Happy 284th Birthday Baltimore!

The town of Baltimore was founded today, July 30th in 1729.  She doesn't look too bad for 284.

Baltimore Restaurant Week Starts Today!

Get out there and check out a new place for dinner!

Here's the official website, which lists participating restaurants, menus, and more info:  http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com/

Summer Social at West Shore Park

Tomorrow (July 26th from 5-8PM) is another Summer Social at West Shore Park at the Inner Harbor, and the weather couldn't be better for it.  Food trucks, live music featuring the Kelly Bell Band, drinks, and no cost make it a fantastic family event.  Oh, and if it gets too warm for you, just take a jog through the Walter Sondheim fountain!

Here's the official website:  http://www.waterfrontpartnership.org/calendar-of-events/30/summer-socials-west-shore-park

2013 Artscape Pictures and Video

There's still plenty of time to check out Artscape, but here are just a few sights and sounds to get you in the spirit.  Click on images to enlarge them.  For more info on Artscape, go to the official website at http://www.artscape.org/.

Science Center Patio Parties

On Fridays July 19th, August 9th, and August 16th from 5-8PM, the MD Science Center will be throwing FREE Patio Parties looking out over the Inner Harbor.  There will be live music (including Kelly Bell Band this Friday), Light fare food, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available to purchase.  What's nice is that the patio is well shaded, and if you do get a bit too warm, just step inside the very well air-conditioned Science Center and pay only $8 admission to see all the exhibits (free to members though).  If there just so happens to be rain on one of the Fridays, then the entire event is moved inside instead of being canceled.  Here's the official website for more details:  http://www.mdsci.org/events-calendar/events/patioparty.html

Baltimore's 31st Annual Caribbean Carnival/Festival

$10 grants you access to the biggest Caribbean Festival in the area this weekend (July 13th-14th) at Lake Clifton Park.  In fact, the DC festival has been rolled into Baltimore's to make it even bigger this year.  There's a ton of information about the 2 day event at www.BaltimoreWashingtonCarnival.com.  If you're interested in seeing the parade (and you should be), it starts at 900 East 33rd street at noon on Saturday.

Food Truck Gathering 7/12 in Hampden

The Gathering comes to Hampden tomorrow from 5-10PM at the Keswick castle (34th and Keswick).  It's not just Food trucks that make the event though, it's the live music, a beer garden ($22 all you can drink), and a huge social mixer.  You can find out about this and future Gathering events or buy your wristbands ahead of time at http://www.thegatheringbaltimore.com/.  These events are family and pet friendly, but make sure your pets are on leashes.

Baltimore's 2013 4th of July Activities

Amazingly it is already July and it's time to gather your picnic blankets, your favorite summer food (steamed crabs are good for a picnic, right?), and check out some local activities. If you're in the Baltimore area this Thursday and would like to join in the celebrations, there are a number of different options:

Pets on Parade
American Visionary Art Museum
10:00AM (9:30AM Pet registration)
Guaranteed to be fun and memorable, the AVAM is putting on their free event, Pets on Parade. If you have fun pet costumes you'd like to show off (or if you'd just like to see the creative costumes of your neighbors), come join the festivities! Trophies will be awarded for Best Costume, Most Patriotic, Most Visionary Pet, Owner & Pet look-alikes, Least likely to succeed as a Pet, Visionary Pet Tricks and more with a talent (or not) show to follow. Your pet must be carried or on a leash. Water and baggies will be provided.
Click here for more: http://www.avam.org/news-and-events/events/july4-pet-parade.shtml


Fourth of July Fun
Port Discovery
11:00AM-3:00PM
If you're spending the day downtown and want activities that your whole family can enjoy, head over to Port Discovery!
Community Drum Circle: 11 am - 3 pm
Pop Up Science: 11 am & 11:30 am
Art A la Cart- Stars and Stripes Forever: 11:30 am & 2 pm
Circle Time: 11:30 am
Visit here for more details: http://www.portdiscovery.org/calendar/events/972

Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration
Thursday, July 4, 2013, 4-10 p.m.
This is Baltimore's official 4th of July party. Join the celebration down at the Inner Harbor where there will be bands, food and an 18-minute fireworks display. The fireworks are shot out over the harbor from synchronized barges so you don't have to be right at the harbor to see them. You can get a wonderful view from along the promenade in Fells Point, Harbor East and particularly up on Federal Hill.
Here is the schedule:
4-6 p.m.: Jah Works, reggae band
7-9 p.m.: U.S. Naval Academy Band Electric Brigade
9:30 p.m.: Fireworks

Historic Ships in Baltimore's Independence Day Deck Party
Thursday, July 4, 2013, 7-10 p.m.
Tickets are $65 for adults and $25 for 17 and under. It looks like there is space still available for this unique night aboard the U.S.S. Constellation. You'll have an amazing view of the fireworks as well as dinner, local beer, wine and soda, music and special tours of the ship.
Click here for tickets: http://www.historicships.org/july4th.html

Baltimore Independence Day Fireworks Dinner Cruise
7:30PM-11:00PM (Boards at 7:00PM)
Enjoy dinner and a cruise with a front row seat to the fireworks on the Baltimore Spirit. Tickets run about $110 each but include a buffet dinner and a DJ.
Visit here for more details: http://www.spiritcruisesbaltimore.com/Baltimore/july-4th-cruises