The much-hyped storm #hermine might have been a bust here in Baltimore, but we’re still in for a lot of upcoming drama over the next few weeks. With the first presidential debate rapidly approaching, we’re likely to hear a lot about every touchy topic, from #TrumpEnMexico to the 49’ers QB and his #VeteransForKaepernick…and everything in between.
It’s a great time, then, to take a little break from the news and escape in a book. And if you’re looking for something new to read, Baltimore has your back.
From Friday, September 23 through Sunday, September 25, get your fill of all things literary at the 
Baltimore Book Festival. The event takes place each day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Inner Harbor. It involves hundreds of authors, including appearances by a wide variety of scribes, from locals and relative unknowns to nationally recognized celebrities.
Book-signings, bookselling, readings, panel discussions and storytelling will occur at different locations throughout the Inner Harbor area. Plus, there will be hands-on projects for kids and even cooking demonstrations from popular chefs.
Book Festival events are anything but staid and boring – and there are tons of events to choose from each day.
On Friday, play Book Cover Bingo with romance novels or check out the art of stage combat, courtesy of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. Saturday, keep your eyes peeled for the Pop Culture Parade, including costumed characters from all sorts of books, learn about making cheesecake from Chef Melanie Underwood, and hear authors opine on the limitations on magic and science when building literary worlds. Sunday, explore the Japanese drawing style chibi, hear thoughts from best-selling adult and children’s author Carl Hiaasen and watch recent Brooklyn-to-Baltimore transplants Allison and Matt Robicelli get serious about cupcakes on the Food for Thought Stage.
Or, if none of that interests you, find your own favorite event online here: http://www.baltimorebookfestival.com/schedule/all-events
The Festival will also play host to food, wine and beer vendors, though if you’re still hungry afterward, you might consider stopping at a downtown restaurant for a quick bite. Try the Peruvian chicken at Chicken Rico, settle into Aggio for an adventurous Italian meal, or simply grab a burger and a beer at Shake Shack.
Downtown is sure to be busy during the Festival. To avoid the serious traffic, while still parking close to the action, head to Harbor Park Garage. The garage, located at 55 Market Place, is reasonably priced, staffed with helpful employees ready to point you in the right direction, and a hop, skip and jump to the Festival’s Inner Harbor digs.