Fans of Baltimore filmmaker John Waters and his legendary production of Hairspray surely know all too well what a “Hon” is. But to describe a Hon, let alone dress like one, is another feat altogether. Yet for those who are curious or those who simply don’t have enough Hon, there’s the annual HonFest held in Baltimore each June.

© Copyright 2008 Cafe Hon

"Hon” is Baltimore-ease for “honey,” and is said with a special east Baltimore accent. It’s a special MidAtlantic dialect with a little southern drawl. It’s the same influence that leads true natives to say “Bawlmer,” and not “Baltimore,” when referring to their beloved hometown.

In the golden years of Baltimore—those years romanticized in Hairspray—people also dressed uniquely. Big hair, beehive hairdos, high heels, and huge cat-eye glasses were the dominant fashions in those days. The HonFest celebrates this cultural history and encourages visitors from around the world to enjoy it with a weekend fun.

Though not required, visitors can dress up in their best Hon outfits for a chance to become the next Best Hon. This starlet is the one true Hon who epitomizes the Hon legacy in the most daring and playful of ways.

The HonFest is located in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood, just minutes from Loyola College in Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University, and the area that locals call television hill (where WJZ channel 13, WBAL channel 11, and WBFF channel 45 make their home). The festivities take place on 36th Street, also known simply as The Avenue, where you can find several antique shops, restaurants, and unique variety stores as well as tourists shops where you can take a little bit of Baltimore back home.

Visit HonFest in Baltimore on June 13 and 14, 2009.