It's Preakness Week

It's here, Baltimore, one of the most exciting weeks of the year. Let's hope this weather improves, and the forecast says it will. I visited Pimlico on Saturday for a few races, and excitement was already in the air and tents were already set up for this weekend. I hope to see you around town this week...perhaps at Black-Eyed Susan Day Friday. Make it a special week!

People's Pink Party
Friday, May 18

The day before Preakness is the 3rd Annual Legends for the Cure Race and Female Jockey Championship. Also it's the Black-Eyed Susan Race and a full day of fun to benefit the local Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Preakness Stakes & Infieldfest
Saturday, May 19

The people's race...the people's party. It's an exciting day in Baltimore!

Wine in the Woods
May 19 & 20 Symphony Woods Columbia

A celebration of Maryland wine
Live music...Plenty of food...Arts vendors & so much more.
http://www.wineinthewoods.com/

Brew at the Zoo
May 26-27

Sample 50+ brews, enjoy live music, plenty of food and there's even a kid zone if you want to bring the kiddies.
Full details and tickets http://www.marylandzoo.org/2012/02/brew-at-the-zoo/

Great Grapes! Wine Fest
June 2 & 3 Noon-6 p.m. Oregon Ridge Hunt Valley

Sample Maryland wines* Enjoy demos*Live music* Arts vendors* Food *Specialty pavilions
Visit www.UncorkTheFun.com for tickets and schedule of events

Lardarius Webb Charity Softball Game
Ripken Stadium June 3

Here's your chance to play ball with some of your favorite Ravens!
Open to all ages!
Fun benefit for The Lardarius Webb Foundation.
Visit http://www.lardariuswebb21.com/  for info on attending, playing or sponsoring.

Maryland Wine Week
June 8-17

Maryland area restaurants, bars & wineries participate in a wide variety of wine-related events.
Visit http://www.marylandwine.org/ww-2012/ for full schedule of events.

Rappel For Kidney Health
Down the Marriott Waterfront Saturday, June 9

Do you want to make an impact on kidney disease in an extraordinary way? Join the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland for their 3rd annual RAPPEL for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rappel down the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. Visit http://www.kidneymd.org/news/rappelforkidneyhealth.html to register or for further info.

Save Date!

Artscape
July 20-22

America's largest free arts festival is here in Baltimore! With more than 150+ fine artists, visual art exhibits, live concerts on the outdoor stages, performing arts, family events, street theater, delectable food and beverages + SO much more. Visit www.Artscape.org for entire schedule of events and full details.

Downtown Diane is a Baltimore area food, travel & entertainment reporter, appearing Fridays on 105.7 The Fan Norris & Davis Show with her entertainment report. Follow her for Daily Dish on Twitter @DowntownDiane & check out upcoming events at www.DowntownDiane.net.