Urban Discoveries Baltimore

August heat has a powerful inertia. Anything more than loafing on the porch can seem like lunacy. Resist stasis this week with some juicy and willful goings-on about town:

1. FestAfrica! in Patterson Park (200 S. Linwood Avenue) will celebrate a large continent from noon to 8 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9. Musical performers include DJ Arafat, Tosin, Anna Mwalagho, and the Soukous Stars, and many more (far more than one might think could perform in sixteen hours). Faces will be painted, food prepared, and crafts practiced. Among this year’s innovations is a dance-off with cash prizes, so bring appropriate footwear. Admission is just $5, and kids get in free.

2. Any live performance is one-of-a-kind, and an improv performance is even more so. This Friday, August 7, the Baltimore Improv Group presents a necessarily one-night-only production of their “Weird Science Show” at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson {www.creativealliance.org} in Highlandtown (3134 Eastern Avenue). In addition to improvisation and science, the BIG promises “nerdcore rap.” The show’s at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 ($10 for students and Creative Alliance Members). Other than that, you’ll have to go to find out.

3. Baltimore Restaurant Week is once again upon us. Or, rather, this week is another of the several weeks so designated. Either way: good news for us, bad news for food. From August 7 through August 16, get three courses for $30.09 at over ninety restaurants around town. You can also opt for a three course, $20.09 lunch, or one of the many other specials and offers at individual restaurants. Now is the time to book a table at the spot your annoying rich friends like so much. Now is the time to impress a date (who doesn’t read the internet). Now is the time to order dessert. You’ll have to check the website to find out who’s participating. In the meantime, here’s my short list: Ze Mean Bean Café in Fell’s Point (1739 Fleet Street), Taverna Corvino {www.tavernacorvino.com} in Federal Hill (1117 S. Charles Street), and Indigma in Mt. Vernon (802 N. Charles Street). And be merry.

What will you do this week other than loll?

Posted in: Things To Do This WeekendNo Comments