EAT
Sept. 21: Charm City Night Market
200 Park Ave. & 100 N Charles St. 3-11 p.m. Prices vary.
During the inaugural Charm City Night Market last fall, more than 12,000 people visited the one-day festival to sample authentic Asian-American eats, peruse locally made wares, and take pictures under the illuminated lantern walk. This weekend, the Park Avenue block party will make its much-anticipated return with 70 vendors, tons of entertainment on the festival’s outdoor stage, and a true showcase of the booming popularity of Asian cuisine in Baltimore. Make the rounds to local foodie stalwarts like Ekiben, Thai Street, The Local Fry, and Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly while also sampling eats from visiting pop-ups like Maketto and Hot Lola’s from Washington, D.C. and Moffle Bar from New York City.
DRINK
Sept. 21: Trash Wheel Fan Fest
Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E. 30th St. 7-10 p.m. $35-40.
Although the Trash Wheel family has gained a national following, we know that the truest fans of these lovable garbage-suckers are right here in Charm City. Celebrate these solar-powered trash receptors with all-you-can-drink Peabody Heights brews, which are sure to taste even better when drank out of the event’s pint cup with a “garbage gobblin’ grandmaster” emblazoned on it. In between pints of Lost Python ales, take in performance pieces and songs inspired by the trash wheels and stop by the make-your-own fan art station to commemorate the trash-tastic evening.
SEE
Sept. 20-Nov. 22: Where I’m From
Baltimore City Hall Gallery, 100 Holliday St. Times vary. Free.
When Derrick Adams was a 10-year-old student at Edgecomb Elementary School, he was one of the winners of a citywide student art competition and had his work displayed in Baltimore City Hall. A few decades later—now that the Charm City native has become one of the most sought-after multidisciplinary artists in the country—his work will once again hang on the walls of City Hall for the artist’s first solo show in his hometown. While Adams’ large-scale paintings of scenes from his childhood in Baltimore City will be on display until November, locals can visit the historic downtown building on Friday evening for an opening reception with the artist himself.
HEAR
Sept. 21: Hampdenfest
36th St., Hampden. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.
Nothing describes Hampden quite like the neighborhood’s much-anticipated toilet bowl race down Chestnut Avenue. Cheer on your favorite high-speed seat and then spend the rest of this day-long festival jamming to live music by more than 20 local bands—including standouts like F City, Raindeer, and DJ Rob Macy of Save Your Soul fame. Sip on brews from The Brewer’s Art and Union Craft Brewing while bopping between three stages of performances and taking in the sights and sounds of this quintessentially Baltimore neighborhood.
DO
Sept. 21: Pigtown Festival
Pigtown Main St. 12-7 p.m. Free..
Historic Pigtown’s annual neighborhood celebration will have you squealing with joy for the 18th year in a row. This fan-favorite event has all of the key ingredients for a great festival experience: local food, bottomless drink options, arts and crafts vendors, and a dedicated kids’ zone. Not to mention live music from Ursula Ricks Project and The Scotch Bonnets. Oh, and did we mention the live pig races?