It’s all about music this weekend

2. Irish Rock

Donegal X-Press rocks the harbor. Details: Free; 8 p.m. Sat.; Harborplace Amphitheatre, between Light Street and Pratt Street Pavilions, Baltimore; 800 427 2671

3. Rock ‘n Romp

Beat the heat with bubbles for kids and beer for mom and dad as local rockers play semi-unplugged for all. Details: $8 to $10, Kids under 12 free; 2 to 5 p.m. Sun.; Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore; 410-276-1651

4. Jazz in the Mills

Enjoy jazz featuring Felicia Carter and the Shook/Russo Young Quartet. Details: $15 to $20; 5 p.m. Sun.; The Other Barn, Oakland Mills Village Center, 5851 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia; 410-730-1129

5. Jazz in the Sculpture Garden

Enjoy the jazz of Don Braden featuring Vanessa Rubin. Details: $18 to $35; 6 p.m. Sun.; Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore.

GATHERINGS AND GREAT EVENTS

1. 28th Annual Havre de Grace Seafood Festival Join in the fun at this Chesapeake waterfront event featuring artisans, entertainment, charity and an auction/raffle. Details: Free; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. Millard E. Tydings Memorial Park, Commerce Street, Havre de Grace; 410-939-1525

2. Maryland Bar-B-Q Bash

The whole family will enjoy this two-day event featuring the Maryland state BBQ championship, crafters, food vendors, beer garden and Dad’s area. Details: Various prices; 4 to 10 p.m. today; 12 to 10 p.m. Sat.; Bond and Thomas streets, Bel Air; 410-683-1023; http://mdbbq.com

3. Swingin’ Blues Wine Festival

Sample 19 wines and take a tour of the winery while listening to live Blues. Details: $15; 12 to 6 p.m. Sat. and Sun.; Berrywine Plantations/Linganore Winecellars, 13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy, 410-795-6432

4. Peach Festival

Free peach treats supplied by vendors, baked goods, produce, crafts, entertainment and refreshments. Details: Various prices; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat.; Agriculture Center, 700 Smith Ave., Westminster; 410-878-7748

5. Ask a Master Gardener

Need a green thumb? Howard County Master Gardeners are available to answer questions about your plants and gardens. Details: Free; noon Sat.; Catonsville Library, 1100 Frederick Road; 410-887-0951

EXHIBITS

1. Sonya Clark: Loose Strands, Tight Knots Explore our culture’s notions of beauty and body adornments at the Walters Art Museum through Sonya Clark’s sculptures, bead work, photography and video art, paired with selected objects from the Walters Art Museums permanent collection in “Loose Strands, Tight Knots.” Details: Through September 21; The Walters Art Museum, North Charles and Center Streets, Baltimore; Free; 410-547-9000.

2. Mightier than the Sword: Public Letters, Political Cartoons

Mightier’s political cartoons from the Civil War era reveal how people responded to Abraham Lincoln and his Emancipation policy. The exhibit also highlights political cartoons and caricature studies from the personal collection of artist Kevin ‘Kal’ Kallaugher. Details: Through September; Carroll Mansion, 800 E. Lombard Street, Baltimore; $5

3. AntiArt: Work by Ecuadorian Artist Victor Hugo Odonez

In his first U.S. exhibit, Odonez shows viewers his signature medium — painting with acrylics, oils and latex on discarded X-ray film.

Details: Through Aug. 23; Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, 847 N. Howard St., Baltimore; Free.

4. Caryn Martin: Atmospheric Abstractions

There’s only one week left to see Martin’s abstract, nearly monochrome landscapes.

Details: Through Aug. 16; Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore; Free

5. Cottage Industry

Transforming a front yard into an edible estate is just one of Cottage Industry’s wowing feats. Details: Through August 24; Contemporary Museum, 100 W. Centre Street, Baltimore; $3 to $5 suggested donation; 410-783-5720

CHEAP DATE

1. First Thursdays in Mount Vernon’s West Square Park Pull up a lawn chair when Baltimore City Recreation and Parks and WTMD present pop-noir Nicole Atkins for First Thursdays in Mount Vernon. Details: Free; 5:30 p.m.; Mount Vernon’s West Park, Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore; 410-396-7900.

2. Fells Point Haunted PubWalk

Snuggle up with your sweetie while listening to the historic tales of some of Fells Point’s most haunted pubs and establishments. Details: $20/person; 7 p.m. Fridays; Whistling Oyster, 807 S. Broadway, Baltimore

3. FestAfrica

Showcasing different African countries’ music, dance, arts, crafts, fashion and cuisine, FestAfrica promises its guests a fun-filled voyage to different regions ofAfrica without the 14-hour flight and costly plane ticket. Details: $5/person; Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday; Patterson Park, Eastern and S. Linwood Aves., Baltimore; 410-608-0420.

4. Howard County Fair

The Howard County Fair features livestock shows, petting zoo, rides, games, horse shows, entertainment, home arts exhibits, commercial exhibits, horse and tractor pulls, talent show, antique car show, and much more through August 9. Details: $2 to $5/person; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairground Road, West Friendship; 410-442-1022.

5. Center Plaza Film Series

Bring a blanket, snack and beverage to The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s free screening of “I, Robot,” starring Will Smith, on Saturday. Details: Free; 7 p.m. Saturday; Hopkins Plaza, Hopkins Place and Charles St., Baltimore; 410-244-1030.

POSH DATE

1. Laughter Night starring Frank Caliendo Known for “dead on” impressions of famous actors, politicians and broadcasters and his long TV stint on MadTV, comedian/actor/impressionist Frank Caliendo appears at the Hippodrome. Details: $113.95 to $242.37; 8 p.m. Saturday; The Hippodrome, 12 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore; 443-703-2449.

2. National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Annual Crab Feast Benefit

All you can eat steamed crabs and pit beef, plus other delicacies and drinks and a live performance from local band Mid Life Crisis. All proceeds benefit the John T. McCraw Scholarship Fund. Details: $50/person; 7 p.m. to midnight Friday; Columbus Gardens, 4301 Klosterman Ave., Baltimore; 443-570-5285.

3. Fiesta on the Terrace at Pazo

Join Tony Foreman and chef Michael Costa to party Spanish-style entrees, including house-made breads, grilled meats, artesianal cheeses and seasonal flavors, along with a wine tasting. Details: $59/person; 6:30 p.m. Monday; Pazo Restaurant, 1425 Aliceanna St., Baltimore; 410-534-7296.

4. American Idols Live

Cast members from the television show perform including David Archuleta, Chikezie Eze, Jason Castro, Brooke White, Carly Smithson, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, and Ramiele Malubay. Details: $37.50 to $66.50; 7 p.m. Tuesday; First Mariner Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore; 410-481-7328.

5. Extended Restaurant Week

Fourteen downtown area restaurants have decided to extend Baltimore Summer Restaurant Week due to high demand. For a complete list with dates, visit www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com. Details: $20.08 to $30.08/person; Various locations, dates and times.

FAMILY

1. Howard County Fair Livestock shows, petting zoo, rides, games, horse shows, entertainment, home arts exhibits, commercial exhibits, horse and tractor pulls, talent show, antique car show, and much more. Details: $5; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. today and Sat; Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairground Road, West Friendship; 410-442-1022

2. Family fitness

Kids ages 2 to 5 and their favorite adults stretch, roll, and jump their way to fitness. Details: Free; 10 a.m. Sat., Parkville-Carney Library, 9509 Harford Road; 410-887-5353

3. Summer Saturday Family Fun Day

Picnic, rodeo, horse rides, hayrides, skate park, pool, chuckwagon supper and shops. Then stay for a concert by Tenth Avenue North (donations of any amount at door; 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Details: Free; 12 to 6 p.m.; River Valley Ranch, 4443 Grave Run Road, Manchester; 443-712-1010

4. Jug Bay Events for Children

The whole family can learn about frogs, toads, and salamanders during this event. Details: $3 adults, $2 kids and seniors; 1 to 3 p.m. Sat.; Jug Bay Wetlands, 1361 Wrighton Road, Lothian; 410-741-9330

5. Turntable Demonstrations

Kids love to watch as B&O Railroad museum staff move historic rail equipment using the mechanics of the turntable and the simple principle of balance. Admission into the museum includes access to the demonstration and a train ride. Details: $14 adults, $8 kids ages 2 to 12; 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Sat.; B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore; 410-752-2462.

READER’S CHOICE

• Bryn Parchman

• Occupation: President and CEO of Port Discovery
• 34 Market Place, Baltimore

1. Friday Date Night

“I look forward to dinner with my husband at Ryan’s Daughter, followed by the Summer Sounds at the Square outdoor concert at Belvedere Square.” Details: Ryan’s Daughter, 600 E. Belvedere Square, Baltimore; 410-464-1000;

2. Fun with the little ones

“My young neices love teddy bears so we can’t miss the Teddy Bear Picnic at Port Discovery Children’s Museum on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.” Details: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Port Discovery, 34 Market Place, Baltimore.

3. Young at “Art”

“I have a true appreciation for children’s art and am excited to see the ‘Crossing Borders: Two Cultures/One Me’ exhibit, created by ESOL students from Bates Middle School, at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts (801 Chase St., Annapolis) on Saturday afternoon.” Details: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis.

4. Me Time

“I enjoy my early Sunday morning walks at Meadowood Park followed by coffee at Glasz Cafe.” Details: Glasz Cafe, 6080 Falls Road, Baltimore.

5. Go O’s!

“Though I’m from Minnesota, I am an Orioles fan and will be rooting for them at Camden Yards on Sunday afternoon.” Details: Orioles play the Texas Rangers; 7:05 p.m. Friday; Oriole Park at Camden Yards; $8-$80

THEATRE

1. All Shook Up Inspired by and featuring the classic songs of Elvis Presley, this fast-paced musical about a mysterious stranger who brings romance, rebellion and rock n’ roll to small town America will have audiences dancing in the aisles. Details: 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and Sunday; Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia; $32.50 to $51

2. A Night at the Copa

Gary Richman, the “Singing Stockbroker,” brings his razz-ma-tazz revue to the Cabaret at Germano’s for an evening of great music of the 30s, 40s and 50s. Details: 7 p.m. July 12; Germano’s Trattoria, 300 S. High St., Baltimore; $10; 410-752-4515.

3. Pill Hill by Samuel Kelley

Six black steel workers meet in Joe’s low income apartment on Chicago’s Southside to provide each other with brotherly advice and counsel. Details: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday; Arena Players, 801 McCulloh St., Baltimore; $15; 410-728-6500.

4. Rakugo: Japanese Comedy

Presented along with the Ministry of Culture of the Embassy of Japan, Rakugo is a form of Japanese comedy where the performer sits on his or her knees while telling a story. Details: 7 p.m. Friday; Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis; Free; 410-263-5544.

5. The Day the Apple Fell on the Path

Open Space Arts presents its third annual outdoor show, about a land where forks grow on trees, but no one has seen an apple before. Details: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Open Space Arts, 16 Hanover St., Reisterstown; $6 to $9; 410-526-9377.

Compiled by Emily Campbell, Nancy Dunham and Jessica Novak

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