From Preakness cocktails to a Biggie Smalls birthday dinner, this week promises to be a party in Baltimore. Here’s a look at what’s on tap:
Openings & announcements
The Local Fry’s newest location, in Northwood Commons, is now open – and is having a Grand Opening celebration on Sunday. Throughout the day on Sunday, diners placing their orders in-store will receive 25% off.
The farmers market at the Baltimore Museum of Industry returns for the season on Saturday morning. The market, which takes place under the museum’s outdoor pavilion, has a refreshed look and feel in 2025, courtesy of students from Maryland Institute College of Art. It runs every Saturday morning, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Nov. 22.
Preakness festivities
The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes is Saturday and there are plenty of ways to enjoy race weekend all around town.
Mt. Washington Tavern is always a fun spot on Preakness weekend. This year, the restaurant will serve Black Eyed Susans in special Preakness 150 glasses and a special race weekend menu, and offer free transportation to and from Pimlico for both Black Eyed Susan Day and Preakness Saturday.
True Chesapeake’s Preakness Watch Party will take place both inside the restaurant and outside on the patio. The menu includes $2 raw and roasted oysters and $6 Preakness and Black Eyed Susan cocktails.
Silver Queen Café will be serving $10 Black Eyed Susan cocktails all weekend.
The Mama’s on the Half Shell menu on Friday and Saturday includes Black Eyed Susan cocktails – and anyone wearing a fascinator will receive $5 their first drink.
Cece’s will air the race and host guests continuing the celebration into the evening with $12 specialty cocktails in the outdoor courtyard.
Guinness has launched a new limited edition beer in honor of the race, a rice lager called the Preakness 150 Lager.
Light Up Little Italy
On Sunday, Little Italy will be bustling during the first ever Light Up Little Italy Festival. The party, which starts at 11 a.m., supports Orioles Advocates, Gild Foundation, and the Mo Gabba Foundation, and will feature lots of activities, music, crafts and – of course – food and drinks.
Martinis for Mental Health
On Monday, Union Hill is hosting an espresso martini-making competition featuring local bartenders shaking it out to see who can make the best espresso martini. The party also includes a DJ, raffle, and passed appetizers – and it benefits Charm City Care Connection.
Whiskey on the Waterfront
Sagamore Spirit Distillery’s Whiskey on the Waterfront parties kick off for the season on Saturday, May 17. The events, which feature live music and a good vibe, take place once a month through October.
Rye Curious launch
The Maryland Distillers Guild has a new campaign, dubbed “Rye Curious,” designed to shine a light on Maryland rye whiskey. The initiative is officially kicking off on Sunday with the release of a rye whiskey named for the campaign – the spirit was developed as a collaborative effort between Baltimore Spirits Co., McClintock Distilling, and Sagamore Spirits.
Biggie Dinner at Sally O’s
Sally O’s is bringing back its annual celebration of the late, great Notorious B.I.G. The dinner, which takes place on Wednesday, which is Biggie’s birthday, includes menu options like Piggie Smalls (sourdough toast, blue cheese mousse, sliced chorizo and arugula), and My Cargo (escargot with bacon, puff pastry and Swiss fondue).
Planning for the future
Mark your calendars for:
June 14: Wine & Food Festival at the Maryland State Fairgrounds
June 19: Tiki Dinner at Silver Queen Café
June 29: Petit Louis 25th Birthday Party
