June 11-14, 2026
together with
Hey Locals! 👋🏽
After months of asking "when is it going to warm up?"... now nobody wants to be inside.
So this week I rounded up some of the best waterfront dining spots around Maryland and DC, a few events worth adding to your calendar, and a date spot that's definitely worth the drive.
Grab your sunglasses and let's make the most of this weather. ☀️👇
What to Expect This Edition:
🌊 20+ Waterfront Restaurants & Bars
🎉 A FREE Family Festival Coming to Maryland
🛍️ A New Store Opened this Week
🚗 A Maryland Pass You'll Wish You Bought Sooner
Every summer I used to realize I forgot to shave the minute I put on a sleeveless shirt. 😅 Not anymore.
I've been getting laser hair removal at Smooth DMV for several months, and the convenience alone has made it worth it. No more last-minute shaving before vacations, date nights, or events.
The biggest question I get is whether it hurts. For me, it was way easier than I expected and less painful than getting my hair braided. If you've been thinking about trying laser hair removal, this might be your sign.
Smooth has locations throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia, making it easy to find one near you.
🛍️ Uniqlo - Now Open in Annapolis. If you've been looking for affordable basics, lightweight summer pieces, or family essentials, this new Annapolis Mall store is worth checking out.
🎉 Free Foam Parties, Bounce Houses & More
PlayPalooza returns for five Saturdays this summer, and Maryland finally gets a stop. The Bel Air event lands on June 20 and features foam parties, inflatable playgrounds, games, and more. Admission is free, but registration is required. Reserve your spot here.
To start you off for your best summer yet check out these lists if you missed them:$
💡 I update these guides throughout the season, so bookmark the web version and check back often.
Best Waterfront Dining
in Maryland & DC
Water views, fresh seafood & summer vibes — all in one list ☀️
Always call ahead or check websites for hours — especially Eastern Shore spots which may have seasonal schedules. Hotel pool bars may require reservations or have minimum spends.
Curated by It's Somewhere Local
Maryland & DC's weekly guide to fun — every Thursday
itssomewherelocal.com
Enjoy Maryland for Less Than $1 Per Park
Okay, I have to put you on to this because I just found out myself.
For $75, you can access 75 Maryland State Parks all year long. That's basically $1 per park or just $35 a year for Maryland First Responders.
And we're not talking about random parks.
We're talking beaches, swimming lakes, playgrounds, hiking trails, waterfalls, picnic areas, and some of the most popular summer spots in the state.
Here's the part that sold me.
You know those parks that now require reservations on summer weekends? Greenbrier, Sandy Point, Rocky Gap?
With the pass, you still reserve your spot online, but you don't have to pay admission every time you go.
Even better, the pass covers everyone in your vehicle (up to 10 people).
So bring the kids, the cousins, and that friend who's always saying, "Next time."
Two or three park visits this summer and the pass has basically paid for itself. Then you still get to enjoy it all fall for hiking, leaf peeping, and weekend adventures.
If you've been saying you want to spend more time outdoors or explore more of Maryland this year, this is your sign.
Grab the pass, pick a Saturday, and go find your somewhere.
Featured Events
The Big Dill Festival
One of my favorite festivals is coming back this fall but I had to tell you about it now because they do a special early bird sale which typically sells out in 48 hours. The VIP package gives you a full brunch buffet, open bar, swag bag, vip bathrooms and seating. It’s totally worth the price tag or you can get early access to general tickets for only $29.99. The event is Sept 19th but to get early bird pricing you have to purchase on June 16th. Get on the waitlist here so you can be one of the first.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
🌊 Jun 12 | Movie Night & Pony Rides on the Farm | La Plata, MD Outdoor movie night with pony rides on the farm — a perfect summer evening for the kids.
🎨 Jun 12–14 | Columbia Festival of the Arts / LakeFest | Columbia, MD 3-day outdoor extravaganza with live music, Italian aerialists 60 feet in the air, fine arts & crafts, food trucks, kids activities & a beer garden. ✅ FREE
⚽ Jun 12–14 & Jun 19–21 | 2026 FIFA World Cup Watch Parties | Washington, DC Watch the World Cup live on big screens across DC — the energy is going to be unreal. ✅ FREE
🥁 Jun 13 | Montaze Cooper Day | Baltimore, MD A community celebration honoring a Baltimore legend. ✅ FREE
💃 Jun 13 | Move & Dance | Lake Montebello, Baltimore Free outdoor movement & dance event at one of Baltimore's most beautiful spots. ✅ FREE
🎮 Jun 13 | HI-TOP Game Day | Baltimore, MD A fun community game day — sports, activities & good vibes.
🏴☠️ Jun 13 | Pirates & Princesses | Ellicott City, MD A magical themed event the little ones will never forget.
🎨 Jun 13 | DMV Peace & Soul Picnic: Paint & Vibes | Owings Mills, MD Chill outdoor paint & picnic experience with good energy.
👟 Jun 13 | SoleTies Live: Conversation & Crafts | Baltimore, MD Where sneaker culture meets creativity — a unique community experience.
🏳️🌈 Jun 13 | Baltimore Pride Festival: Block Party in the Park | Baltimore, MD 51 years of Pride! Parade, block party & festival in Mount Vernon — one of Baltimore's biggest annual celebrations. ✅ FREE
🌸 Jun 13–14 | Frederick Festival of the Arts | Frederick, MD Two days of fine art, live music, food & creativity in beautiful downtown Frederick. ✅ FREE
🪶 Jun 13–14 | Piscataway-Conoy Festival and Pow Wow | Waldorf, MD Annual celebration of Indigenous culture, dance, music & heritage. ✅ FREE
⭐ Jun 13–14 | Stars & Smiles Foodie Festival | National Harbor, MD Food, fun & good vibes at one of the DMV's most popular waterfront destinations.
🏳️🌈 Jun 14 | Baltimore Pride in the Park Festival | Baltimore, MD The official Pride in the Park — parade, performances & community celebration. ✅ FREE
👨 Jun 13 | The Dad Gang | Hanover, MD A celebration of fatherhood and community — a great pre-Father's Day event for dads & kids.
ADULTS ONLY (21+)
🎭 Jun 11 | Monologues & Melodies | Baltimore, MD A night of storytelling and live music — intimate, creative & different.
👗 Jun 12 | Sundress DC | Washington, DC A curated summer social where the dress code is vibes. Tickets required.
⛳ Jun 12 | Midnight Mini Golf — Adults Only | Columbia, MD Mini golf after dark at Columbia Association. A fun date night or girls' trip. from $13
🎶 Jun 13 | R&B x Rosé Picnic | National Rosé Day | Washington, DC Rosé, R&B music & picnic vibes to celebrate National Rosé Day.
🏳️🌈 Jun 13 | Pride on the Pier | Washington, DC DC's Pride on the water — check capitalpride.org for ticket details.
🌴 Jun 13 | Fest of Spring: Caribbean Wine, Food & Music Festival | Baltimore, MD Caribbean flavors, wine & live music — a full sensory experience.
🍷 Jun 13 | Wine and Food Festival | Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium MD Wine tastings, food pairings & live entertainment at the fairgrounds.
🦀 Jun 14 | Pre-Father's Day Crab Feast | Parkville, MD All-you-can-eat crabs to celebrate the dads early — because Father's Day deserves a whole weekend.
A place work reserving the date on your calendar
📍1727 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21231
After seeing Angie's Seafood all over my feed, I had to see if it was actually worth the hype.
Spoiler alert: it was.
The portions are huge, the seafood is packed with flavor, and it's easy to see why so many people celebrate birthdays and graduations here. But don't wait for a special occasion. Grab your partner, your best friend, or treat yourself and make a night of it.
Thanks for being one of the Locals. Send this to someone who needs a great meal, they'll thank you later.
Hope to See You.…….Somewhere Local!
Lisa Summers
Disclaimer: I do not host any of these events or have any affiliation with them.
*There are affiliate links on this page that I can make a small profit from so thank you for purchasing through those links to support the time it took to make this newsletter and continue to bring you the videos/reels you love!