EAT

June 1: Taste of 3 Cities

Patterson Park, 2800 Eastern Ave. 12-9 p.m. $10-65.

Named one of the top 10 festivals in the Old Line State, this all-day food truck frenzy at Patterson Park is guaranteed to leave you stuffed and satisfied. Now in its eighth year, this fan-favorite fest will have all sorts of local eats—from tzatziki to tacos to ice cream—as well as live music from regional bands like Squaring the Circle and Muskrat Lighting, special activities for the kiddos, and even hot air balloon rides.

DRINK

June 1: TC40 Summerfest

Diamondback Beer, 1215 E. Fort Ave. 12-7 p.m. Free.

Since the city has already been hit with sweltering heat and almost-daily rain showers, we’re ready to declare summer’s arrival a few weeks early. To kick off the season, Diamondback Beer is throwing a mini music festival on its outdoor patio, with sets from locals like acoustic singer-songwriter Ray Wroten, funky-folk act Gene & Friends, and blues and reggae band Ray Wroten & The Revolvers. But the real star of the afternoon festivities is the Locust Point brewery’s latest beer: Marty Says, a lightly hopped cream ale brewed with German pilsner malt. Pair the new brew with onsite eats from Dooby’s, The Urban Oyster, and Hull Street Blues Café.

SEE

May 31-June 2: The Monument Quilt on the National Lawn

The National Mall, Washington D.C. Fri. 1-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free.

For the past five years, survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence from across the country have created more than 3,000 quilt squares that, when displayed together, spell out “NOT ALONE” and “NO ESTAS SOLX” over the length of four football fields. Known as the Monument Quilt, this project from Baltimore-based nonprofit FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture is the largest monument ever dedicated to survivors of sexual and domestic violence and will blanket the National Lawn starting Friday afternoon. Make the quick trip to Washington, D.C. for this momentous weekend dedicated to sharing survivors’ stories on the national stage, and participate in workshops, listen to speakers, and attend a self-defense workshop while you’re in town.

HEAR

May 31: Rocketman: Elton John Karaoke

The Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave. 8:30-10:30 p.m. Free-$11.

With plenty of buzz already circulating about the musical biopic on the fantastical life of Sir Elton John, it’s no wonder the SNF Parkway is celebrating the movie’s debut with an all-out karaoke party. Whether you’re attending the 7 or 9:45 p.m. screening, stop by the Parkway Lounge to join in on a rendition of “Tiny Dancer” or “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” with other fans decked out in The Rocket Man’s signature funky glasses and glittery jackets. Before heading into the theater, read our review of this surefire hit.

DO

June 1-2: Feast of St. Anthony

Saint Leo’s Catholic Church, 227 S. Exeter St. Sat. 12-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $1.

This outdoor festival marks the start of summer in Little Italy, as its streets are packed with neighbors and visitors delighting in a weekend filled with enough carbs and wine to last the year. Indulge in authentic Italian food, participate in the bocce tournament or cannoli-filling contest, and walk in Sunday’s neighborhood parade to celebrate the roots of this historic community.

In response to the devastating flood that ravaged Ellicott City’s Main Street last Sunday, Charm City businesses are coming together to host fundraisers, dining promotions, and benefit concerts to help community members in need. Check out our growing list of ways to give back to those affected.

 EAT

June 2: Taste of Three Cities

Patterson Park, 27 S. Patterson Park Ave. 12-9 p.m. Free-$65. 410-960-9908.

As more food trucks join the local scene, it can be difficult to try all of the city’s new wheels while remaining loyal to longtime staples. (We’ll always have a soft spot for local favorites like Gypsy Queen Café and Greek on the Street.) Luckily for us, Maryland’s largest food truck festival will return to Patterson Park this Saturday with more than 50 regional food trucks, making it easy to sample eats from a variety of four-wheeled kitchens from Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. At this seventh annual extravaganza, fill up on snacks like savory seafood from the D.C.-by-way-of-Brooklyn Red Hook Lobster Pound, locally-sourced oysters from Charm City’s own Urban Oyster, and fried cheese from Philly favorite The Cow and the Curd.

 DRINK

June 1: Goodbye Union Avenue

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

With less than two months until the grand opening of Union Craft’s new brewery and makerspace at the Union Collective across I-83, it’s almost time to close down the beloved Woodberry tap room that’s been pouring out Duckpins for more than five years. This Friday, celebrate the next chapter with one last parking-lot party, featuring those well-loved corn hole boards, tunes by local indie band Cara Kelly & The Tell Tale and grub from The Local Oyster. Get there early to grab one of the limited-edition anniversary sours for an extra-special farewell toast.

 SEE 

June 1: Baltimore Youth Arts Showcase

116 W. Mulberry St. 6-8 p.m. Free.

Since Gianna Rodriguez (featured on our list of Baltimore Visionaries) established Baltimore Youth Arts back in 2015, the program has become one of the cornerstones of the city’s effort to provide artistic and professional opportunities to local kids. This Friday, stop by the Platform Arts Center to view various artworks and design projects by the next generation of artists, including pieces by young people involved with or in the justice system. Afterwards, BYA encourages attendees to walk one block over to Resort gallery for its silent auction fundraiser that helps support the youth program.

 

 HEAR

June 1: Celebration of Lafayette Gilchrist

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8-11 p.m. 410-276-1651.

To the city’s delight, Baltimore-based pianist and jazz virtuoso Lafayette Gilchrist recently took home a 2018 Baker Artist Award for his signature funky, soulful sound that has been exciting critics since his debut album, The Music According to Lafayette Gilchrist, in 2004. (Not to mention when his music made it onto soundtracks for iconic television shows like Treme and The Wire.) This Friday, head to Creative Alliance to hear this genre-defying musician give a victory-lap performance with exceptional guest artists like drummer Eric Kennedy and trumpet player Dave Ballou.

 DO

June 2-3:St. Anthony Italian Festival

Little Italy. Sat. 12-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 

With pizza, pasta, and cannoli around every corner, it’s almost too easy to gain a few pounds during a trip through Little Italy. During this weekend’s Feast of St. Anthony celebration, kiss your beach body goodbye as you indulge in endless authentic Italian eats and, of course, glasses of vino. To walk off the carbs, stroll through the tiny historic neighborhood and participate in the festival’s many activities, including a bocce tournament, cooking demonstrations, and, if you’re still hungry, the annual Roma sausage-eating contest.

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

 EAT

June 3: Taste of 3 Cities

Patterson Park, 2806 Eastern Ave. 12-9 p.m. $15-65

If you consider yourself indecisive, prepare to be put to the test this weekend on the hills of Patterson Park. The grassy knoll will transform into a glutton’s paradise as a hoard of food trucks parks along the edge of Highlandtown. Dig into more than 40 mobile munchies hailing from Philly, D.C., and Baltimore, including hometown favorites Kommie Pig, Grr Che, Gypsy Queen, and the one-and-only Miss Twist, with beer, wine, margaritas, and crushes on tap as well. Whatever your pick and poison, set up shop at one of three stages to catch regional dance performances and, best of all, to hear live local music like headlining act Bond St. District.

 DRINK

June 2: Station North Tool Library Happy Hour

Station North Tool Library, 417 E. Oliver St. 5-8 p.m. Free.

If you’re looking to meet fellow creatives or just start your weekend with a cold beer, throw away the workweek and throw back a Union Craft this First Friday at the Station North Tool Library. The mixed-use makerspace is a community hub for everyone from amateur builders to accomplished woodworkers, with classes ranging from home repair to knife-, cutting board-, and coffee table-making. Sip a UCB can, sign up for some workshops, and scramble down the street into the warm late-spring night.

 SEE

June 2-3: Nights on the Fringe

Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. 7:30 p.m. $20-35.

Charm City Fringe—best known for its 10-day fall festival celebrating untraditional, independent performance—is taking the stage early this season during its third annual Nights on the Fringe. For two nights, immerse yourself in a medley of artistic acts in the vein of vaudeville with hosts Aaron Henkin of WYPR, Umar Khan of Gin & Jokes, and Josh Kuderna of BIG Improv. On Friday, catch performances of spoken word by Baltimore’s 2015 youth poet laureate Derick Ebert, aerial stunts by In The Dark Circus Arts, and shadow puppetry by the Lantern Sister. On Saturday, stop by for hip-hop dance moves by Bmore Than Dance, slam poetry by Grim Jackson, and live music by Afro House’s Astronaut Symphony. Whether you come for one show or all, it will be an unexpected weekend to remember.

 HEAR

June 2: Natural Velvet

Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 8 p.m. $10-12. 

We can’t give away how much we love the new Natural Velvet record (you’ll have to check out our July issue to find out more), but let’s just say: You don’t want to miss this local post-punk quartet. They’re one of the best young acts in town, with a fearless flair and ball-of-fire energy thanks to the wiry guitars of Kim Te and Spike Arreaga, guttural drums of Greg Hatem, and amorphous howl of captivating frontwoman Corynne Ostermann. This new album (their second with local label Friends Records) is their most fierce release to date, so see it live alongside fellow local opening acts, electronic R&B duo Blacksage, beatmaker Infinity Knives, and trance-noise group Halloween Tres. 

 DO

June 2: Good Fridays Baltimore

EMP Collective, 307 W. Baltimore St. 9 p.m. $10. 

Almost seven months ago, Baltimore arts and culture editor Gabriella Souza was on the phone with John Waters when she got an idea. The local auteur had mentioned how The Buddy Deane Show, a teen dance show that aired on WJZ in the late 1950s and early 1960s, had inspired his most mainstream film, Hairspray! Over the years, similar variety shows and dance programs, like The Shakedown, had all but disappeared. Wouldn’t it be great, mused Waters and Souza, if people could just get together today—regardless of race, class, age—and dance? With the help of PipeDreamz’s Ansar “AC” Miller-Abdullah and City Paper and Baltimore contributor Cassandra Miller, Good Fridays Baltimore was born. This Friday night, don’t miss its inaugural dance party, be it live at E.M.P. Collective in the Bromo Arts District or live-streamed on YouTube from your own home, to hear live music by rapper Al Rogers Jr., see local art by Shan Wallace, and a throwback video countdown to the main event. Best of all, be sure to get down—even abashedly in front of your computer or TV screen—during the two-hour dance party by DJ JaySwann.