B'more Artscape 2025 -- A Whole Vibe Love art and music, plus I'd never been to Baltimore's version of an art festival. It had more of an authentic city atmosphere, working people vibe. More accessible, art for the people by the people. There also was a Black Country Artist playing the festival, whom I love "Tanner Adell" and it was my favorite price, Free. Free to attend but you did have to pay for the food, drinks and art/things. I love this festival, everyone was happy, friendly and approachable at the festival. It was also a perfect time to hangout with my B'more friends. Should you attend next year?! Definitely!! read more

See all

It's always nice to get to see nice art, select vendors, and performers that come to Baltimore. However, the lines for food were incredibly long and intolerable. We ended up walking around to Baltimore St to find something to eat. read more

This was my first Artscape. I missed it last year, except for getting stuck in the maze of roadblocks they set up. Unfortunately, I have to say, I was not impressed with the event. Avoiding the larger crowds on Saturday and Sunday was the best part, as I live in the neighborhood and walked by the area each day. We thought the food vendors had a much greater presence than the art, and the food was so over priced. After we paid $10 for a lemonade and a piece of fry bread, we opted to wait until we got home to eat anymore. Anyway, the art was not particularly impressive or memorable, however there was one artist using old books whose work stood out. Some of his themes were a bit cliche, but his approach unique. Still overall most of the work was of the crafty sort, certainly not much in the way of contemporary or modern. The very diverse crowd was a better show than what the tents had to offer. I've lived and attended art festivals in Miami, San Francisco, Phoenix and Philadelphia, and Baltimore has some work to do if it really wants to put this across as an "art event" of any substantial caliber. As is, it just seems like more of a big county arts and craft fair with people milling about, minus the livestock and rides ... well they did have a big ferris wheel. read more

I've gone to the Artscape festival the last 5 years. Virtually every year there is a live performance I want to see on the main stage which is what brings me out. Otherwise, I wouldn't go at all. This festival is always in July and usually so intolerably hot no one wants to be out in it. That means I don't wander around and look at the work of local artists, nor do I sample a variety of food, nor do much else but try to stay cool. This year, I braved a heat wave to see SWV perform and they were great. Worth the heat? Not sure, but I'm glad for the memories I have! read more

Super cool awesome annual event...Suuuuuuper HAWT! .. no seriously like a thousand degrees every year.I promo'd for METRO PCS.There we're some great performers, bands , a fashion show in the bike lane.There were people on unicycles and stilts ! Crazy right lol! ..Great art for show & sale!.Some was giving away Baltimore's traditional lemon sticksI needed 2! In the event you have no idea what I'm talking about that's when you cut a Lemon in half and stick a soft peppermint stick in the center !...mmmmIt's cool and refreshing especially on a hot summer day! read more

Artscape Festival - Draw on my wall:Metro PCs - Festivals Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

We went to Artscape 2018 yesterday (Friday evening) because we wanted to see TLC live in concert. This was my second visit to Artscape (first time was in 2015). It was the perfect evening - not too hot, cool breezes were blowing, no rain. As expected we couldn't get anywhere near the TLC concert stage so we enjoyed the music without being able to see the band. That is fine. It's a free concert! The performance was great. The sound system was in check and the music sounded awesome. TLC performed several of their hits and a mix of newer music too. Artscape seems to have grown. There was much more ground to cover after the concert. Lots of vendors & lots of food options. So about the "Art" part of "Artscape" - there was less actual art for sale this year and more other stuff for sale. Mind you there were some excellent art booths. The artists are mixed in here and there in between people selling various other things - t-shirts, clothing, etc. Maybe this is just the way of the future. I definitely feel that the mix had changed though from when I attended in 2015. There is free street parking available but you have to be willing/able to walk a bit to take advantage of it. Port a potties are available - I didn't use one so I'm not sure how clean they are. Lots of excellent people watching. Artscape is a great time. I highly recommend it. It is more of an event than an art show though so just be prepared for that. Enjoy! read more

This was the first year (2014) that I've been able to get here for a while, due to various commitments that always seem to pop up for me around this time of the year. It was about the same this time as it always has been - lots of independent artists, overpriced food options and enough crowds to drive you up a wall. Some of the highlights for me and Sweet Husband Mine this year: - The Charles Theatre's "shorts" programs, especially the animated shorts feature. Very impressive and evoked quite a bit of conversation on the walk home. - Many of the independent artist booths had a dazzling array of items for sale. I was especially impressed by the local artists' offerings and bought a couple of pieces - hey, it's for the house, right? :p A lot of them have an Etsy presence, which is great for me, since I shop online quite a bit. - As always, the outrageously decorated cars caught our attention. Managed to snap a few pictures of them to admire later on. - Some of the street performers were amazing. Reminded me so much of things I've seen in the New York subway (and that's not said in a snarky way, as I actually enjoyed such performances). I did think it way, way, way too crowded this year, but then I dislike crowds in general, so maybe that's just my own reaction coming out. The weather, for once, was GREAT - it's usually so hot this time of the year, so the cool temperatures were a blessing. We didn't need the water misters at all. We did not partake of the food or drink options - we live in the neighborhood, so we knew where to go for food without spending the outrageous amounts of money. A great way to spend a weekend day, and mostly for free. How can you beat that? We'll definitely be there next year. read more

See all

Artscape is always a nice excuse to get outside and support local artist. There are many artist who selling pics, handmade jewelry, and show casing. Wine and canvas was out letting folks make free mini canvas artworks. Dill was giving out free pickles samples really good. I saw a line of folks getting free massages! Ice was out there giving out tasting samples of their drinks! Plenty of free things to do for kids! It is hot out there!!! There are many shaded areas and a walk thru sprinkler for ppl and pets. Plus many free paper fans! Car exhibits was awesome. Took many Instagram pics! Lol Loved watching the dancers at many of the exhibits. Many local food trucks out! I had a nice strawberry smoothie. Funnel cakes was meh...u can skip that! Lots of folks out so wear cool clothes and get a water! Have fun! read more

See all

This was a great experience for me. I love summer festivals outside. I came here with some friends and it was the first time we've all attended. This was a free weekend event and we came here on a Sunday. Although it was really hot outside, it was still really fun. (It started pouring rain around 5pm which was nice, for a little bit) This festival attracts super talented folks around the area. I saw beautiful works of art from so many people. I wish I were rich so I could buy every one of their works to support them. Being a designer myself, I really appreciated these Artists and that's why I love this event. There was so much to explore, street vendors, games, and small events/parades happening along the streets and indoors. I highly recommend this event. It's super fun, chill, and perfect to go with a group of friends. I'll definitely be back next time! read more

Artscape Festival - Festivals Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

America's largest free arts festival? Of course it is a go! My friend who is in town visiting found this on on Baltimore Website when we were looking for stuff to round out our day before a Orioles game. But going for this alone will definitely be worth the drive from DC in the future. Lots of great "crafters" (some that I saw in Crafty Bastards of Silver Spring) and artists. Lots of free stuff all around, and great performances. I even witnessed a wedding on the main stage. And the spectacle of the performance artists and art cars was wonderful If your reading today and are bored---get to Artscape for its last day of 2008. read more

Artscape Festival - Performance Artists! - Festivals Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Artscape 2018 was spectacular. This year it was decided that Artscape wouldn't have an official theme but return to its roots. TLC was the headliner on Friday night. I was able to see and take a few photos of the show despite the very large crowd that attended. There were a lot of booths and vendors which covered most interests. Food and drink (alcohol and non-alcoholic) was plentiful. Near the Johns Hopkin University Station North Stage, SQUONK, a group from Pittsburgh, PA performed. Their unique Irish sounding music was definitely a hit. In addition, the theatrics was mind blowing and the crowd loved it. The DJ at the Johns Hopkin University Station North Stage rocked. Saturday... unfortunately it rained and most performances, artists and vendors were affected. Sunday.... I returned, despite the rain, and visited the Fashion Market @ Artscape. Unique and beautiful handcrafted accessories were available; also clothing. The GoGo's bus was there to greet visitors. For those into arts and theatre, there were events held at the Parkway Theatre. In the Garage were various artists' booths. Media varied but MVRJONI had a very interesting and thought provoking booth. I have attended Artscape in past years and have always enjoyed it. Next year I plan on attending. If you missed this year's festivities, be sure to attend 2019. You won't be disappointed. There is something for everyone. read more

See all

I love artscape!!!! I try to go every year! Good music, food, drinks, ppl, art, and entertainment. It's a must I get a funnel cake! Everything is pricy so bring ya money but u will have a good time. It's a LOT of ppl so be prepare for a huge crowd. The after Party is nice. read more

Today was the first day of our annual three day arts and music festival. Every third weekend in July you can expect the Mt. Royal area to transform into a cultural melting pot. I absolutely love it. Creativity is something I live for, the committees, vendors, volunteers and entertainment did and excellent job this years . Everything is organized easy to access and a lot of fun. Artscape is an outdoor festival that showcases the art and talents of folks who aren't afraid to think outside the box and allow their creative juices to flow. Each years you can walk the Mt Royal streets and admire or purchase artist creations. Most vendors accept credit cards but I would advise you to bring cash or use one of the many ATM s throughout the designated area. I saw a few people having trouble with the cell phone credit card payment system. With company's like square your at the mercy of a cell phone data signal. There is plenty of good food, great music and interesting people to watch with that combination your sure to have a interesting fun filled day. With tons are hands on activities for the entire family. read more

This year was incredibly crowded. Not as hot as it's been in year's past but with a decent collection of vendors and artists. I was able to come across some really cute etsy type booths with very creative craftsmen. We saw a show with performers who did aerial stunts that was impressive and interesting. Make sure you bring plenty of money because most of the stuff to purchase is between $30 and $100. We took the light rail in which dropped us off right in the thick of things which is nice. $3ish gets you to ride all day long and go wherever you need to. read more

I love outdoor festivals. I love art. So it definitely makes sense that this event has been a mainstay of our summers here in Charm City. Though Artscape seems to happen during the hottest weekends of July, I'm just glad it happens (and this year we thankfully caught a bit of rain and left before it began to pour). In theory, I like the local foods and drinks too... but I've never seen anything that I had to have right then and there amidst a throng of hot, sweaty folks... that is, besides a cold smoothie or drink. I tend to make note of the stands that look the yummiest to me, and try out their stand-alone establishments at a later time, when there aren't hundreds of randos milling around. Of course I'd be remiss to write about Artscape without also penning something about the actual art. I love listening to the music and different performers, and I loved the re-intro of the art cars this year, but the real star of it all for me is always going to be Roland Metal Art. I know he's based out of PA, but man he's made me really love Baltimore because I get to collect his pieces here. Roland makes these awesome (and affordable!!!) pieces out of railroad spikes, and they are truly special. We've gotten an anesthesiologist for the hubby (our first Artscape), and this year I got myself a little something: this cute couple on a bench, where the girl is reading a book (I prefer to think of it as my Kindle Paperwhite). I could wax poetic about Roland Metal Art, but I guess that's really why I should be grateful for Artscape -- without which I would never have known about this awesome artist! read more

Can you fairly review something that won't ever happen again? I mean, yeah, there will be another Artscape, but there won't be another Artscape 2012. Not unless I perfect my time travel machine. Musings aside, I enjoyed myself this year. I went alone this time. Well, not entirely by myself. I did bring my daughter but since she is forced to do whatever I want for all intents and purposes I went alone. I preferred it this way because I am a wanderer and as a wanderer I don't like to have worry about whether or not someone else is being entertained. Stylewise, being at Artscape made me feel for just a few hours like I had been dropped back into Austin, TX. Hipsters out in full force. Loved it! Foodwise, not so much. It would be nice to showcase the unique food offerings that Baltimore has especially in the way of food trucks. Food can be art too. If they could incorporate The Gathering into next year's event, I think that would be a perfect fit. I didn't see much of the art that was for sale but we did check out the art cars, the installations and the performance pieces. There was plenty for my daughter to climb on, mess with and create in Kidscape. Fortunately, we went on Sunday and the weather held out unlike the day before. I would go again. read more

Four stars because of the crowd , not that much diversity and inclusion this year. Traffic flow was ok , the police presence was amazing. The game stations were cool. Some of the vendors had attitudes I don't understand why when customer service is key. Oh earlier the vendors were not aware that the rain will effect there set up, lack of communication from the board. I am undecided if I will attend next year. read more

I was underwhelmed with Artscape. It was crowded and VERY hot on the last day, and I wasn't that impressed with the weird art. I do give kudos to Baltimore for putting on a free arts festival that draws so many people and includes performances by George Clinton and the Baltimore Symphony. read more

Artscape Festival - Festivals Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Artscape was the bane of my existence the week prior to the event and especially during the weekend it went live. For a resident living in the Mount Royal area, traffic and road blocks were inconveniently hellish. For the prep week, you can never anticipate which roads were being blocked. It kept changing each day. Commute to work was stressful and parking was non-existent. On that Thursday, before the launch of Artscape, there were no traffic patrols and the W. Oliver/Maryland/W. Mt. Royal cross sections were stuck in traffic for hours. People couldn't get out of the parking garage on Oliver, Maryland was still a one way street, and Mt. Royal was blocked. Calling the non-emergency police line did nothing as they were not aware of the situation. During the event itself, road blockage was annoying, but Saturday night was at its peak and traffic was ridiculous. Maryland was the only road not blocked during the event, but that night, Maryland was blocked too. Really?? How in the world are you supposed to get back home then? It was raining and storming, and we had to circle the area multiple times to find ways to get home. The traffic patrols gave poor directions (i.e. didn't know what they were talking about). Finally, we had to venture up north Baltimore and head back down via 83 S to get back to Maryland. In addition, I'm pretty sure this one-week plus of Artscape setup and Artscape itself ruined the week for small businesses in the area as well. This was the absolute worst weekend ever. read more

I am always so thankful to make it out to Artscape. This is probably my 5th year coming out here and every year I swear it gets bigger and bigger. This is truly an awesome Baltimore tradition. I'm not a fan of Baltimore (spoken like a true Annapolitian) however, I will brave the traffic and the crappy parking situation to come out and do some birthday/holiday/wedding/baby shower shopping. You can't beat the unique gifts and the amazing shows that Artscape has. Some of my favorite vendors from First Sundays in Annapolis were up here for Artscape. This year, we got caught in the torrential down pour! So let the wet t-shirt contest begin...the rain didn't dampen anyone's spirits. We all scrambled for coverage in a parking garage and waited it out. Unfortunately by the time it was over it was around 9PM and all the shops closed. :( I could have come back on Sunday, but being a responsible adult won. Boo. read more

What a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon! This festival was an array of interesting artisans and their wares, lots to see, a few activities here and there for the munchkins, the occasional art demonstration, and a full-blown performance every once in awhile. The only down side was that it was HOT! Nothing to be done about that except to stay hydrated. If you missed it this year be sure to put it on your calendar for next! read more

The country's largest arts festival was "half" decent this year. The Artist's Village is ALWAYS nice to peruse, especially if you're looking for unique pieces, and there was even a nicely put together Children's Village. So what was the bother? A huge draw for such festivals is always the entertainment...and let's just say there have been better years. Not certain if the budget was slashed amid competing funding priorities, but it was anti-climatic. Hopefully it will return to the days of ol' in future years. read more

See all

Beat time to go is when the sun goes down.... Its really beautiful outside during the time before the sun sets... Artscape has so many vendors that has so many items as well as those that are giving you a chance to win things... Such beautiful artwork to look at & Great food as well.. I haven't missed a year yet & it's always something new read more

Although I arrived very late in the evening, the crowd at this event was great. There was a big police presence and tons of food, drinks, and art. read more

Baltimore touts this as the largest FREE art festival! It seems that every year it gets bigger and bigger. Great job this year! Super organized and well laid out so that you don't experience the human pedestrian traffic jams. Having been to Artscape for years, it is fun to see how it is developing. My friend felt it was getting a bit Disneyfied with timed art happenings, etc. Lots of sponsors, artists and food plus everything you come to see - art, musical performances and more! Sponsors keep the event FREE which is great. I'm really glad to see that they expanded into the Station North Arts District. This really encompasses the entire cultural district and encourages people to venture over to The Charles Theater and the galleries along Charles Street. I think the best highlight for me was stumbling upon the Baltimore Rock Opera Society - a gesamtakunstwerk! For the hottest weekend in July or close to it, it was a fun day and one of many during the weekend. read more

First Artscape, and thank goodness it was overcast on Friday! It is kind of a mix between a normal art fair and a lot of experimental art performances, plus quite a few music acts. There seemed to be more food booths than art booths, but I was really happy to see that they chose local vendors for their food. You really don't see that happen often at arts and craft fairs. There were a TON of free activities for kids, and it looks like they all loved it. It can be a bit difficult to navigate around all of the closed-down streets if you live in the area, so I was glad when it was finally over so I could drive on Mt. Royal again. Artscape is worth checking out for all of the interesting happenings during the 3 day event. read more

Artscape Festival - Crochet art car - Festivals Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

This free festival was massive. Both in size and the amount of people there. Streets and streets with vendors and vendors. I actually expected more artsy stuff, being near MICA and Mt. Vernon's Cultural District. There were tons of people selling theirs, don't get me wrong, but not as many real street performers and acts and such. I guess I wanted a bit more entertainment. But drinking and eating in the streets is ALWAYS a good time and we enjoyed ourselves on this hot day. Past the train there was a bit of grass where we relaxed for a few and my boyfriend ate a steak and cheese sandwich which was pretty good. My friend got a sandwich also which he didn't like as much. Carnival food can only go so far I guess. I had a vodka & lemonade (my favs!) from a vendor and it was tasty. Got a nice buzz from it. I will definitely be back next year! read more

Although the experience was brief (I showed up late on Sunday - 3-6pm), I was really impressed by the unadulterated expressions of Baltimores finest freaks (and I say this with utmost affection). As we walked up Charles street we were greeted by an entourage of vikings and paraders on a mission chanting "beer-beer-beer....etc." until the mission was completed at a local liquor shop. Next they focused on pizza and you can only guess what the repetitious 1-word exclamation became as they marched on by. The art installations were strange, sometimes disturbing, and at their most conservative....eclectic to say the least...a total celebration of creativity, art for arts sake, and freedom of expression. Artscape 2013 gets 5 stars for headlining The Wailers!!! However, due to the lack of green drinks and healthy alternatives to margaritas and alcoholic beverages...I give them 4 :) Although I do enjoy a stiff drink every now and then, on this particular day I was really jonesing for a kale smoothie :) read more

I went Friday and Saturday(and most like Sunday) to Artscape 2011. Hydration( with water) is an absolute must, even after the sun starts waning. I look forward to a massive arts, crafts, DIY and style festival every year, and see what artists have been creating in their studio/backyard/mother's basement for the past year. I had to restrain myself from buying everything I wanted. Most of the musical stage acts were local bands, and a few DJs at nearby Metro Gallery. The fireworks display was a spectacle in itself in the celebration of its 30th anny. Food spanned the gamut from basic fare to greek to chinese and thai to caribbean to cajun(I swear I saw alligator on the menu). All in all a wonderful escape for the weekend. read more

Rich in culture, activities for the entire family, Gluten free food, live entertainment, free, and culturally diverse. This ones a must! read more

See all

I had not been to Artscape in years so I was glad to see that it has expanded greatly. Lots of new vendors, more stages, and more police to help with traffic. ONE NEGATIVE: Who was the ass-hole at City Hall that decided they should sell 12 oz Coors Light for $5 at all the city-run beer stands? Just go into Mount Royal Tavern and get a 16 oz off the tap for $3! Oh, and Joan Jett played. She was spec-mag-tastic. read more

Artscape is still awesome. It's still free and it has found a proper balance between corporate juggernaut and local DIY craziness. As the 'scape has grown this year I spent my entire time on the Charles St. leg for 2 reasons. 1: It's the Station North leg and 2. NOTHING is for sale there. There are no vendors and nobody trying to sell you anything. It's the free expression/DIY/crazy/back to the meaning of Artscape leg. I did poke my head down Mt. Royal Ave from Charles St and see the unending line of wares for sale and glut of corporate booths and such and was glad that I chose to stick to the area that I did. read more

If I want to purchase a Toyota, I go to a dealership, not Artscape. The corporate booths were excessive: Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, without the Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Oscar Meyer, Bath Fitters, Anderson Windows, which is why I avoid any event at the Timonium Fairgrounds. I recall artscapes in the late 1990's where I dined on curry chicken, rice, and fried plantians, with fresh lemonade from local vendors, not a corporate vendor. The only interesting art was the exhibit prepared by the MICA, and the art cars. read more

I hope this year the Tent will have better cooling ...I had to leave the performance early because it was soooo HOT.., it felt like a Sweat Tent Ceremony. Folks please don't not take babies in the Hot tent (common sense please). read more

What has happened to Artscape? The trifecta of food, music and art seems to have been tipped in favor of food (and I suppose music) with the "art" part suffering. It appeared to have fewer artists and more food vendors than ever before. But not knowing the true metrics of how many vendors, my issue was with quality. Gone were the mixed media, avant garde photography, and jewelry artists with truly one-of-a-kind offerings. Instead I saw craft jewelry, replicated in similarity booth after booth, a few crafts that seemed to be mostly sewn items, t-shirts, and a few sculpture / photography artists. Fewer and fewer, with less quality to boot. Perhaps it is the economy with many artists staying home or choosing other venues. Perhaps there were limited slots with festival organizers targeting a different mix of artists. Perhaps you can never have enough food vendors.... The ever popular art car display had a few Trabants but their display was lazy. A couple of new additions but the art car thing may have had its run, In fact the overpass to Charles Theater side of life was dismally populated with little animation save for the Baltimore Rock Opera group. I still do not understand the garage space across from the Charles Theater which seems to be wasted on non-linked exhibits in what can be called unique space relative to the rest of the Artscape venue. The music continues to attract strong local bands, up and comers as well as a few nationally recognized acts. The stages are well placed and there are indoor venues as well. For the 30th anniversary of what is called the largest free art festival in the US, the art component has been dumbed down read more

Fun Times, Great people watching and art all around. The Butterfly Rhino with a golden shaft really had me and my friends laughing uncontrollably. I came on Sunday after helping out at the Farmers Market so I was exhausted already, but managed to still walk around the whole event. Finding parking was obnoxious and overpriced, next time I will def. cab it or hoof it. read more

If I had never gone to an Artscape before, I may have upped the stars. But being an Artscape veteran, I have to say that elements of this year's Artscape were highly disappointing. For one -- the festival was DOMINATED by food service booths-- even worse, they all seemed to be run by the same company, and made it seem more like the state fair/random carny than the nice little local food stalls of Artscapes past. And these booths were HUGE-- it seems like 1/3 of all the stalls were food-related! To add to the insult, I saw a lot more corporate booths touting cell phones, cable (C'mon, Xfinifity tent in the middle of the cool sculptures down Mt. Royal??), than in 'scapes prior. And understand-- I'm not some anti-corporate hippy, I'm a FREAKIN' RIGHT WING TEA PARTY NUT JOB-- and I thought there was too much corporate stuff there!! :) Yes- there was cool art. I enjoyed the Tent exhibits, the student gallery always has nice things on display, the art cars are cool as always, that face thing was neat, music was good, so it deserve 3 stars. But given that art seemed to compose only about 1/2 the festival, pushed away to include food, beer, and corporate stalls, I'm docking it 2 stars. Please, Artscape, don't completely sell out!!! Make Art your priority in 2014!!! read more

This was awesome! I loved the quirkiness of Baltimore and appreciated some of the art that really just couldn't happen in DC. Some of my favorite booths were the decorated cars (especially the singing lobster/fish contraption, definitely the crowd favorite!) and the dude with the worms that sang back to you! I appreciated all of the home made jewelery and clothes, though I couldn't afford anything there! I support everything about this festival and hope one day I'll have enough money to support the local artists themselves! read more

It's one of our highlights every summer. We've used a variety of artisans for weddings, two conventions and tons of Xmas presents, including artwork and handmade dresses. It's a must go event! Tip: do bring cash, it can get you a discount! read more

So much food, so much culture, so much fun! Make sure you check out Station North during Artscape---that's where all of the best vintage clothing vendors are. Food trucks line the streets. Dozens of artists exhibit and sell their crafts. Local musicians perform at indoor and outdoor venues. University of Baltimore video game design majors present their games, allowing visitors to play demos in the UB Langsdale building. Artscape showcases all the best that Baltimore has to offer. Do not miss out! read more