The Pigtown Festival
By: Alyssa Grogan
Every October, the historic neighborhood of Pigtown shuts down Washington Boulevard between the 700 and 900 blocks for the Annual Pigtown Festival. The event is free for anyone to attend and attracts close to 5,000 people every year, mainly drawing crowds for the craft beer, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, live music, and most importantly, the "Squeakness."
Pigtown, located just a few blocks southwest of UMB, received its name from when the the B&O railroad line would transport pigs from the Midwest, which were herded through Ostend and Cross Streets to South Baltimore in the 1800s. To commemorate the neighborhood's history and name, the Pigtown Festival features the "Squeakness"; a series of live pig races held on a track right on Washington Boulevard. It is definitely a sight to see, which you should make sure to witness - especially if you are a member of the Pigtown community.
Come and enjoy this year's festivities at the 16th Annual Pigtown Festival next Saturday, October 14, from 12 - 7 p.m. between the 700-900 blocks of Washington Boulevard. And make sure to bring your UMB ID for a free beer!
Check out the website for more information about the event and the Pigtown neighborhood community: http://www.pigtownmainstreet.org/event/pigtownfest/.