Top events of '09

Toasting Poe in the land of Boh

Nevermore 2009: This year-long celebration of Poe's 200th birthday includes readings, candlelight vigils, movie screenings, a museum exhibit and even a funeral. Party like it's 1809!

Artscape

Maryland Institute College of Art - 1300 Mount Royal Ave. - Mount Vernon

July 17-19: After enduring critics' accusations that this three-day arts festival no longer had anything to do with art, the celebration of all things performing and visual arts made a major comeback in 2008. We're hoping the wacky midway, the organic food court and the DIY crafts mart return in 2009. We're also hoping for bigger headliners than Mario and Joan Jett (both locals, but still).

Ravens 2009 Home Games

M&T Bank Stadium - 1101 Russell St. - Downtown

Aug. 13 and 24: We came so close to going to the Super Bowl last year, that we can still taste it. The first two pre-season games are at M&T Bank Stadium--against the Redskins and the Jets--and we plan to be there to welcome a whole new lineup in hopes that at least one turns out to be a break-out star like Joe Flacco. Where our dogs at?

Maryland Wine Festival

Carroll County Farm Museum - 500 S. Center St. - Westminster

September 19-20: In vino veritas, peeps, and it doesn't get any more honest than sipping sample after sample of delicious local wines in one of Westminster's more pleasantly bucolic settings.

Baltimore Book Festival

Mount Vernon Place - Mt. Vernon Place - Baltimore

September 25-27: The Book Fest is as much a celebration of literary arts as it is an opportunity for Mount Vernon to show off its often overlooked charms. We love Book Fest, not only because reading is sexy, but because we make a point to visit the Escher-like Peabody Institute Library and make the breathtaking hike up to the top of the Washington Monument while we're there.

Fells Point Fun Festival

Fells Point - Not Available - Fells Point

Oct. 3-4: You can pretend like you want to hit this street fair for the arts and crafts, the authentic Latin experience or to people-watch, but we know you're just going for the insane beer gardens-o-plenty.