Expensive with no capacity control…read more This seems like a pattern for DMV "state fairs" they advertise it and make it seem inviting but when you get there, they tax everything and over-sell tickets to the point you want to leave... literally have to go early and ride everything before 5pm or else it gets stupid crowded. Who wants to hustle and stress to do all that when the venue can simply stop being greedy. This is a one & done for me... will not return!

The MD State Fair has been a very good fair experience for me. Each year seems to bring strategic…read moreimprovements. For example, last year the seating area for the ribs, corn, and smoked meats vendors was situated in an area so to not obstruct walkways. However, what was new in 2025 (at least to my knowledge from previous years) is only patrons of those vendors could sit in that seating area. It could have been the case in previous years and it just wasn't enforced. I don't think the MD State Fair has congregate dining areas apart from those in the vicinity of the food pavilion and a few low-capacity, all-purpose seating in random areas which is frustrating because many of the food vendors are situated along narrow walking paths where you have to compete with ride goers. What keeps me from giving the MD State Fair a 5* experience is despite some improvements, it still lacks the variety of unique and creative food items and fair-goer experiences which are common at other thriving fairs around the country. The food court here is good, but lacks creativity as it essentially serves traditional table food with few novelty items. But no iconic items. The planners do a great job of organizing the farm animal exhibit. And it is expansive. The rides are your typical carnival rides. The value at the fair is the wristband and fun pass cards for ride goers. I recommend saving your fun pass as the same pass vendor is used every year, so you don't have to pay for the activation fee. You'll just need to load money onto the card every year. Also, there are plenty vendors that offer unlimited refillable soft drinks at a discount. In my opinion, it is best to choose your preferred beverage, purchase the refill price, and stick to refilling at that particular vendor throughout the park during your visit. There are many sweet tea and lemonade stands that offer this deal. Also, the cups are reusable, so you can keep them as souvenirs and bring them back at future fairs for refills. Parking on grounds at the fair is $15 and first-come, first served. The parking lot is uneven, very hilly, and on grass (and when it rains, mud). I recommend arriving early to get a good spot close to the main entrance of the fair. At the end of a long day, it is exhausting to walk up and down hills to your car. Parking spots are not marked, so workers direct parking traffic. Again, arrive early to get a good and hassle free spot. I like that there are restrooms at the front on the inside near the main entrance and indoors at the animal exhibits. The fair grounds isn't vast, so unless you have an itinerary to visit all the exhibits, you can get through the fair in less than 2.5 hours tops. Overall, the fair is a good experience with delicious food and entertaining activities for young, old, and families.

The Rite Cheer Club offers lunch every Thursday at the Scottish Rite. Last Thursday was their…read moreChristmas lunch. I invited my brothers and sisters to have a pre-holiday get together. The Rite Cheer Club really put out a spread! Twelve of us enjoyed turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, green bean casserole, peas & pearl onions, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, rolls and butter. For dessert, they had apple pie, pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie. It was all good. It was really nice to be together. The Christmas Nativity sets were up as well as an expanded train garden. It was such a treat to view them both. We went back on Sunday for their Chocolate Festival. From 2 to 3 PM in the main hall, they had all kinds of chocolate - hot chocolate, a variety of chocolate candies, chocolate fountain with fruit, etc. for dipping as well as all kinds of cookies. For drinks, they offered Amaretto slushies, wine and water. After overdosing on chocolate, we went down to the main dining room to enjoy more food and merriment. It was really nice to see all the families enjoying themselves.

Volunteered today and had a good time in the warehouse, packing boxes to be sent to shelters. We…read moremoved so fast that we finished the shift in 2 hours!

I had the amazing opportunity of volunteering here w the Lockheed Martin special projects team back…read morein the fall and I'm looking forward to many more personal volunteer experiences during weekends of dedicating time to such a great cause. Maryland Food Bank thrives off of weekend volunteer hours for packers in their conveyor belt area to box canned goods and boxed foods as they'd otherwise have to bill these hours to payroll. I enjoyed myself and even got in a little cardio as the belt moved more and more foodstuffs through. I was in charge of canned veggies and boy were there lots of them. It was a good time and I can't wait to go back!

Feastival is one of my favorite days in this city. This amazing event supporting the Cystic…read moreFibrosis Foundation brings together local business for an afternoon of great bites and sips. The last couple of years they have settle in West Short Park since Sandlot closed and I think they landed in a wonderful venue right in the middle of the city. Feastival is always well organized and Titos is a great partner to have included. If you havent attended Feastival make sure you stay on the look out next year around April for tickets because its always a great time! (the early bird discount is a bonus if you catch it!)

Feastival was 100% WONDERFUL! I had such a good time and mostly felt salty that it's been going on…read morefor like 8 years, and this past Saturday was my first time going (boo!). Won't make that mistake again! That said, it's also for a good cause, Cystic Fibrosis, so I'm happy to gobble amazing food to support research and aid for this disease. It was held at the West Shore Park, which was a great venue to hold this event (tho calling that space a park is a bit much - it's a smallish patch of grass at the Inner Harbor). It was small, and thus easy to get around to all the vendors, and the grass was mostly flat so I didn't worry about tripping while carrying food or drink. The vendors were all amazing and I'd say a good 70% of the food and drinks absolutely knocked my socks off! It was a great way to spend 3 hours. This event was well organized, hosted, and priced. Definitely looking forward to next year already!

I attended a menopause workshop event at Urban Life Center recently (A++ btw) and was so happy to…read morehave finally visited this welcoming space. I ordered a freshly made mango passion fruit juice and it was so delicious. I didn't even know there was a small cafe with a juice bar and poke bowl offerings inside. The space is airy and brightly lit with large windows looking out onto Eastern Avenue. Urban Life Center's offerings include cooking classes, educational workshops, toy drives, food drivesnand even wellness challenges. Cristina, the owner, seems like a wonderful person and contributor to the community.

I visited this center to attend a free vegan event. The place is clean. Inside looks new. Staff was…read morenice. They provided a made from scratch waffle class and shared helpful information. Light snacks were also provided, along with gifts. I also ordered an Acai bowl to show my support. It was filling and good.

The Post Legion Riders offer an AYCE Breakfast the third Saturday of each month and it's open to…read morethe public. My wife, through her job, is acquainted with a local businessman who is an officer at the Post who mentioned the breakfast to her. I was intrigued and decided to give things a try. For $8 you can get your fill of scrambled eggs, hotcakes, sausage, bacon, diced potatoes and even, once in a while, biscuits and sausage gravy and even scrapple. It ain't fancy but it's good. Post members offer great hospitality and fellow customers are nice as well. Give it a try and support the American Legion at the same time.

Had my wedding here (outside) a few weeks ago! Property well maintained. The members that I worked…read morewith were more then willing to answer any questions that I had. Faith and Don..thank you!!

We had a blast with our toddler. The exploration started with outdoor story time with the…read moreopportunity to pet turtles. Our little loved the outdoor space. The 2nd half of our trip consisted of viewing snakes and various animals within the indoor space. The bathroom facilities were spacious and family friendly. There is also enough space for kids to walk around and to play with puzzles and toys. I noticed a play area with hoola hoops etc, which is a nice addition for bigger kids. We will add this place to our monthly rotation.

A fun, nature place for a 3rd Birthday Party. Maybe better for a little older crowd. Included a a…read morehike, petting lizards & turtle. The hike was a little too long for some 3 year olds. Some kids were too young and fearful to touch critters. It was around 75 degrees between 10-12am. There were many fans in the huge tent area. Erin was wonderful with the kids and adults. She was very helpful. A bit expensive at $375.

This is a fantastic community organization that provides so many resources. I went to a mindfulness…read moretraining there that was led by the executive director, Teniyah and it was so amazing! Not only did I get to meet other community members, I also got to become aware of all of the resources that the organization offers.