Probably a lot of people are heading to the beach or manning their grills this weekend, but if you’re looking for other options, here are five suggestions from around town.
DelFest: This four-day bluegrass festival (May 23-26) takes place at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Baltimore. Started in 2008 by famed country musician Del McCoury, the festival has boasted acts such as Steve Martin’s band Steep Canyon Rangers and The Avett Brothers in past years. This year’s lineup is no less impressive for bluegrass heads with the Trey Anastasio Band, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Yonder Mountain String Band.
Brew at the Zoo: On Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy a beer festival in a more non-traditional setting—The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Admission gets you unlimited beer sampling (from places like DuClaw, The Brewer’s Art, Flying Dog, Baltimore-Washington Beer Works, and New Belgium), a commemorative tasting glass, free admission to the zoo, and live entertainment, headlined by All Mighty Senators on Saturday and Kelly Bell Band on Sunday.
Summer Sessions: Flying Dog Brewery started an outdoor concert series at its Frederick headquarters this year and it kicks off on Saturday with indie pop darlings Of Montreal. Flying Dog will provide 10 beers on tap, plus two experimental cask ales (Raging Bitch IPA with mango and habanero and Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout primed with maple syrup), and food-truck eats from Kooper’s Chowhound and Smoking Swine.
Sowebo Arts and Music Festival: On Sunday, from noon-5 p.m., Southwest Baltimore will be celebrating all things art and music right around Hollins Market. The festival is featuring three stages of music—from the funky rock of Sweet Leda to the whimsical ukulele stylings of Victoria Vox—and more than 80 artists selling their jewelry, photos, clothing, and other wares. There will also be a salon-style art show and crafting for kids (like panting on a giant sail).
Good Life Feast-ival: Boordy Vineyards hosts events at its Glen Arm winery throughout the summer and this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) will be hosting a kickoff even to its farmers’ market season. The event will feature tons of local farmers selling produce, entertainment from High Strung Bluegrass Band, and six wine-tasting samples from Boordy’s newly released spring wines. Look out for local vendors like Green Onion, One Straw Farm, Haute Dog, and Prigel Family Creamery.