EAT

April 26: Big Softy Pop-Up at Wet City

223 W Chase St. 3-9 p.m.

Helping Wet City kick off its new Sunday service (the bar will now be closed on Tuesdays and open on Sundays) is none other than Big Softy himself. This Sunday, chef Craig Falk’s crab-themed pop-up is taking over the kitchen at the Mount Vernon craft beer bar with mouthwatering favorites like cheesy crab dip, Maryland lump crab cakes, and, of course, the signature soft shell crab sandwiches while supplies last. To wash it all down, grab a boozy (bottled to-go) concoction from Wet City’s drink menu, like the Mercury in Retrograde cocktail or Strawberry Mezcalita Slushie. Place pre-orders by emailing craig@thelunchboxlady.com and head to Wet City’s Facebook page to choose from six pick-up time slots.

DRINK

April 25: DuClaw Brewing Co. Sour Me Three’s Company Virtual Launch

Zoom. 6-8 p.m. $12.99

This weekend’s virtual happy hour just got sweeter with the launch of DuClaw Brewing’s “Sour Me Three’s Company” sour ale. Whitey’s Liquors and local beer blog Slightly Sour collaborated with DuClaw to bring fans this refreshing kettle sour brewed with plum, passionfruit, and pomegranate. The best part? There’s a Zoom Meeting ID printed on the bottom of each six pack, available starting this Friday at Whitey’s and curbside at DuClaw. Once you have the code, hop on to Zoom on Saturday at 6 p.m. for a virtual toast with the brewers to celebrate the launch and show your support for Maryland beer.

SEE

April 25: Baltimore Improv Group Virtual Taco Night

bigimprov.org. 8-11 p.m. Free

This Saturday, let Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) supply the laughs that we all need to survive the prolonged cabin fever. This live-streamed smorgasbord of comedy and hot takes from the performers with Taco Night, BIG’s spiciest improv team, is guaranteed to serve up some much-needed quarantine fun.

HEAR

April 26: Charm City Bluegrass Digi-Fest

Facebook Live. 12-5 p.m. Free

Crack a cold one, fold open a lawn chair, and tune in to Facebook Live for an afternoon of foot-stompin fun. Presented by WTMD, The Hamilton, and Union Craft Brewing, this digital version of one of the city’s favorite music festivals, typically held at Druid Hill Park, features a lineup of local favorites including Caleb Stine, The Honey Dewdrops, Ken & Brad Kolodner, The High and Wides, and the 19th Street Band. All will be performing live from the Gordon Center at the Owings Mills JCC, where bands will, of course, be social distancing with different sets of microphones and separate dressing rooms.

DO

April 24: Heal Yourself: Yin & Your Chakras (Online Edition)

Zoom. 7-9 p.m. $20-25

After a long week at home, we all deserve a breather. This Friday, join The Movement Lab on a two-hour healing journey through your seven main energy centers (the chakras) and emerge ready to start the weekend refreshed. Although you’ll need your own props (yoga blocks, blanket, and bolster) no prior yoga experience is required. Once you’ve pre-registered, check for a Zoom link, which will be sent 30 minutes prior to class.

EAT

March 8: Mera Kitchen x Wet City

Wet City, 223 W. Chase St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $30.

This Sunday, Chef Iman of the Mera Kitchen Collective will prepare a traditional Syrian brunch feast for friends, old and new, at Wet City. Known for bringing all corners of the city together through her passion for food, Chef Iman will serve a family-style, prix-fixe menu of some of her favorite brunch dishes during this one-day pop-up event at the Mount Vernon bar. Wash it all down with specialty cocktails, mocktails, and beers provided by Wet City, as well as coffee from Dear Globe.

DRINK

March 8: Rye’s Up

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore, 2 N. Charles St. 5-10 p.m. $75.

It’s no secret that Baltimore’s craft bartending scene has risen to new heights over the past few years, and this boozy fundraiser showcases some of the best mixologists the city has to offer. Snag tickets to the Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild’s annual all-you-can-drink affair, featuring 20 handcrafted cocktails, small bites from 15 local restaurants, and a silent auction to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Maryland. Stick around to see who is crowned the winner of this year’s best Rye Whiskey cocktail competition.

SEE

March 7-April 11: Helen Zughaib: Unfinished Journeys

Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Imagine being evacuated from your childhood home during a civil war and not knowing if or when you would be able to return. And when you finally do, another war is about to begin. That’s the emotional journey artist Helen Zughaib weathered after being evacuated from Beirut. Now, she is telling the stories of injustice, violence, and hope experienced by the incident’s most vulnerable victims—women and children—through the strokes of her paint brush. Visit Creative Alliance beginning this weekend, and through April 11, to witness how this up-and-coming artist portrays everything from the initial uprising of the Syrian civil war to the current refugee crisis.

HEAR

March 6: Marketplace Mixtape

Mt. Vernon Marketplace, 520 Park Ave. 6-10 p.m. Free.

We’ll take any excuse to make a trip to Mt. Vernon Marketplace, but especially when it involves old-school tunes. For the first show in the food hall’s new First Friday series, up-and-coming DJ Cheaky Willie will be spinning hip-hop and dance beats all night long while patrons eat, drink, and dance the night away. If you need a little extra motivation to get down, we recommend stopping by the Taps Fill Station or The Local Oyster for beer or cocktails before hitting the dance floor.

DO

March 8: International Women’s Day

Hotel Revival, 101 W. Monument St. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Free.

There’s never been a better time to celebrate the women of Baltimore. In honor of International Women’s Day, grab a group of gals and spend Sunday at Hotel Revival, which will be hosting its annual fundraiser to support My Sister’s Place Women’s Center. Along with $5 wine specials for ladies, visitors can browse through jewelry from New Vintage by SAM, enter to win a candle-making workshop with KSM Candle Co., and sample cocktails made by women-owned distilleries.

NEWS

Rooster & Hen Moving to Cross Street Market: Just when we thought Cross Street Market couldn’t get any more enticing, the newly renovated food hub recently announced that Catonsville grocery Rooster & Hen will be opening a “market within the market” this fall. Owners Joseph McRedmond and Allison Smith will close their Frederick Road favorite in September and head to Federal Hill to get the new 1,800-square-foot stall up and running. Since 2016, the owners have peddled local produce, featured items from small-batch makers, hosted area pop-ups, and even opened the store up for community events. That mission will continue in the new space—which will offer flowers, pantry staples, frozen comestibles, prepared foods, fresh fruits and veggies, meal prep kits, and a full kitchen for hosting pop-ups and cooking classes. “The Federal Hill community holds a special place in our hearts and has been the setting for some of our fondest memories,” the owners said in a statement. “Becoming a part of the historic legacy is an honor.”

Maximón Releases Patio Renderings: It seems like the wheels never stop turning for Atlas Restaurant Group—the team behind Harbor East hotspots Ouzo Bay, Loch Bar, Azumi, and Bygone. Next up is Latin American-inspired restaurant Maximón, which is expected to open this fall in the former home of Wit & Wisdom inside the Four Seasons Baltimore. Atlas recently unveiled renderings for the restaurant’s Spanish-style courtyard executed by local designer Patrick Sutton. The plans for the promenade include glowing purple lighting, lush greenery, lounge furniture, and an oval-shaped bar overlooking the harbor. Stay tuned for more details.

Roggenart Closes Temporarily: Many Mt. Washington locals have made stopping into this European pastry palace a part of their morning routine for the past two years. But recently, the cafe—which was nearing the end of its lease—closed temporarily while the team prepares to open a new location at the yet-to-open Whitehall Food Market in Hampden this fall. Though a reopening date hasn’t been solidified as of yet, here’s hoping it’s only a matter of weeks before the Mt. Washington shop starts cranking out its famous croissants and pain aux chocolat once again.

Wet City Lauded by Bon Appétit: Last week, we were pleased to see a local name featured in Bon Appétit magazine’s recurring column “Highly Recommend,” in which editors’ share their favorite things. The piece was dedicated to the “Spaghett” cocktail at Wet City in Mt. Vernon. “This cocktail has become my official drink of the summer,” editor Alex Delany wrote about the $5 happy hour drink that combines Miller High Life, Aperol, and lemon juice. “This is on deck for the rest of August and most of September for me. Long live Baltimore. Long live summer. And long live the Spaghett.” We couldn’t agree more.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

8/16: Jade Pop-Up at Fadensonnen
Johns Hopkins biomedical engineering student Jesse Wu, who started his own pop-up inside his dorm room last year, is bringing his Chinese-American cuisine to Fadensonnen in Old Goucher. Grab an order of Wu’s signature Hunan rice noodles, and stick around to sip Fadensonnen’s natural wines, beers, and sake throughout the night.

8/16-9/1: Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week
As Baltimore Restaurant Week comes to a close (many participants have extended their menus through Sunday, August 18) another dining-out promotion is just ramping up. Spots all over the state are rolling out dairy-free dishes in honor of Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week. Of course, staple vegan eateries including Golden West Cafe, L’Eau de Vie Organic Brasserie, Great Sage, and Stall 11 will be putting out their best plates. But you can also enjoy specialty dishes at restaurants like Wicked Sisters, La Scala, Little Havana, and Sobo Cafe. An array of special events throughout the week will kick off with a vegan baked goodspop-up at The Land of Kush on August 19.

SHUT

Bill Bateman’s Bistro Reisterstown: Baltimore County locals are still reeling from the loss of the Bill Bateman’s location on the Towson University campus, which closed for good last year. Now, yet another one of the homegrown pub’s outposts is shutting its doors. After 21 years, the Reisterstown mainstay in the Chartley Shopping Center will close for good on Sunday, August 18. “It has truly been a pleasure being a part of this ever-growing and always-friendly neighborhood,” management wrote in a post to Facebook announcing the closure. This weekend, regulars will gather for one last pint, crab pretzel, and order of wings around the bar at the community hangout. The Severna Park, Parkville, and Rosedale iterations of the local sports bar are still going strong.

This weekend, Baltimore’s largest free arts festival, Artscape, returns to Mount Royal Avenue and Charles Street with the theme Discover inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. In between dancing along at the festival’s live concerts and snapping pictures of the interactive exhibits, venture into neighboring parts of the city for more entertainment.

EAT

July 19: North Avenue Market Pop-Up with Big Softy and Le Monade

North Avenue Market, 30 W. North Ave. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $10.

While there will be tons of great eats at Artscape, we recommend starting the weekend off with a Big Softy special during this pop-up at the newly renovated North Avenue Market. Stop by the latest event in the Night Brunch series to sample an incomparable menu of fried green tomatoes with crab salad, a Parisian sandwich with country ham and soft scrambled eggs with truffles, and soft shells on croissants. Wash down your meal with drinks crafted by Charm City’s beverage boutique, Le Monade, and jam out to DJ Impulse’s picks in honor of his birthday.

DRINK

July 19-21: Wet Cityscape

Wet City, 223 W. Chase St. Times vary. Free.

Since Wet City’s anniversary falls on the same weekend as Artscape, the Mt. Vernon bar is throwing a weekend-long party that celebrates both craft beer and local artists. The festivities begin Friday night, when local rapper DDm will host a mixer in honor of his latest album, Beautiful Gowns. (Of course, he will be in charge of the evening’s soundtrack.) Be one of the first people to try the hazy IPA “He Say She Say”—named after DDm’s catchy single—as well as a new IPA “Like Whoa!” brewed in collaboration with Peabody Heights Brewery.

SEE

July 19: Station North Artscape Art Crawl

Locations vary. 6-9 p.m. Free.

Everyone loves a good ol’ fashioned bar crawl, and this 15-stop tour around the Station North Arts and Entertainment District puts an arts-centric spin on that fan-favorite concept. Whether you start at Baltimore Print Studios, Motor House, or Gallery CA, each participating location will have something fun for visitors to do, see, play, or drink. Spend the evening exploring the wide range of creative organizations and businesses in Station North before heading to Rituals (formerly the Windup Space) for a boozy after-party, hosted by BmoreArt and North Avenue Art Market.

HEAR

July 20: Eze Jackson’ Album Release

Metro Gallery, 1700 N. Charles St. 9 p.m. $8-10.

It seems like every time we blink, Eze Jackson is doing something new. This local MC and longtime staple in the city’s music scene has a full resume as the front man of Soul Cannon, the host of Lineup Room’s Bmore Beat Club, a co-host of Bmore Hip Hop Karaoke, a frequent collaborator with Baltimore Boom Bap Society, and, this Saturday, he’s releasing his third solo album, Fool. Be among the first to hear the hip-hop artist perform songs from the new album during this Artscape after party following sets by Konjure Collective, Aus Taylor, and Illimite World.

DO

July 19-20: Artscape After Hours

1700-1800 block of N. Charles Street. 9-11 p.m. Free.

While some visitors may head home at dusk, the Artscape festivities continue on for hours after the sun sets. Whether you spend Friday and Saturday night dancing the night away to the sounds of techno artist Juana, a.k.a. Discwoman, and DJ Tzeech on the Johns Hopkins University Station North Stage, or laughing until your stomach aches during LOL@Artscape, take advantage of these free events that keep the party going all night long.

While most people start off their year thinking about meal preps and workout plans, we’re asking an entirely different question: What’s on tap in the drink world for 2019? We asked some local experts—brewers, distillers, bartenders, and wine makers—to conjure their best ESP skills and predict what drink styles we’ll be seeing more of in the year to come.

IPAs are Here to Stay
Brewers are still waiting for lagers to have their big day in the sun, but consumers will continue to want their beer hop-heavy. “Juicy, hazy, New England-style, brut, and sour will all continue to be applied to IPA, IPA, IPA,” says Union Craft Brewing co-owner Jon Zerivitz. However, some of the novelty of the milkshake-style IPAs might wear off and you’ll see brewers playing less with lactose than they did in 2018, according to Hop Culture. While Wet City owners PJ and Josh Sullivan say they are hearing “chatter” regarding lager beers, they echo the IPA growth prediction. “The popularity of Hazy IPAs is still going strong,” PJ says. “And we don’t see any end in sight.”
Where to try now: So many options! Change Order at Union; Lil Woozy at Wet City; Nobo at Monument City; Astrodon at Peabody Heights.

CBD, THC, OMG
It’s easy to find CBD—a cannabis compound that is not psychoactive like THC—in oils, juices, and sparkling water around town. But expect it to slip into more and more cocktails this coming year. Some bars will give you off-menu options and the bartenders at Gunther & Co. even mixed up some for a dispensary event last fall. This week, Frederick-based Flying Dog Brewery announced that it’s releasing Hop Chronic, a non-alcoholic IPA infused with therapeutic cannabinoids available at dispensaries throughout Maryland. (Release of the product is subject to regulatory and legal approvals.) “We see a lot of interest in cannabis from the craft beer community,” says Ben Savage, CMO of Flying Dog, which is partnering with Green Leaf Medical Cannabis on the product. “There are definitely similarities between the natural flavor profiles we extract from hops and the terpenes and found in cannabis.”
Where to try now: CBD oils are available at MOM’s Organic Market and area dispensaries to try out your cocktail-making skills at home.

Blurring of Categories
It’s no secret that the craft beverage market has become a really crowded space, so brands are looking to diversify and break out in any way they can. Looking at the year ahead, many breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries will be collaborating to come up with sub-genres to potentially attract a new customer base. “At our bar, we’ve seen kettle sours bring wine drinkers and people that don’t normally drink beer into the craft beer scene,” PJ of Wet City says. Lyon Distilling in St. Michael’s and Jailbreak Brewing in Laurel just collaborated on a “beerskey,” or a beer distilled into a whiskey, and Old Westminster Winery (OWW) is seeing great success by mixing it up. “Some of our most popular products are the wine and cider hybrids,” says Drew Baker, co-owner of OWW. “Producers—whether you’re making beer, wine, or spirits—are looking to fill that space in between.”
Where to try now: Pip & Berry from OWW at Grand Cru; Cherry Berliner Cider at Union Craft.

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Yes, this is a thing! Dry January participants can rejoice as the popularity of teetotalling and even zero-proof spirits will make a bigger impact on the market this year. “A large part of the population is not drinking as much as they used to or are a bit more conscientious about their intake,” says R. Bar manager Amie Ward. “This is a great thing! But it does require bars and restaurants to start thinking about alternative options. Simply throwing together juices isn’t going to cut it.” Non-alcoholic spirit companies—like Seedlip and Ceder’s—have launched in recent years, applying the same distilling process and equipment to create zero-proof booze. But, more commonly, bars in New York City, Chicago, and LA, are simply taking the alcohol out to create thoughtful and tasty mocktails.
Where to try now: R. Bar has four options that start as non-alcoholic and include a suggested spirit; Woodberry Kitchen has a lovely mocktail menu.

Ready-to-Drink
Thought the concept of bottled and canned cocktails has been around for a while, things are starting to get a little more sophisticated. “When people think ‘ready-to-drink,’ there is the unfortunate connotation of the sugary stuff from the 2000s,” says Jaime Windon, co-owner of Lyon and president of the Maryland Distillers Guild. “But you’re going to see the new age of bottled cocktails. You don’t have to go to the bar to necessarily have a beautiful cocktail.” Many brands around the country are bottling classic cocktails like the negroni (sign me up!) to elevate the trend. Next month, winemakers at OWW will be coming out with a low-calorie, low-proof spritzer cocktail in a can. As Windon sums up: “People want less work.”
Where to try now: The 84-proof Rock & Rum, basically a rum old-fashioned, at Lyon Distilling.

Fermentation Experimentation
Of course, the fermentation process is crucial in making alcohol of all forms and flavors, but expect people to get pretty weird this year. Brewers will play more with barrel-fermented and mixed-fermented sours for extra tart and acidity, which many drinkers in the market have demanded. Plus, fermented beverages like kombucha will still have a place as mixers or additives in booze. And exotic fermented cocktails like the pineapple-flavored Tepache are staying prevalent on local bar menus, as well. “I’ve many customers start to appreciate the more complex, mixed-fermentation sours these days,” says PJ of Wet City.
Where to try now: The Artista Zynergia barrel-aged sour series at Wet City; Tepache at Alma Cocina Latina and Clavel.

OPEN

L’Eau de Vie: Plant-based diners will be happy to hear that this vegan brasserie is now officially open for business in Fells Point. Set in the first floor space that previously housed Agora Bar & Grill at the Inn at The Black Olive, the restaurant boasts pops of teal, strung lights, and a marble-top bar where guests can order colorful cocktails like apple sangria or the “Island Russian” with rum and coconut cream. L’Eau de Vie—which translates to “water of life” in French—offers meatless dishes including frites with garlic aioli, grilled tofu over quinoa, a seitan sausage reuben, and cashew cheese gougeres. 803 S. Caroline St. 443-759-8758

NEWS

The Dizz: It’s the end of an era for this iconic corner bar in Remington, which has gone through multiple iterations since 1934. (Regulars fondly remember it operating as Dizzy Issie’s through the early 2000s.) Now, current owners Darlene and Thomas Basta are retiring and putting the bar on the market. According to an online listing, the 98-seat building, including its fixtures, equipment, and seven-day liquor license, are for sale for $875,000. The two-floor bar is best known for its classic diner fare, handwritten menus, and vintage decor. 300 W. 30th St. 443-869-5864

BEER BULLETIN

Wet City: During Artscape in 2016, brothers PJ and Josh Sullivan introduced the community to Wet City—their Mt. Vernon craft beer bar that has since become known for its signature Scandinavian-inspired wall murals, next-level pub fare, and taps full of experimental brews. Though the owners always wanted to brew their own beer, it took a few years for that dream to come to fruition. Now, the microbrewery is finally functioning and Wet City is releasing its debut beer, Hello, to the public. The flaked hazy IPA, which has a 6.3-percent ABV and features Kveik yeast from Norway, is brewed with a blend of Mosaic, El Dorado, Denali, and Citra hops that give it a tropical flavor. Hello is being brewed exclusively at Wet City and will be available for tap and growler fills at the bar starting Thursday, September 27. 223 W. Chase St. 443-873-6699

Monument City Brewing: Beer lovers should be on the lookout for a new release from Monument City in Highlandtown this weekend. The purple-hued Chrysalis was brewed in collaboration with veteran organic food producer Hex Ferments. Inspired by Hex’s butterfly-lime kombucha, the 3.5-percent gose is brewed with lime and butterfly pea flower, which gives the beer its purple color and tart, refreshing flavor. Cans will be released at Monument City’s taproom this Saturday, September 29 from 12-5 p.m. 1 N. Haven St. 443-529-8131

EPICUREAN EVENTS

9/28: 32nd Annual Maritime Magic
More than 80 restaurants will gather at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Maritime Park in Fells Point for The Living Classrooms’ annual fundraiser to benefit its education and job-training programs for city youth. Sample eats and drinks from Copper Kitchen, Ouzo Bay, The Brewer’s Art, Sobo Cafe, Vida Taco Bar, Rye Street Tavern, Duck Duck Goose, Old Line Spirits, Key Brewing, Belle Isle Spirits, and more while jamming to 10-piece funk band Aztec Sun and reggae legends The Wailers. 1417 Thames St. 7-11 p.m. $120-130

9/29: Parktoberfest
Now in its third year, this street fest on the 500 block of Park Avenue in Mt. Vernon will feature eats from the stalls inside the Mount Vernon Marketplace (including Cultured, The Local Oyster, Cholitas Tacos, and Mi & Yu Noodle Bar), as well as live music and a lengthy list of local craft vendors. Grab a group to enjoy live music by singer-songwriter Shelby Blondell, gypsy-jazz band Ultrafaux, and rockers Yo No Say while perusing the handmade wares of nearly 30 local crafters. 520 Park Ave. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Free.

9/29: National Coffee Day at Order & Chaos
Get your weekend caffeine fix at this South Baltimore spot, which is offering a selection of specials in honor of National Coffee Day. Take advantage of a free drip coffee with any purchase all day long, as well as complimentary food tastings and samples of the new fall menu—which includes a turmeric pumpkin latte and an espresso enhanced with caramel corn syrup and marshmallow fluff. Additionally, the party will launch the shop’s Creative Cup contest, which asks guests to decorate a blank to-go cup with their own design. The winner will have their artwork featured on the cups for a limited time and receive free drip coffee for a year. 1410 Key Highway. 10-12 p.m.

SHUT (FOR NOW)

Button: The restaurant accompanying Scott Plank’s luxe Swim Club in Canton has officially closed for the season. A post to Button’s social media pages indicates that the spot will be undergoing renovations for the remainder of 2018, and reopen sometime next year. In its short run this past summer, the dockside destination served up grain bowls, wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and seafood entrees crafted by executive chef Allysa Storms, who recently moved on to oversee the kitchen at yet-to-open AJ’s on Hanover in Federal Hill. 2723 Lighthouse Point. 410-387-4377

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

EAT

Local Food

Station North, Mt. Royal Ave. & Cathedral St. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Prices vary.

While the hundreds of visual art exhibits, outdoor installations, and performances are the stars of America’s largest free art festival, Artscape’s entirely Maryland-made menu is prepared to shine just as bright. During the weekend-long summer art-party, celebrate our city as you sample eats from local gems like Ekiben, The Local Oyster, and Connie’s Chicken & Waffles, order on-the-go hors d’oeuvres from food trucks including Wild Thyme, The Green Bowl, and B’more Greek Grill, and dig into desserts from sweet shops like Otterbein’s Cookies, Miss Twist ice cream, and Go Melvo Snoballs.

DRINK

Wet City’s Second Anniversary

Wet City, 223 W. Chase St. Fri. 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Sat. 3 p.m.-2 a.m., Sun. 3 p.m.-10 p.m. Free. 443-873-6699.

In two short years, this Mt. Vernon beer bar has transformed from a brew-centric newbie into a cornerstone cocktail spot for not only its neighborhood but the entire city. To celebrate two years of hand-crafted concoctions and custom suds, take a break from the heat of Artscape and cool off with specialty slushies, including a watermelon pisco sour and a rum-based Pain Killer. When you’re ready to once again embrace the throngs, fill one of Wet City’s plastic growlers with their brand-new double-IPA for easy sipping in the streets.

SEE

Films

Parkway Theater, 5 W. North Ave. Fri. 3-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 1-6 p.m. Free.

This weekend’s less-than-ideal weather is the perfect excuse to explore the century-old Parkway Theatre and see a wide variety of free films on its historic big screen. On Friday, settle in for the Baltimore Youth Media Showcase, which will present productions from local youth arts and film education programs, and stay longer for the event’s feature film presentation of Friday, starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker (spot the original “Daaamn!” scene that led to the iconic meme). Throughout the rest of the weekend, experience a variety of shorts from this year’s Maryland Film Festival, complete with post-screening Q&A sessions with the filmmakers.

HEAR

Concerts

Locations vary, including Artscape Main Stage, Johns Hopkins University Station North Stage, and the Morgan State University Sound Off Live! Festival Stage. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.

Over the past few years, Artscape’s mix of local and national music acts have become as much of a crowd-pleaser as the festival’s art fairs and exhibitions. At the Johns Hopkins stage near Station North, hear acts like soul-punk trio F City, hip-hop emcee Eze Jackson, and singer-songwriter Grayson Moon. Over at the Morgan State stage on Mount Royal Avenue, catch New Orleans-style band The Crawdaddies, indie-rockers Super City, and a Sunday night performance by indie-pop duo Outcalls. Biggest of all, the main stage on Cathedral Street will host headliners like iconic ’90s R&B group TLC, reggae legends Toots & The Maytals, and rising blues rocker ZZ Ward, as well as local favorites like pop singer Ellen Cherry and The Voice finalist Davon Fleming.

DO

Artscape After Hours

Locations and prices vary. Fri.-Sat. 9-11 p.m.

If three days of all-you-can-experience art just isn’t enough, keep the good times going after sundown with after-hours activities all along Charles Street. Let the moonlight fuel your moves at Dance Camp, with its block of family-friendly workshops, impressive performances, and professional competitions; enjoy a pop-up comedy club, complete with stand-up sets, improv lessons, and endless laughs from BIG Baltimore Improv Group; or join Artscape’s grooviest festival-goers at the nightly Silent Discos, hosted by the city’s most celebrated DJs like Landis Expandis and Trillnatured.

Sure, a stiff bourbon hits the spot during the colder months. But in the summer, it’s all about the slushies, daiquiris, and drinks on the rocks. As temperatures continue to rise, area bars are offering plenty of libations to help survive summer scorchers. From tiki drinks and kombucha cocktails to frozen wine and boozy slushies, there are plenty of pours to choose from. Here are a few options to catch a buzz while keeping cool:

Absinthe Frappe at The Bluebird Cocktail Room
When dreaming up the summer cocktail menu at this literary-themed haven in Hampden, bar manager Ben Poole thought about ways to incorporate classic elements, while also adding some fun summer flair. Thus, his frozen Absinthe Frappe was born. “Absinthe is sweeter than most, but doesn’t take itself too seriously,” Poole says. The simple refresher mixes absinthe with sugar and mint extract, gets mixed in a slushie machine, and arrives garnished with star anise. 3600 Hickory Ave., 667-303-3263. $12.

Bed of Roses at Sandlot

Step up to the shipping containers-turned-makeshift bars at this beachfront hangout in Harbor Point to see rows of slushie machines mixing up frozen drinks behind the counter. Among the most popular sustainable summer cocktails—which are all made with ingredients from local purveyors—is the “Bed of Roses,” Sandlot’s sweet spin on frosé that blends rosé, rosé vermouth, strawberry juice, honey, and watermelon juice. In keeping with the farm-to-table feel, the Instagram-worthy drinks come garnished with fresh herbs and local flowers. 1000 Wills St. $10

Sack Lunch at R. Bar

The team behind R. Bar in Remington is getting nostalgic about summers past with a camp-themed menu that nods to childhood snacks and recognizable pop-culture references. (Think sips inspired by Wet Hot American Summer and ’90s Nickelodeon series Salute Your Shorts.) Highlights include a s’mores-flavored dessert cocktail, the gin-based “Camp Granada,” and the “Sack Lunch”—a mixture of sesame-washed bourbon from R. House neighbor BeBim, Falerna Carménere wine, Shrub District blueberry basil cocktail vinegar, strawberry purée, and a Teddy Graham wrapped in a Fruit Roll-Up sleeping bag. 301 W. 29th St., 443-347-3570. $10

Mars Red Sky at Birroteca
Nothing says summer like watermelon—whether it’s cubed, pureéd, cut into triangles, or liquified into a cocktail. Snag a seat on the outdoor patio at this Clipper Mill spot to sip the “Mars Red Sky,” which combines Wild Kombucha’s Watermelon Hops flavor with aperol, rosé, and a summery watermelon shrub. 1520 Clipper Mill Rd., 443-708-1934.

Carmen Miranda Slushie at Wet City
You know that a bar is serious about frozen drinks when it’s slushie machine has googly eyes and its own Instagram account. At Wet City in Mt. Vernon, the personified blender—more fondly known as “Blinky”—rotates three seasonal frozen drinks, and even throws in a wildcard cocktail every once in a while. This summer, Blinky is blending a watermelon pisco sour slushie, the “Painkillaz” slushie (rum, coconut pureé, pineapple, and orange juice), and the fan-favorite “Carmen Miranda” that fuses Vizcaya & Santa Teresa rums, house orgeat syrup, fresh juiced cantaloupe, lime, and chocolate mint. 223 W. Chase St., 443-873-6699. $9

Oaxacan Colada at The Regal Beagle
In keeping with the vibe at this ’70s-themed hangout in Canton—named after the neighborhood pub in Three’s Company—Ryan Sparks devotes an entire portion of the drink menu to timeless tiki drinks served in vintage vessels from thrift stores. (Some of them are even shipped in from the consignment shop that Sparks’ grandmother works at in Michigan.) “You could come in with friends and all order the same drink, but have them come in different glasses,” Sparks adds. One of his summer picks is the Oaxacan Colada, which combines Ilegal Mezcal joven, green chartreuse, coconut cream, lime, and pineapple juice over crushed ice. 3123 Elliott St., 410-878-6542. $12.

Melon-Peach Frosé at Swim Club Baltimore
Scott Plank’s luxe pool in Canton debuted to the public earlier this summer, equipped with cabanas, beach chairs, Ping Pong tables, corn hole, and, of course, a full food and beverage program. While catching rays, cool down with the bar’s melon-peach frosé—a blend of fresh melon and peach purée, agave nectar, and rosé. 2780 Lighthouse Point., 410-675-8888.

Baltimore Mai Tai at The Island Room
Lyon Distilling and The Baltimore Whiskey Company (BWC) are collaborating to host a monthlong pop-up at Pen & Quill in Station North. Starting on June 29, the restaurant’s event space will transform into The Island Room—a tropical-themed concept featuring food specials, island music, greenery curated by B. Willow, an ongoing limbo competition, and, of course, a menu of tiki drinks that highlight Lyon and BWC spirits. In keeping with the theme, bartender Sam Kessler has created a Baltimore Mai Tai that mixes Lyon’s black rum and curaçao with BWC’s fernet amaro, lime juice, orgeat, and tiki bitters. The pop-up will wrap up with a special Christmas in July celebration on July 22. 1701 N. Charles St., 410-601-3588

In honor of National Siblings Day, we rounded up Baltimore kin who own restaurants together. “It’s comforting working with someone you trust,” says Josh Sullivan, who co-owns Wet City with his older brother, PJ. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

Joshua, 40, & Stephanie, 43 Hershkovitz, co-owners of Hersh’s Pizza

Early Years: “I was a terror,” says Josh. “I was a bully to her, a crazy little kid who took out the brunt of my emotions on her—I sprained her arm once, I jump-kicked her in the back. But when she went to college and I started high school, we became the best of friends.” Big Little Brother: “We definitely fought, but not in a mean way,” says Stephanie. “It’s just that Josh was a little maniac. Josh is much bigger than me—he came out of the womb the size I was at 3.” Food, Glorious Food: “We are doing this because we love food,” says Josh. “When we have time off, our families go out and eat together.” Air Time: “What makes it work is that we are good at clearing the air,” says Josh.  “A lot of siblings who work together have these big blow-ups. We have a lot of laughs—we keep it light.” Sleep On It: “When Josh got twin beds in his room when we were kids, I’d sleep in his room,” says Stephanie, “but I’d sleep walk and sleep talk and pull all the covers off of him. After that, my mom prevented me from sleeping in his room.” Cutting Corners: “The way that my mom tells the story is that you could put Stephanie in the corner with a book for two hours and, two hours later, she’d still be reading the book,” says Josh. “You’d take Josh and put him in the corner for two hours, and two hours later, the corner would be gone.”

---

Lori Gjerde, 47, and Carrie Podles, 44, co-owners of Wicked Sisters and Huck’s American Craft

Sister Act: “I’m much more quick-tempered and outspoken than she is,” says Lori. “I’m also much more of an abstract thinker.” Selling Out: “My sister always likes to remind me of the time that I sold all of her clothes at a consignment shop when she left for college,” says Lori. “I remember selling things—I just don’t remember them being her things!” Working It Out: “My dad probably went into shock looking down and seeing us working together,” says Carrie. “It would have made him happy.”

---

PJ, 40, and Josh Sullivan, 35, co-owners of Wet City

United They Stand: “Even as children, we’ve always stuck together,” says PJ. “Occasionally, a neighborhood mother would say Josh was too young to tag along with my crew, so I’d have to say, ‘Either he comes, too, or neither of us go.’” Dirty Jobs: “PJ is very good at getting things done,” says Josh. “He’s good at building relationships and using his network. I prefer getting my hands dirty. In high school, while he was getting the neighborhood kids together for some adventure, I was maintaining my VW Bug or learning how to make grandma’s raviolis.” Living the Dream: “It’s been a dream of ours to open a bar/brew pub for ages,” says PJ. “It’s finally all coming together!”

---

Alex, 33, and Eric Smith, 27, managing partners, The Atlas Restaurant Group  

For the Ages: “Eric and I always got along great because we were far apart in age,” says Alex. Personality Points: “I am very reserved and typically a quieter person,” says Eric. “Alex tends to be more outgoing, social, and more in the spotlight.” Brotherly Love: “It would be impossible to count how many things I have learned from Alex,” says Eric.  “He is the best mentor and business partner a younger brother could ask for.”

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

 EAT

Local Food!

Station North, Mt. Royal Ave. & Cathedral St. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

America’s largest free festival—and the city’s staple summer event—is back and tastier than ever. With an entirely Maryland-made menu, dig into more than 30 food vendors, including local favorites like Dooby’s, Ekiben, The Local Oyster, and Connie’s Chicken & Waffles, plus more than a dozen food trucks from throughout the region dishing out crab cakes, fried chicken, and BBQ. This year, the festival will be placing extra emphasis on recycling with a ban on all Styrofoam materials. And be sure to swing by Prigel’s Family Creamery, for cold scoops and cones to keep the dog days at bay. 

 DRINK

Wet Cityscape

Wet City, 223 W. Chase St. 11-2 a.m. Free. 443-873-6699. 

Like always, Artscape is going to be an extra hot weekend. Stay hydrated with an emphasis on local beers throughout the festival, and at one of Mount Vernon’s best recent additions—the craft beer bar Wet City. Celebrate the bar’s one-year anniversary with taps upon taps of expert and experimental brews, including two special collaborations with Burley Oak and Goonda Beersmiths. Permit permitting, they’ll even have their own beer garden, set up outside in the high-summer heat. 

 SEE

Free Films!

Parkway Theatre, 5 W. North Ave. Fri. 6-9 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 12-6 p.m. Free.

If you haven’t had the chance to experience the Parkway yet, this weekend is your chance to explore the recently renovated historic theater. For local art lovers, cinephiles, or just those in need of some A.C., they’ll be featuring free films throughout the weekend with genres ranging from animation to comedy to documentary and drama. On Friday, catch a feature flick with the cult classic Wet Hot American Summer (which couldn’t be a more appropriate title, for this year’s camp theme and—did we mention it yet?—the weather’s extreme temps). On Saturday and Sunday, stop in for more than a dozen short films, screened with filmmaker Q&As throughout the day.

 HEAR

Concerts!

Locations vary, including Artscape Main Stage, Johns Hopkins University Station North Stage, and the Morgan State University Sound Off Live! Festival Stage. Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free.  

While we love the art cars of Charles, the avenue of local food, and the sidewalks strewn with street performers, Artscape wouldn’t be the same without its medley of musical acts. Across three stages, they’ll be showcasing an eclectic mix of internationals artists and local talents. At the Morgan State stage on Mount Royal Avenue near Lafayette, hear acts like neo-soul collective The Fruition Experience, hip-hop poet Wordsmith, and indie darlings Us & Us Only and Super City. At the Johns Hopkins stage on Charles Street near North Avenue, be sure to stop by and see local rapper Martina Lynch, teen virtuosos Legends of Et Cetera, skyrocketing rock band Wing Dam, and post-punk stars Natural Velvet. Biggest of all, nestled beside the rolling green hills beneath the light of the old train station’s clock tower, you’ll hear alt-hip-hop group J Pope and the HearNow, local soul singer Ama Chandra, blues experts The Ron Holloway Band, and headliners like R&B star Sheila E., gypsy punk-rockers Gogol Bordello, and soul-blues legends Robert Randolph and the Family Band.

 DO

After-Parties!

Locations, times & prices vary.

Artscape doesn’t end when the festival turns off the lights. For the entire weekend, after-parties will be popping up all across the city. During Artscape’s own After Hours, stay in the neighborhood for everything from street theater and local comedy to George Michael tribute on North Charles. There will be plenty of dance parties, too, including Save Your Soul at the nearby Mount Vernon Marketplace, with vintage soul and pop music on the ones and twos, and 4 Hours of Funk at the Windup Space, with literal hours of funkified jams, both on Friday night. On Saturday, swing by Pen & Quill for a performance by the Baltimore Beat Club, and live music at local venues, like Priests at the Ottobar and :3ION at The Crown.

While it’s easy to take it for granted, the hottest thing in cocktail culture right now is actually the coldest: ice—yes, ice. 

Artisanal ice is having a moment in cocktail bars across the country, with master mixologists freezing oversized cubes, fashioning fancy shapes, and even going so far as to carve the cold stuff by hand. In Baltimore, the city’s top cocktail clubs are making their own boutique ice, too. 

Sure, it sounds pretentious—it’s just frozen water, right?—but when you think about it, that arctic ingredient is the foundation for every drink. The right cube can enhance the quality, flavor, and experience of your elixir, keeping it colder longer and less watered down. And, of course, it looks cool. 

But it’s not as simple as cooling H2O to 32 degrees or below. Ice is an art form that requires a certain level of skill, elbow grease, and pride. 

“The modern cocktail didn’t exist before the advent of ice being shipped around the world,” says Lehn Robinson, who helps run the ice program at Clavel. “We create these beautiful, fleeting things to honor that history, in the hopes that it won’t be forgotten.”

---

In The Drink

The Bluebird Cocktail Room
Hampden
This new upscale cocktail room is full of literary references (like tipples inspired by Faulkner and Fitzgerald), European influence, and crystal-clear ice. Co-owner Paul Benkert freezes his own 300-pound block that’s cut by chain and band saws to create rectangles and cubes. “Specialty ice doesn’t need to go in a drink,” he says, “but it’s a lot of fun.”

Clavel
Remington
On any given night, ice sculptors Dre Barnhill and Lehn Robinson can be found meticulously molding gemstones and spheres at this hip mezcalaria. “It is the garnish,” says Robinson with a smile.  

Clock Restoration
Downtown
After a trip to The QG barbershop, head to this sixth-floor speakeasy for the giant cubes and Prohibition cocktails you’d expect after a cigar and shave. “It’s the majority of your drink, so it does matter,” says bartender Jeff Bejma, who crafts the clear ice.

Sugarvale
Mt. Vernon
This subterranean cocktail spot sometimes serves drinks with artisanal ice. Try the handcrafted hailstones during special events, like guest bartender pop-ups and Monday tiki nights. Says owner Phil Han, “Hand-cutting ice is a labor of love.”

Wet City
Mt. Vernon
Don’t sleep on this Mount Vernon beer bar’s killer cocktail list, with at least two drinks featuring hand-cut ice. Try them in the Chartreuse Old-Fashioned, with chamomile honey and orange bitters.

---

Stone Cold

1. Twice a month, Clavel receives a 300-pound ice block that’s split into sixths using hand chippers, cleavers, and mallets. Bartenders aim for clean cuts and crystal clarity.
2. The smaller ice blocks are then moved to the bar where they’re broken down into about 36 smaller cubes.  
3. Finally, bartenders shape each cube by hand into multifaceted gemstones or spheres before adding them to your drink. Salud!

Regulars of the old Dougherty’s Pub would hardly recognize the space now. With its Irish leanings, dark wood accents, and copper-topped bar, the old place attracted locals for more than 20 years for a pint of Harp and a game of pool. 

But when the owners decided to close their doors a year ago, brothers Josh and P.J. Sullivan took over and had a very different concept in mind with Wet City (223 W. Chase St., 443-873-6699). 

Influenced by bars and beer halls of Scandinavia, P.J. took a more modern approach to the décor. The Mt. Vernon bar now has stark white walls; a minimalist, light wood bar; and artistic accents like a kaleidoscopic motif in the foyer.

The modern transformation can also be seen on the cocktail menu, overseen by Josh, who has been crafting drinks for a while on his website Post Prohibition. Many flavors lean toward the bitter and piney notes, and there are playful creations like Lil Snickers with rye, amaro, mole bitters, and the namesake chocolate bar on top. 

But you really come into Wet City for the beer, since Josh has been home-brewing (and winning awards) for years. The list of hard-to-find international beers is constantly rotating, and this is especially a destination for fans of sour beer and IPAs. Recently we appreciated a black currant Gose beer from Denmark that was salty and tart at first with a rich, full-bodied berry finish. Knowing that it isn’t available anywhere in the vicinity made it all the more enjoyable.      

As if they aren’t firing on enough cylinders, Wet City kills it in the food department, too. Try the slow-cooked wings that fall off the bone, bright seasonal salads, or the off-menu No Temp Burger that combines fast-food simplicity with farm-to-table ingredients. 

Wet City might not appear to fit the typical corner pub mold, but its diverse clientele of symphony goers, MICA students, and local residents proves that the bar shares one thing in common with its predecessor: It’s beloved by the neighborhood.

Hersh’s Pizza & Drinks: Though the motto at this Riverside hangout has always been “Pizza for President,” owners Josh and Stephanie Hershkovitz are offering a special drink deal that pays homage to the actual election. In the spirit of unity, the bar will run a duo special that features two cocktails inspired by both parties throughout Inauguration weekend. For $15, sample both “The Donald” (Anejo tequila, Spanish berry liqueur, lemon, and bitters with a gold sugar rim) and the “Nyet My President,” a classic White Russian combining Kahlua, vodka, and cream served with an orange twist. 1843 Light St., 443-438-4948

“We’ve completely gutted and installed a brand-new tap system,” said P.J., citing the fact that customers can get beers in both 8- and 16-oz. pours. “We want our beer not to just feel like a product, but more like an experience.”

Josh will be handling the cocktail side of things with creative ideas like a margarita made with Gose beer and a Japanese-inspired cocktail with yuzu juice. He’s hoping that his years of experience, founding the cocktail website Post Prohibition, will be able to shine behind the bar.

“This will be a fun playground for me,” he said. “Getting to work with other talented bartenders here will be a great boost creatively.”

The food menu, helmed by Chuck Allen formerly of Sascha’s, looks just as fun with options like popcorn carbonara, wasabi calamari, and summer tacos.

Longtime residents of the area, P.J. and Josh agreed they didn’t want to open Wet City in any other neighborhood. (The name, which they call “a love-it-or-hate-it type thing” is a nod to Baltimore’s nickname during Prohibition when it defied the rules and continued selling alcohol.)

“We specifically wanted to be in Mt. Vernon,” P.J. said. “You get the most interesting people around here, the architecture is beautiful, and it feels like home to us. Plus, we’ve got an eight-minute walk to work.”

Long-term steps for the brothers include installing on-site brewing and renovating the second floor, which they also own. For now, though, Wet City is opening its doors at 2 p.m. during Artspace for people to come in, check out the space, and have a few beers.

“The space is not nearly perfect yet,” P.J. explained while Josh typed out purchase orders on his laptop and their dad, Pete, sanded wood in the corner. “But we are just a family business and are excited to evolve as we go.”