Baltimore Museum Week

Baltimore is making going to museums around town much easier (and cheaper) from May 19th-24th.  Most places have buy-one, get-one-free offers (some on general admission and some for walking tours). Here's the list of buy-one, get-one free places by day courtesy of Visit Baltimore:

2013 Maryland Film Festival

It's that time of year again in the Maryland film world.  The Maryland Film Fest starts on May 8th, runs until May 12th, and is spread over three venues including the Charles Theater in Station North.  Tickets and passes are on sale now.  This year's highlights include:

• I am Devine, a documentary about actor, singer, and drag icon Harris Glenn Milstead, better known as Divine. Divine was the star of many John Waters films including the original Hairspray as Tracy's Mom Edna Turnblad. 

• The Lost World, the 1925 adaption of the 1912 Arthur Conan Doyle novel which will have a live original score by Alloy Orchestra.

• Ulrich Seidl's Paradise Trilogy, of which Paradise:Faith will be presented by John Waters as one of his favorites.  

• Bobcat Goldthwait's Bigfoot film called Willow Creek.  This was shot on the same location as the famous and controversial Patterson-Gimlin footage some 45 years ago. 

Go to www.md-filmfest.com for more info about all of the films, the festival, and tickets.   

By Tony G

Velvet Velvets at the Windup Space

This Friday will see the return of one of Baltimore's All-Star bands you've probably never heard of.  The Velvet Velvets are reforming to play a few dates this Spring.  They will be kicking it off at the Windup Space on May 3rd before heading to New York for a show.   The band consists of great musicians from the Baltimore area, including members of the Baltimore Afrobeat society.  The groups was formed for a 24 theater event that Michael Flanagan Smith put together called Smalltimore and played for many gigs after around town until most of them left for other places around the world.  Check out thewindupspace.com and facebook.com/thevelvetvelvets for more info.  It will be one of the hottest music shows this Spring.  If you have been to theater or music shows in this town, you will recognize some of these folks!

By Tony G

Baltimore EcoFest 2013

The 10th annual Baltimore EcoFest is this Saturday, April 27th in Druid Hill Park from 11:30AM to 5PM.  Besides food and drinks (including a beer garden), you can do a free bike ride around the lake and pick up a free tree sapling.  I've gotten two in the last two years including a dogwood tree that just bloomed this spring after being planted this time last year.  Here's the website.

Dogwood from EcoFest 2012

Free Show at Single Carrot Theater on Thursday 4/25!

It's the story of the 1996 Peruvian hostages, come to Baltimore.  Come see "The V.I.P." on Thursday, April 2th at 7:30PM and your ticket is free.  The catch?  You need to pick up free tickets from the box office (so they will go quick).  Here's the official website which has a great video to give you an idea about the show.

Happy Birthday John Waters!

Baltimore's own iconic director turns 67 today.  Keep Baltimore weird!

Here are 67 great quotes by him for his 67th birthday.

Privateer Festival 2013

This weekend (April 19-21st) Fells Point will be invaded by Pirates and Privateers.  Be there first thing Saturday Morning at 10AM.  Live bands, contests, food, and crafts will be the order of the day.  Oh, and don't forget to wear appropriate GARRRRRRRB!

Here's the website.

Fort McHenry FREE Next Week!

In honor of National Park Week, all national parks are completely free of charge to enter from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th.  What that means for us in Baltimore is that our local national park, Fort McHenry, is free (saving you $7 per person).  Come down and explore!

Chesapeake Spring Real Ale Festival

This Saturday April 13th, make your way down to the Chesapeake Spring Real Ale Festival at Pratt Street Ale House from 1-5PM.  Tickets for unlimited Ale from over 30 breweries and live music start at $40 online, or $50 at the door.  Get your tickets and more information about the event at their official website.

JHU Spring Fair 2013

Johns Hopkins University is hosting their annual Spring Fair this Friday to Sunday (April 12-14th) at the Homewood Campus in Charles Village.  The event is FREE, open to the public, and will have a ton to do.  Music, Kids area, 30 food vendors, and arts&craft vendors will be there to show off.  Oh, and a great beer garden is available as well.  Check out the official website.