Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.
EAT
June 18: Baltimore Wine Fest
Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St. 12-7 p.m. Free-$90.
It’s all about the wine on the Canton Waterfront this weekend, but this vino lover’s paradise is also an epicurean playground for Baltimore foodies. As you sample more than 140 wines from across the world, move through the food tents for local gourmet eats like Snake Hill sausages, HarborQue barbecue, The Local Oyster shucks, Heavy Seas mac-and-cheese, Waterfront Kitchen carnitas sliders, Dooby’s rice bowls and burritos, Cream Cruiser ice cream sandwiches, Pitango gelato, and much more. Grab some snacks, sip some rose, listen to live music, and stumble home into the early evening sun.
DRINK
June 18: UCB’s Heavy Metal Parking Lot
Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave. 7-11
p.m. $14.50.
In 1986, two filmmakers made a 17-minute documentary about the tailgating festivities that took place prior to a Judas Priest concert in Landover. Hot rods were parked. Shirts were discarded. Beers were chugged. Air guitars were shredded. In its short span, it gave us a window into suburban America, teenage culture, and the devolution of rock-and-roll. Thirty years later, this cult classic is still loved by many and hailed as one of the greatest rock docs of all time. Celebrate its local roots with a Saturday night screening outside at UCB, live music by metal cover band Iron Priest, pop-up tacos and hot dogs, and a brand-new beer inspired by the movie, aptly named “Heavy Metal Parking Lot The Beer,” available only in kegs and limited 16-ounce tall boy cans with artwork by Baltimore illustrator Alex Fine.
SEE
June 17: SunSets
Dovecote Cafe, 2501 Madison Ave. 7-10 p.m. $5 suggested donation.
It’s a beautiful thing to see a growing number of gatherings popping up across Baltimore. Creative Mornings. Startup Soiree. Baltimore Bike Party. Our city is full of creatives and intellectuals from all walks of life and the best way to harness that energy is for everyone to meet, collaborate, and make the future of Baltimore bright. One of the newest iterations is SunSets, a monthly meet-up that connects the local creative community for an evening of conversation and artistic expression. They’ve held events at Impact Hub, The Women’s Exchange, and NuBohemia, where they’ve highlighted local makers, artists, musicians, chefs, and more, from graphic artist Jermaine Bell and trumpeter Theljon Allen to Oyin Handmade and Knits, Soy, and Metal. This Friday, at the cozy Dovecote Café, attend the 10th SunSets, with short films, live music by Nova Spence and Company, free wine, new people, and good conversation.
HEAR
June 18: Chris Stapleton & Jason Isbell
Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. 6 p.m. $45-75.
There’s a small renaissance going on in the national music scene when it comes to country music. Maybe it’s because the genre is expanding, and there now exists a new class of boundary breakers and old souls creating music about more than cold beers, big trucks, and itty-bitty tiny jean shorts. Chris Stapleton is one of those to watch, finding some blurry line between country, rock, and mainstream, joining the likes of Sturgill Simpson and the Zac Brown Band in their musical homage to the genre’s roots. In his soulful songs, Stapleton sings about weed, whiskey, and women, and even makes your heart ache in “When the Stars Come Out.” He’s a little bit of a heartbreaker and a little bit of a broken heart. A little Willie Nelson and a little Johnny Cash. He’s done duets with Kings of Leon. He’s graced the cover of Garden & Gun. Soon enough, probably, Rolling Stone. See what all the buzz is about yourself this Saturday, with fellow Americana breakout Jason Isbell.
DO
June 17: Twilight Swim at Patterson Park Pool
Patterson Park Pool, 148 S. Linwood Ave. 8-11 p.m. $5.
Jumping into a pool after hours in the middle of the city lights? It feels naughty and illegal, and you should 100 percent do it this Friday night. The adults-only summer twilight swims return to Baltimore pools this weekend, starting on the hills of Patterson Park. There, beside Highlandtown and Butchers Hill and just above Canton and Fells, you can throw caution to the wind and feel like a misbehaving teenager as you backstroke and belly-flop with friends, BYO booze, and a live DJ (taking requests!) under the stars.