Local Charm Community Expo Connects Baltimore's Hobby Groups

Baltimore’s diverse hobby scene often remains hidden to many residents, with groups dedicated to everything from theater and music to board games and sports flying under the radar. But on May 3rd, the Local Charm Community Expo plans to change that, offering a hands-on opportunity for people to discover and engage with hobby groups across the city.

The Expo, which runs from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Arbutus Town Hall, is the latest project from the Local Charm Wiki, a community-driven directory designed to connect people with local hobby groups, events, and social opportunities. Unlike one-time events, the Wiki focuses on helping people find ongoing groups to join, building a sense of community beyond a single day of interaction.

“The idea behind the Expo is to give people a way to try out different hobbies and activities they might not otherwise discover,” said Brian Young, one of the event’s organizers. “Instead of just learning about groups through flyers or websites, attendees will actually get to experience what these groups do, and interact with people who are already involved.”

The Expo promises a far more interactive experience than typical expos or fairs. Rather than simply browsing booths, attendees will be able to participate in mini-sessions, see live demonstrations, and talk directly with group members. From juggling to improv, attendees can dive into activities themselves, giving them a taste of what it’s like to be part of these groups.

“The Expo isn’t about just showing you what’s available,” Brian explained. “It’s about making it easy for people to jump in and see if something clicks with them.”

In many ways, the Expo is more than just a collection of hobby groups. It’s part of a broader effort by The Community Cooperative, a local non-profit founded by Clara Richards, a cultural anthropologist and mission-driven entrepreneur. The initiative is designed to create spaces where people can find and nurture connections through shared passions. Organizers hope the event will inspire attendees to seek out and join ongoing groups that align with their interests, continuing the conversation long after the event ends.

For many attendees, the Expo will be an opportunity to explore hobbies they might have been curious about but unsure how to pursue. The Expo features groups that span a wide range of interests, from arts and crafts to sports, games, and theater. Participants can learn about upcoming classes, workshops, or social gatherings, with several groups offering hands-on activities that provide a preview of what it’s like to get involved.

“This is about building a community where people can make connections and find a group they feel comfortable in,” Brian said. “It’s a chance for Baltimoreans to meet other people who share their interests and maybe even form lasting friendships.”

The Expo will be free to attend, with food and drinks available for purchase. Parking is available at the venue and across the street at the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department.

The Local Charm Wiki, the project behind the Expo, aims builds social spaces in Baltimore. The Expo offers a rare chance to directly engage with local hobby groups in a city known for its strong sense of community, but often lacking clear pathways for people to connect.

As the event approaches, organizers are hopeful it will be a success, not just for newcomers to the scene, but for the groups themselves, who will have a chance to meet potential new members face-to-face and promote their ongoing activities.

“The goal is to create an environment where people feel encouraged to get involved, whether they’re looking to join a group or just trying something new,” Brian said. “We want to make it easy for people to find where they belong in this city.”

For Clara Richards, the importance of creating spaces for meaningful connections is at the heart of the Expo’s mission. “The types of friendships we build in kindergarten, summer camp, and orientation in college are the ones that often feel the most real,” she said. “We are in new environments where we show parts of ourselves we haven’t before and open to finding common ground. Through fun, conversation, and action we create space to being better individuals and better community members. I am constantly learning, and I am excited to grow with this community.”

The Community Cooperative, which Clara founded, is a consultancy dedicated to helping mission-driven creators plan and execute projects that foster genuine connections. Through initiatives like the Local Charm Community Expo, the organization aims to build spaces where people can connect on a deeper level, beyond the transactional relationships that often dominate daily life.

The variety of groups at the Expo spans many different interests. Third Wall Productions, a community theater company, will showcase how they make the arts accessible to local performers and patrons, while Spotlighters Theatre, a community theater company in Mt. Vernon, invites new members to join them both on stage and behind the scenes.

Casey Watts, another key organizer, shares Clara’s vision for building authentic communities. “A community-run community is one where the community runs things,not a company,” Casey explained. “I LOVE community-led communities. I strongly prefer participating in and supporting and developing community-led communities. These are usually socially warmer environments, and I’m more proud to say I’m affiliated with these.”

Those with a green thumb will find inspiration in the Baltimore County Master Gardener group, which educates the public on safe and sustainable gardening practices. Attendees who are looking to connect on a more active level might consider Arbutus Rec & Park Yoga, a welcoming yoga community that focuses on strength, flexibility, and balance for the mind and body.

As the event nears, the excitement among organizers is palpable. They’re eager to see how the Expo will help build new connections, spark new interests, and ultimately strengthen the fabric of Baltimore’s community.

The event is free, and attendees are encourages to RSVP via https://lu.ma/3066qwlj.