EAT

Sept. 29: Voyage at the Baltimore Museum of Art

The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Museum Dr. 1:30 p.m. Free.

Local culinary artist Krystal Mack has made a career out of exploring the social relationship between food, art, and storytelling, and this weekend’s edible presentation that celebrates the opening of Generations: A History of Black Abstract Art is an exceptional example of her vision. Reflecting on the 400-year anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to America, this food voyage takes attendees on a culinary tour through the various points of the Transatlantic Slave Trade with an emphasis on African Diaspora staples like rice, plantains, and sweet potatoes. Sample thought-provoking dishes such as curry goat meatballs, low country red rice, and soup joumou made by Mack and a team of local chefs, including Wematu “Wema” Webaduah, Leeonney “Lee” Bentick, and Amanda Mack.

DRINK

Sept. 28: Patterson Park Brew Fest

Patterson Park, 27 S. Patterson Park Ave. 1-7 p.m. $15-70.

It’s that time of year again—the days gets shorter, the weather gets chillier, and there’s at least a handful of beer festivals every weekend. Celebrate the start of brew fest season at this boozy fundraiser in Patterson Park, which will feature a stellar lineup of local breweries like Monument City, Heavy Seas, and Peabody Heights. Bring the whole family to enjoy the first days of fall with live music by area favorites Caleb Stine and DJ Rob Macy, eats from local vendors, and plenty of seasonal sips to try before the park closes.

SEE

Sept. 28: Made in Baltimore Short Film Festival

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8-11 p.m. $7-10.

Charm City is no stranger to the independent film scene (see the Maryland Film Festival and, you know, John Waters) and this annual festival that honors the city’s short filmmakers is proof of that fact. Settle into the Creative Alliance theater to watch 11 flicks—ranging from animation to mockumentaries—that follow a wide range of stories that are shot through a uniquely Baltimore lens. Be sure to stick around after to find out which films will take home the top awards.

HEAR

Sept. 27: Abdu Ali

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 8 p.m. $10.

If we had to choose one artist who not only sets the tone of the city’s ever-changing music scene, but also translates that message to the rest of the country, Abdu Ali would be at the top of that list. During this one-night stop at the Ottobar as part of the tour for their recently released album FIYAH!!!, hear this boundary-breaking rap artist hype up the crowd with tracks like “Gotta Get It” and “F.U.F.M.” along with sounds by rising artists Grace Ives, Damn Kham, Station North Sadboi, Baby Kahlo, YTK, 4K Michael, and Babby.

DO

Sept. 27: Bmore Historic

The Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-25.

Calling all history buffs and die-hard Charm City lovers: This annual unconference (AKA participant-led meeting) will delve into everything you’ve ever wondered about the history of Charm City and its preservation. This Baltimore Museum of Industry forum is open to the public and will allow visitors to connect with local historians and archivists to enrich their understanding of this great city.

EAT

Sept. 30: The Big Ice Cream Social

The Ynot Lot, 4 W. North Ave. 12-5 p.m. Free.

For the past five years, Taharka Brothers Ice Cream’s hot pink “Change-Maker Mobile” has traveled around Baltimore selling countless cones and promoting a message of equality throughout the city. The Clipper Mill-based company’s socially conscious message caught the attention of ice cream behemoth Ben & Jerry’s, which is teaming up with Taharka Brothers to throw a one-of-a-kind ice cream social featuring free scoops, live performances by local legends DDm and Martina Lynch, and Q&A sessions with area leaders about politics and culture. Don’t miss this Station North block party that will bring people from all corners of the city to enjoy sugary-sweet treats and community discussions.

DRINK

Sept. 29: Patterson Park Brew Fest

Patterson Park, E. Baltimore St. & S. Patterson Park Ave. 12-7 p.m. Free-$65.

We love Patterson Park for its picturesque rolling fields, tail-wagging dog park, and annual autumn brew fest that invites beer-lovers to crack open local beers and enjoy live entertainment in the crisp September air. On Saturday, spend the afternoon sipping on local offerings from The Brewer’s Art, Union Craft Brewing, Heavy Seas, and Monument City; sampling eats from area food trucks; and jamming out to sets by Baltimore-based folk quartet Charm City Junction, indie band Cara Kelly & The Tell Tale, and beach band Sons of Pirates.

SEE

Sept. 28-30: Baltimore Comic-Con

The Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W Pratt St. Fri-Sun Noon-7:00 p.m. $25-500.

This weekend, the Baltimore Convention Center will transform into a comic book-lover’s paradise, complete with a costume contest, tons of comic books to peruse or purchase, and the chance to rub elbows with fellow nerds and famous cartoonists alike. Come decked out as your favorite superhero or villain during this 19th annual festival and take advantage of art exhibits, panels, and autograph sessions. Stick around for the chance to meet Maryland-born graphic novelist Frank Miller, the creative force behind the late-era Batman comics, or actor Zachary Levi, the future Shazam and voice of Flynn Rider in Tangled.

HEAR

Sept. 29: Super City

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 9:30 p.m. $12.

Since the release of its first album, Again Weekend, back in 2015, indie-pop band Super City has garnered a following throughout the city—and we’ve been eagerly waiting to see what they’ll do next. To kick off the multi-city tour of their latest, self-released album, Sanctuary, the “freak wave” boys will put on an all-out show for their hometown fans before hitting the road. Pack into the Ottobar on Saturday night to sing and dance along to new songs like “Vulture” and “Nice Person (DOA).” Head there early to hear an opening set by indie band Vita and the Woolf.

DO

Sept. 28-30: Baltimore Book Festival

Locations vary. 11-7 p.m. Free.

Although our city’s slogan is no longer “The City That Reads,” that hasn’t stopped locals from embracing this annual weekend-long literary extravaganza. Stretching from the Inner Harbor to the American Visionary Art Museum, this locally-loved festival features readings, demonstrations, and panel discussions by prominent regional and national authors, as well as more than 100 book exhibitors, kids’ projects, and live entertainment throughout the weekend. Expect to see the likes of Baltimore native and White House correspondent April Ryan, local cookbook author John Shields, New York Times best-selling authors A.J. Jacobs and Justina Ireland, as well as performances by local acts like soul singer Joi Carter and indie-pop duo Outcalls on the Music Stage.

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

 EAT

Nov. 3: Art After Hours

Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 8-11 p.m. $20-25. 443-573-1700.

After a brief hiatus, Baltimore’s best art party is back with the BMA’s Art After Hours event. For the first time since January, join fellow aesthetes for cocktails and conversation after the gallery lights go dim, with this month’s event inspired by the themes of science and nature throughout the museum’s collection. Enjoy music by DJ Dubble8, arts and crafts for your own take-home masterpieces, and locally sourced light fare by culinary enterprise City Seeds, which works to grow small food businesses. Try the sesame soba noodle salad with house-made fresh carrot and cucumber kimchi, or indulge in the beet and horseradish cured salmon with cucumber, fennel, and carrot salad. And after you mingle through the artworks, don’t forget about dessert on your way out, with savory mini roasted pumpkin-goat cheese tarts and caramel chocolate apples stuffed with cinnamon mascarpone.

 DRINK

Nov. 4: Patterson Park Brew Fest

Pagoda Hill, Patterson Park, E. Baltimore St. & S. Patterson Park Ave. 12-6 p.m. Free-$65. 410-276-3676.

Crack open a cold one as you welcome the cool air at Patterson Park’s inaugural Brew Fest. Amidst the park’s rolling fields and beneath the glorious 60-foot pagoda, spend a crisp autumn afternoon sipping on local booze by esteemed breweries like Union Craft, Peabody Heights, Heavy Seas, The Brewer’s Art, Key Brewing, and Monument City. Soak up the suds with local eats from Kommie Pig, The Urban Oyster, and Bistro Lunch Bar while listening to the bluesy rock of Soul Island Rebels, the Americana folk tunes of Caleb Stine, and the reggae grooves of Jah Works. And don’t stress about parking—take advantage of the free Patterson Park Brew Bus, running from Canton Waterfront Park to Pagoda Hill with complimentary brews on board.  

 SEE

Nov. 4: Druid Hill Haunt

Beechwood Dr. & Greenspring Ave. 6 & 8 p.m. $10-15. 410-682-8902.

November may be upon us, but we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to Halloween’s spine-tingling thrills. Bundle up beneath the dark skies at Druid Hill Park and watch a supernatural show that fuses roller-skating with nostalgic spooky tunes in a way that only Fluid Movement can do. As part of the sixth annual, award-winning Charm City Fringe Festival, the performance follows the story of two friends who unleash the spirits of Halloween in the hearts of Charm City for eternity. With a combination of local history, seasonal nostalgia, and the glides and slides of roller skates, this event is sure to be a hit for the entire family.

 HEAR

Nov. 3-4: U+N Fest 6

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 7 p.m. $20-30. 410-662-0069.

For years now, Unregistered Nurse Booking has been bringing underground punk, metal, and rock bands to the music lovers of Charm City. This weekend at the Ottobar, get ready to rock out with some 20 local bands during this celebration of the city’s underground music scene. For two nights, get to know national talents, like LA-based folk-punk duo Girlpool and indie-rock project Waxahatchee, as well as local favorites like post-punk outfit Natural Velvet, bass-heavy punk-pop quartet Post Pink, and shoegaze indie-pop group Wildhoney.   

 DO

Nov. 5: Across the Bay 10K

Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Stevensville. 5 a.m.-2 p.m. $60-200.

There’s no doubt that autumn is the best season to run. On Sunday, wake up early, grab your sneakers, and get out of the city to soak up the beauty of cooler temperatures. Starting on the Eastern Shore, join more than 20,000 joggers in the state’s largest running event, taking place across the 4.35-mile westbound span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Despite the long mileage and gradual inclines that will literally take your breath away, soak up the sweeping views of the bay from almost 200 feet above sea level. Once you’ve conquered the bridge, stay for a post-race party featuring live music, beer, food trucks, and family-friendly activities to recharge and celebrate your feat (and feet).