Classic Halloween moment in Fells: Michael Meyers in 1999 {thanks, The Baltimore Sun}

1. Halloween in Fells Point
Guaranteed to be packed, and it’ll be hard to get a foot in the door of any bar. But with all the crazy costumes around, you won’t need to drink to enjoy yourself on Halloween in Fells. You can stare all night at complete strangers and no one will think you’re creepy. BRIAN KRISTA, B

2. Ravens v. Broncos
Fresh off a much-needed bye week, the Ravens host the AFC West-leading Broncos, one of the biggest surprises of the 2009 season. This looked like a sure win for the Ravens back in September, but they’ll have their hands full on Sunday. 1 p.m., M&T Bank Stadium (also WJZ-23 CBS and 98 Rock). MATT VENSEL, B

3. Jay-Z
What more can he say? There’s a reason Jay-Z continues to succeed in a young man’s game, and it’s his consistency. Check out Hov’s set at 1st Mariner Arena on Tuesday in case you need a reminder. I’ll be in the crowd, throwing that diamond up. 8 p.m., $29.50-$127.50. WESLEY CASE, B

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A bone-chilling sight at the Lantern Parade {thanks, The Baltimore Sun}

1. Lighting up Halloween
Before things get too crazy Saturday, check out the Great Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival at Eastern and Linwood avenues at Patterson Park. The festival goes from 3-9 p.m. Parade starts at 7:30 and there will be over 1,200 paper lanterns to light the way. creativealliance.org. ALISIA KRASTEL, B

2. Fell’s Point Haunted Pub Walk
Most of our Fell’s Point walks are haunted — by our alcoholic outbursts. Heh. Seriously though, this inebriated historic jaunt gives you the lowdown on spooked drinkeries in town. Get tickets early (21 and older). 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 28. $20. fellspointghost.com/pubwalk.html. JORDAN BARTEL, B

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A strapping Matt Damon in “The Informant!” {thanks, Warner Bros.}

‘The Informant!’
That exclamation point means this Matt Damon-Steven Soderbergh collaboration treads the usually dangerous waters of dark comedy. Early buzz, though, is that Damon is excellent as a bipolar whistleblower (now we know they exist) who uncovers his company’s price-fixing practices. Based on a true story. Opens Friday. JORDAN BARTEL, B

‘Gossip Girl’
The third season of TV’s most addictive (and stylish) drama starts Monday. It’s the beginning of the college years (usually a series’ death knell), but we don’t care about the setting — the show thrives on its characters, especially Leighton Meester’s sinister turn as Blair Waldorf and her enigmatic counterpart, Chuck Bass. 9 p.m., the CW. WESLEY CASE, B

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Autumn leaves are a’comin’ {thanks, stock.xchng}

Fall’s Top 5’s: Our favorite events, sports and concerts this season

FESTIVALS/EVENTS
Baltimore Book Festival
Take a look, because this year’s annual ode to tome love features celebri-authors such as Buzz Aldrin, Ralph Nader and Maureen McCormick (Marcia Brady!). Plus, there are loads of local authors, book sales and readings on topics ranging from cooking to hip-hop. Noon-8 p.m. Sept. 25 and 26, noon-7 p.m. Sept. 27 // Mount Vernon Place, 600 block of North Charles Street // Free // baltimorebookfestival.org

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The Killers go for an understated promo shot {thanks, Island Records}

1. The Killers
There’s always room in rock ’n’ roll for a band willing to embrace its most grandiose inclinations. Hello, the Killers! The band’s songs are stadium-ready and lead singer Brandon Flowers revels in the role of ringleader. With half-cliché, half-life-affirming lyrics (“We’re burnin’ down the highway skyline …”), there’s only one thing left to do: Scream ’em back. Wolfmother opens. 6 p.m. Monday at Merriweather Post Pavilion. 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. $35, $45. WESLEY CASE, B

2. John Hughes ’80s dance party
I was saddened to hear that Molly Ringwald and the late John Hughes didn’t speak for 20 years. Maybe some dance therapy will help me work through it. 9 p.m.; no cover till 10. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. ANNE TALLENT, B

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We love us some Swifty Swine Swimming Pigs at the Maryland State Fair {thanks, Maryland State Fair}

August kind of blows.

The days (and nights) are often sticky-hot. It’s the only month with no federal holiday (Congress, if you can’t work out health care reform, give this a shot). And Baltimore’s summer festival season is waning.

So the Maryland State Fair comes at just the right time. The 128th (!) year of the 11-day fair in Timonium will, as always, feature thousands of arts and agriculture exhibits, barnfuls of lively livestock and as much rides and food as your stomach can handle. Plus, Boyz II Men! Really!!

Check out our favorite fair attractions (swimming pigs!) — and a few guilty pleasures (cow milking!):

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A reunited Blink-182 headlines Sunday’s Virgin FreeFest at Merriweather {thanks, AP}

They’ve made good on their Grammy-night promise to reunite.

Blink-182, the poppy-punky SoCal hit machine that gave us “All the Small Things,” “What’s My Age Again?” and (of course) “I Miss You,” is back, headlining Virgin FreeFest on Sunday.

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The boys of Blink are back. Alliteration! {thanks, AP}

1. Virgin Mobile FreeFest
Back to Maryland on Sunday with a slimmed-down lineup and price (um, free), Virgin Fest boasts a few big names (a reunited Blink-182, Weezer) and always reliable indies (Franz Ferdinand, Mates of State) with a dash of hip-hop (Public Enemy, Wale). Gates open at 11 a.m. Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia. virginmobilefestival.com. JORDAN BARTEL, B

2. Maryland Renaissance Festival
Yes, I am one of those nerds who go to the Renn Faire every year and enjoy every last bit of terrible accents, fake jousting and food on a stick. They had mac and cheese during the English Renaissance, right? Starts Saturday at the fairgrounds in Crownsville. Runs through Oct. 25. $18. rennfest.com. MARISSA RICHARDSON, B

3. Ravens vs. Jets
It’s a homecoming of sorts for new Jets coach Rex Ryan and the former Ravens he stole away, Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard, as the Jets visit M&T Bank Stadium for the Ravens’ second preseason game. You can be sure, though, that once the game starts, the hosts won’t be all that welcoming to their former mates. 8 p.m. Monday. This week, the Ravens also travel to North Carolina to face the Panthers at 8 p.m. Saturday. MATT VENSEL, B

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Two out of how ever many Kardashians they are approve of “Take Miami” {thanks, E!}

1. ‘Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami’
Amid the “reality” world that spans from “The Hills” to “Bromance” to “Keeping Up with Kardashians” this new entry looks to be the most effective yet for obliterating your IQ. Premieres 10 p.m. Sunday, E! ANNE TALLENT, B

2. Ravens v. Redskins
The Ravens meet their beltway “rivals,” the Redskins, in the first exhibition game of the 2009. The starters, probably won’t be on the field for long, so spend too much time pregaming in the parking lot. 7 p.m. Thursday, M&T Bank Stadium and WBAL. MATT VENSEL, B

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“Funny People” {thanks, Universal}

1. ‘Funny People’
Summer isn’t complete without a Judd Apatow movie. Cue “Funny People.” I’m not excited about Adam Sandler mixing into the usual Apatow actor list (Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill), but the addition of RZA might make up for it. And there it is — summer’s complete! Opens Friday. AUBREY FORNWALT, B

2. Method Man/Redman/Ghostface Killah
Obviously, this is a hip-hop bill few fans could complain about. Method Man and Redman have reputations as two of rap’s most engaging live performers, and Ghostface is the Wu-Tang Clan’s most vital and relevant MC. Doors at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Rams Head Live! $35. WESLEY CASE, B

3. Ravens training camp
The Ravens kick off their 14th training camp with their first set of two-a-days (8:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.) at McDaniel College in Westminster. Rookies, quarterbacks and a handful of other players will be on the field Tuesday, but you’ll have to wait until Friday to see the whole gang. Veterans, including Ray Lewis (left), report Wednesday. MATT VENSEL, B

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