Artscape 2023
After a three-year hiatus, the nation’s largest free arts festival returns with an expanded footprint, September 22-24, 2023!
Featuring interactive visual arts exhibits, musical performances, poetry workshops and street dance, Artscape is also a culinary showcase for Baltimore’s top food vendors. No matter what draws you, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family.
Keep reading for more details about this exciting return, including performers, events and logistics.
Artscape Schedule
Friday, September 22
5-10 p.m. : Festival
9-11 p.m. : Artscape After Hours
Saturday, September 23
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. : Main Stage
11 a.m. – 10 p.m. : Festival
9-11 p.m. : Artscape After Hours
Sunday, September 24
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. : Festival
Artscape 2023 Blueprint
This year, Artscape’s blueprint will reach from Mount Vernon to Station North Arts & Entertainment District. Both neighborhoods will feature multiple stages, with locations as follows:
- Main Stage – Mount Royal Station
- Mount Royal Stage – Mount Royal Avenue at Mosher Street
- Station North Stage – North Charles Street at North Avenue
- Charles North Stage – N Charles Street between North Ave & 20th Street
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is a charming, historic neighborhood home to Baltimore’s own Washington Monument. Other cultural attractions include the Walters Art Museum, the Maryland Center for History & Culture (where the original copy of the “Star-Spangled Banner” is kept) and the stunning George Peabody Library, where you can peruse six floors of more than 300,000 books. Take high tea at the Ivy Hotel (the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in Maryland). Then, enjoy a performance at Baltimore Center Stage, or hear the world-renowned Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.
Station North Arts & Entertainment District
Home to Penn Station, Station North features an eclectic blend of storied institutions and up-and-coming studios. It earned designation as the city’s first official Arts & Entertainment District in 2002, it’s continued to cement itself as the center of Baltimore’s creative community, attracting local makers and entertainers with its proximity to the Maryland Institute College of Art, affordable housing and studio spaces, professional development, advocacy tools and more. While there, take a tour of the area’s art galleries, including Gallery CA, New Door Creative, ICA Baltimore, the Waller Gallery and Motor House. Then, pop into Graffiti Alley, a designated spot for local graphic artists to create freely.
Where to eat during Artscape
There will be tons of delicious vendors to enjoy during Artscape, but if you want to take a break from the festivities, there are several sit-down options in Mount Vernon and Station North.
Mount Vernon Eateries
- Magdalena
- Restaurante Tio Pepe
- Indigma
- The Helmand
- Dooby’s
- The Owl Bar
- Fishnet Baltimore
Station North Eateries
- North Avenue Market
- Tapas Teatro
- Le Comptoir du Vin
- Joe Squared
- Alma Cocina Latina
- Guilford Hall Brewery
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?
- The 520 N. Charles St. Lot
- The 225 N. Calvert St. Garage
- The 209 E. Monument St. Garage
- The 600 Cathedral St. Lot
- The 1714 N Charles St. Garage
- SP Parking at 1511 North Charles St.
- And the slightly farther away garage at Remington Row, 2700 Remington Ave.
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, there are a few lots you can try near Mount Vernon and Station North Arts & Entertainment District. Mount Vernon garages include: -
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 Gold, Green, Lime, Silver and Yellow, as well as LocalLink 51, 53, 54 and 94. The State Center/Cultural Center Metro SubwayLink Station is steps away from the festival and is open until midnight. The Light RailLink stop at Mt. Royal/MICA is centrally near the heart of Artscape. Fares are $1.90 for one-way and $4.40 for a day pass and can be paid by CharmPass mobile fare app or cash when boarding the bus. -
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.
