When Bob Dylan sang, “Come gather ‘round people, wherever you roam,” he wasn’t exactly talking about all of us rallying around a variety of food trucks. But, gather we will, eagerly. Summer (and sure, it’s not technically summer, but have you been outside yet today? Because we have…) is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor, even curbside dining. And when the folks at The Gathering organize such an affair, you can count on it having great music, atmosphere, and of course, the quality and variety of eats you’ve probably come to expect in our ever-more-epicurean-becoming city (never mind the syntax there).    Read More →

Well, look who’s hosting the world’s largest gathering of museum professionals. Oh you know, just Baltimore. This week, nearly 5,000 museum professionals from 64 countries will be descending on our fair city for the American Alliance of Museums’ (AAM) Annual Meeting & Museum Expo. But what does this have to do with you? With the average non-museum-professional Baltimorean? Well, these museum people don’t just keep the good stuff for themselves, of course. That’s their whole bag—sharing  knowledge, culture, and treasures with the rest of us. So as the city swells this week with these museum professional-types, local museums will likely swell with visitors—taking advantage of special deals, tours, and events all week. Read More →

Okay. We admit it. What caught our eye (and hooked us) re: this event was of course the picture posted next to it in the Baltimore Fun Guide. Demi Moore. Patrick Swayze. That scene. Does your memory really need further jogging? If you’ve ever imagined that maybe you could somehow fit into that picture, but wouldn’t know where to begin, Date Night at Baltimore Clayworks is probably a pretty good (and safe) place to start. After all—that scene in Ghost? Super sexy. Getting clay all over the place, becoming frustrated with your partner, your work of art, and yourself? Not so much. So, as with many things, a little guidance from the pros probably wouldn’t hurt. Read More →

Maybe this is a bit of the old luddite coming out in us, but remember how they launched that whole Google Glass thing a couple months ago? And remember how it was kind of weird/freaky/futuristic-in-a-way-we’re-maybe-not-quite-ready for? It’s like internet that you wear right in front of your eyes, right? Well, even as modern as we are, it was a bit too much for our personal reality to deal with. But that’s not to say we’re not into digital eyewear, of course. We’re all about it. We just kind of want it to be more on the Super Mario Bros. end of the technology spectrum. Is that too much to ask? Read More →

You know that here at Catch of the Day we’re all about National Health and Fitness Month (that’s May, just so you know). We’re into getting active, being healthy, and that indescribable endorphin rush you get after a really good workout. But you know what we’re also into? Leisure. The simple pleasure of relaxing, kicking back, and enjoying spring. Oh yes—and we really appreciate how much easier that is when you’ve got a glass of good wine in hand. Now, for those who see this as even the slightest contradiction—sweat and toil vs. indulgent sloth—might we direct your attention to the genius of DeJon Vineyards, and their combo Zumba/wine-tasting evening this Friday. Read More →

So, maybe you can file this one under, “Yeah. Duh. We know.” In fact, there’s so much buzz about the festival (even just here at the Fishbowl) that it hardly needs our help. But, concerned as we are with the cultural life of our city and its citizens, we’d be remiss if we didn’t take the time to recommend attending this year’s Maryland Film Festival. Quoth David Simon (creator of The Wire): “The Maryland Film Festival is an essential stop in the festival circuit.” ‘Nuff said. We’re already a couple days into the festival, but there’s so much good stuff (and so many screenings) that believe us—you haven’t missed your chance. Yes, some films have already sold out—local films will do that—but there are so many great offerings from around the world that your dilemma will likely be trying to decide between films. Read More →

In 1913, when pockets first began appearing in women’s clothing, a Parisian reporter wrote (in response to this travesty), “it’s all over with men’s superiority over women.” Hmm. Perhaps it was a rather slippery slope, from there on out. That’s why we’re not here to say, “This isn’t your granny’s sewing and quilt expo.” After all, it seems that your granny’s sewing expo just may have helped paved the way for such novelties as women’s voting rights and equal pay. You know, the little things. But it is true that less people (women and non) are doing their own sewing these days. But if you’ve ever experienced the satisfaction of creating your own garment by hand (apron-making in Home Economics class, anyone?) you know how triumphant it can feel. Perfect for both newbies and dedicated crafters is the Baltimore Original Sewing and Quilt Expo, happening this weekend at the Convention Center. Read More →

Has anyone petitioned the city to have our new tagline be “Baltimore: the city of awesome outdoor public festivals”? Maybe it doesn’t quite have a ring to it, but it’s certainly accurate, and describes one of our favorite features of this town. Not only is there always something to do—it often involves being outside, with great music, local food and artists, and our fellow Baltimoreans out to enjoy all that’s going on. One fabulous upcoming example: Art Outside, a juried arts event that will be held on Sunday, May 19^th, around the Druid Hill Reservoir (aka our absolute favorite spot for a jog, a picnic, or just an incredible view of the city). If you’re newer to town, and ArtScape is your only reference point for outdoor art festivals in Baltimore, take note: from 1953 to 1968, Druid Hill Park was the site of an annual art festival inspired by the outdoor art sales that were being held in New York’s Washington Square. These festivals gave local artists the opportunity to exhibit their work to the public at a time when alternative and small galleries and exhibition spaces weren’t the norm that they are today. With fond memories of those festivals, Barbara Shapiro set out to bring that spirit– or more accurately, the whole thing– back for today’s Baltimore. And how perfect that it coincides with the reservoir’s 150th anniversary? Read More →

Any event with some good word play in its title always catches our eye. So when we saw the flier for the Mom’s Day Crafternoon, we took notice. Then we realized it’s being hosted by Mother Made—the amazing organization that helps empower low-income women through the process of created and selling handmade goods. You’ve probably seen its T-shirts, tote bags, aprons, and more around town—and the enthusiastic and friendly women who are more than happy to talk to you about them. Well, your chance to get in on the action is tomorrow (Saturday, May 4^th) when Mother Made will host its first public gathering—Mom’s Day Crafternoon. Read More →

The Belle of Baltimore. That’s Elizabeth “Betsy” Patterson Bonaparte—daughter of William Patterson of Patterson Park fame and first wife to Jerome Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon Bonaparte of trying-to-conquer-the-world fame. If Betsy’s name is new to you, all you really need to know is that she was one of the femme fatales of the War of 1812 generation. As an 18-year-old, she set the gossipmongers atwitter (analog style) with her revealing empire dresses that she wore to local society events. With her jet-setting lifestyle (pre- jets, of course) and devil-may-care approach to life as a woman in the 1800s, Betsy caused a stir wherever she went, and kept it up until her death at age 94. Her father, William, is quoted as having said, “Betsy has caused me a great deal more trouble than all my other children together.” Now there’s a role model! Am I right? Just skip the parts about trying to capitalize on your in-law’s delusions of grandeur and empire, and you’re good to go. Read More →