Five things to eat, drink, see, hear, and do with your Charm City weekend.
EAT
Nov. 8: OyFest
Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave. 12-5 p.m. $5 suggested donation. 410-467-0290. unioncraftbrewing.com
It’s that time of year again. The weather’s getting cold, and so is the water, which means the oysters are, too—which, long story short, means they’re starting to get good. Really good. This Saturday, Union Craft Brewing and The Local Oyster are teaming up to celebrate all that goodness with an afternoon of all-oyster-everything—raw, grilled, stew, etc.—from the likes of farms in St. Mary’s County, Hoopers Island, Virginia, and Cape May. There’ll be craft beer and live music to boot, plus ramen and pork buns by Dooby’s. Proceeds benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership.
DRINK
Nov. 7: Flying Dog Brewery Holiday Collection Release Party
Max’s Taphouse, 737 S. Broadway. 5 p.m. 410-675-6297. flyingdogbrewery.com
Maryland’s largest brewery is taking over the go-to Fell’s Point beer bar on Friday night for a beer and—wait for it—cookie pairing (I know, be still my heart…). They’ll be introducing their new Holiday Collection with a tasting of the four new brews alongside the ever-addictive Otterbein cookies that inspired them. That means an Imperial Hefeweizen (sugar cookies), Oak-Aged Hazelnut Scotch-Style Ale (ginger cookies), Roasted Peanut Brown Ale (chocolate chip cookies), and Oatmeal Raisin Stout (take a wild guess). Read our review of them here, and prepare to have a doubly hard time rolling yourself home from Fell’s this Friday night.
SEE
Nov. 7: Test Patterns at WTMD
WTMD Studios, 1 Olympic Pl., Towson. 7 p.m. wtmd.org
Leave it to WTMD to do something cool like this. In collaboration with Bmore Art, local artists and MICA graduates Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhm are transforming the 89.7 FM studios into a new art exhibit, featuring screen prints, murals, and batiks (a.k.a. Indonesian dyed cloth), as well as videos by Robby Rackleff. The opening reception takes place on Friday, with a free performance by Baltimore experimental electro-pop duo Chiffon. The exhibit runs through December 19.
HEAR
Nov. 7: Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
Rams Head Live, 20 Market Pl. 7:30 p.m. $32. ramsheadlive.com
Formerly the creative force behind angsty teen bands Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin, Andrew McMahon has set off on his own, embracing a fresh start with a new solo project, self-titled album, and headlining tour. The piano-riddled pop is still ladled in heartfelt earnestness but with a sunny, new urgency that never got past all the emotion of his earlier work. Like the anthemic chorus of “Cecilia and the Satellite” or the rolling thunder of “Canyon Moon.” He performs at Rams Head with opening indie-pop acts Hunter Hunted and Junior Prom.
DO
Nov. 9: Maryland Irish Festival’s Kilts & Craic 5K
Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium. 8 a.m. $45. irishfestival.com
Few things make me more game to run a race than knowing that there will be Guinness and fish-and-chips at the finish line. This Sunday, the 41st annual Maryland Irish Festival is hosting its second annual 5K (don’t worry: you don’t actually have to wear a kilt, unless you want to, in which case we’re a little concerned) followed by music, refreshments, and an awards ceremony for the most lithe lassies and lads. Ticket price includes a T-shirt and festival entrance. Proceeds benefit the Irish Charities of Maryland.
For more pre-Thanksgiving running events around Maryland, check out our list here.