar. Mission
accomplished. 22 W. North Avenue, 443-956-1702, pintsizepub.com

Rye

Fells Point
Fells
Point has enough suds-and-spuds bars to satisfy the college kids, the
happy-hour crowds, and the weekend warriors watching the games, but
where do you go if you want a grown-up night out? Until recently, the
options were few. But rejoice! There is now Rye. With its dark woods,
Edison light-bulb fixtures, and handsome (but sadly non-working) stone
fireplace, Rye is a perfect venue for a first date, anniversary
celebration, or other intimate occasion. An honest-to-God cocktail bar
(it doesn’t even have any taps, just a well-edited selection of bottled
beers), the bartenders really know their stuff. When we dithered about
what to order, the barkeep whipped up a refreshing, beautifully blended
gin fizz in a jiff. It’s easy to dither over a menu where cocktails from
the Gin-Gin Mule (Bluecoast American gin, ginger syrup, fresh lime,
mint, ginger ale) to the Freestone (Old Overholt rye whiskey, peach
liqueur, orange peel, and plum bitters on the rocks), all sound
delicious. Also, the small but sophisticated menu of small bites,
flatbreads, and sandwiches will keep us coming back. 807 S. Broadway,
443-438-3296, ryebaltimore.com

Silo.5% Wine Bar

Locust Point
Even
if you were expecting Silo.5%—located in the ritzy Silo Point
building—to be ultra-cool, a step inside confirms that you still might
not be wearing enough black to truly belong. The soaring ceilings,
phosphorescent under-bar lighting, techno-ambient soundtrack, and
hard-edged furniture underscore the cold, quasi-industrial nature of the
space. Thankfully, there’s warmth to be found in the accommodating
demeanor of the servers. Want your Key-lime martini without the
requisite splash of cream? No problem. Worried about the caffeine in
your espresso martini? They can make that with decaf coffee and go easy
on the espresso vodka. The ambitious menu includes more than 30 wines by
the glass, 200 by the bottle, an extensive selection of draft and
bottled beers, and a cocktail list reflective of all the current trends.
Food choices range from something as Spartan as cheese and crostini to
salads, pizzas, and entrees like Kobe culotte steak. Silo.5% seems ideal
for groups of four to six, all clad in your favorite black outfit, of
course. 1200 Steuart Street, 443-438-4044, silo.5winebar.com

Mt. Washington Tavern

Mt. Washington
Just
over a year ago, the venerable Mt. Washington Tavern suffered a
two-alarm fire and several million dollars in damages. But, somewhat
miraculously, the neighborhood staple is up and running again after just
12 months. The new incarnation has a much more open and fluid feel,
which is evident upon entrance—gone is the claustrophobic, wooden bar
room. Instead, there’s an airy, rustic space with stone accents and barn
siding. The garden room in the back now feels cozy—with a raw bar,
fireplace, and communal table for dining. Venturing upstairs, you’ll
find the Pimlico Room, a dining space that’s a virtual monument to the
race track. In the back, of course, is the ever popular “sky bar,” now
open year-round (with heating and air-conditioning, much to our
delight). This space feels more organic, with accordion doors that swing
open to the balcony. Fittingly, the reopening party is on
Thanksgiving Eve, a time when patrons—no matter their college graduation
year—have always returned to the tavern. 5700 Newbury Street,
410-367-6903, mtwashingtontavern.com