Pictures from Happenings in Pigtown: Barnum & Bailey and Mobtown Ballroom

So I'm very late on posting these pictures.  But they are worth your wait, I promise.


Pigtown is named for the pigs that were brought by train from the Midwest, dropped off at the B&O terminus where the museum stands today, and then the pigs were herded to their destination, south of the neighborhood.

This tradition of transporting animals by train and walking them through the neighborhood continues today in a different way.  The circus!  Barnum & Bailey makes a visit to Baltimore annually, and their most precious cargo is dropped off in Pigtown.
I have no idea how you plan ahead how to catch this in the future.  I found out by seeing the train parked on the tracks as I passed by on Arlington St, and then received a tip from a friend that confirmed it.  This was on Monday, March 21st.  So I'm guessing you can keep an eye out for the Monday before the circus starts in town, and they will be offloading just before dusk, after rush hour traffic is cleared.

 They offloaded 9 Elephants (Asia, Assan, Baby, Banko, Luna, Sarah, Siam II, Toy and Tonkaw) and 24 Horses!  From there, they hurry them up Arlington St, make a right onto Pratt St, and continue down to the Baltimore 1st Mariner Arena.  This was my first time going to watch, and I will not miss this tradition next year!


If you haven't found out already,  Mobtown Ballroom is the place to go for dancing and entertainment in Pigtown.  They have classes for salsa, belly dancing, aerial silks, and much more!  There are open dance nights every Monday and  Friday, where you'll find most people swing dancing.  You can check out a panorama of their ballroom to help get yourself acquainted.  They also rent the joint out for events and weddings if you wish!  The pictures below showcase Mobtown Ballroom's Variety Show held on March 19th.  Check out these aerial dancing ladies!

And here's a shot of everyone having fun dancing after the show. 

I'm sorry, the combination of mood lighting and camera phone have never resulted well.  You'll just have to go see the place for yourself!  Everyone was super nice, and everyone dances with each other... wall flowers don't stay that way long.  So don't fear going solo, or going with a group of friends that aren't all couples.  BYOB.  Pick up something to-go from Miller's Liquors or Chris's Liquors, or join most of the crew for pre-party drinks at Cafe Calypso.  Afterwards, visit any of the nearby bars - personally, I find Cafe Calypso and Tommy's Downtown Tavern to be the most welcoming (read: no uncomfortable comments or glances) for the lady-folk.  Most importantly, have fun and get home safely.  If you live in the neighborhood, you're so lucky to already be home ;)

April 2012 Community Events

April in General:
The dilapidated units at the end of the 900 block will be torn down.(Washington Blvd/W Cross St)
Work is being done at the old Sid's Tavern (1100 Washington Blvd) to become a convenience store and carryout. 
Charm City Wings & Waffles (807 Washington Blvd) is open and taking delicious orders!
The tulips planted by the Main Street Design Committee in the planters and under the "Welcome" Mural are blooming - go check out your handy work. (They meet the second Monday of every month 7pm @ Tommy's Downtown Tavern - 839 W Cross St)
Work is being done to open a community tool bank near Wicomico/Scott Streets. 
Progress on construction continues at 761 -767 Washington Blvd

Saturday, April 7 - Community Pit Bull Day
12:00pm to 3:00pm
Franklin Square Elementary/Middle School (Playground at Calhoun and Lexington Streets)
1400 West Lexington Street, Baltimore, MD


Wednesday, April 11 - Live Baltimore's Buying Into Baltimore West Pop-up Shop
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Live Baltimore will pop up smack dab in the middle of downtown for a rooftop cocktail party in Pigtown. Close to everything, this area will highlight Pigtown along with Barre Circle,Hollins Market, Ridgely's Delight and Union Square.
They're keeping the exact Pop-up location under wraps, so you'll have to RSVP on their website (use the link above) to hear more. The April 11th Pop-up location will serve Barre Circle, Hollins Market, Pigtown, Ridgely's Delight, Union Square.  Interested residents can volunteer to talk with homebuyers interested in your neighborhoods! Email volunteer@livebaltimore.com for details.

Saturday, April 14 - 1st Annual Lot O Spring Flea Market
7:00am - 12:00pm
Raven's Stadium Lot O (Intersection of Ridgely Ave and W Ostend St)

$15 dollars to have a spot if you're not already registered.


Saturday, April 14 - Yelp's Totally 80s Wedding Party at Mobtown Ballroom
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
861 Washington Blvd
You must click the RSVP button for a chance to attend.  If there is still room available, you will receive a confirmation email letting you know that you are in!

Saturday, April 28 - Rebuilding Together Baltimore's Rebuilding Day

This is the second (and last) year in a row that this community beautification will occur in partnership with Rebuilding Together Baltimore.  Last year was a blast, and so much was achieved that continues to influence our neighborhood.  Please email sally at RTBaltimore dot org if you have any questions, concerns, or feedback.

See you out there! ;)

Mobtown Ballroom Events

Mobtown Ballroom
861 Washington Blvd  Baltimore, MD 21230


TONIGHT, Monday March 19, 2012:
FREE Monday night swing: 8pm drop-in lesson followed by 9pm-12:30am boogie

March 31
From the Facebook Event
"Ladies and Gentlemen--it's happening. The Mobtown Ballroom is putting on a variety show. We've lined up the acts, and we're preparing to put on an evening so titillating, so thoroughly alluring, that you will never be the same again. The lovely (and thoroughly buff) Kelly... Jo Stull will perform high-flying feats. There will be stage kittens. There will be clowns. There will be stage ninjas. There will be a woman crushing an egg with her bosoms.
The show runs from 8-9:30, and to amp you even more, we will follow it up with a SOUL DANCE PARTY from 9:30 until you're all danced out. The best part? The show and party cost only $10. You can't beat it."