If the U.S. Government is going to give you a free pass from work on a Monday, you might as well spend the extended weekend outdoors enjoying the pre-fall weather with your beverage of choice. This weekend, Baltimore boasts ample opportunities for you to celebrate across the area, so make sure you use your time wisely (aka with the best drinks you can find).

Baltimore Grand Prix
Friday, August 30–Sunday, September 1
Grab a beer and watch the much-anticipated race downtown in the Inner Harbor followed by post-race concerts on Friday and Saturday. Tickets can be purchased in advance here for single or multiple day packages.

Grand Prix-Fixe Celebration
Friday, August 30–Saturday, August 31
The Wine Market (921 E. Fort Ave.; 410-244-6166)
In celebration of the "Grandest" weekend of the year, enjoy a specialty menu for $33 or meal and wine pairings for $45 at this Locust Point restaurant with a spectacular patio.

Maryland Renaissance Festival
Saturday, August 30–Monday, September 2
Festival Fairgrounds (1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis; 800-296-7304)
Spend your Labor Day weekend people watching from the pub or wine pavillion and enjoying festival food ranging from the ever-popular turkey leg to Canterbury pork pockets. Tickets are $17–$22 for adults and can be purchased here.

Maryland State Fair
Friday, August 23–Monday, September 2
Maryland State Fairgrounds (2200 York Rd.; 410-252-0200)
Take a stroll around the Timonium Fairgrounds and enjoy rides, tons of good food, animals and more. Admission is $8 for adults and tickets to go on  rides are $1 each (rides range from 1-6 tickets).

Ra Sushi Back to School Bash
Thursday, August 29
Ra Sushi (1390 Lancaster St.; 410-522-3200)
Have one last hurrah with Ra by celebrating with a DJ, drink and food specials from 7 PM–1 AM. Make sure to grab one of the potent $5 concoctions, including All-Nighter Sangria, Brain Freeze Cocktails and the Bookworm Bite.

Union Graze Farmer’s Market
Friday, August 30
Union Mill (1500 Union Ave.; 410-449-2287)
The Hampden and Pratt Street area has been enjoying one of Baltimore’s newest farmer’s markets, and this weekend is the perfect opportunity for you to check it out. Be sure to stop by the neighborhood brewery, Union Craft Brewing, between 4:30–8 PM.

Photo by Danya Henninger