What Is Hampdenfest?

HampdenFest began as a local community event, but in recent years has evolved into a neighborhood arts festival that draws visitors, as well as local residents, to enjoy the community of merchants on and around West 36th Street. Sponsored by the Hampden Village Merchants Association, in partnership with The Hampden Family Center, HampdenFest 2009 will feature 3 stages of music and art performances, an activity area for the kids, an emerging artists exhibit and a film festival. This is all ensconced within four blocks of arts and crafts vendors, antiques, and other wares from a wide range of merchants and artists. Hampden itself boasts nearly two hundred local businesses including shops like Atomic Books, Charlotte Elliott, In Watermelon Sugar, Mud and Metal, and Kiss and Make Up, which are consistently listed in Baltimore Magazine and the City Paper's "Best of Baltimore."

For seekers of great food and an engaging atmosphere, HampdenFest offers an abundance of Baltimore, Chesapeake Bay and local Hampden cuisine, including pit beef, crab cakes, and locally brewed beer from The Brewer's Art. A mix of national and local independent rock, folk, punk and acoustic bands will perform throughout the day, live, at any of the festival's three stages. Spontaneous street performances will happen throughout the festival. A kids' activity area will feature an inflatable obstacle course and award winning face painting by Crystal Looney's Creative Arts.

HampdenFest 2009 is eager to announce its first annual HampdenFest ShortFilm Festival which will be screening selected short films by regional and local independent film makers.

The festival is also sponsored by many local community leaders and merchants, working to encourage the continued improvement and economic vitality of our neighborhood and the arts.