Before you venture off into the mayhem that is Fells Point on Halloween, there are a few things you should know. It's not for the faint of heart; the wind will be whipping off the Harbor, aggravating the already chilly temperatures, which will be especially painful if you're scantily clad. Policemen will be riding around on horses and generally trying to look intimidating. And I guarantee you hordes of costume-clad drunks will be falling all over each other, throwing up in the streets, stepping in horse crap, and occasionally getting into fights.
All of that being said, you can have a great time down there if you know what you're getting yourself into.
Halloween at Fells Point brings Baltimore together for what might be the biggest impromptu holiday celebration all year long. Rain or shine, cold or warm weather, Monday or Friday, the streets and bars will be packed. Live bands and DJs will keep the dancing going strong until the last drink has been served. No one can go to Fells on Halloween and argue that Baltimoreans don't know how to have a good time.
If you're underage, never fear, but be aware that things might not go as planned. Maybe your fake ID isn't that great; maybe you or some of your friends don't have IDs at all. First of all, make sure you're already a bit tipsy when you get down there. If you're feeling more dangerous, bring a discreet bottle along for the trip. At Shucker's, at the end of Broadway and right on the water, the bouncer probably won't take more than a passing glance at your ID. If you don't have any ID at all, start growing some facial hair or put on a lot of eye makeup (or do both) and head to one of the lesser-known bars on the side streets. One bar where you might have more luck is Bar, at 1718 Lancaster St. The name alone should tell you that the place might look the other way if you tell them you're not drinking or if your ID says you're 27 when you're really 19. Check all of the side streets for bars that look less strict, but keep at least one friend with you and try to keep your wits about you.
Do not, under any circumstances, take a fake ID to Max's. The bouncer will put it in his pocket before you can even try to reason with him. Maybe you're thinking that your ID is a step above the rest, you've used it in New York, you paid $170 for it ... it doesn't matter. Just don't take a fake ID there. Those guys are vicious, and they know what they're doing - don't take your chances, especially when there are a million other bars in the neighborhood.
If you are of age, you have a lot less to worry about. Unlike the underage kids, you have the luxury of being able to barhop to your heart's desire. The most popular, packed spots include Max's, which will host a karaoke room, Fletcher's, which offers live music, and the Greene Turtle, a sports bar. Some smaller, more low-key bars worth checking out include Bertha's (a classic seafood house with a separate bar), Kooper's Tavern and the Cat's Eye Pub, a Baltimore favorite. Kooper's and the Cat's Eye are both on Thames Street. Or you could head up Broadway to Latin Palace.
If you need a break from all of the chaos, Brick Oven Pizza, at 800 S. Broadway, is open until 3 a.m. Or towards the end of your night, if you're hungry and you can't get a cab, head down Aliceanna Street to Sip & Bite, a local favorite that's been around since the '50s and one of the few 24-hour places left in the city. (Paper Moon ... I hope you're reading this.) Sip & Bite is about six blocks east from Broadway.
Before you go, charge your cell phone and put a few cab companies in your contacts. Baltimore Taxi is one of the best. Make sure that you're taking taxis or buses, or that you have a (sober) designated driver.
Don't do anything incredibly stupid. Go get a little sloshed, dance the night away and make it home in one piece. After all, Halloween is already scary enough.
