Artscape 2026
Artscape is the nation’s largest free outdoor arts festival. Featuring interactive visual arts exhibits, musical performances, poetry workshops and street dance, Artscape serves as a powerful platform for artistic expression, fostering community engagement and cultural innovation.
Performers & Activations
Artscape Headliners
This year’s festival will be headlined by hip-hop icons The Roots and Stephanie Mills. Stay tuned for showtimes and additional performers.
Activations
- SCOUT Art Fair: An exhibit curated by Derrick Adams with over 50 emerging and established artists
- Sondheim Semifinalists Exhibition: Work by this year’s 21 semifinalists for the prestigious Janet & Walter Sondheim Art Prize
- Kidscape: A family-friendly activation designed to engage young audiences through hands-on art experiences, performances and interactive storytelling
- The Flavor Lab: This activation will feature top chefs, food innovators, and immersive dining experiences
- Beyond the Reel: A new program track spotlighting the intersection of cinema, television and digital storytelling featuring screenings, panel discussions and filmmaker showcases
- Artscape After Dark: Afterhours programming with electrifying performances, DJ sets and avant-garde installations for a late-night festival experience unlike any other
Artscape Blueprint
Where to Eat During Artscape
Culinary enthusiasts will rejoice the bounties of the Chesapeake region with a variety of local food and beverage vendors offering a diverse range of culinary delights from festival favorites to innovative treats. Festivalgoers will get to experience the region’s best flavors — with at least 95% of Artscape food vendors hailing from the state of Maryland.
If you want to take a break from the festivities, there are several sit-down options Downtown and in the Inner Harbor:
Artscape FAQs
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Is Artscape free?
Yes! Artscape is the largest free arts festival in the country. -
Is Artscape kid-friendly?
This year's Artscape will feature lots of youth-focused and family-friendly activations. Stay tuned for more information! -
Where should I park for Artscape?
Artscape brings thousands of festival-goers to downtown Baltimore, so you can likely expect heavy traffic and road closures. For that reason, it is recommended that you take public transportation or rideshares to the festival. If you have to drive, parking is available in the lot used for The Baltimore Farmers' Market, located under the Jones Falls Expressway at 400 E. Saratoga Street. -
How can I take public transportation to Artscape?
Public transportation is a safe and budget-friendly way to travel to Artscape. The closest MDOT MTA Local Bus routes to Artscape are CityLink Red, Purple, Yellow and Orange as well as LocalLink 40. The Lexington Market Metro SubwayLink Station is steps away from the festival and is open until 12:30 a.m. The closest Light RailLink stop to the Artscape footprint is the Camden Yards stop, roughly a 20-minute walk to the Main Stage. Learn more about the festival footprint and transportation options here. -
Do you have any discounts or special deals for me?
Yes! You can save money at Baltimore’s top attractions, award-winning restaurants and luxurious hotels using our special discounts and exclusive passes, available here.
