8 Baltimore events — some with beer — to go to this fall
Update
Due to predicted weather conditions, the Fells Point Fun Festival scheduled for Oct. 2-4 has been postponed, according to a post on the Fell's Point Fun Fest Facebook page.
"After discussions with the Baltimore's Department of Emergency Management, Fell's Point Main Street has made the decision to postpone this weekend's Fells Point Fun Festival until later in the month," the post said. "Our #1 priority is the safety and enjoyment of our festival goers."
Organizers are tentatively looking at the weekend of Oct. 23, 24, and 25, the post said.
Previously reported
Whether it's sampling some harvest brews, checking out a good book or listening to the Baltimore Philharmonia Orchestra, Charm City has a variety of events to enjoy this fall.
It's only a short drive away. Just make your plans early, as some require reservations or ticket.
Here's a sampling of what's happening:
Baltimore Book Festival, Sept. 25-27
Inner Harbor
Book it to this annual festival to pick up a good read and sample some culinary delights. The event features national and regional authors, book signings, readings, panel discussions, cooking demonstrations and more, according to a news release. Kwame Alexander, a 2015 Newbery winner for his book "The Crossover"; Jessica Knoll, author of the "Luckiest Girl Alive"; and Alice Randall and Caroline Randall Williams, who wrote "Soul Food Love: Healthy Recipes Inspired by 100 Years of Cooking in a Black Family" are among the highlighted authors this year. Check out the cooking demonstrations and enjoy food from local vendors, such as Indigma, Smokin' Joes BBQ and Dragonfly Farms Sangria and Wines.
Baltimore Comic-Con, Sept. 25-27
The Baltimore Convention Center
Comic fans will want to descend on Charm City — maybe even in costume — for this event. Media guests at the show will include Katie Cassidy and Paul Blackthorne, actors on the CW hit series, "Arrow," according to the website. A costume contest is a popular event, and those who dress up as their favorite characters have a chance to win money in either the professional or amateur categories. Details here.
Free Fall Baltimore, all month
Various locations
From printing geometric patterns as a family activity to listening to the Baltimore Philharmonia Orchestra perform the "Tubby the Tuba" concert, Free Fall Baltimore offers more than 300 events throughout the month, according to its website. The events include lectures, festivals, music and more for adults and families. Perhaps an "Undiscovered Baltimore" tour of little known buildings as well as hidden features in well-known landmarks would interest you. While the events are free, many require registration, so check out the full lineup and sign up early to reserve a spot. Details here.
Fell's Point Fun Festival, Oct. 2-4
Throughout Fell's Point
In its 49th year, this festival features local bands; food, beer and spirits, art, jewelry and other items for sale as well as a children's zone, according to a news release.
Magicians, clowns and jugglers will provide entertainment for the children. The children's zone also will include inflatable bounces and slides, face painting and more.
Visitors can buy beer, wine and spirits at Harvest Garden. Food trucks will be on hand, too.
Restaurants, bars and shops in Fell's Point also will be open during the event. Details here.
Baltimore Beer Week, Oct. 9-18
Various locations
This is the week to enjoy a beer dinner, participate in a 22-mile bike ride and pub crawl or make your own beer stein. Or if you are into history, a walking tour focuses on breweries of the past. Hundreds of events are planned throughout the 10-day event (yes, they know how to count) at 90 venues in Baltimore and its suburbs, founder Joe Gold said. Dozens of breweries are participating. Some events are pay as you go. Others have set prices.
Beer week is 10 days so that two weekends can be included, he said.
It all started seven years ago. Philadelphia had a beer week, and Gold thought that it was something Baltimore should have, too.
"If you're in to beer, it's the best time to be in Baltimore," he said. Details here.
Baltimore Craft Beer Festival, Oct. 24
Canton Waterfront Park
Sample craft beers from dozens of Maryland breweries and judge homebrews entered into a competition. The festival has moved to a new location this year, and a good turnout is expected, said Stephen Demczuk, founder and president of Raven Beer in Baltimore.
It's a way to spread the word that breweries in the state are making good beer, he said.
The event is put on by the Brewers Association of Maryland, a nonprofit trade association of Maryland brewers.
A VIP pass for the event costs $55 and general admission passes are $45 or $35. Visitors also can catch a bus to the festival from points outside of the city. Details here.
Pigtown Festival, Oct. 10
700-900 Washington Boulevard
This small neighborhood, which received its name from the carloads of pigs that would get off of the B&O Railroad and weave their way through the community, celebrates with an annual festival, featuring music, food and drink, and, of course, pig races. Music this year will be performed by the Kelly Bell Band, a blues band; Jah Works, a reggae band; and Nelly's Echo, which has competed on the NBC television show, "The Voice," according to its web site. Visitors can purchase bottomless drink passes for beer, wine and cocktails. The cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Details here.
Charm City Fringe Festival, Nov. 8-15
Station North Arts & Entertainment District, Mount Vernon, and Hampden
This event, which celebrates theater and performing arts, has doubled in size this year. Performers include 25 theater companies, 20 plus bands and comics. They hail from Baltimore, New York, Chicago, Minneapolis and other large cities. One of the shows — "Feel the Power of the Dork Side" by Doctor Pete Productions LLC of Marietta, Ga. — takes a look at technology and science, according to the nonprofit organization.
Patrons need to buy a $5 festival button to attend the performances. Tickets for each production are $10, according to the news release. Details here.