Hello Towson,
Only 50 days until Christmas.
Nobody will judge you if you put down the decorations, and walk away quietly until the day after Thanksgiving. (21 days until Thanksgiving🦃) gobble.
——
In this week’s Towson Torch:
Meet the new owners of Barley’s Backyard Uptown
Local entrepreneur shares heartwrenching story with People
Jam packed with things to do this weekend
🏃♂️➡️Let’s get to it!
Feature
🍺Meet the new owners of Barley’s Backyard Uptown:
Joe Becker, Anita Zeller Comstock, and Dave Williams are bringing fresh ideas to a familiar Towson gathering place, including more upscale dining options and even a dedicated sensory room. We finally got the chance to speak with Dave Williams who spent 30 years in the insurance business before purchasing Barley’s back in July.
🔥Read the full story on The Torch
🎷TU Marching Band returns to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2027
The Towson University Marching Band (TUMB) has been selected to perform in the 101st Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® in New York City on Thanksgiving Day 2027, a prestigious honor reserved for only a select number of marching bands chosen from hundreds of applicants nationwide. The announcement was made following the band’s Homecoming performance at Johnny Unitas® Stadium on Oct. 31,.
💌 Local Entrepreneur Stacey Fifer of Craft Crush Shares Remarkable Family Story with PEOPLE Magazine
When The Towson Torch first introduced readers to Stacey Fifer in March 2025, we shared the inspiring story of a Maryland entrepreneur who was building a successful beverage company while raising two young daughters and carrying forward the dream she had started with her late husband.
But as it turns out, Stacey's story of perseverance goes far beyond the success of Craft Crushes. Now, the Maryland-based entrepreneur and her family are receiving national attention in PEOPLE magazine, which recently featured their almost unbelievable story of how Stacey's mother, Kathy Patten, survived 45 minutes without a heartbeat at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) — on the very day Stacey was giving birth to her daughter.
🔥Read Full Story on The Torch
Dinner, Dancing and Dogs With a Mission: Wine and Dine for Warriors Returns to Towson
Wine and Dine for Warriors, supported by Towson Elks Lodge #469, combines dinner, live entertainment and fundraising activities to help people who have served our communities and country. Billed as its fourth annual edition, the upcoming event will benefit Hero Dogs.
📅 Saturday, January 30, 2027
⌚ 5–9 p.m.
📍 The Recher, 512 York Road, Towson
Things to Do This Weekend
🍂 Your Towson Weekend: November 6–8
Halloween decorations down. Weekend plans up. Towson’s serving up a little stargazing, live music, Tiger pride, and a chance to celebrate the people who’ve served our country. Here’s where to get out and enjoy it.
Thursday, November 5 (today)
🥕 Towson Farmers Market
🕒 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
📍 Allegheny & Washington Avenues, Uptown Towson
Stock up on locally grown food and handcrafted finds while supporting local vendors. Just three market days remain before the season wraps up November 19!
Friday, November 6
🌌 The Secret Lives of Stars
🕒 6, 7 & 8 p.m.
📍 TU Science Complex Planetarium, Room 2206, 7801 York Road
Trade your usual Friday-night screen for a universe of stars, narrated by Patrick Stewart. The 7 and 8 p.m. shows are free with no ticket required; the 6 p.m. show offers guaranteed seating with a purchased ticket. Free parking in Glen Garage after 3 p.m. Details.
🎙️ Justin, Scott & Spiegel UNCENSORED
🕒 Doors 7 p.m. | Show 8 p.m.
📍 The Recher, 512 York Road
The 98 Rock morning crew takes the stage with the filter removed and special guest Tim Montana along for the ride. Expect comedy, chaos, and material you won’t hear on your morning commute. Details & tickets.
🎨 Kids Night at Barley’s Backyard
🕒 6–8 p.m.
📍 408 York Road
Give the kids a Friday-night outing with crafts and a complimentary dessert while the grown-ups enjoy dinner. Listed as a weekly Friday activity. Details.
🥂 Friday Happy Hour at Bread & Circuses
🕒 5–7 p.m.
📍 401 Delaware Avenue
Ease into the weekend with the bistro’s published bar-only happy hour, featuring wine, sangria, and an appetizer special. Dinner can take care of itself from there. Ages 21+. Details.
Saturday, November 7
🏐 Tiger Volleyball: Senior Day
🕒 3 p.m.
📍 SECU Arena, Towson University
Bring your black and gold as Towson takes on Hofstra and celebrates its senior players. Can’t make Saturday? The teams also play Friday at 5 p.m. Game details.
🎸 Duck Soup at CVP
🕒 5 p.m.
📍 Charles Village Pub & Patio, 19 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
Dinner, drinks, and live music make a pretty solid Saturday combination. Duck Soup is listed for an early-evening set at CVP. Event listing.
🎻 Virtuoso Strings: “Recomposed”
🕒 7 p.m.
📍 TU Center for the Arts, Recital Hall, Room 3066
Talented area high school musicians join TU students and faculty for an evening featuring music by Vivaldi, Schubert, and Jessie Montgomery. A lovely excuse to give the streaming queue a night off. Details & tickets.
Sunday, November 8
🇺🇸 Veterans Day Celebration
🕒 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
📍 TU University Union, Third Floor
Celebrate service and community at this free, family-friendly gathering featuring food, games, veterans organizations, resources, and job opportunities. Everyone is welcome, and parking is free in Union Garage. Details.
⚽ Towson Women’s Soccer: CAA Championship Semifinal
🕒 1 p.m.
📍 Tiger Field, Towson University
Postseason soccer comes to Towson! Cheer on the Tigers as they host the winner of Hofstra–Stony Brook with a place in the conference championship game on the line. Game details.
🎶 Bumpin Uglies at The Recher
🕒 Doors 6:30 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
📍 The Recher, 512 York Road
Annapolis favorites Bumpin Uglies bring their reggae, ska, and punk blend to Towson, joined by Artikal Sound System and Joey Harkum Band. Give the weekend a proper musical send-off. All ages. Details & tickets.
More Weekend Options
🪓 Axe Throwing & Glow Splatter Painting at AxGard
📅 Friday–Sunday, November 6–8
🕒 Choose an available session when booking
📍 Towson Commons, 1 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 117
Feeling competitive—or creatively messy? AxGard offers axe throwing and splatter painting right in Uptown. Splatter painting requires an online reservation; axe-throwing walk-ins are welcome when space allows. Options & booking.
🖼️ A Free Art Break at TU
📅 Friday & Saturday, November 6–7
🕒 “Even Our Oddkin”: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. | “Encounter”: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 TU Center for the Arts, 7700 Osler Drive
Browse two free exhibitions: “Even Our Oddkin” in the Center for the Arts Gallery and “Encounter” in the Asian Arts Gallery. An easy dose of culture between weekend errands. Exhibition details.
🛍️ Just Up the Road: Crafts Galore Market
📅 Saturday, November 7
🕒 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
📍 Grace Lutheran of Lutherville, 8601 Valleyfield Road
Get a head start on holiday shopping with juried arts and crafts, food, and desserts. Admission is free, and the market runs rain or shine. Details.
🏀 Looking Ahead: Towson Chamber Basketball Happy Hour
📅 Monday, November 9
🕒 6–8 p.m.
📍 SECU Arena, Towson University
A little networking, a little Tiger pride! Join the Towson Chamber for an evening of basketball and community connections. Chamber members receive free tickets, including a drink coupon. RSVP is required, and tickets will be texted to your phone.
🍂 Towson Weekend Weather
Towson’s weekend starts with umbrella weather and finishes with sweater weather. Friday brings periods of rain, with a mild high near 68°F before temperatures fall to around 47°F overnight. Saturday turns sunnier and breezy, topping out near 59°F, with a chilly overnight low around 42°F. Sunday looks mostly dry with a mix of sunshine and clouds, highs near 59°F, and nighttime temperatures in the low 40s. Keep Friday’s plans indoors, then grab a jacket for weekend shopping, Tiger sports, or a stroll around town. Your patio season isn’t over—it just requires another layer and perhaps something warm to sip.
THANK YOU!
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