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Start Planning Your Summer Now! Here's a Look at What's Ahead!

Summer is so close you can taste it! You're down to your last few finals and class projects, and you're just itching to get out and enjoy a few good months before the grind of school and work starts up again.

Well, we want to help you fill your summer with an amazing array of fantastic times! We are going to do the research for you, and find the best places, the biggest events, and the most outrageous activities, that will keep you entertained all summer long! Then, we'll give you a simple easy-to-follow list that includes everything you could need to pick the type of summer adventure that's right for you!

And we're starting you off with a look at the biggest Summer Festivals happening around town!

- Starscape. June 6th at Fort Armistead Park. $55 - $139
Unlike any other festival, this is an overnight ritual. The event starts at 2pm and lasts until 6am. (With music and partying happening the whole time.) 5 stages of ongoing music, plenty of food, graffitti wall, an art gallery, and full bars until 2am. Performers for this year include The Disco Biscuits, Chromeo, BassNectar, and Biodiesel.

- Honfest. June 13-14 in Hampden. Free!
This is the festival that celebrates everything Baltimore! Thousands come out to help search for the best Hon. Get your own beehive at the event, compete in the Ms. Hon pageant, or just meander through the people, shops, and eateries.

- Great Grapes! Wine, Art, and Music Festival. June 13-14 at Oregon Ridge Park. $15-$22
Maryland wineries share their juices and concoctions. Sample wines, watch cooking demonstrations, and learn the art of wine tasting

- Baltimore Pride 2009. June 20-21 in Mount Vernon and Druid Hill Park. Free
Pride in diversity by joining the Maryland GLBTA community for this weekend of activities. A parade and block party are on Saturday. Then on Sunday crown the King and Queen od Pride, watch a high heel race and participate in a date auction.

- Artscape. July 17-19 in Mount Vernon. Free
The largest free public arts festival of its kind. Features exhibits, fashion shows, concerts, dance, theater, children's entertainers, food vendors, and more than 150 craftspeople. Festival highlight includes the Art Car Show, which showcases vehicles decorated with bizarre objects.

- Maryland State Fair. Aug. 28 - Sept 7 at MD State Fairgrounds. $8.
A classic. Popcorn, pony rides, livestock, and live bands. Make crafts or win a stuffed animal.

- MD Renaissance Festival. Aug 29 - Oct 5 in Crownsville. $7 and up
Go back in time as this festival recreates a 16th century English village. Festival-goers and workers are in costume. Watch a jousting match, sip from a mug of ale, munch on a turkey leg, watch sword swallowers, jugglers, and magicians.

Here's hoping you found something on this list that you will love!