Preakness, Perennials & Parties: What to Do This Weekend in Baltimore

Baltimore Weekend Weather Snapshot

Friday, May 16: More clouds than sun; humid with a thunderstorm in spots; storms can bring flooding downpours and localized damaging wind gusts. High around 83°F, low near 67°F.

Saturday, May 17: Very warm with sun and some clouds; an afternoon thunderstorm. High of 88°F, low of 63°F.

Sunday, May 18: Partly sunny, breezy and less humid. High of 78°F, low of 56°F.

Nice weather for the Preakness?! Unheard of!

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Things To Do This Weekend In The Baltimore Area

Preakness: Everything You Need to Know

This Saturday, May 17, marks the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes at Baltimore’s historic Pimlico Race Course. Post time is set for approximately 6:50 p.m. This year’s field includes nine contenders, with Journalism, the Kentucky Derby runner-up, entering as the favorite. Notably, Derby winner Sovereignty will skip the Preakness, eliminating the possibility of a Triple Crown winner this year.

Beyond the race, the Preakness weekend offers a variety of events and entertainment. The Infield Fan Zone, hosted by Ravens legend Ray Lewis, features bottomless beer and wine, live wagering, and performances by Wyclef Jean and T-Pain. For those unable to attend in person, NBC Sports will broadcast the race, with coverage beginning at 4 p.m. and the race airing around 6:50 p.m.

One final note… This year's Preakness is significant for many (including yours truly), as it will be the last held at Pimlico Race Course before its demolition and extensive renovation. Opened in 1870, Pimlico has been the home of the Preakness for over a century. Following this year's race, the facility will undergo a major redevelopment, with plans to return the Preakness to a newly rebuilt Pimlico in 2027.

I’ll be having a few drinks in honor of the old guards of Pimlico, like my grandfather, who kept that place in business for many years & gave me memories I’ll cherish forever.

Food & Drink

🥃 Whiskey on the Waterfront
📅 Saturday, May 17 | 1PM – 5PM
📍 Sagamore Spirit Distillery, 301 E Cromwell St, Baltimore

Kick off the season with Sagamore Spirit's Whiskey on the Waterfront! Enjoy live music by Mallow Hill from 1PM to 5PM, craft cocktails at Nineteen O’ Nine, and bites from local favorites like Bmore Greek, Little Minor Taco, and Pizza di Joey. Bring a blanket or chair for the waterfront lawn—dogs on leashes are welcome!

🇮🇹 Light Up Little Italy Festival
📅 Sunday, May 18 | 11AM – 7PM
📍 Little Italy, Baltimore

Get ready for a full day of fun in one of Baltimore’s most iconic neighborhoods! The first annual Light Up Little Italy Festival is bringing music, food, local vendors, and family-friendly entertainment to the streets. Even better? Proceeds go to support three beloved Baltimore charities: the Oriole Advocates, GILD Foundation, and Mo Gaba Foundation. Come for the Italian pride, stay for the cause.

🥖 French Indoor Spring Picnic at Pierpoint
📅 Friday, May 16 | 6:30PM
📍 Pierpoint Restaurant, 1822 Aliceanna St, Baltimore
💵 $65 per person

Who says picnics are only for the outdoors? This indoor French picnic at Pierpoint is bringing the charm (and the cheese) inside for a spring evening like no other. The menu is magnifique—with dishes like lobster leek vichyssoise, French country pâté, duck & lamb confit over fries, and mousse au chocolat wrapped in a tuille. Expect spritzes, champagne cocktails, and wine to keep the vibes très chic.

🧂 Baltimore Fermentation Festival
📅 Friday, May 16 – Saturday, May 17
📍 HEX Superette, 5718 York Rd, Baltimore
💵 $25–$125

Join HEX Superette for the Baltimore Fermentation Festival, a two-day celebration of all things fermented. On Friday evening, enjoy an intimate session with fermentation expert Sandor Katz, featuring fermented cocktails, snacks, and a Q&A. Saturday offers a vibrant marketplace with vendors showcasing kimchi, miso, mead, and more, along with tastings and workshops.

🕺 Brunch & Bubbly: 80s Edition
📅 Sunday, May 18 | 12PM – 3PM
📍 Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, 6526 Holabird Ave, Baltimore
💵 $27 per person

Get ready to relive the 80s at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood's high-energy brunch party! Enjoy bottomless champagne, Bloody Marys, and mimosas while dancing to hits from Madonna, Bon Jovi, and more. Indulge in brunch favorites like Crab Cakes Benedict and Chicken & Waffles. Dress in your best 80s attire and join the fun in the brand-new second-floor bar, Jimmy’s LIVE!

BONUS Baltimore County: 

🍎 Teacher’s Happy Hour at The Point in Towson
📅 Friday, May 16 | 3PM – 7PM
📍 The Point in Towson, 523 York Rd, Towson, MD
🎉 50% off select drinks for educators with school ID

Teachers, it's time to clock out and turn up! Join us at The Point in Towson for a well-deserved happy hour featuring half-priced select drinks and delicious food specials. Just bring your school ID and enjoy the festivities.

Art & Culture

🎨 MICA ArtWalk 2025
📅 Friday, May 16 | 5:30PM – 8:30PM
📍 Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), 1300 W Mount Royal Ave, Baltimore
💵 Free & Open to the Public

Experience Baltimore’s largest visual arts showcase at MICA’s ArtWalk 2025. Featuring over 2,400 unique works by nearly 400 emerging artists, this event offers a vibrant evening of art, conversation, and community. Enjoy food from local favorites like Bmore Greek Grill and Kooper’s Chowhound. Don’t miss this celebration of creativity and talent

🌌 NIGHTSCAPE Festival at Night Owl Gallery
📅 Friday, May 16 – Saturday, May 17
📍 Night Owl Gallery, 1735 Maryland Ave, Baltimore

Experience a weekend of art, music, and community at the NIGHTSCAPE Festival in Station North. On Friday, enjoy live performances by The Shrapnels and Old Crab Hands amidst a vibrant art exhibition. Saturday features a daytime market with local artists, makers, and DJs, followed by an evening of collaborative performances by Lee Allen, Siena Facciolo, and Jesse Moody, with live painting by Alex F. Cap off the night with drinks and dancing at The Royal Blue

Family Fun

🌸 Flower Fest at Union Collective
📅 Saturday, May 17 | 12PM – 5PM
📍 Union Collective, 1700 W 41st St, Baltimore

Celebrate the beauty and spirit of all things floral at Flower Fest! Enjoy botanical bites, flower-infused drinks, and explore offerings from local vendors who share a passion for petals. Participating venues include Union Craft Brewing, Baltimore Spirits Company, The Wine Collective, Vent Coffee Roasters, and The Charmery. Wander, sip, and soak in the season—this one's for the flower lovers

🇵🇭 Filipino Festival at Power Plant Live!
📅 Sunday, May 18 | 10AM
📍 Power Plant Live!, 34 Market Place, Baltimore, MD
💵 $5 Advance | $10 at Door | Kids 6 & Under Free

Celebrate the vibrant culture of the Philippines at Baltimore’s Filipino Festival! Enjoy a day filled with delicious Filipino cuisine, live music, cultural performances, and a colorful parade. Support local vendors and artisans while immersing yourself in the rich traditions of the Filipino community. Advance tickets are $5, or $10 at the door; children 6 and under enter free.

🪓🐾 Cats, Dogs & Bullseyes at Urban Axes
📅 Saturday, May 17 | 3PM – 6PM
📍 Urban Axes, 1 N Haven St, Baltimore

Combine axe-throwing fun with a great cause at Urban Axes' Cats, Dogs & Bullseyes event. Enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition, meet adoptable pets from the Maryland SPCA, and support animal welfare—half of all proceeds go directly to the MD SPCA. Bring an item from the MD SPCA's wish list and receive a Jell-O shot or a $5 coupon for a future visit. Participants must be 12 or older; closed-toe shoes are required.

🌍 Community Day at the BMA
📅 Sunday, May 18 | 11:30AM – 4PM
📍 Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore
💵 Free Admission

Celebrate the opening of Black Earth Rising, a powerful exhibition exploring the intersections of climate change, colonialism, and resilience through works by artists of African diasporic, Latin American, and Native American heritage. The day features family-friendly activities, live music, Qigong in the Sculpture Garden, and a chance to connect with local environmental organizations. Free timed-entry tickets to the exhibition are available

BONUS Baltimore County: 

🌼 Perennial Fest at Second Chance Plants (Towson)
📅 May 16–18
📍 1258 Putty Hill Ave, Towson, MD 21286
🕒 Fri: 10AM–6PM | Sat: 8AM–6PM | Sun: 10AM–2PM

Discover over 200 varieties of perennials at unbeatable prices during the Perennial Fest at Second Chance Plants in Towson. Whether you're looking for sun-loving blooms, shade dwellers, native species, or pollinator-friendly plants, there's something for every garden enthusiast. Prices start as low as $3.99. In addition to perennials, the festival offers a wide selection of summer herbs, vegetables, annuals, shrubs, and more—often up to 50% cheaper than big box stores. It's the perfect opportunity to stock up for the growing season.

🚗 Smyth Spring Car Show
📅 Saturday, May 17 | 10AM–2PM
📍 Smyth Jewelers, 2020 York Rd, Timonium, MD
💵 $5 car registration (no pre-registration required)

Join us for the Annual Spring Car Show at Smyth Jewelers! Enjoy a day filled with classic and custom cars, family-friendly activities, and delicious offerings from Slicen Dyson and Maryland Mobile Bar. The first 75 vehicles will receive a goodie bag and dash plaque. Awards will be given to the top 20 vehicles. Proceeds and a portion of in-store sales will benefit the Kendall Burrows Foundation

Music & Entertainment

🎶 Rotunda Rocks: Justin Trawick & The Common Good
📅 Friday, May 16 | 6PM – 9PM
📍 The Rotunda Plaza, 711 W 40th St, Baltimore
💵 Free & Family-Friendly

Kick off your weekend at Rotunda Rocks, the free Friday night concert series in Hampden! This week features Justin Trawick & The Common Good, delivering a dynamic blend of Americana, bluegrass, and folk. Enjoy live music, local food and drinks, games, and vendors in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Pets are welcome, and a portion of beverage sales supports the Maryland SPCA

💃 Feel the Rhythm: A Night of Salsa & Bachata
📅 Friday, May 16 | 8PM – 2AM
📍 Poe’s Nest at Horseshoe Casino, 1525 Russell St, Baltimore
💵 Free Admission | 21+ with ID

Get ready to dance the night away at Feel the Rhythm, a vibrant evening of salsa and bachata at Horseshoe Casino's Poe’s Nest. The night kicks off with a salsa lesson by SalsaNow at 8:30 PM, followed by electrifying live performances by Hermanos Galvan & Orquesta at 10:45 PM and 12:15 AM. DJ Gio LtnMxx keeps the energy high between sets and closes out the night. Free garage parking is available with a Caesars Rewards card, obtainable on-site with valid ID.

🎤 Comedy Night with Andy Haynes
📅 Saturday, May 17 | Doors 7:30PM, Show 8PM
📍 Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W 41st St, Baltimore

Join us for a night of laughter with Andy Haynes, a New York-based stand-up comedian known for his appearances on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Conan, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central, and HBO. Haynes is a regular at the Comedy Cellar in NYC and the Comedy Store in LA, and his Don't Tell Comedy set has garnered over a million views. Arrive early to enjoy craft beers from Union Craft Brewing and delicious dishes from Carroll & Son Fine Foods.

Featured Restaurant of the Week:

Puerto 511 (Peruvian Cuisine)

📍 Location: 102 Clay St, Baltimore, MD 21201
⏰ Hours: Dinner service, reservations recommended
💵 Price Range: $$
🍷 BYOB: Yes
🌐 Website: puerto511.com

Tucked away on a quiet side street in downtown Baltimore, Puerto 511 is a hidden gem that transports diners straight to the heart of Peru. This intimate, BYOB restaurant offers an authentic Peruvian dining experience, complete with warm hospitality and a cozy atmosphere.

Chef-owner José Victorio crafts a menu that showcases traditional Peruvian flavors with dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and ají de gallina. The restaurant's BYOB policy allows guests to bring their favorite bottle of wine or pisco, which the staff will happily use to mix up a refreshing pisco sour.

Despite its rave reviews and loyal following, Puerto 511 remains one of Baltimore's best-kept culinary secrets. With limited seating, it's the perfect spot for an intimate dinner or special occasion. Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this charming eatery.

On the Market: Baltimore Home of the Week

Timeless Charm Meets Modern Comfort on E Lake Ave

📍 122 E Lake Ave, Baltimore, MD 21212

$445,000 | 3 Beds, 3 Baths | 2,420 Sqft

Nestled within the charming Cedarcroft Historic District, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Center Hall Colonial offers a perfect blend of classic elegance and modern comfort.

Built in 1948, the 2,420-square-foot home features gleaming hardwood floors, custom moldings, and an abundance of natural light throughout. The heart of the home is its updated open-concept kitchen, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. A spacious family room with recessed lighting provides a cozy retreat, while the professionally landscaped front and back yards, complete with mature cherry trees, offer a serene outdoor oasis.

Additional amenities include a fully fenced backyard, off-street parking for 2–3 cars via a private rear alley, and a security system for added peace of mind.

🔗 View Listing →

Got a listing or hidden gem to feature? Hit reply and let us know!

Restaurant & Local News

🎸 Turnstile’s Hometown Show Leaves Baltimore in Awe

Over 10,000 fans gathered at Wyman Park Dell to witness Baltimore's own hardcore-punk band, Turnstile, deliver a high-energy, free concert. The event, marked by an electrifying atmosphere and community spirit, showcased the band's deep roots and rising stardom.
🔗 Read More

💅 Preak Weeks Spotlight Black and Women-Owned Businesses

In celebration of the 150th Preakness Stakes, 'Preak Weeks' highlights 19 local Black and women-owned businesses, offering them increased visibility and community engagement. This initiative underscores Baltimore's commitment to diversity and economic empowerment.
🔗 Read More

🍔 'Taste' Food Truck Opens Brick-and-Mortar in Pigtown

Popular smash burger food truck, Taste, is set to open its first physical location at 801 Washington Blvd in Pigtown. Owner Helen Markatos aims to bring the same delicious flavors to a permanent spot, enhancing the neighborhood's culinary scene.
🔗 Read More

🍷 Wine Village Returns to Inner Harbor’s West Shore Park

The Wine Village in Baltimore is back, offering an extended run through June 1. Visitors can enjoy a variety of beverages, including Maryland wines and unique cocktails, amidst a festive atmosphere with live music, local crafts, and family-friendly activities.
🔗 Read More

🕰️ Baltimore History Bite

The Monumental City

Baltimore earned the nickname "The Monumental City" in the early 19th century, a testament to its rich collection of public monuments. President John Quincy Adams reportedly coined the term during a visit in 1827, impressed by the city's dedication to commemorating its heroes and history.

Notable landmarks include the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon, the first monument erected to honor George Washington, and the Battle Monument downtown, which commemorates those who died in the War of 1812. These structures not only beautify the city but also serve as enduring symbols of Baltimore's historical significance.

🤫 Local Insider Tip

Explore the Hidden Gem of Mount Vernon Place

While many visitors flock to Baltimore's Inner Harbor, the Mount Vernon neighborhood offers a quieter, culturally rich experience. At its heart lies Mount Vernon Place, a beautifully landscaped square surrounded by historic architecture.

Dominating the square is the Washington Monument (not to be confused with the one in D.C.), which was completed in 1829 and is the first monument erected to honor George Washington. Climb its 227 steps for a panoramic view of the city. The surrounding area boasts institutions like the Walters Art Museum and the Peabody Institute, making it a haven for art and history enthusiasts.

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