Imagine yourself carried away to the Seven Hills of Rome—the soft Ponentino breeze grazes your face and you surrender to the tastes, smells, and sounds of one of the most romantic places on earth. Join us for a night of Italian culture, featuring typical Roman hors d'oeuvres, signature cocktails, and of course, Prosecco. Enjoy a twenty-minute program of Italian arias performed by young professional opera singers, accompanied at the keyboard by Maestro James Harp of Maryland Opera. Learn about John McLucas’s recently published novel about English-speaking expats who have made Rome their home.

BYOB (Bring Your Own Bike)! Anne Draddy, co-author of Druid Hill Park: The Heart of Historic Baltimore, and Ben Frederick, lead a leisurely bike ride through Druid Hill Park. Pedal along the hilly paths, and slow down and take in the beauty of Baltimore’s 745 acre urban oasis filled with natural art and historic architecture that Anne describes on the ride. Discover hidden gems, such as a family cemetery, a Zen garden, and 300-year-old oak trees. After the ride, take time to absorb the history and majesty of the park while you devour a delicious vegan lunch.

BYOB (Bring Your Own Bike)! Anne Draddy, co-author of Druid Hill Park: The Heart of Historic Baltimore, and Ben Frederick, lead a leisurely bike ride through Druid Hill Park. Pedal along the hilly paths, and slow down and take in the beauty of Baltimore’s 745 acre urban oasis filled with natural art and historic architecture that Anne describes on the ride. Discover hidden gems, such as a family cemetery, a Zen garden, and 300-year-old oak trees. After the ride, take time to absorb the history and majesty of the park while you devour a delicious vegan lunch.

Explore the hidden gems of the historic Baltimore neighborhood of Old Goucher with abstract painter Farida Hughes and gallery owner Myrtis Bedolla. Convene at Dutch Courage, a neighborhood staple boasting “adventuresome cocktails,” for a toast with signature mock/cocktail offerings. From there, get an exclusive look at Galerie Myrtis and the new exhibition on view as well as a private tour of Farida’s art studio. The final stop is for a private, al fresco dining experience curated by Chef Cat of Our Time Kitchen.

Be ready to laugh, cry, and, of course, mangia! After a long year of loss, travel, and soul-searching, friends and neighbors Francesca Gallucci and Jennifer Marsh regale you with hysterical tales of family and friendship! Chef Fran serves up her famous Italian family-style feast at the renovated Fox Den in Patterson Park, while Aaron Dante, host of NoPixAfterDark Podcast, adds to the conversation. Weather permitting, dine al fresco on the rooftop overlooking the beautiful park and city lights.

Enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the studio of former Creative Alliance Resident Artist Katie Pumphrey! Her open space in the Crown Industrial Park is packed with whimsical sculpture, works in progress, and two of the best studio pups! HEX Superette, a local market and tasting room by the founders of HEX Ferments, will provide artfully designed tasting boards of local treats, including cheeses, cured meats, seasonal veggies and fruits, house-made crackers, focaccia and ferments. To top it all off there will be HEX Kombucha, spiked kombucha punch and wine. After hearing about Katie’s current work, stories of her inspiring long range swims, and the goings on at the Crown, you head home with a small original drawing.

Spend an evening in conversation with Susan Magsamen, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Founder of The International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Co-Founder NeuroArts Blueprint; and co-author of The New York Times bestselling book, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Discuss how artistic pursuits are far more than hobbies and are vital to the human experience. “I need for my soul and my health and my survival,” Magsamen says. “It’s not a nice to have, it’s a have to have.” Each guest will receive a signed copy of the book. The event takes place in the artful Mount Washington home, gardens, and orchards of Creative Alliance trustee and artist Julia Kim Smith and professor and orchardist Scott Smith. Video installations by Julia Kim Smith and Isaac Oliver will screen in the guest bathroom, and her “Baltimore: Actually, I Like It” sticker and bookmark will be available for guests to take home. Dine on Syrian-inspired cuisine from Mera Kitchen Collective and enjoy one of Mera’s specialty cocktails.

Break out your finest cowboy boots for a true night of Texas Honky Tonk with Two Step dancing. Music by the fabulous Arty Hill and the Long Gone Daddys will get you swinging in true Texas style. Take an introductory dance lesson to get your toes tapping and spend the evening in the party barn with authentic Mexican tacos and beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Hosted by Brian Flowers and Eliza Gould at Mistfield Farm in Butler, Maryland.

Usher in the Autumnal Equinox by soaking in a late morning Qi Gong session led by Diana Keener. Then, learn about the surprising benefits of everyday items in your spice cabinet, the medicine in your food, and how to up your diet's nutrition factor with Dr. Shari M. Youngblood DNC, CNS, LDN, Professor of Integrative and Functional Nutrition at Saybrook University. Enjoy a delicious, healthy, organic, fall vegetarian lunch by Quieona Lewis of Sweet Tasting BITES. This event is outdoors at Ruscombe Wellness Center and will move indoors in the event of rain.

Artist Erin Fostel and Councilman Ryan Dorsey invite you to their home for a hearty, family-style dinner surrounded by their collection of Baltimore art. Tour their home and engage in lively conversation about their love of Baltimore as they share tips on how to be a casual art collector. Experience the joy and enrichment of surrounding yourself with art in your everyday life, while you dine on a delicious home-cooked meal accompanied by ingredients right from their own backyard.

Feast your eyes on a cooking demonstration of paella, and savor other Iberian favorites like gazpacho and ceviche! Enjoy the food you just watched someone else prepare as you sip on wine pairings from Portugal and soulful fado music plays in the background. Gaze upon the stunning views of Harbor East and imagine yourself carried away to the Iberian Peninsula!