It?s that time again. When the city stirs with excitement and all the local venues fill with great bands and anxious fans. The Harbor is packed to capacity with tourists and the nightlife soars out of control, for one week straight. It?s time for Baltimore?s famed Triple Crown thoroughbred race, the 131st Preakness Stakes.
The entire schedule of events leading up to the big race is organized by Preakness Celebration, Inc., a nonprofit organization founded in 1988 to celebrate the coming of Preakness.
Most of the events are free and open to the public, and provide Baltimore residents with some fun and excitement leading up to the actual running of the Preakness Stakes.
Some of the events that took place this year were the Pee Wee Preakness, the Westside Preakness Parade, Preakness Balloon Fest and now, Preakness Eve.
The vital night to celebrate the Preakness Stakes is Preakness Eve. Starting at 8 p.m., Miller Light and WHFS 105.7 FM present the final phase of Miller Light Nights, just blocks from the Inner Harbor, at Power Plant Live! And what better way to lead us into Preakness Day than Faded Image featuring Rob Byer.
Though you must be 21 or older to enter, this free concert is guaranteed to be a great time for all who can participate. Band members Rob, Stu, John and Brian come together to form “a party rock, pop, alternative, classic rock, rap, country, swing, showtune cover band that we can bet you will leave [each] show with a smile on your face.”
For those of you who are not prepared to face the frightening parking decks and intimidating downtown traffic, head over to Belvedere Square, on the southeast corner of York Road and Northern Parkway. From 6 to 9 p.m., Towson University station, WTMD 89.7, will be providing a free outdoor concert, featuring local Irish outfit Donegal X-Press. Along with a minifestival featuring food and drink from the exciting merchants of the area. And if you know anything about Belvedere Square?s local eateries, you?ll make sure you?re there early enough to grab a bite to eat and still get a good view.
Just make sure you don?t forget the blankets and beach chairs.
So don?t fret, there?s still time to enjoy the pre-Preakness festivities. The horses are still in preparation and the familiar words of “Maryland, My Maryland” haven?t begun to ring out just yet.
Staff Writer Emily Campbell contributed to this article.
