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7,000 People. One Epic Pig Race. Don’t Miss The Pigtown Festival

The Best Things to Do in Baltimore This Weekend...

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Eating Baltimore
September 25, 2025

Hey Baltimore—

Welcome to the 64 new subscribers who joined since last week’s edition. Happy to have you in our (growing) community!

Fall is in full swing in Baltimore, even though the weather might not feel like it. Although, another epic Ravens meltdown really gets me in the fall spirit. Anyways.

The 23rd Annual Pigtown Festival is this weekend… Checkerspot Brewing is hosting their BARCStoberfest Beer Release… and we’ve got plenty of fall festivals to suit everyone’s fancy.

Scroll on, make plans, and as always — eat well, Charm City.

Things To Do In Baltimore & Surrounding Areas This Weekend

Featured Event

🇮🇹 Maryland Italian Festival
📅 Friday–Sunday, September 26–28 | Fri 5-11PM, Sat 11AM-11PM, Sun 11AM-7PM
📍 Ripken Stadium Parking Lot, 873 Long Dr, Aberdeen, MD

Celebrate everything Italian over three full days at Maryland’s largest Italian Festival. Think carnival rides, a wine/beer & liquor piazza, bocce tournaments, glassblowing & chalk artists, character appearances, food & retail vendors, National entertainment, heritage village, fireworks, and cooking demos. Hosted by the Society of Italian American Businessmen, it’s all about food, fun, music, and culture—with something for families and festival lovers alike.

Tickets start at just $12. Children 12 & under are free.

Food & Drink

🍻 SoProToberfest
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 12PM–10PM
📍 SoPro, 3000 O’Donnell Street, Baltimore
SoPro is launching a brand-new tradition with its first annual SoProToberfest — an all-day Oktoberfest takeover packed with live music, a stein-holding contest, German-style beers, festive food, and plenty of fall fun. Tables are first-come, first-served, so gather your crew, throw on some Oktoberfest gear, and plan to make a day of it. Free to attend, RSVP encouraged.

🦀 2nd Annual Highlandtown Crab Feast
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 12PM–4PM
📍 Monument City Brewing Company, 1 North Haven St, Baltimore
Highlandtown’s all-you-can-eat neighborhood crab feast is back at Monument City Brewing. Crack into fresh crabs, sip local brews, and enjoy an afternoon of community, food, and fun in one of Baltimore’s favorite brewery spaces.

🌞 End of Summer Boardwalk Bash
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 11AM
📍 LoonAsea, 207 Nanticoke Rd, Essex
LoonAsea is sending off summer in style with a dockside Boardwalk Bash. Expect live music, great food, games, and all-day waterfront vibes as you soak up one last taste of summer before fall officially takes over.

🍁 Harvest Festival at Peabody Heights Brewery
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 5PM
📍 Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E 30th St, Baltimore
Peabody Heights is hosting its first-ever Harvest Festival with food specials from The Concession Stand, a Double Bunny cookie pop-up, live music, hot cider, and a fall-themed beer flight. A perfect way to toast the new season with friends and local brews.

🍺 Oktoberfest Weekend at Nepenthe Brewing
📅 Saturday, September 27th, 12PM – Sunday, September 28th, 8PM
📍 Nepenthe Brewing Co., 3626 Falls Rd, Baltimore
Nepenthe is going all out for Oktoberfest with $30 commemorative steins (25oz, includes first fill) and $7 refills all weekend long, plus $6 pints for everyone else. Join the stein-holding contest on Saturday at 5PM for a shot at a $100 gift card, dress in your best lederhosen or dirndl for prizes, and enjoy food specials, radlers, a photo booth, and more.

🦀 Crabs & Crushes with Saxl Rose
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 1PM
📍 Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, 6526 Holabird Ave, Baltimore
Jimmy’s is throwing down a 3-hour feast: unlimited steamed crabs with their Famous 50 seasoning, a raw bar (oysters, clams), and endless “crush” cocktails made with White Claw Triple Wave Filtered Vodka. Non-alcoholic drinks, raffles, games, and good times included.

Family Fun

Save the Date: 🏡 Live Baltimore Trolley Tour
📅 Saturday, October 4th | 8AM–1PM
📍 Johns Hopkins University at Eastern, 1101 E 33rd St, Baltimore
Hop aboard Live Baltimore’s annual Trolley Tour to explore neighborhoods, meet housing experts, and learn about incentives for buying a home in the city. The day includes two workshops, a guided bus tour with stats and insights, plus access to the City Living Fair. Best part? Eligible attendees can qualify for a $5,000 homebuying incentive. Click here to register for free.

🎃 17th Annual Cockeysville Fall Festival
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 11AM–4PM
📍 Cranbrook Shopping Center, 594 Cranbrook Rd, Cockeysville
This family-friendly fall tradition packs in something for everyone: live music, 50+ local vendors, food trucks, a kids’ zone with inflatables and games, an adoption fair with local rescues, and a pumpkin patch courtesy of First Fruit Farms. Adults can unwind in the Das Bierhalle beer garden while kids enjoy fall festivities — all in support of the Cool Kids Campaign, benefiting pediatric oncology patients and families. Free entry.

🎭 Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical
📅 September 26th-28th | Show times vary
📍 Baltimore Center Stage, 700 North Calvert St, Baltimore
From the creators of Dog Man: The Musical comes this wild, laugh-out-loud adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s hit series. Follow Cat Kid, Molly Pollywog, and 21 baby frogs as they dive into comics, chaos, and creativity — with plenty of musical mayhem along the way. Perfect for families and fans of Pilkey’s offbeat humor.

🐷 23rd Annual Pigtown Festival
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 12PM–8PM
📍 Pigtown Main Street, 784 Washington Blvd, Baltimore
One of Baltimore’s quirkiest and most beloved street festivals returns for its 23rd year. Expect live music, 70+ local vendors, a massive KidZone, and of course “The Squeakness” pig races that draw thousands of cheering fans. With food, drinks, and plenty of community spirit, this festival is pure Baltimore fun.

🍂 Chapel Hill Farms & Nursery Fall Festival
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 10AM–1PM
📍 Chapel Hill Farms & Nursery, 4350 Chapel Rd, Perry Hall
Celebrate fall on the farm with pony rides, hayrides, and plenty of family fun. Shop seasonal favorites like mums, pumpkins, corn stalks, and fall crafts, plus enjoy farm treats from apple cider donuts to fresh kettle corn. Casa Mia will be on-site serving pit beef, turkey, beer, and wine.

🌴 Fest of Fall: Caribbean, Wine, Food & Music Festival
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 1PM–9PM
📍 Carroll Park, 1500 Washington Blvd. Baltimore
Celebrate Caribbean culture with a full day of food, wine, and live music. Taste authentic island cuisine, sip fine wines, and dance to the sounds of reggae, soca, and calypso. Bring your friends and family for a vibrant festival that blends food, culture, and music in true Caribbean style.

🧱 BRICK City! at Port Discovery
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 10AM–5PM
📍 Port Discovery Children’s Museum, 35 Market Pl, Baltimore
Port Discovery kicks off its new LEGO® Playful Learning partnership with BRICK City! — a hands-on exhibit takeover filled with joyful, creative building experiences. Kids and families can explore, play, and learn together in this special LEGO® event launching the museum’s year-long celebration.

Music & Entertainment

🎸 Rotunda Rocks Neighborhood Festival
📅 Friday, September 26th | 6PM–9PM
📍 The Rotunda, 711 W 40th St, Baltimore
Head to the Rotunda Plaza for an evening of live music, food, drinks, and neighborhood fun. This month’s featured act is The 19th Street Band, bringing their Americana Gypsy Rock sound to kick off the weekend. Vendors, games, and community vibes round out this free outdoor concert series.

🎶 Bingo Loco Music Trivia
📅 Saturday, September 27th | 6PM
📍 Power Plant Live!, 34 Market Place, Baltimore
Bingo Loco returns with the wildest bingo rave on the planet — part music trivia, part comedy show, part dance party. Expect throwback anthems, lip-sync battles, confetti showers, and high-energy chaos in between heart-pounding bingo rounds with prizes that range from vacations to air fryers. Ages 21+, tickets required.

🦖 Wine & Dinos at the Maryland Science Center
📅 Friday, September 26th | 7-9PM
📍 Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St, Baltimore
Sip Linganore wines while roaming the Dinosaur Mysteries exhibit after dark at this 21+ event. Enjoy curated wine-and-snack pairings, test your palate in blind tastings, and even get hands-on with real fossils. A one-of-a-kind night where science meets wine — tickets on sale now.

🎧 United We Dance: The Ultimate Rave Experience
📅 Saturday, September 27th | Doors 8PM, Show 9PM
📍 Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl, Baltimore
Soundstage turns into a full-on festival for United We Dance — a genre-blending night of house, techno, bass, and trance with reimagined hits from DJs like FISHER, Skrillex, Tiësto, and more. Expect massive drops, immersive visuals, and an all-inclusive vibe where everyone is welcome. Ages 18+.

This Week in the Community…

BARCStoberfest Beer Release at Checkerspot Brewing
Checkerspot Brewing Company is teaming up with BARCS Animal Shelter for their annual BARCStoberfest celebration on Saturday, September 28th (12–4PM). The day features adoptable pets, an Oktoberfest-inspired menu, and quirky competitions including a stein-holding contest, hotdog toss, and even a dog yodel contest. Proceeds from the special beer release benefit BARCS and their life-saving work for Baltimore’s animals. Read more…

Baltimore Peninsula Snags Another Tenant
Staffing firm Insight Global is moving from downtown’s 100 E. Pratt St. to Baltimore Peninsula, leasing 15,600 sq ft at 2455 House St. The move pushes the building to 75% occupancy, joining tenants like CFG Bank and Ayers Saint Gross. Read more…

Charm City Table Shares Fall Date Ideas
Looking for a seasonal date night? Charm City Table rounded up the best Baltimore-area fall ideas — from cozy restaurants and speakeasies to pumpkin patches, apple picking, and festivals. They’ve even mapped everything out for easy planning. Don’t forget: Free Fall Baltimore runs Oct. 1–31 with 100+ free activities around the city. Read more…

Textile Artist Feedy Opens First Solo Show at Cross Keys
Baltimore’s Jamaal “Feedy” Jackson debuts Follow Your Joy at the Monument Sotheby’s gallery in Cross Keys — his first solo exhibition and the gallery’s first by an African American artist. The show runs through December 5. Read more…

Pet Of The Week

Have a furry, feathered, or scaly friend you’re proud of? Send a photo and a few fun facts, and we might feature them in an upcoming issue. It’s a fun way to share smiles with the community and discover local pet resources along the way.

This week’s reader submission: Rosie

“This is Rosie! She loves people watching, eating slippers, and burying her toys and bones in the couch cushions. She has crippling separation anxiety so she loves to go on adventures with her people!”

Rosie, always up for an adventure!

P.S. I’m also looking to partner with a local pet business to help bring this section to life—if that’s you (or someone you know), shoot me an email here.

Charm City Bulletin

Want to spread the good word about your business to 7,800+ locals? Book an ad in the Charm City Bulletin. Shoot me an email or click the button below to learn more.

Aluma Yoga | Locations in Mt. Washington & Cockeysville
Voted Best of Baltimore in 2023, 2024 & 2025, Aluma Yoga isn’t just another studio — it’s where stressed, busy Baltimoreans finally hit reset.

Here’s the deal: 30 days of unlimited yoga for new members. One month to try every class. Where strength meets flow—designed to leave you grounded, strong, and clear. Expert instructors who meet you where you’re at. Two beautiful studios in Cockeysville and Mt. Washington. Morning, evening, and weekend classes that fit any schedule. All you have to do is walk in the door — everything else takes care of itself.

Green Fields Nursery | Baltimore City
Baltimore City's premier garden center since 1923. Find everything for fall planting—flowering perennials, shade & ornamental trees, houseplants, veggies, bulk soils, pottery, tools, and gardening gifts. Their expert team also offers in-home landscaping consultations. Visit greenfieldsnursery.com or call (410) 323-3444 for fresh tips and yard inspiration.

Regina Pools & Spas | Greater Baltimore
Family-owned since 1974 and serving Greater Baltimore from their Timonium showroom, Regina Pools & Spas offers everything from hot tubs (Hot Spring & Freeflow) to swim spas, saunas, and in-ground pool design and installation. When the season calls, their expert team handles pool openings, closings, maintenance, water care, pool repairs, and hot tub service. Ready to transform your backyard or relax with a soak? Call (410) 252‑5116 or visit reginapools.com to book your in-home consult today.

Date Spot Of The Week

Zen West (Belvedere Square)

📍 5916 York Rd, Baltimore, MD 21212

This week we’re heading to Belvedere Square…

Zen West is Tex-Mex done right: a fun, colorful spot where your date night can start with Truck Stop Nachos loaded with chili, queso, and pico, or Calamari tossed in chipotle ranch for something light but flavorful.

For mains, go bold with the Carne Asada (grilled skirt steak with chipotle BBQ, veggies, and mashed potatoes) or the Carnitas Rancheros (slow-cooked pork, tortillas, beans, rice) — both full of punch and shareable energy. Veggie folks will dig the Veggie Fajitas or Black Bean/Veggie Burrito for something just as satisfying.

Save room for dessert: a Chocolate Brownie topped with ice cream is ideal for two.

The vibe? Casual but vibrant — dim lights, fun décor, good tunes. It’s the kind of spot where you can be comfy but still feel like you're out for something special.

Real Estate Corner: Brought to You By Susan Carroll, eXp Realty 

Each week we’ll showcase a few standout listings from around the Baltimore area—sometimes it’s a great starter home, sometimes a smart investment, and sometimes just one we can all daydream about.

If any of these spark your interest, or you’re curious about the market in general, our partner Susan Carroll is here to help with buying, selling, or answering your real estate questions.

Thanks for reading Eating Baltimore today. If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, share it with someone who would bet on the Pigtown pig races.

Have a great weekend!

Matt | Eating Baltimore

Our Eating Baltimore Partners are local businesses and organizations that have committed to growing with us in the Baltimore area community. If you’re interested in what it looks like to be an Eating Baltimore Partner, let’s talk.

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