Festival on the Hill was great; now get ready to vote!

It’s not an exaggeration to say that this  month’s Festival on the Hill — the 65^th annual — was among the very best. Great volunteer participation, great weather and hundreds of neighbors turning out made the Oct. 5 event really special.

According to BHCA Treasurer Chris Kingsley, preliminary tabulations show that the event took in about $13,500 from its booths, food and activities. Sponsors contributed another $7,500. Once expenses are covered, a portion of the revenues will be set aside for Arts in the Parks and for The Samaritan Community. These numbers do not include what was raised by other participating organizations.

Mark your calendar for October 4th, for the 2025 Festival on the Hill!

Here’s what’s ahead in the coming weeks.

Thursday, Oct. 17, Open House at Baltimore Unity Hall from 5 to 7 p.m. Learn about the future vision for Baltimore Unity Hall and its impactful offerings for education, job training, cultural events, and community engagement. There will be food and drinks available.

Thursday, Oct. 17, Pearlstone Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. all year round, for fresh produce, flowers and more, across from the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

Thursday, Oct. 31, Last day for in-person early voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There are eight early-voting sites. Google “early voting near me” or go to the Baltimore City Board of Elections website. Also, any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot at vote.md.gov/NeedBallot before 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.

Friday, Nov. 1, First Friday at the Fountain, 1600 Park Ave., 5 to 7 p.m. Bring drinks and snacks, if you can. It’s a low-key affair to meet neighbors and enjoy the gardens, hosted by Friends of the Park Avenue Medians (FOPAM).

Saturday, Nov. 2, Fall Bolton Hill Tree Planting, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at Fitzgerald Park, Wilson at Bolton streets. Just bring gloves and shoes for digging. No experience necessary.

Tuesday, Nov. 5, Vote on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at your designated precinct polling place.

Tuesday, Nov. 12, BHCA’s monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Episcopal Church’s Farnham Hall. It’s open to anyone who lives or works in the neighborhood.