Gene’s Costumes has reopened its Kensington store nearly three years after a fire forced the longtime costume shop to close.

The business announced its return on social media earlier this week, writing, “October 1 reopening!! After nearly 3 years we are able to reopen! Retail area is ready. Rentals will be a work in progress. Let’s give it a try! Come see us!!”

Gene’s Costumes is located at 10636 Connecticut Ave. in Kensington and has been in business for more than 30 years. The shop is one of the remaining full-service costume rental and retail stores in the D.C. area, offering costumes, accessories, wigs and other items.

In January 2024, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to a fire in the basement of the business shortly before noon. The fire was brought under control and no injuries were reported, but the store remained closed following the incident.

With the reopening, the retail portion of Gene’s Costumes is ready for customers, while the business says its rental operation remains a work in progress.

According to MyMCMedia, regular store hours are Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. During the final two weeks leading up to Halloween, hours will be extended until 9pm.

Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe will permanently close on Sunday, November 1, ending an eight-year run for the Guinness destination just outside Baltimore.

Guinness announced the closure Thursday, saying the brewery has welcomed more than two million visitors since opening in 2018. In a farewell message, the brewery said it has produced more than 700 different beers over the years and invited customers to visit during its final month for “one final toast.”

The Baltimore Sun reported that Guinness owner Diageo made the decision after reviewing the operation and its long-term business priorities. A source familiar with the decision told the Sun that rising operating costs, changing consumer demand and broader economic pressures had made the operation increasingly difficult to sustain.

The Open Gate Brewery opened to the public in August 2018 at 5001 Washington Boulevard following an approximately $90 million investment by Diageo. At the time, it marked the first Guinness brewing operation on U.S. soil in more than 60 years and included brewing, packaging, warehousing and visitor operations that generated more than 200 jobs.

The Halethorpe site was created as an American counterpart to Guinness’ Open Gate Brewery in Dublin, giving brewers space to experiment with new beers influenced by American brewing traditions. The facility initially included two brewhouses, including a smaller system for experimental beers and a larger system used to produce Guinness Blonde. Guinness Draught and the company’s other classic stouts continued to be brewed in Ireland.

The property itself also has a longer alcohol-production history. The site was previously home to a historic whiskey distillery, a connection that helped inspire the original “Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House” name.

The operation changed significantly in 2023, when Diageo shut down the site’s larger beer production operation. The Open Gate Brewery visitor experience remained open with its taproom and experimental brewing operation. The brewery currently features an experimental brewery, taproom, brand store, food offerings, beer garden and tours. In its closing announcement, Guinness thanked its brewing and hospitality employees and said its support for Baltimore-area organizations would continue beyond the brewery’s final pour.

“We’re so grateful for the memories, the friendships and the years we’ve shared,” the brewery wrote. “For the next month, join us for one final toast. We’d love to see you before our last call.”

Maryland spa Even Keel Wellness Spa is offering a free day of care for anyone living with cancer as part of its Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiatives.

On Sunday, October 18, all four Even Keel locations in Annapolis, Baltimore, Crofton and Columbia will offer completely free treatments to people living with cancer. Reservations are limited and must be made by phone.

The free treatments are part of Even Keel’s “Calm for a Cure” efforts throughout October. Popular Maryland food blogger Nomtastic Kim recently highlighted the initiative, which also includes fundraising for The Harmony Foundation, an organization that provides support and comfort to individuals affected by cancer and their caregivers.

Throughout October, $25 from every $150 Even Keel gift card purchased will be donated to The Harmony Foundation. At the end of the month, Even Keel plans to match the total amount raised through all donation sources.

Reservations, which are limited, for the October 18 Free Day of Care can be made by calling the participating locations:

Annapolis: 410-990-0111
Baltimore: 410-862-0928
Crofton: 443-292-4100
Columbia: 443-542-2413

 

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