St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore brings back 20th Empty Bowls Family Festival in April

A weekend fundraiser centered on food, pottery, and family programming

St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore is set to hold the 20th edition of its Empty Bowls weekend, anchored by the Empty Bowls Family Festival on Saturday, April 18, at the Maryland State Fairgrounds’ Exhibition Hall in Lutherville-Timonium. The organization is pairing the family event with a separate, ticketed donor-focused program the prior evening, Candlelight & Clay, scheduled for Friday, April 17.

The events follow a long-running “Empty Bowls” model used in communities across the U.S. and internationally: guests share a meal and select a handcrafted bowl to take home, with proceeds supporting local efforts addressing hunger and related needs.

What attendees can expect at the Family Festival

The Empty Bowls Family Festival is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is described as a family- and community-oriented gathering featuring food tastings and activities. The event is structured around “unlimited soup & food” offerings, with additional programming aimed at children and families.

• Unlimited soup and other food options
• Kid Fun Zone and kid-friendly entertainment
• Handmade ceramic keepsake bowls for attendees
• Artisan market
• Silent auction

Children ages 9 and under are listed as free for the family event.

A second event targets donors and supporters

Candlelight & Clay, scheduled for April 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., is presented as an evening program featuring food tastings, an open bar, entertainment, and a silent auction, along with ceramic keepsake bowls. The program is positioned as a chance for supporters to connect around the organization’s mission while raising funds for services.

Where the proceeds go and what the event supports

Organizers state that proceeds from Empty Bowls support St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore’s assistance programs and services, which span hunger and housing-related work, as well as family and community supports. In sponsorship materials summarizing organizational outcomes for 2024, the group reported providing over 1 million nutritious meals, shelter to 228 individuals and 434 children experiencing homelessness, early childhood education and supportive services for more than 650 children and families, summer camp services to nearly 200 children experiencing homelessness, and housing and support for nearly 850 individuals and families.

Empty Bowls events typically pair a simple meal with a handcrafted bowl meant to serve as a reminder of persistent community need, while directing proceeds to local programs addressing hunger and hardship.

The weekend’s events are scheduled at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, Exhibition Hall, located at 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium.