Second Half Highlights

Good morning, welcome to 2009: Part II.

With half the year in the books, I thought I'd take a quick look at some of the things I'm most looking forward to over the next six months. These are just a few events off the top of my head - I'd love to hear what you're anticipating in Baltimore during the tail end of 2009.

• Artscape - July 17-19 - I've lived in Baltimore since 2000, and every year it seems Artscape gets bigger and better. The weather is really the only variable, but I've enjoyed myself there even during downpours and blazing hot 100-degree afternoons. This year I'm really looking forward to my usual samosas from the food court and hearing steel pedal guitar player Robert Randolph and the Family Band.
• Ravens vs Chiefs, M&T Bank Stadium - Sept. 13 - The Ravens 2009 season kicks off at home. It will be interesting to see if the sophomore slump hits coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco, or whether they can improve of last year's incredible showing and take the Ravens all the way to the Super Bowl.
• Fells Point Fun Festival - Oct. 3-4 - Like Artscape, Fells Point Fest seems to grow every year. Food, bands, shopping, and of course, the beer tent make this a Baltimore tradition not to be missed.

Photo: Will Joe Flacco avoid the sophomore jinx? (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images Sport)