The second week of October is almost comparable to Heaven on Earth. The weather is perfect (71 degrees and pure sunshine), there are no loud cards cruising up and down the streets, the beaches are deserted, and fun events are in the works. Kick back and relax, carve some pumpkins, and enjoy the serene Autumn weather on the shore. If you're looking to do something exciting this weekend, here are our ShoreBread suggestions…

2nd Friday Art Stroll

The town of Berlin, MD is gearing up for October’s 2nd Friday Art Stroll on Friday, October 12th. Ocean City photographer, Mark Huey, will have items on display at the Berlin Coffee House during the event. His latest work includes photo prints of the Eastern Shore, mixed-media works, and an installment of an ‘InstaBerlin’ collection composed of photos taken using Instagram. ShoreBread’s Editor-in-Chief, Natalee DeHart, has paired up with Berlin photographer, Gina Whaley, to create a collection of photographs that will be on display at Zenna Wellness Studio. The yoga studio, located on Main Street in Berlin, will showcase several series belonging to the photographers. Items will be for purchase and remain on display at both Zenna Wellness Studio and the Berlin Coffee House through the month of October.
 
For more information about Zenna, take a look at this ShoreBread article: Zenna Wellness Studio Brings Yoga, Zumba, and Pottery to Berlin, MD.
 
 

Rehoboth Jazz Festival

2012 marks the 23rd year that Rehoboth will host a Jazz music festival. The festival kicks off on Friday, October 12th at 5:30 pm and continues until midnight. Shows this year will be held on three stages: Cape Henlopen High School, the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center and Epworth Church.  There will be many local restaurants and bars, in both Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, DE, offering great entertainment. For more information, visit the Rehoboth Jazz website. Tickets can be purchases on their website as well.

Chesapeake Wildfowl Expo

The 15th annual Chesapeake Wildfowl Expo will be held at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art this weekend in Salisbury, MD. The museum, located on Schumaker Drive, will be hosting free events and dismissing normal admission fees for all who would like to attend the expo. Decoy carvers will be buying, selling, and trading items. A decoy raffle, carving demonstrations, antique decoy display, and 50/50 drawing will take place. Children are welcome to attend, as well. Activities will run from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday.
 
 

Horn Point Oyster Hatchery Open House

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science – Horn Point Laboratory – will be welcoming the public to their facilities on Saturday, October 13th. The Horn Point Laboratory is located in Cambridge, MD and is home to millions of oysters. Discover the science of the Chesapeake Bay during the free open house. The event will feature investigations by the laboratory’s scientists, oyster hatchery tours, touch tanks, and hands-on activities for children. Kids will receive a free tee shirt, too. The Horn Point Laboratory will be open to the public for tours from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday only. Call 410-221-8425 for more information.
 
To learn more about the Horn Point Laboratory, check out these ShoreBread articles: Oyster Recovery Partnership: Restoring Maryland's Oyster Populations or The Importance of Oysters on the Eastern Shore.
 
 

Home & Condo Show

The Autumn Home and Condo Show is scheduled to take place in Ocean City, MD this weekend. Starting Friday, October 12th and continuing until Sunday, the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street will be filled with information for homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping, and decorating their homes. Demonstrations will take place, displays will be visible, and experts will be available for advice. The event will start at noon and continue until 6 pm.
 
 

Beerfest in Berlin

Also in Berlin this weekend? Beerfest: Berlin’s version of Octoberfest. Hang out in the streets of historic Berlin, taste some delicious beer, eat ethnic German food, and listen to live music during the annual event. Admission to Beerfest is free and a Beer Garden will be set up for those over 21 years of age. Beer from Burley Oak Brewery will be served in the Beer Garden.  Live music by Parental Guidance, the Galaxy Collective, Monkee Paw, and Aaron Howell will take place at The Globe on Friday, October 12th.  Music by the Continentals and CowPolkas on Saturday afternoon. The event kicks off on Friday night at The Globe Restaurant and continues from noon to 7 pm on Main Street on Saturday, October 13th. 
 
 

Poker Paddle Pandemonium

On Sunday, October 14th, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program will run Ocean City’s first-ever kayak poker run. The event, titled the Poker Paddle Pandemonium, will benefit the program that helps protect and nurture our coastal bays and watersheds.  The Poker Paddle Pandemonium is a padding event – not a race. There are no prizes for speed and it does not matter who is first to complete the course. Winning is purely a matter of chance. The run starts at Seacrets at noon and commences at 5 pm. Registration can be completed on the Maryland Coastal Bays Program's website.
 
To learn more about the Poker Paddle Pandemonium, read this ShoreBread article: A Kayak Poker Run Benefiting the Maryland Coastal Bays Program.