EAT

Nov. 16: Oyfest 6

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St. 12-5 p.m. $15-50.

This annual oyster palooza checks all the boxes for a standout day of shucking, slurping, and sipping. Let’s go down the list: Bivalves from the bay sourced from regional farms; superior shuckers from The Local Oyster and True Chesapeake Oyster Co.; the fan-favorite oyster-eating contest; live funky sounds by Rufus Roundtree and Da B’more Brass Factory; and tons of beer from host Union Craft Brewing. Need we say more?

DRINK

Nov. 15-17: Rare & Obscure Beer

Max’s Taphouse, 737 S. Broadway. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Free.

For almost 35 years, Max’s Taphouse has been a mecca-like destination for local beer lovers, with thousands of bottles in its collection and a draft list so long that it practically nudges you to try something new. This weekend, the Fells Point staple will temporarily add nearly 100 rare and obscure beers to its menu, with more than 60 deep-cut drafts and a growing list of bottles and cans. Take this opportunity to sip on something new because, who knows, “That’s the Kind of IPA That Makes You Wish You Spoke French” or the “Sierra Nevada Bigfoot 2009” could be your new favorite beer.

SEE

Nov. 14-Dec. 1: Aladdin

The Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St. Times vary. $52-175.50.

On the heels of the live-action version of this classic Disney film, the story of Aladdin will come alive on The Hippodrome stage—minus the presence of Will Smith. Bring the whole family to the historic downtown theater to experience the adventures of a street urchin who falls in love with the princess of Agrabah, with plenty of songs, colorful characters, and romance to keep audience members of all ages entertained. Catch this eye-popping musical during its almost three-week run and get ready to go on a magic carpet ride for the ages.

HEAR

Nov. 16-17: Stop Making Sense

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. $15-50.

Whether you were in the crowd at the Talking Heads’ 1983 performance at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater or have watched the concert film “Stop Making Sense” a few times over, we can almost guarantee that you’ve never experienced the legendary show like this before. For two nights at the Ottobar, more than 25 Baltimore musicians and performers—including the likes of Landis Expandis on the drums and Jasmine Pope and Amy Reid as guest vocalists—will perform a full-throttle rendition of the epic concert with a light show and lamp-dancing included. Pack the Remington club for this do-good show, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition.

DO

Nov. 16: Holiday Bazaar

Belvedere Square, 540 E. Belvedere Ave. 12-3 p.m. Free.

Get into the (early) holiday spirit this Saturday at Belvedere Square’s family-friendly market, packed with handmade gifts by local artists and makers. In between browsing through wares by vendors such as Scarvelous and Allison Fomich of Tigerlillyshop, grab a sweet treat from Sofi’s Crepes or Chocolate by Jinji, bop along to live music, and spend the afternoon reveling in the start of this chilly holiday season.

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

 EAT

Nov. 18: OyFest IV

Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave. 12-5 p.m. $10-12. 410-467-0290.

This Saturday, indulge in the Chesapeake Bay’s great bivalve with seasonal shucks at Union Craft Brewing’s fourth annual OyFest. With The Local Oyster and True Chesapeake Oyster Company, enjoy brackish beauties served in a variety of ways—raw, grilled, chowdered—by Baltimore’s finest chefs, including Zack Mills of Wit & Wisdom, Bryan Voltaggio of Aggio, Lou Sumpter of Woodberry Kitchen, and Ben Lefenfeld of La Cuchara. And while champagne and a fine white wine might be the perfect pairing, we can attest to the complimentary nature of a Duckpin pale ale or brand-new Skipjack pilsner, and a hint of live music by garage-folk singer Skribe. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, join the oyster-eating contest slurp down 24 of them as fast as you can. Proceeds benefit the Chefs Cycle for Maryland No Kid Hungry.

 DRINK

Nov. 18: Charm City Meadworks Taproom Grand Opening

Charm City Meadworks, 400 E. Biddle St. 1-7 p.m. Free. 443-961-1072.

Almost a year ago, the crew at Charm City Meadworks put on their bee costumes (literally), tied their barrels to a truck, and moved to Mount Vernon from South Baltimore for a fresh start for their fermented honey drinks. This Saturday, CCM is welcoming patrons to their brand-new taproom, a 6,500-square-foot industrial space equipped with bright stools, shared tables, and more than 15 homebrewed meads. Celebrate the meadery’s new home with seasonal favorites like Retire by the Fire (with hints of vanilla, cocoa nibs, and clove), simple classics like Original Dry (crisp and oaky with a slight acidic finish), collaboration kegs, and guest taps, plus delicious Korean tacos by Dooby’s. 

 SEE

Nov. 18: The Maryland Film Festival’s Behind the Screens Fundraiser

Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave. 6-11 p.m. $20-5000. 410-752-8083. 

Nothing is more perfect than watching Netflix on a chilly evening, but this Saturday, learn while you relax with a sneak peek of a new original series and listen to a talk on the influence of streaming services on filmmaking, all to benefit the Maryland Film Festival. At the newly renovated Parkway Theatre, participate in a discussion with independent filmmaker Joe Swanberg and cast members of the hit series Easy, an eclectic comedy about Chicagoans stumbling through the intersecting worlds of love, sex, technology, and culture. Discover how Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu have changed the game, with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts to boot.

 HEAR

Nov. 17: Baltimore 4 Puerto Rico

Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St. 6 p.m. $10-20. 410-244-0899. 

After hearing about Hurricane Maria’s trail of destruction in Puerto Rico, Baltimore locals, organizations, and industries have stepped up to help rebuild the island, including thousands of dollars donated and tens of thousands of supplies assembled for those in need. On Friday night, the city’s support continues with local bands jamming out with a benefit concert at Metro Gallery. Hear Baltimore’s rising artists play their hearts out for a good cause—from Soul Cannon’s experimental indie hip-hop, to electronic R&B duo Chiffon’s mesmerizing slow jams, to Super City’s guitar-driven pop-rock—and uplift Puerto Rico’s residents through the Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund.

 DO

Nov. 19: Trot the Trail 5K

Herring Run Park, 3800 Belair Rd. 8 a.m. $54. 

This Sunday, burn off some calories before you gorge on thick slices of turkey and heaping plates of pumpkin pie. Hosted by Charm City Run and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks as part of their annual $5 5K series, this race gives runners (and walkers) an opportunity to support the community through fitness and family fun for a cheap price (and all proceeds go towards city-wide park programming). Whether you’re an ace marathon racer or a novice jogger, wear your warmest gear and trot upwards of three miles the scenic Herring Run Trail. The weather might be nippy, but the scenic views of urban woodland and Lake Montebello’s beautiful reservoir should help you keep up the pace.