It is getting colder in Baltimore, and exams are still in full swing, but the city is full of ways to take a break. Warm up at the Maryland Irish Festival with traditional food and music or head to Union Craft Brewing and Patterson Park for a weekend of oysters and beer. On Sunday, explore how Hopkins researchers are tackling climate challenges at Extreme Heat or end the weekend with Puppets Fight Back, a night of drag, music and puppetry at Le Mondo.
Friday
Maryland Irish Festival, Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium, 6–11 p.m.
The 51st annual Maryland Irish Festival kicks off the weekend with live Irish music, traditional dancing, cultural exhibits and plenty of food and drink inside the Cow Palace at the State Fairgrounds. This indoor celebration of Irish culture features dozens of local vendors and workshops, all supporting charitable causes across Maryland. Tickets are $18 for general admission on Friday.
Saturday
Oyfest 2025, Union Craft Brewing, 1700 W. 41st St., 12–5 p.m.
Union Craft Brewing’s annual oyster festival returns with all you can eat oysters, live music and local beer to benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership. Guests can meet regional oyster farmers, enjoy sets from King Cole and Afternoon Delight and cheer on contestants in Baltimore’s famous oyster eating contest. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door, with food and drinks sold separately.
Patterson Park BrewFest, Patterson Park, 2601 E. Baltimore St., 12–4:30 p.m.
Patterson Park BrewFest brings together more than 40 local breweries along with food trucks, live music and neighborhood favorites. The event supports Friends of Patterson Park and celebrates one of Baltimore’s most beloved green spaces. Tickets start at $23.18.
Sunday
Puppets Fight Back!, Le Mondo, 406 N. Howard St., 7:30–9:30 p.m.
The performance series Puppets Fight Back! returns to Le Mondo for its third and wildest edition yet, featuring puppetry, drag, burlesque and live music to benefit the Piscataway Land Trust. The lineup includes local favorites like Ollie Goss, MANiC! and Hunny Du Bunns, along with pop-ups from Ojos Magnificos and No Name Plant Collective. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
Extreme Heat: Panel & Closing Reception, 116 W. Mulberry St., 3:30–5 p.m.
The Extreme Heat exhibit closes with a panel featuring Baltimore City public officials Erica Pinket and Michelle “Shelly” Smith, alongside work by artists who collaborated with Hopkins researchers studying climate impacts. The discussion explores how art and science intersect to address rising urban temperatures. Admission is free.
