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.

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Dec. 28: The Urban Oyster Drag Brunch

The Urban Oyster, 1704 Whetstone Way. 3 p.m. $7.

If you’re looking for a fun way to kill the awkward period of time between the holidays and New Year’s Eve, please turn your attention to this knock-out drag brunch at The Urban Oyster. In between bites of chef/owner Jasmine Norton’s cajun jambalaya, shrimp BLT on a waffle bun, and fried oyster and crab benedict, watch in awe as local drag performers Dee Dee Dereon, Kayden Amore Chloe, and Venus Fastrada sashay through the Locust Point restaurant. Snag tickets to the sure-to-sell-out afternoon show and get ready to indulge in killer seafood dishes, brunch cocktails, and beats by DJ Rob G3.

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Dec. 28: Holiday Hangover

Monument City Brewing Company, 1 N. Haven St. 1-6 p.m. Free.

After weeks of shopping for presents, attending a never-ending string of holiday parties, and downing eggnog, you’re probably experiencing what’s known as a “holiday hangover.” Luckily, the teams at Monument City Brewing and Dough Boy Fresh Pretzel Co. have the perfect cure for your holiday cheer-induced headache. Stop by the Highlandtown brewery on Saturday for a low-key afternoon full of Penchant Pils and Battle IPAs, as well as made-to-order pretzel creations from this up-and-coming food truck.

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Dec. 27-29: Leah Clare Michaels: Melpomene & The Trinity of Mourning

Carroll Mansion, 800 E. Lombard St. Free.

The historic Carroll Mansion has been home to many things since the early 1800s, including a saloon, a vocational school, and a neighborhood recreation center. Now through this Sunday, the Lombard Street mansion is the site of a thought-provoking exhibition about a series of mourning rituals. Through videos and photographic documentation of three performative works, this exhibition shows artist Leah Clare Michaels cleaning the brass cobblestone memorials in Berlin and Rome that are dedicated to victims of the Holocaust. Take in these expressive works and examine how they challenge viewers’ ideas of public memory, public space, and mourning rituals.

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Dec. 28: Butch Dawson & Friends Holiday Show

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Free.

For the third year in a row, Baltimore-based rapper Butch Dawson will host this all-out holiday show, featuring the likes of standout artists Damn Kham, Shido, Lamatic, Baby Kahlo and Miss Kam, and Jurdan Bryant. Pack the Ottobar on Saturday night to hear Dawson perform tracks from his latest NSFW album Ollieworld, and keep the party going with back-to-back sets that are guaranteed to keep the crowd hype all night long.

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Dec. 28: Kwanzaa Celebration

Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St.. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $5.

Every year, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum hosts an all-out Kwanzaa celebration that brings Baltimoreans from all walks of life together to honor the week-long holiday that lauds African heritage in African-American culture. Head to the downtown museum to experience African dance and drumming performances, workshops, lectures, crafts, and even a marketplace highlighting the theme Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility. In between activities, walk through the galleries to view exhibitions such as EMPOWERED! Black Action Figures, Superheroes, and Collectibles.

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Oct. 27: The Charmery Goes Ghostbusters

The Charmery, 1700 W. 41st St. 3-5:30 p.m. $30.

Who ya gonna call for ice cream and a movie? Kick off the second season of the Charmery’s full-sensory movie experience this Halloweekend with a showing of Ghostbusters, the family-friendly film about a team of scientists that team up to battle supernatural spirits. This Sunday, head to the ice cream factory to enjoy treats like a self-serve popcorn bar, a spook-tastic specialty punch, and snacks to fit a few special scenes while taking in this 1980s classic. And remember: Never. Cross. Streams.

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Oct. 26:Monument City Fall Festival

Monument City Brewing Company, 1 N. Haven St. 12-7 p.m. Free.

There are plenty of fall festivals happening around town this weekend, but this one-day beer fest stands out among the pack with its top-notch eats, entertainment, and specialty cask lineup. Stop by the Highlandtown brewery on Saturday to carve a pumpkin, play carnival games, nosh on lunch by Snake Hill and the From the Heart food truck, and, of course, sip on seasonal brews all afternoon long. The best part? The proceeds from this fall extravaganza will support Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s efforts to build a bike route behind the brewery.

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Oct. 26: The Great Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7:30 & 10:30 p.m. $12-15.

We’re already shivering with antici…pation for this interactive screening of the weird and wild cult classic at Creative Alliance. Tighten your garters for a night filled with the traditional movie callbacks and costume contests, as well as special burlesque, drag, and tap performances by beloved local drag queens Betty O’Hellno, Venus Fastrada, and Baby. Come up to the Highlandtown lab and see what’s on the slab during this Halloween tradition that’s sure to leave you wanting more, more, more.

HEAR

Oct. 26: Hon-O-Ween

Cafe Hon, 1000 W. 36th St. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Free.

One of the city’s most beloved fall traditions turns 20 this year, and to celebrate, there will be even more parade floats, glowing sculptures, and dance parties than ever before. After spending the afternoon in Patterson Park for the annual Lantern Festival, join thousands of onlookers and watch people of all ages parade through the park holding glowing lanterns and marching alongside community bands.

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Oct. 25: Bike Party: Halloween Ride

Paca & Camden Sts. 8 a.m. $60-280.

Every year, hundreds of novice and avid cyclists don their Halloween costume a few days early and take a glow-in-the-dark ride through the streets of Baltimore. This annual bike ride starts at St. Mary’s Park, winds through Charles Village and Belair, and ends at Monument City Brewing with a big she-bang of an after-party. Reward yourself with some extra calories from Dizzy Cow Pizzeria, Farm to Charm food truck, and plenty of brews before heading home for the night.

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April 12: The Urban Oyster Opening

The Urban Oyster, 1704 Whetstone Way. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Free.

After seeing the lines to knock back local chef Jasmine Norton’s char-grilled oysters during her pop-ups at R. House and farmers’ markets across town, we knew it was only a matter of time before the locally loved seafood vendor became a brick-and-mortar mainstay. This Friday, celebrate the opening of this McHenry Row eatery with Norton’s famous oysters along with shrimp tacos, fried cod sandwiches, and a wide range of local beverages. In between bites, snap an Instagram-worthy photo under oyster canvas paintings by Annapolis artist Kim Hovell.

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April 13: Monument City Anniversary Party

Monument City Brewing Company, 1 N. Haven St. 12-7 p.m. Free.

From the viral search-and-rescue of its resident cat to releasing beers to benefit Trash Free Maryland and Blue Water Baltimore, Monument City Brewing has had one hell of a year. To kick off its third year of slinging brews in Highlandtown, the popular hangout spot is throwing a hyper-local party with onsite axe-throwing with Urban Axes, sips from Old Line Spirits, eats by Blacksauce Kitchen, and live music by Mark Hopkins & the Pretty War and Swampcandy. Grab a glass of Monument City’s anniversary Hefeweizen, The Gusto, and toast to another year of top-notch brews.

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April 14-May 31: A Passing Scene

Area 405, 405 E. Oliver St. 5-8 p.m. Free.

Through the end of May, the theater-like space of Area 405 will be transformed into an exhibition that explores the experience of parting through photographs, installations, films, and archives. Nine artists contributed works that draw inspiration from their family history and cultural heritage, creating diverse scenes of immigration, dislocation, atomic warfare, and the Holocaust. Following an opening reception on Sunday, visitors can stay engaged with the exhibition through artist-led tours, film screenings, and a de-installation experience throughout its run.

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April 13: Trevor Noah

Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St. 8 p.m. $40-96.

You’ve seen him host The Daily Show. You’ve read his book, Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood. Now, hear Trevor Noah perform his standup comedy act live at Royal Farms Arena during this one-night stop on his Loud & Clear tour. Laugh along with this award-winning comedian as he mixes political and personal jabs in this set that will leave you still thinking about it on the way home.

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April 13: Hampden Sidewalk Sale

W. 36th St. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

This Saturday, Hampden is hosting the mother-of-all sidewalk sales. Shop for everything from vintage and retro furniture to jewelry, books, and other oddities during this one-day extravaganza that will span the entire business district of this always-buzzing neighborhood. Once you’re all shopped out, stop by new neighborhood spots like Nepenthe Brewing Company or TigerStyle to refuel for the night ahead.

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Feb. 23: Noche de Carnaval

Monument City Brewing Company, 1 N. Haven St. 7-11:30 p.m. Free-$5

Since Rosalyn Vera received an alleged death threat a few weeks ago for hanging an anti-Trump poster inside her Fells Point restaurant, Cocina Luchadoras, she’s gotten an outpouring of support from the Baltimore community in the form of explosive sales and record-setting crowds. This Friday, the Mexican street food staple is teaming up with Monument City Brewing Company for this one-of-a-kind carnival featuring dance performances by Naciones Unidas, mask-making crafts, sweets by Full Circle Artisan Palace, and, of course, tons of tacos and tamales. With ticket sales benefitting Sanctuary Streets, a local organization that accompanies immigrant community members to legal proceedings, there’s never been a better way to support our inclusive community.

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Feb. 22: National Margarita Day

Location, times, and prices vary.

After six long years of mid-week hangovers, National Margarita Day finally landed on a Friday and we couldn’t be more prepared to celebrate with something strong, on the rocks, with salt. Spend your post-work happy hour at local spots known for their margaritas (think Clavel, Alma Cocina Latina, and Vida Taco Bar) or, if you’re feeling brave, grab a mezcalerita and belt out your favorite hit during late-night karaoke at R. House. For a full list of tequila-filled ways to spend National Margarita Day, check out our roundup of specials and events.

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Feb. 22-24: American Craft Show

Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $40-50.

Whether you’re visiting this revered makers’ festival for an hour or for the entire weekend, the American Craft Show is guaranteed to have something for everyone. The three-day downtown event, which features work by artisans from near and far, hosts wares such as jewelry, ceramics, and furniture at every price point. Be sure to stop by one-of-a-kind booths like Tristan Sopp’s, where you can buy DIY folded-paper animals, and Marc Tickle’s, which features handmade kaleidoscopes.

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Feb. 22-23: Charm City Django Jazz Fest

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $25-28.

In celebration of this finger-plucking music genre pioneered by Belgian jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, gypsy jazz musicians from near and far will take over Creative Alliance for two days of blazing guitar runs and jazz heat during this fourth annual jam fest. Revel in the chance to hear the likes of Ellicott City-based wunderkind Samuel Farthing, local jazz group Ultrafaux, and Philly-based accordionist Dallas Vietty and his group Passarinho.

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Feb. 23: Melanin Market

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

To honor Black History Month, Union Craft Brewing will transform the taproom into a full-blown market this Saturday, featuring goods made by some of the city’s best black artists, makers, and vendors. In between sets by DJs James Nasty and dagm, browse through vintage clothes, beauty products, and sporting goods from popular local vendors like Keepers Vintage, Power Decals, and This Sporting Life. Be sure to stick around to catch a performance by the Baltimore Go Getters marching band at 4 p.m.

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Feb. 8-17: Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week

Locations, times, and prices vary.

Whether you’re a lifelong plant-eater or started veganism last week to score free Beyoncé and Jay-Z concert tickets (we get it), Baltimore’s annual winter celebration of all things herbivore has got you covered. Spend the weekend eating your way through meat- and dairy-free options at local vegan standbys like Golden West Café, Land of Kush, and Red Emma’s Bookstore & Coffeehouse, as well as participating restaurants like Wicked Sisters and Paulie Gee’s in Hampden and Café Fili and The Grub Factory in Mt. Vernon.

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Feb. 8: Will’s Back!

Monument City Brewing Company, 1 N. Haven St. 5-10 p.m. Free.

One of the most shared local stories of the week was the citywide search for Monument City Brewing Company’s adopted cat, Willow. Thanks to the Highlandtown brewery’s viral Facebook post and calls to action by local media outlets, Willow (or Will to regulars) was returned on Wednesday by brewery patrons who mistook him for a stray. To celebrate the return of the brewery’s mouse-catcher, Monument City is throwing a party in his honor, featuring the final release of its seasonal IPA and eats from Taco Bar food truck. Bring a cat-related donation on Friday to support BARCS Animal Shelter and raise a glass to the greatest pet saga since Homeward Bound.

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Feb. 8: Devin Allen: Spaces of the Un-Entitled

The Peale Center, 225 N. Holliday St. $20.

Although this West Baltimore photographer has gained national acclaim since his iconic shot of the 2015 Uprising graced the cover of Time magazine, it’s clear that Devin Allen’s heart and inspiration still lies in Baltimore. For the next six weeks, Allen’s latest project and first-ever color show, Spaces of the Un-Entitled, will be on display at The Peale Center, showcasing the young photographer’s analysis of architecture and its impact on impoverished communities. On Friday, experience a live performance by Allen himself as he speaks to the ghosts who were left behind in the gentrification of areas shown in his must-see series.

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Feb. 8: Jim Gaffigan

The Modell Lyric, 140 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 7 & 9:30 p.m. $35.25-55.25.

Whether it’s in his scene-stealing TV roles, his bestselling books, or his four Grammy-nominated comedy albums, Jim Gaffigan always manages to earn a laugh. The family-friendly comic, who is known for finding humor in the mundane—like doctor visits, food, and fatherhood—will take over the Modell Lyric on Friday for two back-to-back shows that are sure to deliver side-splitting laughs.

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Feb. 10: Lunar New Year Celebration

The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

Across Asian cultures, the lunar new year marks the beginning of a new calendar year. To ring in the Year of the Pig, the Walters Art Museum is throwing a free, family-oriented celebration in their sprawling Mt. Vernon complex. Visitors of all ages can explore the museum’s expansive and much-lauded Arts of Asia exhibition, followed by a chance to create their own Asian-inspired works. Make sure to catch the traditional lion dance performance, which is believed to bring good luck in the new year.

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Nov. 16: Intercostal Breakdown

Monument City Brewing Company, 1 N. Haven St. 5-10 p.m. Free.

A dip in the temperature and a bit of snow on the ground is all the convincing we need to spend Friday night digging into a pile of smoked ribs with an imperial stout in hand. Head toMonument City Brewing for this one-night-only barbecue pop-up by chef Damian Mosley of Blacksauce Kitchen and chef Patrick Morrow of South Point, featuring fall-off-the-bone ribs cooked on custom grills and cages. In between sampling some of Baltimore’s best ’cue, sip on five-dollar pours and listen to Annapolis-based folk rock band Ampersand Stringband.

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Nov. 16: The Baltimore Transgender Alliance Fundraiser

Locations vary. 12-10 p.m. Free.

This weekend, The Baltimore Transgender Alliance is hosting a variety of workshops, community discussions, and fundraisers to celebrate our city’s transgender communities. Show your support and raise funds for this local coalition by tagging along on this four-stop bar crawl to favorite haunts including The Back Yard, Peabody Heights Brewery, Charm City Meadworks, and R. Bar. With signature cocktails and a performance by locally renowned DJ Trillnatured along the way, this is a perfect way to meet new people and try new drinks.

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Nov. 16-18: Fiddler on the Roof

Hippodrome Theatre at France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 1 & 6:30 p.m. $70-199.

Set in the tiny village of Anatevka in 1905, this time-honored musical about a poor milkman finding suitors for his five daughters in their Jewish community has become a Broadway classic. During its final leg at the Hippodrome Theatre, experience the charming story that has won the hearts of audiences for decades with themes of change, tradition, and growth, featuring new movement from Israeli choreographer Hofesh Sheather.

HEAR

Nov. 16: Wume

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

In a few short years, this experimental duo has carved out theirown space in the local music scene for their mesmerizing sound and masterful use of polyrhythmic percussion. This Friday, hear drummer and vocalist April Camlin and keyboardist Albert Schatz debut their third full-length album, Towards the Shadow, on the Ottobar stage and hypnotically bob along to new songs by this rising pair.

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Nov. 17: Baltimore Vintage Expo

The Ideal Arts Space, 905 W. 36th St. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free-$12.

Get ahead of the post-Thanksgiving frenzy and start your holiday shopping at this Best of Baltimore-winning market full of one-of-a-kind finds. This Saturday, spend the afternoon browsing through tons of high-end vintage clothing, accessories, furniture, and décor from area retailers. Pro tip: Don’t forget to look up from the racks of Milk & Ice threads and tables of Out of Office home goods to appreciate this Hampden venue’s original Art Deco architecture and design.

Usually when the weather gets chilly (or, in this case, becomes a sopping mess), craft breweries get ready to release stronger, more robust beers. We love imperial stouts and flavored porters as much as the next person, but this fall we’re seeing a trend towards more session beers—aka lower octane, lighter, more crisp varieties. Lagers, in particular, have become more popular on a national level.

“The world is so saturated with IPAs and hazy beers, which have their place and definitely sell the best, but there’s something to be said for lagers,” says Colin Marshall, co-owner of Diamondback Brewing Company in Locust Point. “They are crisp and refreshing and you can drink two of them without your head buzzing. You’re in it to enjoy the full 16 ounces.”

Throughout the fall, Diamondback will be releasing three beers characterized by the style starting this week with Everything All The Time, a pale Helles lager, followed by a Kolsch called Atmospheric Changes, and a Märzen with the appropriately German name Pretzel Logic. Aside from the clean flavor profile, lagers are appealing to Marshall because of their fascinating brewing process.

“We love the maturation time, watching the beer change in the tank, and really learning how the yeast is interacting—how it cleans up from week to week,” Marshall explains. “The process really teaches you patience with beer, which is usually very ‘go, go, go.'”

All that patience will pay off when Diamondback hosts Stein Day on September 29, a festival where guest will get a 10-ounce glass and three pours with admission. The event will feature all three beers (as well as a pilsner), a traditional polka band, glass blowing from McFadden Art Glass, and German fare from 101 Baltimore.

“The season turn from this triple-digit heat into more of the flannel-sweater weather kind of excites people,” Marshall says. “They feel like they can indulge a little more—especially in beer.”

No matter what style you favor, light lagers or heavy stouts and everything in between, these local breweries have some exciting new releases (and welcome re-releases) sure to make the transition to fall that much easier.

Flying Dog Brewery: Sunday Best
Brewed especially for the Baltimore Ravens, this light lager clocks in at only 5-percent ABV. The camo-clad can premiered at M&T Bank Stadium this past Sunday and will be available all season long.

Waverly Brewing Company: Batty Noh
Yes, you read that right. This fun-loving brewery located in Waverly is releasing its take on the historically Baltimore beer, but their bohemian-style, lower ABV brew is made with real Maryland corn.

Independent Brewing Company: Your Move Paulie!
As the gold medal winner in the 2018 World Beer Cup German Märzen category, this seasonal beer is one not to miss. The light-bodied lager, with a 6-percent ABV, just got tapped at the Bel Air brewery.

Union Craft Brewing: Balt
This German-style amber ale has become a fall go-to for its clean, dry flavor profile and, new this year, debuted in a 16-ounce tall boy can. (While you’re picking up a sixer at the brewery, don’t forget about Foxy Red IPA, which has a lighter body and extra wallop of hops this year.)

Monument City Brewing: Roadways
As a part of the brewery’s Haven series, to benefit Trash Free Maryland and Blue Water Baltimore, this October release is a double rye IPA inspired by Monument’s citrusy and spicy flagship 51 Rye, but clocking in at 8.5-percent ABV.

Black Flag Brewing: Oktoberfest
This Columbia brewery returns with its Oktoberfest party featuring its titular beer that, this year, has a new lager yeast strain but still maintains its crisp, malty flavor profile. Other beers to look out for include pumpkin beer Basic Bee and Crimson Clouds, an upcoming Thanksgiving-themed Sour IPA.

Peabody Heights: Astrodon
This co-op brewery just released a hazy IPA with notes of guava and passionfruit, which is going to be a year-round core beer. The 7-percent ABV is named the Maryland state dinosaur (who knew?) and is available at local bars in the brewery’s taproom.

Checkerspot Brewing
Though they haven’t picked out a name for this beer quite yet, this newly opened South Baltimore brewery continues on its path of wild ingredients and daring brewing techniques with a Belgian quad they are aging on bourbon-soaked dates and releasing in October. Look out for parties at Barfly’s and Wiley Gunter’s.

Heavy Seas Beer: Great’er Pumpkin
One of our very favorite pumpkin beers nationwide, this imperial ale is aged in bourbon barrels and clocks in at 10-percent ABV. With notes of cinnamon, allspice, ginger, clove, brown sugar, and vanilla, this very autumnal ale is available now.

Recently, locals have been noticing something different about the way that their cocktails and cold brews arrive across the bar. As the city’s food and drink scene continues to become more sustainable—ditching Styrofoam, and plastic straws and six-pack rings—Monument City Brewing in Highlandtown is strengthening its own environmental ethos with a new beer series dedicated to cleaning up our waterways, parks, and streets.

“It’s always been part of our core values to get involved in our community and give back where we can,” says Monument City co-founder Ken Praay. “It’s about more than just creating a cool community space here. We want to keep the city in mind and make the neighborhoods where we live, work, and play clean and enjoyable.”

Monument City’s commitment to the environment has been on display previously at large-scale events like Light City and Artscape, where Praay worked closely with the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts to add accessible recycling and garbage collection systems throughout the festival footprints.

Now, the brewery is continuing that mission with its three-part Haven series. A portion of all proceeds from limited-release double IPAs will be donated to local environmental organizations Blue Water Baltimore, which works to restore the quality of the city’s rivers, streams, and harbor, and Trash Free Maryland—a nonprofit focused on preventing garbage pollution throughout the state.

The campaign was largely inspired by Monument City’s sales manager Jack Obermaier, an avid litter collector who recently joined the board of Trash Free Maryland.

“I do a lot of trash cleanups in my neighborhood, and I think it’s frustrating when you go out the next day and the area is just as littered as it was before,” Obermaier says. “We really want to increase awareness and hopefully work toward a day where we don’t have to do as many cleanups.”

The team debuted the first of the three beers, a West Coast-style IPA called Waterways, earlier this month. Praay says that the brewing process was meant to reflect the mission of Blue Water Baltimore: “It’s not a hazy style,” he says. “We purposefully wanted to make it as crystal clear as we could to reflect the idea of clear water.”

The second beer, Greenspaces, will be a juicier New England-style double IPA brewed with a higher hop presence to pay homage to its name. Its release will coincide with a city-wide trash pickup on September 8, which Trash Free Maryland and Blue Water Baltimore are organizing in partnership with the Brewer’s Association of Maryland.

From 9 a.m. to noon, eight breweries across the city will be leading cleanups in their neighborhoods and rewarding volunteers with post-parties at their taprooms. Participating spots include Waverly, Union Craft, Peabody Heights, The Brewer’s Art, Charm City Meadworks, Oliver Brewing, Checkerspot Brewing, and Monument City.

“I really love that there are so many breweries sharing this information across the board,” Obermaier says. “We all have pretty large audiences, and together, there are a lot of people that we can touch to make a big change.”

In October, Monument City will unveil the third and final beer of the Haven series, Roadways, which will use the brewery’s flagship 51 Rye as a base: “We thought that the balance between the citrus and that spicy rye played well with the idea of roadways,” Praay says. “It’s a harder working beer.”

The can art for each of the brews, produced by local graphic design studio White Coffee Lettering, features maps of the city that highlight each of the causes. Obermaier hopes that the cans themselves will serve as conversation starters to get more patrons on board with the sustainable mission.

“We want to do everything we can to protect the city and keep it clean,” he says. “And I think you can see that in the cans. When you look at them, it makes you think of how we’re all connected in different ways.”

OPEN:

The Local Fry: We’ve been patiently waiting to move this spot up to the “open” list for a while now. After months of anticipation, husband-and-wife owners Kevin and Elizabeth Irish are unveiling the second iteration of their Federal Hill fry shop at The Rotunda in Hampden this Friday, June 15. To celebrate the grand opening falling on a “fry-day,” all fry orders will be $5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy crispy potatoes loaded with toppings like Korean barbecue cheesesteak, Buffalo chicken, chicken bacon ranch, and the classic taco beef and special sauce combo. Plus, get your fix of wings and banh-mi sandwiches while hanging out in the brand new space. 711 W. 40th St., Ste. 152, 667-210-2633

The Hoof Cafe: This weekend, Locust Point locals will be able to stop in to this new java joint for their morning coffee. The shop will officially debut in soft-opening mode this Saturday, June 16 at 6:30 a.m., serving pastries, bagels, oatmeal, and other cafe fare. A partnership between neighborhood residents Rebecca Friedman and Jason Schiavone, the community hub will showcase array of teas, as well as coffee and espresso drinks made from local Pfefferkorn’s Coffee blends. 1648 E. Fort Ave. 443-961-1039

Jazz + Soju: In other Locust Point news, this new Korean-fusion restaurant inside the Anthem House apartment complex is now officially open for lunch and dinner service. After a few weeks of operating limited hours, owner Michelle Min has cut the ribbon at the artsy space—which features dark woods, funky light fixtures, and walls lined with vintage records. As its name implies, the music-themed spot combines live jazz music with soju, a Korean iteration of vodka. The food menu offers classic twice-fried chicken, as well as kimchi fries, bulgogi burger sliders, and pork dumplings. 900 E. Fort Ave., 410-244-8600

Ludlow Market: This reimagined concept in the former home of Wine Market Bistro in Locust Point is open for business. The spot now has a more casual feel with an updated interior and outdoor patio, as well as an expanded menu from executive chef Christopher Audia. Dishes to look out for include black-eyed pea fritters with smoked mayo, ricotta and pea pesto crostini, lamb ribs with hazelnut harissa, and a vegetarian chickpea panisse with roasted beets. 921 E. Fort Ave., 410-244-6166

Palio: On the heels of Stanford Kitchen opening in Owings Mills, the area is welcoming yet another dining destination, as this Tuscan-inspired restaurant opened in Foundry Row earlier this week. The spacious dining room and outdoor patio is open for lunch and dinner service, highlighting traditional antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, an array of pastas, and heartier meat dishes. Menu standouts include shrimp scampi with sundried tomatoes, lemon-butter salmon with salsa verde, and a classic chicken marsala. 10090 Reisterstown Rd., Owings Mills, 888-456-3463

Union Craft Brewing: Get excited, beer lovers. The wait is finally over for the debut of Union Craft Brewing’s new taproom at Union Collective. Stop by this weekend to grab a pint, check out the new space, and hang out on the outdoor patio—which features picnic tables and a colorful wall mural by local artists Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn. 1700 W. 41st St.

COMING SOON

Duck Duck Goose: Local chef Ashish Alfred has finally set a grand opening date for the second location of his French brasserie concept, whose flagship is in Bethesda. Set in the former home of 8 Ball Bar & Grill on Broadway in Fells Point, Duck Duck Goose will debut on Friday, June 22 serving Alfred’s unique takes on French fare including ratatouille, bronzino, and honey-roasted duck. The renovated space now boasts an open concept with plenty of tables, wall art, and an exhibition kitchen so that diners can see they’re food being prepared. 814 S. Broadway, 443-869-2129

NEWS

Whole Foods Delivery via Amazon Prime: As of this week, local Amazon Prime users can get Whole Foods Market products delivered to their doorstep in two hours or less. After acquiring the organic food chain one year ago, Amazon has launched delivery of its natural products through Prime Now in cities across the country. This week, the service expanded to Boston, Philadelphia, Richmond, and Baltimore, making it easy for locals to get produce, snacks, bakery items, meat, and seafood brought to them in a time crunch.

Magdalena Launches Brunch: Diners looking to switch up their usual brunch routine will be happy to hear that Magdalena, chef Mark Levy’s swanky spot inside Mt. Vernon’s Ivy Hotel, debuted brunch service earlier this month. Every Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., the restaurant will offer a $39 prix-fixe menu featuring dishes like a country ham eggs benedict, glazed Maryland crab omelet with piquillo peppers, and shrimp and grits with tomato stew. 205 E. Biddle St. 410-514-0303. $39

EPICUREAN EVENTS

6/16: Libations and Creations Makers Market at Monument City
Now back for the second time, this pop-up market at Monument City Brewing in Highlandtown will feature the works of more than 30 artisans. Spend your Saturday sipping Monument City brews while perusing everything from florals and candles to local WOOT Granola and gourmet baked goods and libations from Sweet Tea and Cornbread. The market’s raffle ticket proceeds will benefit Itineris—a local organization committed to providing opportunities for adults living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 1 North Haven St. 12-5 p.m. 443-529-8131.

TO 6/17: Big Softy Pop-Up at R. House
There’s still time to get your hands on a savory soft-shell sandwich from this weeklong pop-up at R. House in Remington. The Lunchbox Lady’s Craig Falk will be slinging his signature soft shells throughout the weekend, along with rotating specials like crab and cucumber salad, homemade pastas, and brunch bites. R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 9:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.

 EAT

April 20: Taste of the Marketplace

Mt. Vernon Marketplace, 520 Park Ave. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. 443-796-7393.

This communal food hall is one of our favorite places to grab grub in Mt. Vernon, but with a wide range of tasty offerings, it can be hard to choose between options like sandwiches from Cultured and homemade soup from Prescription Chicken. Thankfully, their $5-vendor deal returns this Friday with one-day specials like chicken souvlaki with pita and tzatziki from Mr. Souvlaki, Nutella crepes from Crepes by Mina, shucked oysters from The Local Oyster, and black bean burgers from Big Bean Theory. Even Taps Fill Station, their zero-waste bar, is pouring out glasses of beer and wine for only a fiver each.

 DRINK

April 21: Monument City Brewing Company One Year Anniversary

Monument City Brewing Company, 1 N. Haven St. 12-7 p.m. Free. 443-529-8131.

It’s officially been a year since brothers Ken and Matt Praay opened the doors to their Highlandtown brewery, and they’re celebrating its first birthday with local bands, food, and even anniversary T-shirts and glassware. On Saturday, swing by the taproom to raise a glass to the beer that started it all—the Maryland-inspired 51 Rye—and drink your way through the more than 20 beers on tap. Stick around to hear live music by local artists Nate McCormick, Bryan Ewald, and Americana darlings Haint Blue, and soak up the suds with snacks from local eateries Snake Hill, Cocina Luchadoras, and The Local Fry.

 SEE

April 22: Odyssey: Jack Whitten Sculpture

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 1-5 p.m. Free. 443-573-1700.

Beginning this Sunday, The Baltimore Museum of Art will display the first exhibition dedicated to sculptures by the late Jack Whitten, a renowned contemporary artist who has become a major influencer of emerging African-American artists. Though he’s largely known for his powerful paintings and mixed-media work, this collection uncovers 40 of his sculptures inspired by African, Minoan, and Cycladic art and carved from materials like wood, marble, copper, and bone. At this opening celebration, enjoy an afternoon of wood assemblages and marble-carving demos, musical performances by saxophonist Sarah Hughes and Sypros Koliavasalis and his trio, as well as discussions led by Odyssey curator Katy Siegel and associate curator of African Art Kevin Tervala.

 HEAR

April 21: WTMD’s 4th Annual Brews & Bands

WTMD, 1 Olympic Pl., Towson. 12-4 p.m. Free-$25. 410-704-8938.

We can hardly wait for the return of WTMD’s First Thursdays concert series in two weeks, but until then, their annual Brews & Bands event will have enough homegrown talent and all-you-can-taste beers to keep us at bay. This Saturday, head to the Towson studio to hear Arty Hill and the Long Gone Daddys’ twangy tunes along with the Hall Williams Band’s uplifting roots-funk-jazz combo. Get a solid day-buzz on this sunny afternoon with unlimited tastings from 16 local brewers including Heavy Seas, The Brewers Art, and Peabody Heights, plus afternoon eats from Cunningham’s and The Local Oyster. 

 DO

April 21: Greener Fest  

Diamondback Brewing Company, 1215 E. Fort Ave. 12-11 p.m. Free. 443-388-9626.

Since taking over the former factory on Fort Avenue two years ago, Diamondback Brewing Company has filled thousands of glasses and growlers with its best-selling Green Machine IPA. This Saturday, during the brewery’s “greenest” event of the year, they’ll release the Greener Machine, an imperial version of the original, and Cold Taxi, a zwickelbier inspired by old-world lagers, while relishing in some spring fest fun. Spend the day in Locust Point noshing on El Gringo’s tacos and Smoke’s BBQ, listening to live music by The High and Wides and Ampersand Stringband, and—if you’re feeling brave—gulping down two tacos, one Choco Taco, and 16 ounces of Cold Taxi beer in an eating competition.

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

 EAT

April 21: Well Crafted Pizza’s 1st Birthday Bash

Union Craft Brewery, 1700 Union Ave. 7-10 p.m.  

We’ve never met a pizza we didn’t like, but Well Craft Pizza takes pies to a whole new level. After revamping a 1949 Dodge Ram truck from a farm in Alabama (complete with a 1,000-degree wood-fire oven and four built-in draft taps), these mobile pizza purveyors decided to hit the Baltimore food scene, serving their cheesy creations at food festivals, breweries, pop-ups, and catering events around town. People instantly fell in love with their creative combinations like Radical Radish, Spinach Chorizo, Chana Masala, and dessert pies like S’mores Please. On Friday, the Best of Baltimore-winning pie-makers will celebrate their one-year anniversary with a bash full of dollar slices, pints of Union Craft beer, and live music at the local brewery.

 DRINK

April 22: Monument City Brewing Company Grand Opening

Monument City Brewing Company, 1 North Haven St., 12-7 p.m. 

Brothers Ken and Matt Praay started Monument City Brewing by taking growlers bar to bar in hopes of spreading the word about their Maryland-inspired 51 Rye. Before long, that very beer began to take over taps around town, and now, three years later, they have finally opened a place of their own in Highlandtown. On Saturday, catch the grand opening of the new space, which features a taproom with communal seating, rustic exposed brick walls, a Ping Pong table, and their signature custom wood tap handles by next-door neighbor Mark Supik and Co. Sample snacks from The Local Oyster and other local eateries, listen to live music from The Manly Deeds, and drink down their growing selection of brews. We’ll certainly cheers to that! 

 SEE

April 21-23: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., Times Vary. $23-93.

This weekend, join “The Greatest Show on Earth” for what may be their final curtain call. After 146 years of performances, the human-cannonball-ing, lion-taming, tightrope-walking exposition is coming to an end. While the circus has become somewhat controversial with animal rights activists in recent years, this spectacle will go down in history as a family tradition, one that captivated audiences of all ages with a score of fearless daredevil stunts and a cast of charming characters. 

 HEAR

April 22: WTMD’s Brews & Bands

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

WTMD is on quite the winning streak. From expanded First Thursdays concerts to epic live lunches to a new children’s concert series, the local radio station is embracing its love of Baltimore and bringing us awesome events along the way. This weekend, the station is joining forces with 15 of our favorite local breweries for unlimited tastings and tunes at their Towson studio. Beloved beer makers like The Brewer’s Art, Heavy Seas, Flying Dog, and Diamondback will be onsite with everything from tropical saisons to rich double IPAs. But no WTMD event would be complete without an emphasis on local music so while you soak up the suds, jam out to live music from gypsy jazz groups Ultrafaux and Hot Club of Baltimore as well as rabblerousing rock-and-rollers PLRLS.

 DO

April 23: Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar Opening Day

E. Saratoga St. & Holiday St., 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. 

With 48 farms, 45 vendors, and an average of more than 120,000 attendees each year, Maryland’s largest producers-only market has become a Sunday staple in Charm City for the past 40 years. Nestled under the Jones Falls Expressway, the beloved weekend ritual is a vibrant, fragrant microcosm of Baltimore—teeming with crisp fruits and seasonal vegetables, craft beer and local wine, ice-cold crabs and farm-fresh meat, and, of course, the buttery smell of breakfast biscuits wafting from the grill of Blacksauce Kitchen. Back for its 40th year, don’t miss the chance to hawk local treats from the likes of Hex Ferments, Zeke’s Coffee, The Mushroom Stand, and newcomers like Ekiben and The Baltimore Whiskey Company.