Hampden Highlights 2026
I love my neighborhood. We’re lucky enough to be in Baltimore (according to the benches, the Greatest City in America, and who am I to argue with a bench?), and luckier still to be in Hampden, one of the most charming, friendly areas the city has to offer. We’re within walking distance of anything a person could want—our local library, vintage and boutique shops, unbelievably good coffee, some of my favorite restaurants, and possibly the best ice cream in the city, at the Charmery. We really get a lot of joy out of our neighborhood. One of our favorite summer pastimes is sitting on the steps of St. Luke’s across from the Charmery, enjoying a few scoops of Telltale Chocolate or Salted Caramel, and watching our little world go by. If you’re in the area, there’s nothing I can think of to recommend more!
In the spirit of celebrating the local—and Woodside Home believes strongly in supporting our local businesses and communities—I thought I’d take today’s post as an opportunity to highlight an upcoming festival in our neighborhood: the Hampden Highlights Festival.
Hampden Highlights is an annual summer festival that celebrates all things local, and all things Hampden. For those who don’t know, Hampden has a storied local history—famous for being a part-time haunt of John Waters, and for really loving flamingos. It’s a cheerful, exuberant place, and the Hampden Highlights festival is all about letting that spirit shine. The festival is pretty new—its first year was 2024—and it serves as a huge fundraising opportunity for local charities and as an opportunity for local businesses to get the word out about who they are and what they’re all about. A portion of the festival’s proceeds goes towards the local non-profit initiatives at St. Luke’s church.
Vendors all along 36th St. offer incredible food and drinks—there’ll be live music throughout the day, and activities for kids and adults alike. The Hampden Highlights festival always feels like the real kickoff moment of our summer. It’s a beautiful opportunity to give some love back to the community, and to be participant in those local networks that make our neighborhood, and any neighborhood, special.
The Hampden Highlights Festival will be June 6th, 11AM – 7PM, on 36th St. in Hampden. Parking can be a little tricky, so plan to get a ride, hop on the bus, or utilize your parking spot-hunting wiles to the max!
I know I’m ready to enjoy some Hampden magic—I hope to see you there!
For more info, visit the festival homepage here: https://www.hampdenhighlightsfest.com/