Ridgely’s Record

May, 2026

Community meeting

The May Ridgely’s Delight Association (RDA) meeting will be held at Pickles Pub on Wednesday, May 6, at 7 pm. Baltimore City Comptroller Bill Henry will attend to introduce himself and answer questions. Everyone is welcome. You can find an optional Zoom link and the agenda on the community website.

May Ridgely’s happy hour


Join your neighbors for happy hour on Friday, May 8, starting at 5:30 pm. We’ll be at Old Major, 900 South Carey St. in Pigtown. Enjoy tropical drinks, Bahamian fair, and browse their literary selection—all while getting to know your neighbors!

SoWeBo Art & Music Festival

Kicking off Baltimore’s summer festival season, the SoWeBo Music & Arts Festival returns to the streets of Hollins Market on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from noon to 8:00 p.m. This year’s celebration features a massive lineup of local talent across multiple stages, alongside a vibrant artisan market and live mural painting. Families can head over to Kids’ Alley for puppet parades with the Black Cherry Puppet Theater and interactive games. Soak up the unique, community-driven spirit that makes Southwest Baltimore so special.

Candlelight memorial in remembrance of Branson

Branson’s neighbors invite community members to come together for a candlelight memorial in honor and remembrance of Branson in Conway Park on May 2, at 8:00 pm.

This gathering is an opportunity for quiet reflection, remembrance, and community support. Candles will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own candle if they wish.  Please arrive a few minutes early to allow the gathering to begin on time.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, this will be a private, non-media gathering.

Curbside recycling

Did your recycling can not get picked up? The city’s Department of Public Works has become a bit choosy about what it will accept. Contaminants like plastic bags, food residue, and hoses cause issues at their processing facilities. 

  • No Plastic Bags: Never bag recyclables; plastic bags damage sorting machinery. Place items loose in your bin.
  • Keep it Clean/Dry: Rinse containers to remove food.
  • No Styrofoam: Packing material will not recycle.
  • If in Doubt, Throw it Out: When unsure, put items in the trash to avoid contaminating the whole load.

For more information on what is recycled in Baltimore, use the online “Recycle Right” tool.

Artscape 2026


Returning to its new home in the heart of Downtown Baltimore, this year’s Artscape is set to transform the city into a “Bold, Transformative, and Unapologetically Baltimore” canvas on May 23 and 24. The festival, held over Memorial Day weekend, features a powerhouse musical lineup headlined by the legendary hip-hop band The Roots on Saturday and soul icon Stephanie Mills on Sunday. Beyond the main stage, you can explore the expanded Scout Affordable Art Fair, immersive public art installations, and the re-imagined “Kidscape” for families, while “Artscape After Dark” keeps the energy going until midnight with late-night activations.

Thinking of sprucing up your home?

Because it’s a historic area with a special CHAP designation, any exterior renovations in Ridgely’s Delight will need approval from the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP). Following their guidelines helps maintain the neighborhood’s unique character. Not sure what you need? Check the community’s website for details.

Street sweeping 

This month’s street sweeping dates are:

  • Odd sides of the street — May 20
  • Even sides of the street — May 27