Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.
EAT
Apr. 25: Michael’s Cafe 4th Annual Crab Ball
Michael’s Café, 2119 York Rd., Timonium. 2 p.m. till close. Prices vary. 410-252-2022. michaelscafe.com
There might not be many hard shells yet, but as of April 1, crab season is officially back, baby! This Saturday, celebrate our little bay beauties and the start of spring at the fourth annual “Crab Ball” at this Timonium raw bar and grille. Get down to live music, like the Talking Heads tribute band, Psycho Killers, and indulge in an all-you-can-eat pig roast, plus homemade crab cakes and oysters. Post up on the patio for a little day-drink, too, with two outdoor bars slinging Flying Dog beer, craft cocktails, and cold concoctions from their “crush stations.” That’s right—crabs aren’t the only thing we’re celebrating. Once the temps hit the 70s, orange crush season is officially on, too.
DRINK
Apr. 26: Highlandtown Wine Festival
Claremont & Conkling Sts. 1-6 p.m. $20-25. highlandtown.com
For a little Sunday Funday, hit the streets of Highlandtown for the art district’s 12th annual wine festival. On the corner of Claremont and Conkling, forget about work on Monday with homemade wine, Italian food, and live music by classic crooner and
The Voice contestant, Paul Pfau, of Frederick. Your ticket includes a souvenir glass, five wine tastings, and an antipasti platter from DiPasquale’s, which, alone, is enough to have us sold (those arancini? Mmm…). Get a good grape buzz, then play a little bocce, participate in a wine-filled balloon toss, and go all Italiano out for the grape-stomping contest.
SEE
Apr. 25: Harbor East FashionEASTa
Harbor East, Aliceanna St. between S. President & S. Exeter Sts. 1-6 p.m. Free, or $35 VIP. harboreast.com
The Harbor East streets will transform into a Lincoln Center runway this weekend with a springtime fashion show from some of the city’s shmanciest shops. The whole neighborhood will be abuzz with live music, street-side eats and drinks, and in-store specials, with the show itself kicking off at 3:30 p.m. Hosted by
Baltimore‘s own editor, Hilary Geisbert, see local celebrity models like the Ravens’ Justin Tucker and FOX 45’s Emily Gracey sport the latest warm-weather trends. Expect neon and fringe, but hopefully neither on our beloved placekicker.
HEAR
Apr. 25: Charm City Folk & Bluegrass Festival
Druid Hill Park, 2600 Mansion Ave. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $45-140. charmcitybluegrass.com
Lean back in the grass, sip on some Union Craft, and soak in the start of spring at this third annual music festival in Druid Hill Park. Some of Baltimore’s best folk and bluegrass musicians will be there, like Cris Jacobs,
Letitia VanSant, and The Manly Deeds, as well as a personal, fingerpickin’ favorite from the Eastern Shore, Chester River Runoff. If Duckpins aren’t your cup of booze, lap up some Millstone Cellars libations, but no matter what, slurp back some The Local Oyster & True Chesapeake Oyster Co. ‘sters and keep cool with Catonsville’s Picnic Pops. Don’t miss after-party at The 8×10, too, with more live music by San Fran’s eclectic Everyone Orchestra, featuring members of jam bands like Leftover Salmon, String Cheese Incident, and Railroad Earth.
DO
Apr. 26: Federal Hill Spring Block Party
Federal Hill Main St., E. Cross St. between Charles and Light Sts. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $5-10. facebook.com
On Sunday, before or after Highlandtown, head to Federal Hill to partake in something that the neighborhood does best: partying in the streets. It’s more than just a scramble from Ropewalk to Stalking Horse, though: On the north side of Cross Street, enjoy live music from five bands, including the local rock-and-soul group, All Mighty Senators, and grab a bounty of street eats, like Liv2Eat sandwiches (one of our Best Restaurants of 2015), Blue Agave tacos, and Dessert Fantasies from Locust Point. Tip back some beer, too, of course, and take in the social epicenter of this historic neighborhood street. While you’re at it, hit up Cross Street Market for some oysters and a 32 oz. beer at Nick’s and to watch the O’s take on the Red Sox at 1:35 p.m.