As you make your plans for the weekend to come, here are some events you might want to consider penciling in:
The Baltimore Book Festival: This weekend, hundreds of authors, exhibitors, and booksellers will come to Baltimore to participate in book signings, poetry readings, workshops, and more. Notable acts include presentations by Sherman Alexie, Common, and Jacquelyn Mitchard; Friday’s Happy Hour, which includes tips on beer, cocktails, and hosting; the Food For Thought stage, where celebrity chefs will demonstrate dishes, and more. To top it off, it’s all free! When: September 23-25, 2011. Friday & Saturday, noon-8pm, Sunday noon-7pm. Where: Mt. Vernon Place, centered on 600 N. Charles St. Attire: Come as you are. Admission: Free
Ladew Gardens 40th Anniversary Gala: Ladew Gardens, the renowned topiary garden, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with its “Beneath the Arabian Moon,” Gala, featuring music by The NightLife Band, exotic fare by Lindwoods, and specialty cocktails. When: Friday, September 23, 2011, 7pm. Where: Ladew Gardens. Attire: Black tie. Admission: $350 per ticket. Tickets available by phone at 410.557.9570, ext 224.
Picnic in the Park: The Parks & People Foundation is hosting an elegant picnic benefit in the gardens of the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory. Fare will include selections from local farmers and beers and wine from top notch breweries and vineyards. When: Saturday, September 24, 6-9pm. Where: The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 3100 Swann Dr., Druid Hill Park. Attire: Picnic chic. Admission: $75 per ticket, available through Paypal.
Betascape: Betascape is a weekend-long celebration of the convergence of art and technology. The event, which kicks off Friday night and runs through Sunday evening, will feature exhibitions of artwork, lectures, food, and live music. The idea is to celebrate Baltimore’s local tech and art communities. When: 6pm on Friday, September 23, 2011, through 5pm Sunday, September 25, 2011. Where: Station North Arts and Entertainment District, 1800 N. Charles Street, Suite 810. Attire: Casual. Admission: $30 registration.
And a heads up for next weekend…
Pumpkins on the Green: The Irvine Nature Center is putting on their annual “blue jean” fundraiser featuring live music, live and silent auctions, and seasonal tastes from a local “green” caterer. Adding to the fun, the event’s honorary chair, recent Emmy-winner Julie Bowen, will participate in a meet-and-greet VIP cocktail reception before the event. When: Fundraiser: Saturday, October 1, 2011, 7-11pm. VIP Cocktail Reception: Saturday, October 1, 2011, 6pm. Where: The Irvine Nature Center. Attire: Blue jean casual. Admission: $95 per ticket for the fundraiser, $500 for two tickets to the VIP reception and fundraiser. Tickets available through MissionTix.
Have a good weekend.
So, you’ve got your whole romantic Valentine’s Day weekend plan taken care of. Dinner reservations? Check. Gift? Check. Card? Check. Kids who don’t like the idea of being left out of all the fun? Hmmm. Gotta deal with that one, too. But never fear! The Irvine Nature Center– that place that kids and adults love all year round, is hosting a fabulous “Kids Night Out” this Friday– so the little ones can be magically whisked away for the evening while you get a few hours of your own Adults Night Out. Now there’s a novel idea. 
