EAT

May 19: The BMI’s Farmers’ Market

The Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 410-727-4808.

Although this weekend’s forecast looks dreary, don’t let that deter you from spending Saturday morning filling your tote bag with fresh produce and locally-made goods at this annual farmers’ market. Shop for spring flowers, fresh-from-the-oven breads and sweets, and handmade crafts from local artisans at this 10-year-old South Baltimore tradition. If there’s a break in the rain, enjoy breakfast on the picnic tables that overlook the Inner Harbor.

 DRINK

May 20: Brewscape

Birroteca, 1520 Clipper Mill Rd. 12-5 p.m. Free-$5. 443-708-1934.

There’s a special place in our hearts (and stomachs) for hair-of-the-dog brunches filled with beermosas and avocado toast, but this weekend, skip the usual Sunday routine and head to Hampden for its first-ever spring festival to celebrate the art, music, and culture of the neighborhood. At this inaugural event, browse works by local artists, snack on eats from Hampden staples like Birroteca, The Nickel Taphouse, and Encantada, and hear back-to-back sets by bands like Slow Chasm and Polar Opposites. Team up with one of the participating breweries (Union Craft, RaR, Evolution, and more) and compete in the Birrolympics, a series of drinking games and feats of endurance, to win bragging rights and brewery-themed swag.

 SEE

May 17-June 23: Waving and Wavering

The Maryland Art Place, 218 W. Saratoga St. Tues.-Sat. 12-4 p.m. Free. 410-962-8565.

In a time when many of our visible public symbols, like statues and monuments, are under scrutiny, The Maryland Art Place’s latest exhibition contributes to the conversation by presenting an alternative view of flags and how artists’ interpretations of them can be used to address social issues. During its opening weekend, examine the three perspectives set forth by contributing local artists: new flags for the city of Baltimore, new models of artists examining the American flag, and samples of how artists have worked with flags in contemporary ways.

 HEAR

May 18-19: Caleb Stine Moon CD Release

Stages Music Arts, 10 Stenerson Lane, Cockeysville. 7:30-10:30 p.m. $30. 443-353-5300.

When we think about Baltimore’s folk music scene and the local musicians whose country-tinged songs have stood the test of time, we think of Caleb Stine. Make the quick trip up I-83 to hear this celebrated singer-songwriter perform eight original songs from his new album, Moon, in its intimate entirety. Grab a copy at the door, accompanied by a hand-crafted coloring book with illustrations to match each song, and jam out with one of the city’s best musical storytellers.

 DO

May 19: Preakness Stakes

Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave. 8 a.m. $40-720. 410-542-9400.

After 143 years, the Preakness Stakes is ingrained in Baltimore’s past, present, and (hopefully) future, and with the country’s finest thoroughbred horses competing for the second jewel of the Triple Crown, this weekend’s race is sure to be one for the history books. Before heading to your seat for this all-day event, partake in pre-race festivities throughout the city, and then watch chart-toppers ODESZA, Post Malone, and 21 Savage take over the raucous Infield Fest.

When crafting the lineup for Preakness InfieldFest each year, Seth Hurwitz is always trying to stay ahead of the curve. The chairman of I.M.P. Productions—which books big-name shows at Merriweather Post Pavilion, 9:30 Club, and The Anthem—has served as the producer of the infield concert since its inception in 2009.

“Our strategy has always been to find each year’s most cutting-edge story just as it’s breaking big,” Hurwitz says, mentioning previous Preakness headliners like Bruno Mars, Pitbull, Lorde, The Chainsmokers, Zac Brown Band, and Maroon 5. “Believe it or not, all the times those acts played, they were just starting to become big stars. And yet, we’ve never been wrong.”

InfieldFest provides the soundtrack for Maryland horse racing’s marquee event, which returns to Pimlico Race Course with a modernized layout and bigger stage this Saturday, May 19. Hurwitz says that he wants attendees to walk away from the event having seen some of the most of-the-moment performers.

“We want people to think of Preakness as where you are going to see the next big thing,” he says. “And have a blast, because that’s the whole other thing—we only pick the fun ones.”

There will certainly be plenty of good times in store for revelers this year as the Infield welcomes rappers Post Malone and 21 Savage, and electronic duo ODESZA—whose latest album A Moment Apart earned the musicians two Grammy nominations last year.

Though ODESZA’s Clayton Knight and Harrison Mills haven’t spent much time in Baltimore in the past, they’re looking forward to being in town for one of the city’s most iconic events.

“The only time we’ve been to Baltimore was in February 2014, when we opened for another artist at Baltimore Soundstage and we were just here for the day,” Mills recalls. “We didn’t get to explore much of the city, which is pretty common on tour, but I remember the audience being really receptive to us. Unfortunately, we won’t have much down time on this visit either, but at least we get to watch the Preakness right after our show.”

The guys recently performed a captivating Sunday-night set at Coachella, and will go on to play other big-name festivals including Lollapalooza, Firefly, and Austin City Limits this summer. But they admit that their Preakness gig will stand out from the rest.

“This was the first time we’d heard of concerts happening in the infield before a race,” Mills says. “We were familiar with Preakness and the Triple Crown, but neither of us have any ties to horse racing, so that world is pretty foreign to us.”

ODESZA’s first Preakness performance comes at a transformative time for the concert, which has downsized this year from two stages to one massive “mega-stage” that measures 120-feet wide and 60-feet tall. The platform will be situated just off of the InfieldFest entrance tunnel and make it so that attendees will have clear views of the races happening around the track.

“We want to ensure that our concert goers can also experience the race,” says Tiffani Steer, vice president of communications and events for The Stronach Group, which owns Pimlico. “We have cleaned up the views to the racetrack, and there are now more designated viewing areas so that you can not only enjoy the concert, but also be connected to the horseracing.”

Additionally, organizers have repositioned the concession stands along the outer edges of the Infield and moved the rows of Porta-Potties that previously blocked sights of the races. There will also be more accessible betting stations scattered throughout the grounds for concert-goers interested in wagering on the thoroughbreds.

“In order to be able to start to connect a new generation to the sport, and continue to modernize and thrive, we have to provide opportunities for people to have fun with great food and beverage and entertainment all day,” Steer says. “That’s really what’s going to round out an ultimate day at the races now.”

Aside from getting a front row seat to the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, ODESZA is most excited about reconnecting with Baltimore crowds.

“Neither of us have been to a horse race, let alone a Triple Crown race, and we’ve only seen the big races on TV,” Knight says. “So that will be a highlight. But we’re most looking forward to performing for our fans in Baltimore—it’s been so long since we’ve played here.”  

There’s no better way to saddle up for summer than by celebrating the 143rd annual Preakness Stakes on May 19. Whether into pre-parties, balloon festivals, crab races, or fashions shows, there are plenty of ways to help welcome the famous thoroughbreds back for the biggest race in Maryland where they’ll compete for the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.

Off to the Races

Hi Ho Pimlico Spring Fashion Show
5/10:Complete with a lunch buffet, pop-up shops, races, and all things derby fashion, this spring fashion show is held to recognize women within the Maryland horse industry. Plus, a portion of the day’s proceeds will go towards The Foxie G Foundation, a nonprofit specializing in horse and cat rescue, and YOLT, a local charity that encourages organ donations. Preakness Stakes, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $98, 877-206-8042 

Sunrise Tours at Old Hilltop
5/15-5/18: Watch the sunrise from the Pimlico Grandstand and then get a morning glimpse of the Preakness life from behind the scenes as you tour the stable area, where you’ll most likely find trainers, owners, jockeys, and other VIPs. Preakness Stakes, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 6-9 a.m., Free, 410-542-9400

Alibi Breakfast
5/17: If you missed them during the sunrise tours, you can still meet Preakness horse owners, trainers, and jockeys during the pre-race breakfast event as they share the journey of trying to become the next thoroughbred champ. Preakness Stakes, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 9:30 a.m., $50, 410-542-9400

Black-Eyed Susan Race
5/18: What better way to ring in Preakness day than by celebrating all-girls style? Enjoy a seminar featuring renowned female racing analysts and of course, watch the finest 3-year-old fillies trek some dirt. Preakness Stakes, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 9 a.m., $40-$385, 410-542-9400

Budweiser InfieldFest 2018
5/19: View all the Preakness excitement right from the middle of the racetrack where you’ll be able to enjoy a pre-party with Post Malone, ODESZA, 21 Savage, Frank Walker, and DJ Vice, all the while getting your grub and drink on. Since this year marks the festival’s 10th anniversary, Budweiser promises to deliver the most elevated experience yet. Preakness Stakes, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 11 a.m.-9 p.m., $100-$155, 410-542-9400

Preakness Stakes at the Pimlico Race Course
5/19: Whether lounging in the Concourse, Grandstand, or Clubhouse, grab your fancy hats and sports coats and come out to watch the best of the best compete for the 173rd Preakness title. Preakness Stakes, 5201 Park Heights Ave., 6-9 p.m., $40-$720, 410-542-9400

Preakness Parties

Triple Crown Cocktail Hour
4/25, 5/9, 5/23, 6/6: Relish in an exclusive Wednesday-only cocktail series (that lasts through June) with Sagamore Spirit, where you’ll be to enjoy a guided sampling of all three craft spirits featured at the Triple Crown races, get a tour of the distillery, and a learn how to make your own specialty cocktails at home. Sagamore Spirit, 301 E. Cromwell St., 6-7 p.m., $25, 410-624-7488

Mt. Washington Tavern’s America’s Best Racing Preakness Party
5/16: Join this neighborhood bar as it hosts its 5th annual Preakness party in honor of the biggest racing week of the year. Expect specialty drinks, snack platters, a raffle to win tickets to the stakes, a silent auction to benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance—a Kentucky-based nonprofit that supports retired thoroughbreds—and the chance to buy some hats, clothes, and official racing memorabilia. The Mt. Washington Tavern, 5700 Newbury St., 7-10 pm., $15, 410-367-6903

Off to the Races! 2018 Preakness Party
5/18: Put on your Preakness best and join Horseshoe Casino Baltimore for a fundraising cocktail party that will feature signature drinks, a cash bar, delectable snacks, slots, music, a fashion show, and a chance to win prizes. Proceeds will go towards sending local youths to summer programs, and make sure you get your picture taken with a jockey. Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, 1525 Russell St., 7-11 p.m., $75, 410-878-0562

Preakness Sunset Derby Day Party
5/19: Ditch the stakes and celebrate Preakness day with seersuckers, sundresses, smooth jazz, DJs, specialty drinks, a VIP open lounge bar, a food buffet, and live horse race betting at the Laurel Park turf club. Laurel Park, 198 Laurel Race Track Rd., 4-10 p.m., $25-$400, 202-681-6380

Family Fun

The Preakness Balloon Festival
5/11-5/13: Hop aboard one of the 25 hot air balloons featured at this annual Preakness celebration that also includes a beer and wine garden, Maryland’s finest vendors, local food, live music, a kid zone, and a balloon glow after dusk. Plus, there’s a Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest that will earn the winner a ticket to Coney Island for the final throwdown on July 4th. Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd., times vary, 410-580-5231

2018 Crab Derby
5/17: To ring in Preakness weekend, watch your beloved crustacean friends contend for the Faidley/Devine Cup as they race one another at Lexington Market’s annual Crab Derby. Expect an evening of laughter, live reggae music, food from Baltimore’s most iconic vendors, games, and family fun. Lexington Market, 400 W. Lexington St., 4-8 p.m., $8-$49, 410-685-6169

Preakness Party
5/19: Join Columbia Horse Center—a horse racing barn in Laurel—for the ultimate family-friendly Preakness Party in town, where you can cheer on your favorite instructors as they go head-to-head in a battle to the top of the hill. All the while, you can enjoy an outdoor party that will include an open grill, volleyball, and a special race for kids. Columbia Horse Center, 10400 Gorman Rd., 5-8 p.m., 301-776-5850

Breakfast and Buses

CVP Preakness Pregame/Bus Trip
5/19: Join Charles Village Pub for a laid back pre-Preakness party that will feature bottomless drink specials and a continental breakfast. Then, hop on the bus and head to the stakes for the race. Charles Village Pub Towson, 19 W. Pennsylvania Ave., 8-10 a.m., $25-$30, 410-821-8155

Turtle Preakness Bus
5/19: Skip out on the parking hassle and take advantage of another bus deal that’ll get you to and from Pimlico. The ride will feature all-you-can-drink Greene Turtle beers and snacks, and there’s a mini pre-party at the restaurant if you get there early enough. The Greene Turtle in Towson, 408 York Road, 8:30 a.m., $30, 410-825-3980