This week on Delmarva, we’ve got our sights set on all sorts of local happenings, from dining out, to enjoying local, live music, to making pottery bowls for a terrific cause. It may be the ‘off season’ for many of our local towns, but that doesn’t seem to be slowing us down one bit. As you can see, there is plenty of fun to be had across the Eastern Shore this week, with several fundraisers on tap and even a few outdoor adventures at Pocomoke State Park. Don’t let the cold weather get you down, get out and stay active this winter on Delmarva!

Berlin Restaurant Week

When: January 11-17

Where: Participating restaurants in Berlin, MD

What: Berlin has been at it all week with restaurant specials, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Berlin Restaurant Week will continue through Sunday, January 17, with specials at just about every restaurant in town. Interested in the full lineup? Click here for more. And don’t forget to participate in the #BerlinRestaurantWeek contest & #EatBerlinToWin. Simply mention the participating restaurant on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, upload a photo of your meal, and tag it #EatBerlintoWin and #BerlinRestaurantWeek. That’s it! Names will be announced next week, with winners nabbing gift certificates to participating restaurants.

Empty Bowl Project

When: Various Dates

Where: Art League of Ocean City

What: The ALOC, First Shore Federal, and Diakonia are teaming up to fight hunger once again this year with return of the Empty Bowl Project. Over the next few weeks, community members are invited to the Arts Center on 94th Street in OCMD to make pottery bowls that will be used during the 3rd Annual Empty Bowl Dinner on March 19. Funds from the dinner will go towards Diakonia and the ALOC. Ultimately, the Empty Bowl Project – which is an international movement – aims to call attention to the number of empty bowls around the world. Upcoming dates for making bowls are: January 19 (1:30-2:30pm or 3-4pm) and January 25 (5-6pm or 6:30-7pm). Call the ALOC at 410-524-9433 for more details.

3rd Friday in Downtown Salisbury

When: Friday, January 15, 5pm-??

Where: Downtown Salisbury

What: Ok, so it may be a tad bit too cold for the usual 3rd Friday shenanigans in Downtown Salisbury, but that’s not stopping the 3rd Friday crew from having a little wintertime fun. For starters, the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council is hosting Arts on SWAC Street – A 3rd Friday Arts Mini-Mall. The January Jam will be held in the loft space about Season’s Best Antiques from 5pm until 8pm, with food & drinks, kids crafts, local artisans, crafters and more. Live entertainment will include Ted Nichols & Drums Around the World, Hunter Wirt & the Mardela High School Band, and the Alex & Dad Duo. At the SU Art Galleries Downtown, enjoy the opening reception of their brand new exhibit from 5-8pm. For live music, stop by Headquarters Live for Seldom Scene and Saltwater Stringband; Roadie Joe’s for James Darley and Dust N’ Bones(later in the evening); Brew River for DJ Outlaw (later); and The Brick Room for Union Road (9-12pm). Of course, all of the Downtown businesses will be participating in the 3rd Friday fun with their own specials. We’ve got our eye on the Ladies Night at Edit Salon, which includes a style, polish change, and makeup for $30!

Beauty & the Beast Jr.

When: Friday, January 15, 7pm & Saturday, January 16, 3pm & 7pm & Sunday, January 17, 3pm

Where: Ocean City Performing Arts Center

What: The Ocean Pines Youth Theater presents Beauty & the Beast Jr. a the Ocean City Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students. For more information, contact Paulette DeRosa-Matrona at 410-251-1402 or email opyouththeater@yahoo.com.

Eagle Watch at Pocomoke State Park

When: Saturday, January 16, 23, & 30, 1pm

Where: Milburn Landing, Pocomoke State Park

What: Explore the world of the bald eagle and the bald cypress while cruising the Pocomoke River by boat. Boat rides along the Pocomoke River offer some of the best opportunities for spotting a large number of bald eagles. The event will also include a bird watching hike and live animal displays by Scales-n-Tales, including a juvenile bald eagle. Call 410-632-2566 for pricing and reservations.

Mandala Painting Workshop

When: Saturday, January 16, 6-8pm

Where: Urban Nectar, Berlin

What: Join Debbi Dean-Colley for her mandala painting workshop this Saturday at Urban Nectar in Berlin, MD. Local happenings in support of local artists!

East Coast Commercial Fishermen & Aquaculture Trade Expo

When: Friday, January 15(11am-5pm), Saturday, January 16(10am-5pm), & Sunday, January 17(10am-3pm)

Where: Ocean City Convention Center

What: The only commercial fishing expo in the mid-Atlantic region returns to Ocean City in 2016, with plenty of seminars, fishermen gear, equipment and more. For more information, visit www.marylandwatermen.com.

Zaching Against Cancer

When: Monday, January 18, 6pm

Where: Burley Oak Brewing Company, Berlin

What: Burley Oak’s Monday night fundraising events continue on January 18 with guest bartenders from Harborside taking over the taps to raise money for Zaching Against Cancer. All proceeds support the local cause, which includes prize boards and raffles, 10 percent of the bar ring, and half of the tips from the evening. Food will be provided by Pit & Pub with live music by Funk Shue and Side Project.

Blood Bank of Delmarva Blood Drive

When: Wednesday, January 20, 8am-6pm

Where: Ocean City Convention Center

What: Ocean City and Blood Bank Delmarva will team up for the 18th year to host their annual blood drive, which has collected blood from 7,576 donors since the event’s inception. With this one blood drive, residents of Ocean City and the surrounding areas can help supply the blood needs of the hospitals on the shore during a critical time of year. Every blood donation can save up to three lives. To schedule an appointment, visit DelmarvaBlood.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.