There is both good news and bad news this weekend for residents of 520 Park. The good news, 19th annual Baltimore Book Festival is finally here! The bad news, it isn't right here as it usually is. Normally just around the corner, the Baltimore Book Festival has been relocated to the Inner Harbor this year due to the restoration of the historic Washington Monument on Charles Street, which the festival usually surrounds. It may be a few blocks farther away but it's still not an event to be missed. And, on the bright side, it will be easier to get around and park in the neighborhood this weekend.
Head over to St. Paul St. and grab the free Charm City Circulator, which can drop you right across from the festival, centered around West Shore Park, Rash Field, and along Light Street and Key Highway. It runs from September 26th-28th, and will feature hundreds of appearances by local, celebrity and nationally known authors, book signings, more than 100 exhibitors and booksellers. You'll also find almost-nonstop readings on multiple stages, poetry readings, workshops, panel discussions, walking tours, storytellers and hands-on projects for kids, live music, and a delicious variety of food, beer and wine.
The "Food for Thought" stage, will feature celebrity chefs and authors, delicious food demonstrations, recipes and cooking tips, including the Amazing Race's Beekman Boys with their cook book, 1802 Heirloom Vegetable Cookbook; Jillian Lagasse, The Gluten-Free Table; Wildly popular blogger-turned-cookbook author Jessica Merchant with her first hardcover, Seriously Delish; Food Network Star, Chloe Coscarelli, Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen; and Real Housewives of New Jersey star, Kathy Wakile, with her book, Indulge.
Throughout the festival, you can find a delicious variety of international foods and beverages, including beer and wine, light fare, and snack options. To make it a thoroughly enjoyable event for everyone, there will also be tons of fun activities for children and their families, including the Enoch Pratt Children's Stage, the Charm City Comic Book Pavilion, and the Children's Craft Corridor (located near the West Shore Park). Even top area attractions participate with great programming and fun activities. Details and schedules can be found on the website or even through the official app for the 19th annual Baltimore Book Festival. Now that you've read this, go to the festival and find a great book to read!