EAT

April 10-12: Easter and Passover Carryout Meals

Locations, times, and prices vary.

It’s safe to say that this Easter and Passover weekend will look and feel different than any other.
Although more family celebrations will take place via Zoom and Facetime than around the dinner table this year, that’s no reason to forego tradition, which always starts and ends with food. Plan your weekend menu using our guide to local eateries that are offering carryout and delivery specials on everything from “Seder Containers” and matzo ball soup to deviled eggs and “Easter Egg” ice cream in honor of these springtime holidays.

DRINK

April 10-12: Booze To Go

Locations, times, and prices vary.

When Gov. Larry Hogan passed the March executive order to allow alcohol delivery and takeout sales from restaurants, bars, and other hospitality establishments amid the coronavirus pandemic, Marylanders breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Since then, tons of local spots have gotten creative with their to-go booze options, including Mr. Nice Guy Cocktail’s Tiger King-themed menu, Wet City’s signature slushies by Blinky, and Nepenthe Brewing Co.’s at-home brewing supplies. Order “essential supplies” for this weekend using our easy-access guide to Baltimore-based breweries, liquor stores, and eateries, and support your favorite small businesses when they need it the most.

SEE

April 12: Virtual Drag Brunch

12:30 p.m. facebook.com/bookmakerscocktailclub.

If there’s anyone who can transition a popular weekly drag brunch into a Facebook Live performance filled with top-notch performers, raffles, and more than a few breakfast cocktails, it’s Brooklyn Heights. This Sunday, instead of snagging a seat at Bookmaker’s Cocktail Club, pull up the Federal Hill bar’s Facebook page to watch some of Baltimore’s best drag performers sashay for the camera. Make a donation and enter to win raffle prizes to support local queens like Iyana Deschanel, Jasmine Blue, and Bambi Necole Ferrah, and count down the days until we can throw dollar bills at our favorite performers in person.

HEAR

April 10: Mary Prankster

8 p.m. wtmd.org.

Live music doesn’t come to a halt just because we can’t hear our favorite acts play in concert halls or venues right now. Instead, we can listen to up-and-coming musicians play from the comfort of their own living rooms, thanks to WTMD’s new Cabin Fever Concerts video series. This Friday, visit the Towson radio station’s Facebook page to watch a livestream performance by local singer-songwriter Mary Prankster, featuring an hour of intimate solo acoustics. Tune in to hear the reigning WTMD Artist of the Year play fan-favorite songs like “Local Honey” and “Rock n Roll Degenerate,” and mark your calendars for upcoming livestream spots by the likes of Letitia VanSant and Emily Wolfe.

DO

April 10: Fells Point Community Blood Drive

Su Casa Furniture, 901 S. Bond Street. 12:30-6 p.m. Free.

As local and regional hospitals face an emergency blood shortage in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Fells Point businesses and neighbors are coming together to host a community-sponsored blood drive. If you’re able to donate blood, register with the Red Cross and then visit the temporary station at Su Casa Furniture, which is volunteering its closed store to the cause. After making your donation, enter for the chance to win gift certificates to neighborhood staple Kooper’s Tavern.

Much like the Fells Point neighborhood itself, the annual Fells Point Fun Fest has evolved significantly throughout the years. But despite all of the changes—including downsizing the footprint to work around the construction near Broadway Square last fall—celebrating the closeness of the residents and merchants has always been a top priority for organizers.

In an effort to strengthen that hyper-local approach, this year, Fells Point Main Street (FPMS) officials have decided to pack the historically two-day event into one day on Saturday, October 13, with a rain date scheduled for Sunday, October 14.

Misty Keens, executive director of FPMS, says that because of the influx of city events that locals have to choose from, attendance has steadily dropped on the second day of the festival in recent years.

“With the attendance being low on Sunday, a lot of the vendors try to pack up early and it doesn’t have that same feel of this cool, fun, city festival,” Keens says. “On Saturday, people are packing the streets, seeing the vibrancy of the neighborhood, and making plans to come back. And then Sunday might be an afterthought to some people.”

Keens says that Sunday attendance sunk considerably last year, explaining that costs double for overnight security, delivery, and pickup services on the second day. Additionally, vendors see a decrease in revenue on Sunday due to the lack of foot traffic.

The format change comes at a transformative time for FPMS, which has welcomed new members and ramped up its community outreach events in the past year since Keens was brought on board as executive director.

“One of the great things about this board in its current configuration is that we look at things through a different filter,” says FPMS organization committee chair Chris Seiler. “Last year was awesome, and this is just a part of the ongoing tweaks to make the festival more viable and successful. The quality is a big deal for us. If you show up on Saturday, this thing should absolutely blow away any expectations that you have for it.”

Though the duration of the gathering will be shorter, organizers are looking forward to making the one-day soiree one of the best yet. The festival’s footprint will be similar to last year’s, extending from Caroline to Ann streets with vendors set up along Thames Street and the newly beautified Broadway Square—which will also house the main stage.

“The square is going to be the heartbeat,” Keens says, mentioning that a second stage will be added closer to the kid’s zone near Brown’s Wharf. “There’s going to be a lot of high energy in that area and then some spots that are slightly more mellow. We’re hoping to attract a lot of diverse crowds.”

While specifics regarding the live music lineup, craft vendors, and food and drink options are still being finalized, Keens says that the Fells Point businesses will play a huge role in the festivities. As in previous years, merchants will offer sidewalk sales and restaurants will feature grab-and-go type eats that visitors can snack on while perusing handmade wares from the likes of Art by Barton, Tin Lizzy Mobile Boutique, and Beltway Merch.

In a time where Fells Point is experiencing rapid growth (including the introduction of the Sagamore Pendry hotel and upgrades coming to Broadway Market), organizers are eager to get back to the roots of the event—which began as a way for residents to band together to save their waterfront locale from demolition during the proposed federal highway expansion of 1966.

“The festival really allows the businesses and residents to showcase the pride they have for their neighborhood,” Keens says. “They are bonded and strong. And they are very happy to have these folks lining the streets to come celebrate their home with them.”

Beginning on January 1, 2018, visitors to Fells Point will notice cleaner streets, security patrol, and a few newly planted shrubs as they stroll down Broadway. As a part of Waterfront Partnership’s mission to create a “cleaner, greener future” for Baltimore, it has expanded its reach to one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.

Waterfront Management Authority (WMA)—a business improvement district under the umbrella of Waterfront Partnership—provides maintenance, beautification, and security waterfront locations Harbor East, Harbor Point, and the Inner Harbor and will now do the same for Fells Point. 

“This big expansion really addresses some of the root problems in Fells Point, like safety and cleanliness,” said Nick Johnson, president of Fells Point Main Street Association (FPMSA) and owner of Su Casa. “It demonstrates that the neighborhood is headed in a new direction.”

About a year ago, Fells Point business leaders initially wanted to develop a plan to address the rising concerns. But they knew the issues were too big to tackle without outside assistance. 

“We needed to join and work with the local government to get where we wanted to be,” said Kelley Heuisler, owner of Poppy & Stella and president of Fells Point District. “It’s been proven that, in Baltimore, having these private-public partnerships is successful. It is a way to really expand upon the services individual communities need and Fells Point is certainly no exception to that.”

After vetting all possible options, FPMSA decided that working with Waterfront Partnership made the most sense—citing the success of WMA’s placement in Harbor East and Harbor Point. 

In order to make the expansion possible, Councilman Zeke Cohen and Councilman Eric Costello introduced a bill to the city council in May, which would allow WMA to expand its boundaries to include commercial properties in Fells Point. 

After the required hearings, the bill was passed and signed by Mayor Catherine Pugh in August and, then, 58 percent of Fells Point property owners needed to agree on the expansion. With 79 percent of the votes in support, Waterfront Partnership was able to move forward with the plan.

Although the majority of business and property owners in Fells Point support the expansion, the increase in annual tax bills was a factor for the opposition. Johnson estimates that the taxes for Su Casa may increase to roughly $2500 a year, but sees it as an investment for the long term.

“No one likes to have taxes or fees imposed,” said Waterfront Partnership executive director Laurie Schwartz. “At the end of the day, I believe the owners saw that the services they receive are well worth the amount they’ll pay. They’ll need the additional services to remain a competitive neighborhood in the city.”

Some business owners also believe that the city should be responsible for providing a safe, clean place for residents to visit and seeking outside sources to fulfill those needs should not be necessary.

“You can’t argue with that—it’s absolutely, 100-percent true,” Johnson said. “Yes, we shouldn’t have to pay above and beyond what we are already paying in taxes, but we have to think of it as an investment in our neighborhood.”

Although the expansion is focused on the commercial portion of Fells Point, some residents with homes within neighborhood boundaries will benefit from the improvements. Schwartz said that some have even gone so far as to call Waterfront Partnership to offer financial contributions for the expansion.

“This expansion is about giving the people that come a better experience,” Heuisler said. “We’re all very excited about what this means overall for Fells Point—it’s going to be huge.”

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

EAT

Dec. 4: Holistic Holiday Pop-Up Market

Mount Vernon Marketplace, 520 Park Ave. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.

‘Tis the season for gaining weight, because as much as we try, with so many sweets and treats all around us, it’s really hard to eat healthy. (I mean, who’s going to pass up on hot toddys and peppermint mochas, not to mention sugar cookies and gingerbread houses and rib roasts . . . you get the point.) To curb those winter calories, swing by Mount Vernon Marketplace this Sunday for a refreshing switch-up with holistic holiday shopping and eating. Each stall will be featuring healthy specials and nearly 20 vendors will be in tow, toting feel-good gifts like Hex Ferments kombuchas, krauts, and kimchis; Pure Chocolate By Jinji handcrafted cocoa; and PlantBar juices and raw foods. Pick up some beautiful handspun bowls from Wild Yam Pottery, pluck a bouquet of Local Color Flowers, and stop in the new Juniper Apothecary shop for even more wellness wonders. Here’s to a healthy, happy holiday—and to warding off those sugarplum visions that keep dancing in your head.

DRINK

Dec. 3: Fells Point Olde Tyme Christmas

Fells Point, S. Broadway & Thames St. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.

This Saturday, the cobblestone streets of Fells Point will transform into a winter wonderland with the neighborhood’s Olde Tyme Christmas festival. Catch Santa come in by tugboat at 9 a.m. and then make your way to the adults-only annual Eggnog Contest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Broadway Square. Now in its 13th year, contestants will stack up against one another to see who makes the best sweet boozy beverage. (If you’re toting kids, there will also be hot chocolate and hot cider available, too.) Throughout the day, eat, drink, and shop local, but make sure you stick around until 5 p.m., when the lighted boat parade makes its way past Broadway Pier.

SEE

Dec. 4: Mayor’s Christmas Parade

Starting at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Western High School, 4600 Falls Road. Ending at 37th St. 1 p.m. Free.

For the 44th year, make your way to Medfield and Hampden to watch the Mayor’s Christmas Parade. Along this holiday tradition’s 2.5 mile-route, join more than 25,000 people to see dozens of marching bands, dance troops, mummers, floats, giant balloons, and more than 100 Harley Davidson motorcycles, not to mention Miss and Jr. Miss Yuletide and Santa himself. From TK road, down The Avenue, to 37 th Street, admire the old street cars, catch some candy, and give one last wave to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

HEAR

Dec. 3: Night of 100 Elvises

Lithuanian Hall, 851 Hollins St. 4-11 p.m. $60-90. 410-494-9558.

Everyone loves Elvis, and for some odd reason, everyone seems to love Elvis even more around the holidays. This weekend, get in the festive spirit and gather ’round Lithuanian Hall for a celebration of The King. For one full night, dozens of cover bands, tribute artists, and diehard fans will all come together to pay homage to the late, great Mr. Presley with a colorful night of rock and roll. Admire the hot rods, grab some pictures with the show girls, tip back some Heavy Seas beers, and indulge in Elvis’ favorite: peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches.

DO

Dec. 2-4: XXChange

Fri., Area 405, 405 E. Oliver St. Sat.-Sun., Open Works, 1400 Greenmount Ave. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

If you aren’t already hip to them, the Baltimore Women’s Maker Collective is a group of badass creatives who celebrate the work of self-identifying women and non-binary artists, business owners, and craftspeople throughout the great Baltimore region. They host monthly meetings, panel discussions, and a variety of events like artwork showcases and workshops. Their latest project is XXChange, a multilayered exhibit of more than 30 regional artists, featuring jewelry, furniture, textiles, metalwork, and more. On Friday, catch the closing reception at Area 405 during Alloverstreet in Station North, followed by a weekend-long pop-up shop at the new Open Works makerspace in Greemount West. Browse items like beautiful ceramics by Christina Haines, herbal infusions by Wight Tea Co., hipster-chic pillows by Cedar & Cotton, and handcrafted candles by Knit, Soy & Metal, to name a few.