Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.
EAT
April 7: Shuckin’ in the Street
Lee’s Pint & Shell, 2844 Hudson St. 12-10 p.m. $10. 410-327-2883.
There’s a cold front coming in this weekend, but that won’t stop this rebranded Canton spot from shucking some 20,000 free oysters at their fourth blowout block party. Rain, shine, or snow, duck underneath the heated tents to slurp down all-you-can-eat oysters during the last R month of the season, with drinks from the orange crush bar and live performances by local bands like Crushing Day, DJ Nick Paros, and Philly’s beloved Kristin and the Noise. If they run out of oysters, don’t worry—food stands serving up pit beef sandwiches and burgers will be on hand to soak up the crushes.
DRINK
April 6-7: Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival
Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium. Fri. 6-10 p.m., Sat. 12-6 p.m. 29-$99. 410-252-0200.
We’re impatiently waiting for weekends filled with sunny skies and backyard cookouts, but luckily, this two-day festival will have enough brews and barbecue to tie us over until then. This weekend, make your way to the Maryland State Fairgrounds for unlimited samplings of more than 60 beers, 40 bourbons, and smoky meats from local barbecue joints. While you sip on local brews from DuClaw, Flying Dog, and Monument City—or Maryland-distilled whiskey from Baltimore Whiskey Company and Sagamore Spirit—take part in a tasting seminar or compete in the stein-holding and bacon-eating contests.
SEE
April 6-8: Light City
Times & locations vary. Free. 410-752-8632.
We love seeing the way Light City’s art installations reflect off the Inner Harbor, but this year, downtown Baltimore will not be the only place illuminated by glowing sculptures and attractions. This Friday, the can’t-miss festival will kick off its third year with Neighborhood Lights, an artist-in-residence program that pairs notable local artists with community organizers to light up 14 city neighborhoods. Make your way across town to snap pictures of each location’s work of art during this one-weekend-only display.
HEAR
April 7: Natural Velvet Homecoming & Ratboiler Reunion
The Crown, 1910 N. Charles St. 8 p.m. 410-625-4848.
After two months of performing up and down the continent on their biggest tour to date, post-punk quartet Natural Velvet finally returns home this Saturday to grace The Crown with its rip-roaring sound. On Saturday night, welcome back Kim Te and Spike Arreaga’s searing guitars, Greg Hatem’s propulsive drums, and Corynne Ostermann’s howling vocals as the band perform songs from their latest album, Mirror to Make You—and hopefully their latest cover of Britney Spears’ “Gimme More.” Don’t miss the reunion performance by local heavy metal band Ratboiler (their first show together in years), as well as other opening acts like Baltimore’s indie group Pinkwench and Richmond’s disco punk band Toxic Moxie.
DO
April 8: Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar
Beneath the Jones Falls Expressway at Holliday & Saratoga Sts. 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. 410-752-8632.
It’s always tempting to sleep in on Sunday mornings, but we’ll gladly throw back our covers and brave the cold for the sweet smell of freshly-cut flowers and homemade bread wafting beneath the JFX. Now in its 41st season, Maryland’s largest producers-only market has become a true weekend ritual for farm-fresh produce, scrumptious eats, and one-of-a-kind vendors. On opening day, join in the hustle and bustle with a Blacksauce Kitchen breakfast sandwich in one hand and a Migue’s Minis made-to-order donut in the other. While there’s plenty to see, be sure to check out the 26 new vendors including Mera Kitchen Collective, The Urban Oyster, and Stupid Delicious Desserts.