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For a second there, it seemed like Artscape couldn’t catch a break. The city’s beloved free cultural festival, dubbed one of the largest of its kind in the country, took three years off due to COVID, only to return in September 2023 for a washout weekend filled with rain and strong winds in the wake of a tropical storm. But now, it’s looking like the tides have turned.
Though there are a few periods of rain forecasted, Artscape will return for another one of its signature blazing-hot summer weekends August 2-4. This year, local businesses and organizers with the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA) are pulling out all the stops for the festival’s big 40th birthday, offering nonstop programming for all interests throughout the event footprint in Mount Vernon, Bolton Hill, and the Station North Arts District.
Are you a fan of visual art? There are plenty of exhibits to explore. Only in it for the live music? The stages will be filled all weekend. Want to skip the daytime festivities all together and just hit the after parties? You can do that.
To help you choose-your-own Artscape adventure, we break down some of the can’t-miss highlights—from crafters and comedy shows to visual art and and food vendors—below:
8/2-4: The Blinkatorium
All weekend long, the Charles Street Garage will illuminate with hypnotic light installations by Baltimore artist Scott Pennington—who utilizes his woodworking and construction expertise in his massive, attention-grabbing works. Pennington’s whimsical shapes and structures will be on display alongside pieces by Stephen Hendee, a sculptor and MICA professor known for his large-scale, lo-poly installations reminiscent of stained glass. Enjoy the colorful sights while the rollerskating pros from It’s My Skate Night perform periodically throughout the weekend. Charles Street Garage. 1714 N. Charles St. Free
8/2-4: Project Artscape
Models will strut their stuff at The Garage on East Lafayette, flaunting apparel by 12 Baltimore-based designers to showcase the city’s thriving fashion footprint. View vivid pattern pieces by Yelé, stunning suits by Gough & Randolph Clothier, wearable ceramic corsets by Nicole Moan, dramatic gowns by Evette Monique Couture, and more sensational pieces. The show will kick off Friday at 5 p.m. with a panel discussion featuring organizers from The Baltimore Met Gala, Baltimore Fashion Week, and other leading art organizations. The Garage. 6 E. Lafayette Ave. Friday 5-9 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 1:30-4:30 p.m. Free
8/2-4: Janet & Walter Sondheim Art Prize Semifinalists Show
For 18 years, the Maryland State Arts Council’s annual prize has awarded $30,000 to artists practicing their craft in the area. Before the winner is announced later this month, catch a glimpse of the semifinalists’ work at this free showcase that kicks off with an opening reception on August 2 from 6-9 p.m. Spanning everything from sculptures and paintings to textiles and animation, works on view come from the likes of interdisciplinary artists Sara Dittrich, Charles Mason III, Kei Ito, and Katie Pumphrey—whose paintings were inspired by the colors of her historic 24-mile swim across the Baltimore Harbor in June. Fox Building. 1303 W. Mount Royal Ave. Free
8/2-4: The Nest We’ve Woven by Nether
Finished just in time for Artscape, this building-spanning mural in the parking lot at 1706 N. Charles is an ode to Station North. In the piece, renowned Charm City street artist Nether weaves together distinct landmarks and symbols with depictions of small business owners like Vander Pearson, whose enduring shop Pearson’s Florist sits a short walk down the street—where it has for 40 years. North-facing wall at 1706 N. Charles St. Free.
8/2-4: Openings at The Parkway
Get a taste of local filmmakers’ work with original shorts, animations, documentaries, and youth-made pieces—all while escaping the heat. Catch a screening at the Parkway’s mini-film festival, which will also feature Q&A’s with groups like Wide Angle Youth Media and the JHU-MICA Film Centre. The Parkway Theatre. 5 W. North Ave. Free
8/3: Baltimore’s Big Sing at Artscape
If you’re shy about doing karaoke solo in front of a crowd, a choir singalong is the perfect solution. To celebrate the festival’s roots dating back to 1982, Baltimore Choral Arts is gathering participants at Corpus Christi Church to belt ’80s anthems like “Hey Jude,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” plus a few historical classics from the 1780s and 1880s, for good measure. Naturally, music director Anthony Blake Clark will also be prepared to educate the crowd on massed choir songs like “Hallelujah Chorus,” as well. Corpus Christi Church. 100 W. Lafayette Ave. 8 p.m. Free.
8/3-4: LOL@Artscape
Laughter will be at an all-time high throughout the weekend, thanks to the comedy legends with Baltimore Improv Group on North Charles Street. Swing by the theater for free performances starting Friday at 5 p.m., and continuing throughout Sunday afternoon. Check the schedule for daily times. 1727 N. Charles St. Free.
8/3: Eze Jackson’s Artscape After Party
For all of the night owls hoping to get in on the fun, there are tons of after-hours events to explore. Among them is this annual rager hosted by Baltimore hip-hop icon Eze Jackson. Show up to Metro Baltimore to hit the dance floor for performances by Jackson and Nature Boi in between sets by DJ KeeBee, Mighty Mark, and Petty Penguin. Host Larry Whaddup will keep the party rolling. Metro Baltimore. 1700 N. Charles St. Doors open 8 p.m. $10
8/2-4: Gamescape
Located inside The Fitzgerald on Mt. Royal Ave., this gamers’ paradise will host family-friendly STEAM programming, as well as an entire exhibit of local work inspired by popular video games. Browse an array of fan art, music, and other works while chatting with the creators about the realms that brought their pieces to life. Indoors at The Fitzgerald (former Barnes & Noble building) 1201 W. Mt Royal Ave. Times vary. Free.
8/2-4: Headlining Concerts & Performances
Though there will be live music at every turn, the Main Stage on Cathedral St. at Mount Royal Ave. is where you’ll want to be for the weekend’s headlining performances by ten-time Grammy Award winner and “Queen of Funk” Chaka Khan on Aug. 2 at 8:30 p.m.; world famous drummer and percussionist Sheila E. on Aug. 3 at 8:45 p.m.; and The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson on Aug. 4 at 3 p.m. Headliners aside, you can catch back-to-back concerts—everything from R&B and jazz to latin rock and folk—across the four stages each day.
8/2-4: Festival Eats and Drinks
Given the weather, it’s going to be important to stay hydrated and well-fueled this weekend. And it shouldn’t be hard with more than 40 local food and drink vendors scattered throughout the footprint. Among the highlights to look out for: Cool off with frozen treats from Tia’s Italian Ice or Icy Concessions. Get your cocktails in a coconut at Be More Icy & Smoothies, or opt for an NA drink in a pineapple from Siama Juicebar. There will also be Haitian-American dishes by Emmanuella’s Cuisine, gourmet hot dogs by Dogs on the Curb, smoked food by Soul Smoked BBQ, fried chicken and waffles from Althea’s Almost Famous, and the signature bao buns by Ekiben. For dessert, scope out Beye Beignets or Blondies Doughnuts. Multiple locations.
8/2-4: Artists’ Market
Of course, the heart and soul of the festival is its more than 100 artist vendors. You won’t be able to take a step in any direction without spotting vivid watercolors, photography, jewelry, pottery, clothing, and more, all scratch-made by local creatives. Offerings will include jewelry and accessories by Lost & Forged or Holden A Note; apparel by Afrotika’, where proceeds go to supporting deaf children’s education in Africa; ink drawings by Eli Helman Ink; mosaics by Josef Kardell Art; embroidery by Caitscapes; and stained glass by Arvid Lee or Misty Stained Glass. But that only scratches the surface. Zone 1: McMechen–Mt Royal Ave–Cathedral St; and Zone 3: N Charles St–Mt Royal Ave–Lanvale St.