Best things to do in Baltimore area

3. Fells Point Fun Festival

Expecting more than 700,000 festival goers, the 42nd annual outdoor celebration boasts more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, 250 retailers from around the world, fine arts displayed at the City Pier, carnival rides, flea market, four international food courts and five stages showcasing rock and roll, bluegrass, jazz, folk, Cajun, country, gospel, barbershop tunes. Details: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday Oct. 4 and Sunday Oct. 5; 812 S. Ann St., Baltimore; Free; www.preservationsociety.com/fpff2008generalinformation.html.

4. The Labyrinth at the Amaranthine Museum

Navigate the maze-like museum while walking through rooms dedicated to the evolution of the arts from past to present civilizations. While walking through the museum, you’ll also discover imaginative works from Les Harris, a leader in the emergence of the visionary arts movement. Details: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.. Saturdays and Sundays, or during the weekdays for groups by appointment; Amaranthine Museum, 2010 Clipper Park Road, Baltimore; $5; 410-523-2574, www.amaranthinemuseum.com.

5. Gywnns Falls Trail afternoon hikes

Enjoy a guided tour through the breathtaking Trail for only a $1. Through Nov. 22 on the trail, see Baltimore’s largest free outdoor public sculptural exhibit, featuring works made from nature’s resources from 20 area artists. Details: Tours are 3 p.m. every Saturday; The Gwynns Falls Trail, 4500 Franklintown Road in Baltimore; $1; Pre-registration is required; please call at least 24 hours in advance. Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots. Recommended for ages 7 and older; 410-945-0586, www.starspangledtrails.org.

Posh Date

1. The Maryland Wine Festival 25th Anniversary

Take a sip of the good life while tasting wines from Maryland’s 27 wineries, which produce more than 250 delicious types of vino — from crisp dry whites to full-bodied reds, specially-crafted blends, sparkling wines and luxuriously sweet dessert wines. Give your date the VIP treatment by buying a premier ticket that grants you access to wineries’ premium wines, tastings from Maryland’s newest wineries not in the main festival and food samples from area restaurants. Details: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday; Carroll County Farm Museum, Westminster; $5 for ages 7 to 20, adult admission $20, premier ticket $45 in advance, $50 at the gate; 1-800-654-4645, www.marylandwine.com.

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2. ‘Aida’

Giuseppe Verdi’s acclaimed opera set in Egypt tells the plight of Aida, an enslaved Ethiopian princess whose enduring love for an enemy commander leads to conspiracy, defeat and ultimately, death. Details: Oct. 11, 15, 17, 18 and 19; Lyric Opera House, 110 W. Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore; $99 per ticket, minimum two tickets required; 410-727-6000, www.baltimoreopera.com.

3. 4th Annual Concours D’Elegance

Benefiting the Children’s Guild, the Concours D’Elegance displays marquee Italian cars and motorcycles, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Ducati and Vespa. About 5,000 spectators are expected to flock to Harbor East for the thrilling wheels, live entertainment, food, raffles, silent auction and shopping. Details: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28; Harbor East, Baltimore; Free, donations accepted; www.childrensguild.org.

4. Charleston

You haven’t dined in style until you’ve visited one of Chef Cindy Wolf and Tony Foreman’s culinary havens. At Charleston, Wolf uses classic French techniques and seasonal ingredients to create dishes from scratch. The tasting menu allows you to eat a number of small courses depending upon your appetite and what the evening is all about for you. Details: Charleston, 1000 Lancaster St., Baltimore; $74 for 3 courses, $86 for 4 courses, $98 for 5 courses, $109 for 6 courses; 410-332-7373, www.charlestonrestaurant.com.

5. John Sebastian and David Grisman

If you don’t know him from his group The Lovin’ Spoonful and their hits “Do You Believe In Magic?,” “You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice,” “Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind?” or “Summer In The City,” you know John Sebastian as the mind behind the infectious “Welcome Back, Kotter” theme song. Sebastian and David Grisman kick off Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts’ season with a performance of acoustic duets featuring folk, blues, instrumentals and original tunes. Details: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16; 801 Chase St., Annapolis; $40 for members, $45 for non-members; 410-280-5640, www.marylandhall.org.

Family

1. Clark’s Elioak Farm

At the kid-friendly, 540-acre farm, families can enjoy a petting farm, hay rides, pony rides, face-painting, Enchanted Forest attractions, a playground, picnics, kid’s jump course and pumpkin patches. Details: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; Clark’s Elioak Farm, 10500 Route 108, Ellicott City; $2 to $4.50, infants under 12 months free; www.clarklandfarm.com 410-730-4049.

2. How People Make Things

Inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood factory tours, How People Make Things shows children how people and tools transform raw materials into finished products. The exhibit offers hands-on activities using real factory tools and machines to create objects through four manufacturing processes — molding, cutting, deforming and assembling. Details: Sept. 27 though Jan. 4; Port Discovery, 34 Market Place, Baltimore; Free to $11.75; www.portdiscovery.com.

3. ‘Seussical the Musical’

Pumpkin Theatre’s fall season kicks off with a fantastical musical comedy starring Horton the elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, Cat in the Hat and all the Whos in Whoville. Details: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sept. 20, 21, 27 and 28; Pumpkin Theatre, Ruxton Towers, 8415 Bellona Lane, Suite 115, Baltimore; $12 to $13; www.pumpkintheatre.com, 410-828-1814.

4. ‘Disney on Ice Presents Worlds of Fantasy’

Worlds of Fantasy showcases beloved characters from “Cars,” “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid.” A magical cast of fairies from Disney’s new film “Tinker Bell” will join the familiar faces on ice. Details: Oct. 2 through Nov. 2; 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore; $16 to $56; www.baltimorearena.com.

5. ‘The Cheetah Girls — One World Tour’

The Cheetah Girls have evolved from characters in series of books about a girl pop band to a series of Disney TV movies about a girl pop band to an actual, touring girl pop band. Details: 7 p.m. Nov. 5; 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore; $35 to $45; www.BaltimoreArena.com.

Exhibits

1. Bedazzled: 5,000 Years of Jewelry

From a glittering Tiffany & Co. necklace to a ceremonial Chinese headdress and Roman snake bracelet, The Walters Art Museum’s fall exhibit gives us exquisite jewelry from over 5,000 of world history to behold. More than 200 pieces, dating from 3,000 B.C. to early 20th century, will be on view, presenting the evolution of techniques and materials throughout the ages and jewelry’s importance as a symbol of creativity, wealth and position. Finger rings will be highlighted.

Details: Oct. 19 through Jan. 4, 2009; The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore; 410-574-9000, Free to $8; www.thewalters.org.

2. The Marriage of Art, Science & Philosophy

If you expect greatness from the American Visionary Art Museum you won’t be disappointed in their 14th thematic mega art exhibit. The display from 50 artists takes a fresh look at the notion of sound, color, number and scale. Don’t miss Dalton Ghetti’s micro-carvings on the tips of pencils and work from one of the oldest living men in America, Frank Calloway, who is 112. Details: Oct. 4 through Sept. 6, 2009; American Visionary Art Museum; 800 Key Highway, Baltimore; Free to $12; 410-244-1900, www.avam.org.

3. Franz West, To Build a House You Start with the Roof: Work, 1972-2008

Dorit, the bizarre 20-foot pink sculpture outside the Baltimore Museum of Art, is just a quick sample of the numerous innovative objects and works on paper inside the museum waiting for your eyes and hands. The sculpture is a part of the first major U.S. retrospective on Franz West, an Austrian artist who questioned whether or not art should be thought of as precious object, worthy of reverence. Details: Oct. 12 through Jan. 4, 2009; The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore; Free; 410-396-7100, www.artbma.org.

4. Is You Is or Is You Ain’t

Creative Alliance’s first major touring exhibit gives us seven works on video from national and international artists including Hank Willis Thomas and Kambui Olujimi’s collaboration that uses toy figures to tell the heartbreaking, true story of a fatal sidewalk robbery. Details: Opens from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; remains on view through Oct. 25; Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore; 410-276-1651, www.creativealliance.org.

5. MICA Faculty Exhibition

MICA’s renowned full-time faculty show why they’re leading the nationally acclaimed art school. Their exhibit highlights faculty members’ diverse content, medium and style. Details: Today through Sunday, Oct. 5; Decker and Meyerhoff galleries, Fox Building, 1303 Mount Royal Ave.; and Pinkard Gallery, Bunting Center, 1401 Mount Royal Ave. Reception: Thursday, Oct. 2, 5 to 7 p.m.

6. Platters and Pourers

Curator John Glick’s criteria was simple for Baltimore Claywork’s upcoming show. “I wanted to be stimulated certainly, and to feel a combination of “rightness” in the piece as well as sense of wholeness in the forming skills employed to render the piece,” he wrote. Details: Sept. 27 through Nov. 6; Baltimore Clayworks, 5707 Smith Ave., Baltimore; Free; 410-578-1919, www.baltimoreclayworks.org. Opening reception 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 26.

7. 8th annual American Landscapes exhibition

Open to artists across the country, this juried exhibit promises two- and three-dimensional works depicting America’s diverse and rich landscape. Details: Through Oct. 12; Maryland Federation of Art; Circle Gallery, 18 State Circle, Annapolis; Free; 410-268-4566, www.mdfedart.org.

8. 6th Annual Curators’ Incubator

Curators Zoma Wallace and T. Shareen Dash present AFRIKATALYST, an exhibition of art and performance based on an art movement that is “heavily informed by scientific, historical and sociological scholarship and is infused with cultural nuances of the Afrikan Diaspora.” Curator Rebecca Weber presents Invisible Omniscience: Seeing and the Seen, an exhibition that addresses the ubiquitous use of surveillance in contemporary society and the issues that are raised regarding security and a person’s civil liberties. Details: Through Oct. 25; Maryland Art Place, 8 Market Place, Baltimore; Free; 410-962-8565, www.mdartplace.org. Gallery Talk 6 p.m. Sept. 26.

9. Personal Vocabulary

Maryland State Arts Council’s fall exhibit features paintings and works on paper by Maryland artists who have received a 2008 MSAC Individual Artist Award. Details: Sept. 25 through Dec. 18; Maryland State Arts Council, James Backas Gallery, 175 W. Ostend St., Baltimore; Free; 410-767-6555, www.msac.org.

10. From Here

New works from Lillian Bayley Hoover examine the relationship that develops between the conflict within an image and the viewer. Details: Through Sept. 26; McDaniel College, The Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall, 2 College Hill, Westminster; Free; 410-857-2595, www.lillianhoover.com.

Theater

1. ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’

The musical follows Elle Woods, an underestimated blonde who sets out to prove herself by dumping her easy sorority life for a grueling schedule at Harvard Law. Details: 8 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday from Sept. 30 to Oct. 12; The Hippodrome, 12 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore; tickets start at $22; 410-547-7328.

2. ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’

When George and Martha invite newlyweds Nick and Honey for late-night cocktails, the older couple becomes the host and hostess from hell as games and gossip give way to private grievances and painful secrets. Details: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday; Centerstage, 700 N. Calvert St., Baltimore; $10 to $60; 410-332-0033.

3. ‘Take Me Out’

Hilarious and hard-hitting, “Take Me Out” explores the issues of celebrity, homophobia, race and friendship through America’s favorite pastime — baseball. Details: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays Sept. 19 through Oct. 19; Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann St., Baltimore; $15 to $17; 410-276-7837.

4. ‘Scrooge: The Musical’

A musical re-telling of Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic about the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is forced to face his unpleasant past, present and future via three ghosts. Details: 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday Nov. 8 through Dec. 28; Lorenzo’s Dinner Theatre, 9603 Deereco Road, Timonium; various pricing; 410-560-1113.

5. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

August Wilson’s play is set in 1927 at a Chicago recording studio where the already well-known blues singer, Ma Rainey, is scheduled to record some numbers with her band. Details: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 28; Vagabond Players, 806 S. Broadway, Fells Point; $15; 410-563-9135.

6. ‘Phantom of the Opera’

Toby’s Dinner Theatre Baltimore offers up its original adaptation of the romantic tragedy “Phantom of the Opera.” Details: 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and Sunday through Nov. 16; Toby’s Dinner Theatre Baltimore, 5625 O’Donnell St., Baltimore; $32.50 to $51; www.tobysdinnertheatre.com.

7. ‘The Big Knife’

Johns Hopkins University Theatre debuts its fall season with Clifford Odet’s drama about what happens to an actor’s life after he compromises his beliefs to maintain motion picture stardom. Details: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Oct. 24 through Nov. 2; Johns Hopkins University Theatre, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore; $5 to $15; 410-516-5153.

8. ‘Lord Giovanni’

Opera Vivente presents Mozart’s masterpiece, infused with dark undercurrents of the human experience. Details: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26, Oct. 2 and 4, 3 p.m. Sept. 28; Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 811 Cathedral St., Baltimore; $33 to $55; 410-547-7997.

9. ‘HATS! the musical’

“HATS!” a new critically acclaimed musical, takes a hilarious look at one woman’s struggle with her impending 50th birthday. Details: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday Oct. 10 through Nov. 2; Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St., Baltimore; 410-752-1225.

10. ‘An Evening with Mark Twain’

The performance is presented in the setting of Samuel L. Clemens’ parlor. Here, Mark Twain will share his wit, wisdom, and humor. Details: 7 p.m. Oct. 23; Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Baltimore; $12 to $15; 410-636-6597.

Music

1. Bernstein’s Mass

With a cast of more than 200 musicians, soloists, choirs and dancers, Bernstein’s Mass is unmatched in the classical repertoire. Subtitled “A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers,” Bernstein’s Mass mixes classical music with Broadway, blues, rock and even includes a marching band. Details: 8 p.m. Oct. 16 through 18; Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Orchestra, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore; $26 to $75; 410-783-8000.

2. Sunday in the Country

Baltimore’s country station 93.1 WPOC presents Sunday in the Country, featuring Sugarland, Rodney Atkins, Billy Currington, Jason Michael Carroll and Laura Bryna. Details: Noon Sept. 21; Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia; $40 to $75; 410-715-5550.

3. CAKE

Known for such hits as “The Distance,” “Short Skirt/Long Jacket,” and “Love You Madly,” alternative rockers CAKE bring their delicious sound to the Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore. If you enjoy catchy guitar riffs, loud trumpet blasts, and lead singer John McCrea’s deadpan vocals, you’re in for a treat. The Winterpills also perform. Details: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2; Pier Six Pavilion, 731 Eastern Ave., Baltimore; $30 to $40; 410-783-4189.

4. Iron and Wine

If you enjoy gentle acoustic guitar and soft vocals, check out Iron and Wine, the stage name of folk rock singer/guitarist Samuel Beam, at Rams Head Live in November. Blitzen Trapper also performs.

Details: 7 p.m. Nov. 18; Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore; $22 to $25; 410-244-1131.

5. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Vermont-based blues/soul/rock band Grace Potter and the Nocturnals visit the Recher with songs from their newest release, “This Is Somewhere.” Details: 8 p.m. Oct. 11; Recher Theatre, 512 York Road, Towson; $15 to $18; 410-337-7178.

6. Jefferson Starship featuring Paul Kanter, David Freiberg, Cathy Richardson and Chris Smith

Jefferson Starship, a collaboration of celebrated musicians who play from the rich songbook of  legendary forefathers Jefferson Airplane and the original incarnation of Jefferson Starship, hits Rams Head Tavern. Hint: They sing “We Built This City.” Details: 7 p.m. Sept. 21; Rams Head Tavern, 33 West St., Annapolis; $29.50; 410-268-4545.

7. Kate Voegele

Rock pop singer/songwriter Kate Voegele’s music has been featured on “The Hills,” “Ghost Whisperer,” and “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2.” Details: 8 p.m. Sept. 30; The 8×10, 10 E. Cross St., Baltimore; $12; 410-625-2000.

8. Baltimore Classical Guitar Society presents Eduardo Fernandez

Widely recognized as one of today’s leading classical guitarists, Fernandez covers a wide section of the repertoire, from Bach to the contemporary. Details: 8 p.m. Oct. 11; Peabody Conservatory, 1 E. Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore; $25 to $30; 410-659-8100.

9. Olsavsky & Asirvatham

Jazz based vocalist/pianist Sandy Asirvatham performs with vocalist Amanda Olsavsky at An Die Musik Live. Details: 8 and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 8; An Die Musik Live, 409 N. Charles St., Baltimore; $15 to $25; 410-385-2638.

10. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

Famous for his falsetto voice, Valli and his Four Seasons scored hits like “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Grease,” as well as the ever-popular “December 1963 (Oh What A Night).” Details: 8 p.m. Sept. 25; Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore; $33 to $93; 410-547-7328.

Gatherings

1. 7th Annual Maryland Brewer’s Oktoberfest

The outdoor festival will include beer gardens featuring over 75 beers from 12 local breweries, a delicious assortment of food, live bands, exciting contests, oompah bands and much more. Details: Noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 11; Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium; $20 to $25; 800-830-3976.

2. Baltimore Book Festival

The mid-Atlantic’s premier celebration of the literary arts offers well-known authors, local bookstores, publishers, children’s writers, storytellers, author signings, crafts, food and entertainment. Details: 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 27 and 28; Mount Vernon Place, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore; Free; www.promotionandarts.com.

3. ZooBOOO! 25th Anniversary

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore hosts the 25th anniversary of their ever-popular Halloween celebration. Details: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 24 through 26; Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore; $12 to $15; www.marylandzoo.org.

4. Maryland Irish Festival

Celebrate Irish culture featuring international and local music and dance, traditional cuisine, workshops, cultural exhibits, and vendors of everything Irish. Details: 6 to 11 p.m. Nov. 7, noon to 11 p.m. Nov. 8, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 9; Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium; Free; 443-463-9225.

5. Pick Your Own Pumpkins

Choose from over 10 acres and thousands and thousands of bright orange pumpkins of all sizes and shapes and find the perfect jack-o-lantern. Details: 9 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday during Oct.; Larriland Farm, 2415 Woodbine Road, Woodbine; Various prices; 410-442-2605.

6. David Sedaris at the Meyerhoff

Author David Sedaris offers a reading from his latest book, “When You Are Engulfed in Flames,” followed by a book signing. Details: 8 p.m. Oct. 5; Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore; $30 to $40; 410-235-1569.

7. Cinderella

The Ballet Theatre of Maryland presents Cinderella, based on the classic fairy tale with lavish costumes, Tchaikovsky’s music and a happy ending. Details: 7 p.m. Oct. 25, 2 p.m. Oct. 26; Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis; $18 to $36; 410-263-8289.

8. Marie Antoinette: The Pleasures and Perils of Jewelry

Caroline Weber, Associate Professor of French at Columbia University, explores the politics of Marie Antoinette’s era, tracing links between the old regime and French Revolution through jewelry. Details: 2 p.m. Oct. 26; The Walters Art Museum, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore; Free; 410-547-9000.

9. 51st Annual Ebony Fashion Fair

Delta Sigma Theta Baltimore Alumnae Chapter presents The Ebony Fashion Fair — the world’s largest traveling fashion extravaganza. Details: 4 p.m. Sept. 28; Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center, Morgan State University, 2201 Argonne Drive, Baltimore; $25 to $50; 443-885-4440.

10. Toyota Arenacross Series

Indoor motorcycle races, part of the nationwide tour, from professional racers from all over the U.S. and Canada. Details: Noon Nov. 13; 1st Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore; $18 to $20; www.baltimorearena.com.

Reader’s Choice

Name: Charisse Nichols

Occupation: Promotions Director at CENTERSTAGE, 700 N. Calvert St., Baltimore

A resident of Mount Vernon, Nichols thoroughly enjoys finding a new Baltimore haunt to sip champagne in a dark corner and spinning music at Red Maple on Fridays or Saturdays. This year’s hopes for Charisse include trying to find a pet — and a boyfriend — that require less attention than a fish.

1. CityPaper Best of Baltimore Party (Sept. 18)

CityPaper knows how to throw a party! And I never miss it! The Baltimore Museum of Industry is the best venue for a party of this size and the indoor/outdoor thing makes for plenty of ways to see Baltimore (and its stars) at its best. Details: Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway, Baltimore; 410-727-4808.

2. Happy Hour at Shine Collective (Oct. 3)

Hampden really is like our little slice of Soho … Well, not really, but Jamie and Melissa, owners of Shine, really know how to shop and luckily they are willing to share the wealth! They always have a First Friday Happy Hour at the boutique, complete with special discounts, a featured artist on display, a DJ playing the best in exotic music and if you are lucky, a refreshing sip of the best champagne! Bring your wallet and be prepared to spend. Those girls keep Baltimore fresh! Details: Shine Collective, 1007A W. 36th St., Hampden; 410-366-6100.

3. Fort McHenry (Oct. 4)

Like most ladies in America, I too have a crush on Michael Phelps’ abs! Not sure if he will be there but serendipity could be on my side when I go to the “Star Spangled Salute to Maryland’s Olympic Athletes.” Fireworks, bands and a great view of the city should equal a great time. Getting to meet the man who has single-handedly made our fair city known for more than just “The Wire” … a girl can hope! Details: Fort McHenry, 2400 E. Fort Ave., Baltimore; 410-962-4290.

4. Host Friday Night Live at CENTERSTAGE with special guests St. Veronica’s Steel Drum Band (Oct. 10)

It’s a happy hour not to be missed. These young ladies are all high-schoolers but will impress you with their ability to play the steel drums … every song from memory. And they play everything from Maroon 5 to Michael Jackson! Plus there’s complimentary food, $2 drink specials AND no cover charge — Can’t beat that! Details: Centerstage, 700 N. Calvert St., Baltimore; 410-332-0033.

5. Urbanite Roll Out Party (Nov. 4)

To celebrate their new monthly issue, Urbanite always has a great networking event and this one is all about their Food Issue! November’s party will be held at the new restaurant Fin Steak and Seafood in Fells Point. For any person who needs to be connected in the city and likes to network with Baltimore’s Elite, these roll-out parties are the best! Be forewarned: Because of the party’s popularity, you will need to RSVP to the mag to ensure your spot. Details: Fin Steak and Seafood, 888 S. Broadway, Fells Point; www.fin-restaurant.com.

Compiled by Emily Campbell and Jessica Novak

E-mail features editor Jeni Mann, [email protected]