EAT

Nov. 9: All Things Apple

Union Collective, 1700 W. 41st St. 12-5 p.m. Free.

Move over pumpkin, apple is winning this round of the great fall flavor throwdown. This Saturday, Union Collective businesses will pledge their allegiance to the superior fall fruit with this first-ever apple festival, featuring everything from apple pie shakes and ice cream at The Charmery to an apple-themed climb at Earth Treks Hampden. Mosey throughout the space to sample an apple-takeover menu at Well Crafted Kitchen, a special release at Baltimore Spirits Company, and fall-inspired syrups at Vent Coffee Roasters. Plus, get a first look at new neighbor The Wine Collective, which will be open for tours during the festivities.

DRINK

Nov. 9: Fall Fling & Golden Edition Release

Old Line Spirits, 200 S. Janney St. 3-11 p.m. Free

It’s been a big week for Old Line Spirits: The distillery opened its long-anticipated cocktail and wine bar at Cross Street Market on Tuesday, and on Saturday, it will host its annual fall fling and whiskey release. Stop by the Highlandtown spot on Saturday to be one of the first people to sample Golden Edition, the nation’s oldest American single-malt whiskey made from 100 percent malted barley and aged in white-oak barrels. After snagging a bottle of this rare spirit, stick around for live music, eats from Charm’d Kitchen, beer by Monument City Brewing Company, and sips from Old Line’s fall cocktail menu.

SEE

Nov. 9: Maryland Art Place Fall Benefit

Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $40.

Don your finest Great Gatsby-inspired garb (flapper dresses and fedoras encouraged) and head to Maryland Art Place for a jam-packed night of art, entertainment, and roaring ’20s debauchery. Watch live performances by artists from the gallery’s Tri-Annual MSAC Juried Show, including the likes of Dominique Zeltzman, Shonnita Johnson, and Stephanie Barber, before exploring the second and fifth floors to see new interactive works. In the main gallery, cheer on local cabaret singer Mariah Bonner, rockabilly band Jumpin’ Jupiter, and Baltimore drag queens Bambi Galore and Miss Calculated during this rousing all-night fundraiser for the contemporary art space.

HEAR

Nov. 8: LUXE

Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl. 9 p.m.-12 a.m. $5-10.

If there’s one local drag queen who can guarantee a turnout from all corners of the music, fashion, and entertainment sectors of the city—it’s Baby. Pack the Baltimore Soundstage on Friday night to hear beats from DJKB, Trillnatured, and Lemz, along with live shows by drag performers Betty O’Hellno, Iyana Deschanel, Pussy Noir, and Baby herself. Start planning your looks early for this all-night performance party and dance the night away alongside hosts like punk queen Alastor and musician Hunter Hooligan.

DO

Nov. 8: Lit City Baltimore

400 St. Paul St., 8-11 p.m. $40.

Although the first-ever Brilliant Baltimore festival comes to a close at the end of the weekend, the party isn’t over yet. Join hundreds of glow-in-the-dark revelers in the light tunnel on Saint Paul Street for this all-inclusive bash, featuring an open bar, snacks from local spots like SoBo Café and Refocused Vegan, and nonstop beats by DJ CoryT. Wave your glow sticks to the beat and celebrate another year of transforming downtown into a truly lit city.

Adding to that nightlife energy is this year’s Light City signature cocktail. Determined by a judge’s panel earlier in the year, B&O American Brasserie‘s Eric Fooy won this honor for the second year in a row with his “Golden Hour” creation made with Sagamore Spirit Rye, Luxardo Maraschino, Angostura bitters, orange and lemon juice, and a cherry garnish.

“I wanted to create a cocktail that would be approachable to a mass audience while also introducing a unique ingredient—maraschino liqueur,” Fooy says. “It’s also a tribute to a really beautiful hour of the day, which is why I used orange with red hues.”

The cocktail will be available at various stalls throughout the festival and participating bars around the city.

A number of local restaurants are also creating signature cocktails of their own. In particular, the Lord Baltimore Hotel will host a special happy hour throughout the festival featuring discounted appetizers and drinks served in light-up glasses including “The Orange” (moonshine, peach brandy, orange bitters, and maraschino cherries), “The Red” (white whiskey, watermelon juice, Aperol, and rosemary), and “The Green,” which combines vodka, Chartreuse, lime juice, and soda.

In general, local organizations feel that the Light City festival, especially in its second year, is a great excuse for Baltimore to come together.

“We’re really going to be all hands on deck that week,” Evitts says. “Now that people know what the festival is about and have seen how cool it is, the interest is really growing.”