EAT
Oct. 3: The Charmery x Ekiben
The Charmery Towson. 6807 York Rd. 4:30-7 p.m.
The dream teams behind Ekiben and The Charmery—perhaps better known as the kings and queens of epic food collaborations in Baltimore—are bringing us yet another fun pop-up at The Charmery’s Towson location this Saturday. Swing by to sample a special collaborative steamed bun that fuses the sweet and savory flavors of both eateries. (The full menu is under wraps until the day of, but Ekiben owner Steve Chu has hinted at a passionfruit sticky rice combo.) If you’re more of a purist, Ekiben will also be on site slinging its signature “Neighborhood Bird” and “Tofu Brah” buns, which you can follow with a scoop of any one of The Charmery’s inventive flavors.
DRINK
Oct. 3: Black-Eyed Susan Specials for Preakness 145
Various locations including Mt. Washington Tavern. 5700 Newbury St.
As strange as it might seem that the annual running of the Preakness Stakes is taking place in October this year, the middle (or in this year’s case, last) jewel in the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing is set for this weekend at Pimlico Race Course. Although there will be no fans in the grandstand or revelers partying in the infield due to COVID-19, area bars and restaurants are offering plenty of ways for locals to celebrate this weekend. Horse-racing headquarters Mt. Washington Tavern will be offering drink specials and gift cards to fans who arrive wearing their most festive Preakness hat. Other noteworthy deals around town include $5 Black-Eyed Susan margaritas at Nacho Mama’s in Canton and $5 Black-Eyed Susan Crushes at CVP in Towson and Charles Village.
SEE
Oct. 2: Friday Night Frights at Cross Street Market: Casper
Cross Street Market. 1065 S. Charles St. 6 p.m.
Not only will this weekend host the running of the Preakness Stakes and the International Edgar Allan Poe Festival (more on that in a bit), but it also marks the official start to spooky season in Charm City. Cross Street Market is kicking things off right with a socially distanced scary movie series featuring a different film every Friday night in October. The recurring event kicks off this Friday with the tale of everyone’s favorite friendly ghost who peacefully haunts a mansion in Maine. Grab dinner from any one of the market’s vendors—including Pizza Di Joey, Phubs, Sobeachy Haitian Cuisine, and Royal Farms—before settling in for the frightening flick.
HEAR
Oct. 3: All 45s, All Fun, All Night
Checkerspot Brewing. 1399 S. Sharp St. 7-11 p.m. $10-12
South Baltimore neighbors Checkerspot Brewing and Idle Hour are teaming up to bring you this fun evening full of craft beer and pure vinyl magic. Spread out in Checkerspot’s massive parking lot near M&T Bank Stadium for an all-out dance party complete with lasers, lights, and tunes courtesy of DJ Double A and DJ Rob Macy of Save Your Soul fame. Both will be spinning some of the funkiest soul, dance, and hip-hop 45’s in their personal collections all night long.
DO
Oct. 3-4: International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards
Virtual. Times vary.
Due to the truly strange and remarkable events of 2020, this annual homage to the master of macabre is going entirely virtual this year. Throughout the weekend, organizers will be commemorating the 171st anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe’s death in Baltimore by streaming performances, readings, virtual tours, and exhibits for free on Youtube and Facebook Live. Among the eerie events to look forward to are a Poe in Film and Fashion exhibit, a live reading of Masque of the Red Death with Chesapeake Theatre Company, and a CityLit Project discussion about Poe’s life and work with writer Bruce Goldfarb and Baltimore’s own Ron Cassie.