Hello Towson!

Pardon my french, but this town has a #@%!-load of cool things happening at every turn this summer!

Whether it is the diverse culinary choices, the live music, the entertainment, or the gatherings, there is no shortage of unique and exciting things to do in Towson this Summer. We’ve jam-packed this week’s issue of the Torch with the first volley of summer entertainment! (with more to come)

In today’s TowsonTown Torch

• Towson’s Ping Wu blends flavor, family and the arts

• Feet on the Street Returns First Fridays this Summer

• Hundreds flock to Towson Town Center for Pop Mart Grand Opening

• Liberatore’s to open new restaurant in Towson

+ our weekly updates on local news, live music, entertainment and more!

Are you ready? Let’s goooooo!

Feature Story

Towson’s Cultural Connector: How Ping Wu Blends Flavor, Family, and the Arts

Her name is Ping Wu, but to many in Maryland’s Chinese community, she is known as “Sister Ping”—a title earned through her unwavering support, mentorship, and love. A restaurateur, dancer, arts patron, and mother, Ping is the driving force behind a local empire of flavor and creativity that stretches across three counties but has its heart firmly rooted in Towson. - read the article

Towson News

😎 Feet on the Street Returns to Towson on First Fridays this Summer with New Location, and Extra Fun

🕺🏻 Towson Feet on the Street
📍Pennsylvania Ave Between York and Washington
📅 First Friday’s this Summer beginning June 6th!
⏰ 6 PM - 9 PM

The Towson Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that Feet on the Street is back and it’s bigger and better than ever for First Fridays! There have been some exciting changes made enhancing the overall experience, including a new location,
- read the details

🤖 🧸 Hundreds flock to Towson Town Center for Pop Mart Grand Opening

A wave of excitement swept through Towson Town Center on May 24, 2025, as Pop Mart officially opened its doors to the Baltimore community. The grand opening drew hundreds of eager fans, from seasoned collectors to curious newcomers, all hoping to get their hands on the latest blind box collectibles and exclusive artist-designed figures. The vibrant store, located on Level 2 near Apple, quickly became a focal point of activity, with shoppers sharing their finds and experiences on TikTok and Instagram throughout the day. What is Pop Mart? Why the craze? - Read the article

🎹 Towson's Red Pepper Bistro is Sponsoring a Can’t Miss
Charity Concert at Recher

On June 4, 2025, Towson’s Red Pepper Sichuan Bistro will host their second annual benefit concert at the Recher Theatre. This year’s concert, “Broadway Dreams, Nashville Nights... And Vegas Lights”, will be an exciting road trip through America’s music landscape. All to benefit Andrea’s Wish Foundation, for post-partum depression awareness. - Read All About it Here

🌴🛍️🎊 The Shops at Kenilworth Bring Back the Family Fun with
Summer Fridays

Save the Dates! Join The Shops at Kenilworth in Towson, Maryland for Summer Fridays, a family-friendly summer of fun and excitement for all ages! ☀️🕶️🩴

📅Friday, June 13th - Friday, August 15th | 10:30 AM

🎉 Calendar of Fun! 🎉 
June 13 – Port Discovery – Storytime comes alive with Discovery Tales: Songs, stories, poems, and creativity.
June 20 – Shake Out Your Sillies with Ms. Eliza – Songs, nursery rhymes, puppet shows, instrument fun, and a dance party.
June 27 – Irvine Nature Center – Interesting animal facts and how humans can have an impact.
July 11 – Shake Out Your Sillies with Ms. Eliza – Songs, nursery rhymes, puppet shows, instrument fun, and a dance party.
July 18 – Port Discovery – Storytime comes alive with Discovery Tales: Songs, stories, poems, and creativity
July 25 – Common Tone – Original music, and interactive learning experiences, students explore their creativity and express themselves authentically.
August 1 – Irvine Nature Center – Interesting animal facts and how humans can have an impact.
August 8 – Shake Out Your Sillies with Ms. Eliza – Songs, nursery rhymes, puppet shows, instrument fun, and a dance party.
August 15 – Port Discovery – Storytime comes alive with Discovery Tales: Songs, stories, poems, and creativity.

*Excludes July 4th. Located on the lower-level by the fountain

👨🏻‍🌾 Towson Farmers Market Returns on June 5

📍Allegheny Avenue, Towson
📅 THURSDAYS - June 5, 2025 - November 20, 2025
⏰ 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Organized by the Towson Chamber of Commerce, the market features a diverse array of vendors offering organic produce, artisanal foods, handmade crafts, and more. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a midday stroll, pick up fresh ingredients, and support local businesses. Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Towson Farmers Market offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the heart of the community. - Follow the Towson Farmers Market on Facebook

😎 Belvedere Square Announces Summer Sounds Lineup

WIth less than one month til the kick off of Summer Sounds 2025 at Belvedere Square, The Belvedere Square Merchants Association is super excited for the return of some Summertime staples, as well as some new additions to Summer Sounds.
Get ready to spice up your Fridays!
🫑 @mymamasmamasmuhummara - Summer Sounds is the best place for a relaxing night and you can add the flavor when you visit @mymamasmamasmuhummara! The perfect snack of Summer Sounds.
🌮 @ponotaco will be joining the BSQ merchants outside in the event area for the 2025 Summer Sounds season!
💎 Make Summer memories to remember with @intentionallylinkedjewelry! Grab your besties and create your own permanent jewelry.
👚 @lorraineimwoldart will be back and this time with new designs! Make your own screen print by bringing your own shirt or by purchasing a blank tee or tote! 2025

Food & Dining

 🇮🇹 New Liberatore’s restaurant to open in Towson

The popular local family-run restaurant Liberatore’s and its more casual Lib’s Grill spinoff are opening more locations. John Liberatore announced that he just signed a lease for Lib’s Grill in downtown Towson and is moving forward with plans to open restaurants in Ocean City and Sykesville. The Towson Lib’s Grill will be in Court Towers, by the county Circuit Courthouse. It will replace Nalley Fresh, which has been there since 2019. Nalley Fresh also recently closed its store in Columbia’s Dobbin Center.

🥯 THB teams up with Jimmy’s Famous Seafood on New Menu Items

Towson Hot Bagel and Jimmy’s Famous Seafood have teamed up on some new summertime menu options. The choices, which will be available at all THB locations starting Memorial Day, include two new bagel flavors (Crabby Asiago and Crabby Everything), crab dip potato chips, and sandwiches featuring Jimmy’s crab dip.

🍷 The Weekly Sip with Haley:
The Hero Your Summer Didn’t Know It Needed: Canned Wine

Yes, you read that correctly - Canned Wine. I’ll go ahead and rip the Band-Aid off early to get the shock factor out of the way. Now before you panic, take a breath and stay with me for just a minute. Summertime is where Canned Wine can become your hero..

 - Find out why in the Weekly Sip

Health & Wellness

Dear Sarah,

I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. I have a 5-year-old daughter, a supportive (but also very busy) husband, a full-time job that’s demanding, and I’m worried about my mom getting older and taking care of her. I feel like I’m being pulled in every direction. There’s always someone who needs something from me. I don’t remember the last time I did anything just for me without feeling guilty about it. I love my family, but I’m exhausted. My question is…..

How do I create space for myself without letting everyone down?

Sincerely,
- Stretched Too Thin, Towson

-Read Sarah’s Advice for Stretched Too Thin 

Weekend Weather

Today
74 🌡️ 53 | ⛅️

Friday
78 🌡️60 🌤️

Saturday
64 🌡️ 50 | ⛅️

Sunday
69 🌡️ 48 | ☀️

MORE Live Music

Summer Sounds at Kenilworth

🥁 Summer Sounds at Kenilworth
📍The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Drive, Towson, 21204
📅 Thursdays June 5th thru August 28th, 2025
⏰ 5 PM -7 PM
 Check out this Summer’s Lineup

🎙️ Open Mic Night Returns to CVP Towson on Monday, June 2nd

Do yourself a favor and check out the great musical talent returning to CVP Towson this coming Monday…

📅 MONDAY June 2nd
📍CVP Towson, 19 W Pennsylvania Avenue
⏰ 5 PM - 9 PM
🎤 Open Mic is open to the public (register below to perform)

🎹 Presented by The Music Space in Towson, you are invited to come listen to up and coming vocalists and musicians of all ages, practicing their craft in front of a live audience. Its the perfect setting, held in the spacious yet comfy confines of the upstairs bar at CVP in Towson.

Or if you are feeling brave and want to share your talents in a fun, live setting then
sign up to participate here.

About The Music Space
The Music Space located at 5 W Chesapeake Ave, Towson, is a music lesson and recording studio offering private music lessons for students of all ages and abilities,
covering a wide range of instruments (including voice), as well as group lessons for young beginners. The studio also provides music recording and production services, and features a small stage and advanced recording technology for events, open mic nights, karaoke, children’s parties, and other music-themed gatherings.

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