When Corey Polyoka started to configure the beach furniture, recycled shipping containers, and vintage 1968 Safari Airstream trailer at Sandlot last spring, he knew he had something special. But he didn’t anticipate just how much his urban island concept would catch on with locals.

On opening day last June, hundreds packed the 40,000-square-foot, open-air oasis to sip slushies, sample skewered snacks, and challenge friends to yard games while soaking up sunshine on the border of Fells Point and Harbor East.

“That first day was incredible,” says Polyoka, managing partner of Spike Gjerde’s Foodshed restaurant group, which operates Sandlot, as well as other restaurants like Woodberry Kitchen and Parts & Labor. “I’m an operator, so in my mind I quickly realized, ‘Wow I’m not sure if we were quite ready for that.’ But then seeing how people were enjoying it on social media and making their way down there a lot last summer was really amazing.”

Polyoka is hoping to keep that momentum going this year, as he and his team gear up for Sandlot’s second season opener on Saturday, May 5. This time around, the beachfront hangout is upping its game with additional seating and shaded areas, expanded food and drink offerings, weekly live music, athletic programming on the sand, and even more community events.

“There’s more of everything at Sandlot this season,” Polyoka says. “I think toward the end of last year we really found our groove. We’re excited to start there and pick up where we left off.”

Beginning this weekend, the outdoor eatery and rec yard will be open from 4-11 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on weekends until late October. Here’s what to look out for as the season kicks into gear.