Flicks from the Hill: Raiders of the Lost Ark Thursday at American Visionary Art Museum

Little Italy Open Air Film Festival Friday in Little Italy

African-American Heritage Festival Friday-Sunday at Oriole Park at Camden Yards

International Gem & Jewelry Show Friday-Sunday at Timonium Fairgrounds

Station North Flea Market Saturday in Station North

Sleepover at the National Aquarium Through Sept. 25 at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

July Fourth events

From baltimoremetromix.com:
July 4th alternatives Independence day activities that aren't fireworks-related

"Public Enemies" Johnny Depp unleashes his inner outlaw.

"Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" Our favorite prehistoric critters take on quirky creatures and tough situations.

Summer movies preview Get a sneak peek at summer 2009's big releases.

Tell us what you think about the recent releases.

"Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience" The brothers tend to look stiff on camera -- and even stiffer when blown up to the size of a wall.

"Two Lovers" Joaquin Phoenix's last film ... We're still not sure if we believe him.

Summer TV What to watch when it's too hot to go out

Other television recommendations

Search TV listings

Game review Wii gets rare shooter in 'The Conduit'

Moby Moby's 'Wait for Me' is one long swoon

From baltimoremetromix.com:
Baltimore DJs Put your drink down and report to the floor

Talara A fine meal, if you time it right

Tahina's Mediterranean focus at Owings Mills restaurant

More restaurant reviews Search our database for the latest reviews

From baltimoremetromix.com:
On the trail of two cities Metromix compares restaurant pairs in Baltimore and Annapolis

Celebrate the Fourth at the beach Free concert, fireworks in Ocean City

The other Ocean City A recent poll ranked Ocean City the best beach in New Jersey.

A pinch of the gourmet Skip the expensive finishing salts this grilling season, and make your own instead

Recipes for the best picnic ever Buttermilk fried chicken, three-cabbage cole slaw, brownie bites and more

Wine Find: 2008 Chateau d'Aqueria An elegant wine to serve ice cold

Get recipes

Mark: baltimoremetromix.com picks

Metromix and friends start the long weekend with fancy drinks at Red Star. Come say hi.

On Friday, Blue Hill Tavern opens. My roommates and I happened by Monday, and lucked into a tour of the place. Lots of outside seating, including a swank rooftop lounge. Anyway, we're considering stopping by to see what it's like opening night.

"Lolita" at the Charles Saturday afternoon? Maybe. Fireworks Saturday evening? Definitely. I just need to figure out which side of the pond I'll view them from. I'm leaning toward the Canton/Fells side, but a rooftop party in Fed Hill has its appeal. Heck, even Hampden is calling.

Sunday could be a good day to come down off my America high with much lounging.

Amanda: baltimoremetromix.com picks

Thursday night, I'll be at Red Star with dozens of Metromix's favorite people for a Metromix happy hour. Friends of Metromix can feel free to join us. You can also feel free to buy us a drink.

Friday night, I was invited to a vegetarian holiday party that I think I'll forego for a casual get together with friends, probably involving my backyard, probably involving my grill, probably involving some fresh summer cocktails. If I'm not doing that, I'm at "Public Enemies" swooning over gangsta-Johnny Depp.

Saturday is Independence Day, which I traditionally celebrate by eating as many American potluck dishes as possible before tripping out to "bombs bursting in air" and finally falling into bed. I'll start at a barbecue by Belvedere Square and finish with free fireworks in my neighborhood.

Sunday, I'll cram as much fun into a single day as is humanly possible. I still need to do some shopping for graduation gifts (yes, I'm a little behind) and grown up clothes. I want to finish the latest season of "Weeds" on DVD and I need to practice my story for Stoop at CenterStage on July 10.