A Tour of Pigtown
Pigtown, also known as Washington Village, is a hip, historic community that neighbors the Inner Harbor, Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium. Here's how to make the most of your Pigtown explorations.
Pigtown’s name dates back to the late 1800s when pigs were herded through the streets on the way to the slaughterhouse. Today, Pigtown is one of the most culturally and economically diverse neighborhoods in Baltimore. It borders classic Charm City destinations such as the Inner Harbor, Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium, and local businesses range from sports bars to craft stores and renowned tattoo parlors. It’s also home to the annual Pigtown Festival, a September block party featuring delicious food, live music and the “Squeakness” Pig Race.
Things to Do in Pigtown
In recent years, Pigtown’s main street, along Washington Boulevard, has developed into a hot spot for dining, shopping and even dancing! Grab a cup of coffee from Culinary Architecture before wandering into SCRAP B-more, a creative reuse center which has diverted over 19 tons of waste from landfills, and Official Haute Mess, a Black-owned fashion boutique.
If you’re looking to get a little more active, take a stroll in Carroll Park, the third oldest park in Baltimore, and run, skate, play golf or enjoy a picnic on the green. If you visit on the first Friday of the month, attend the Save Your Soul dance party in the basement of Lithuanian Hall.
History buffs will enjoy visiting one of Pigtown’s many surrounding museums, including the B&O Railroad Museum, the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum and Mount Clare Museum House.
Pigtown Restaurants
Baltimore is a city of contradictions, and no neighborhood exemplifies that spirit more than Pigtown, where fast-casual eateries are just steps away from upscale destinations. Here’s where you can grab a bite to eat and rest your feet in Pigtown.
Events in Pigtown
There are several annual events and festivals in Pigtown/Washington Village. Get a true feel for the neighborhood at these can’t-miss events.
Annual Pigtown Festival
This annual carnival-themed event benefits Pigtown Main Street, a local revitalization organization. During the festival, you can buy raffle tickets to support your favorite pig in the “Squeakness,” or the Running of the Pigs. Non-pig-specific activities include listening to live music, spectating the pie-eating contests, playing in the pumpkin patch, and more.
Latin Pulse Thursdays
Learn to bachata, salsa, merengue and more at latin dance nights hosted by Bmore Urbana every Thursday at Pigtown’s Mystique Barrel Brewing. The evening starts with a beginner bachata lesson at 8 p.m. and is followed by social dancing until 1 a.m., guided by the beats of DJ Phoenix.
Save Your Soul Dance Party
One of Baltimore’s wildest dance parties takes place inside an unassuming historic building near Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium. On the first Friday of every month, Save Your Soul brings raw soul, R&B and more to Pigtown’s Lithuanian Hall, a nonprofit committed to promoting Lithuanian culture in Charm City.
