B(ehind the)Scene at Baltimore Seafood Fest

The 5th Annual Baltimore Seafood Fest will be held on September 15 from noon to 7:00 PM at the Canton Waterfront Park. The event features some of the area’s favorite restaurants and food trucks as well as cooking demos by top Baltimore chefs, refreshing drinks, shopping, live music, and a family zone.

If you’ve never been, this is a don’t-miss festival! Baltimoreans are so proud of their crab cakes, crab soup, shrimp salad, local oysters, and of course, Maryland blue crabs. It seems fitting that Beth Merchant of B Scene Events and Promotions chose to host this delicious festival in Canton.

Beth says, “I’ve always loved the waterfront in general and felt that it would attract the locals being in close proximity to Canton, Fell’s Point, Brewer’s Hill, Highlandtown, and Patterson Park. It’s easy to access by walking, bicycling, or even the water taxi.”

Now in its fifth year, the festival has proven to be an annual favorite. This year seafood lovers can expect even more special events throughout the day. Chefs from the Horseshoe Casino will lead fabulous demonstrations in the Cooking Demo tent. Join Chef Steven Lobato, the Chef de Cuisine of Gordon Ramsay Steak, and learn how to prepare the perfect Peruvian Ceviche or watch Chef Samantha Love share how to make the delicious New Orleans BBQ Sauce that pairs so perfectly with shrimp and fried oysters.

Mouths will be watering as Jimmy’s Famous Seafood steams crabs onsite and Canton faves Southern Provisions and Plug Ugly’s Publick House present their local specialties. Also participating are Cava Mezze, The Local Oyster, Gypsy Queen Café and more. The full restaurant lineup can be found at baltimoreseafoodfest.com.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Live music from The Scotch Bonnets, Stryker’s Posse, and Honey Extractor will keep the party going all day as will refreshing beverages from 7 wine tents, 4 main bars, and the adult snow cone station. There will be a family-friendly activity zone with face painting and games, and lots of fabulous shopping, too.

The festival offers several entrance packages ranging from general admission and the B’more Crabby to the coveted VIP ticket that includes exclusive early bird entrance, bottomless mimosas, steamed crabs, open bar, covered seating, and so much more. Get yours early as these sell out fast!

Eastside resident Kim Wiggins says, “I have gone to the Baltimore Seafood Festival since it started. I consider it a must-attend event. I like to get there early to avoid the crowd but the food is always plentiful and there is a wide variety of local vendors.” She also adds, “Last year I splurged and purchased VIP tickets and I won't go back. Bagels in the morning and your own bar all day—a true VIP experience.”

Beth Merchant and her family, enjoying Canton's Waterfront

So, who’s behind the largest seafood festival in Baltimore City? Meet Patterson Place resident Beth Merchant, owner of B Scene Events and Promotions. She’s been planning events city-wide since 2003, but her first large-scale production was the inaugural Baltimore Seafood Fest in 2014.

“As a local resident I love creating family-friendly events that shine a positive light on the city that I love and am proud to call home,” shares Beth.

Beth tells us the response to the festival has been great—growing every year. “Many locals attend, but we also get guests who travel as from New York, Philly, DC, and even New England and the Carolinas. Baltimore is known for its seafood—people absolutely love all the delicious offerings and festival’s events.”

Along with the Seafood Fest, B Scene also produces the Baltimore Wine Fest, a lively day of sipping and sampling wines from around the world made even more fun with gourmet eats, live music, and wine seminars. Now in its fourth year, the Wine Fest is held every June at the Canton Waterfront Park.
 
Beth also works with several non-profits including Friends of Patterson Park, Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance, Fell’s Point Main Street, Living Classrooms, National Wildlife Federation, WTMD (you may have spotted her at First Thursdays), and we’re excited to add the Canton Community Association.
 
This year, B Scene is generously donating $3 to the CCA from every Baltimore Seafood fest ticket bought with code CCA2018 through September 10, 2018. Purchase your tickets here.
 
“I have a fantastic team!” Beth exclaims. “Which is so important as we’re always adding new clients and festivals. As a community member, I love to stay involved and support other events and event planners. I have three kids (and one on the way), so I am always looking to build more family-friendly events.”

To learn more about B Scene Events & Promotions or to contact Beth Merchant visit bsceneevents.com/. For Baltimore Seafood Fest details check out BaltimoreSeafoodFest.com. During the event, please share your photos using #baltseafoodfest. Enjoy!