It’s the last weekend before most students head back to school — whether virtually or in person — so it’s time to make the most of those waning hours of summer break. With the Maryland State Fair returning, festivals beckoning and a farewell celebration for WYPR’s Out of the Blocks podcast, there are plenty of activities to enjoy.
Baltimore City is enforcing an indoor mask mandate, regardless of vaccination status. Be sure to check COVID guidelines for any event you plan to attend.
Maryland State Fair: Aug. 26-Sept. 6 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. The Maryland State Fair was one of many events folks were sad to see cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although COVID-19 precautions remain, the fair is back this year. Starting Thursday, the fairgrounds will be open from noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekends. Early 2000s heartthrob Jesse McCartney, rock band Blue Oyster Cult, and other musical acts will perform. Fairgoers will be able to enjoy some of their favorite rides, games, animal demonstrations, fried foods and more. You can even get your COVID-19 vaccine shot without an appointment at the fair’s mobile vaccination clinic. Fair admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children under 12, and free for children 5 and under.
“Out of the Blocks” Farewell: 6 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Patterson Park pagoda. After nine years of sharing Baltimore’s stories, WYPR’s Out of the Blocks podcast released its final episode earlier this month. Producers Aaron Henkin and Wendel Patrick will discuss their experiences making the show and share tips for interviewing projects during a farewell celebration in Patterson Park. The event is free and open to the public.
Baltimore Breathwork Class: 7:15-8:15 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Mt. Washington Arboretum. We could all use an opportunity to take a breath and release some stress. Instructor Elizabeth Bardelli will walk participants through guided meditation and breathwork as part of this free class. Participants are recommended to bring a yoga mat or something to lay on, as well as an optional eye pillow and smooth stones to hold. Note: there are no bathrooms, and the class is not suggested for pregnant women in the third trimester.
Black Author’s Book Expo Vol. 4: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Baltimore War Memorial. Meet and purchase items from Black authors from an assortment of genres. Last year’s expo featured authors as young as 5. This free event is open to book lovers of all ages.
Maryland Mac & Cheese Festival: Aug. 28-29 at Power Plant Live! If mac n’ cheese is your go-to comfort food, you’re in luck. The festival will feature more than 15 food vendors with over 40 styles of mac n’ cheese. On the menu: mac n’ cheese and french fry eating contests and a can of cheese whiz holding; a cheese fry bar; axe throwing; live music and entertainment; kids activities; and an award ceremony. Tickets are $34.99 for premium tickets (2-8 p.m.) or $59.99 for VIP tickets (noon-8 p.m.).
Music City Maryland Festival: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 28 at State Fare in Catonsville. Catonsville was designated as Baltimore County’s first Arts and Entertainment District in 2019. The pandemic delayed festivities a bit, but community members will celebrate the recognition Saturday. More than 30 bands will perform across four stages. The festival will also feature Catonsville restaurants, dozens of vendors, and an “Art Zone.” The rain or shine event is free to attend.
Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition’s 4th Annual Celebration of Life: noon-6 p.m. Aug. 28 (virtual). Prior to International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition has organized the 4th Annual Celebration of Life to celebrate survival, life and love. The free virtual event will include workshop sessions, a digital dance party and a fundraiser raffle at 5 p.m.
Carroll County Balloon Festival: 1-9 p.m. Aug. 28 and 1-7 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Carroll County Ag Center in Westminster. There will be live musical performances throughout both days of the festival. During a ceremony at 6 p.m. both nights, Scout Troop 944 will re-enact the flag raising at Iwo Jima, and the Carroll Hospital Auxiliary will honor Carroll Hospital workers who have cared for COVID-19 patients. Then, following the ceremonies, watch colorful hot air balloons fill the sky. Admission is $20 for adults and children 12 and older, $5 for children 6-12, and free for children under 6.
Women’s Equality Day Celebration: 5-8 p.m. Aug. 28 at Druid Hill Park. The Women’s Equality Day Celebration will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which affirmed women’s right to vote. The 100th anniversary of the amendment’s passage in 1920 would have been held in 2020, of course, but we all know what happened. The celebration will include educational exhibits about women’s suffrage for people of all ages, as well as food and other activities. The event is free to attend, but organizers are asking people to RSVP to control capacity due to the pandemic and follow COVID safety guidelines.
Strawberry Girls at Baltimore Soundstage: 7 p.m. Aug. 29 at Baltimore Soundstage. The rock band Strawberry Girls, formed in 2011 in Salinas, Calif., will perform at Baltimore Soundstage as part of their 10 Year Anniversary Tour. Tickets for this standing room-only event are $15 apiece. The show will also feature special guests Andrés and Pulses.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival kicks off this weekend too!!