Baltimore Gears Up for Artscape Featuring The Roots and Stephanie Mills

Baltimore, January 9, 2026

Baltimore is poised to host the annual Artscape festival, featuring music legends The Roots and Stephanie Mills. This vibrant celebration, scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, highlights the city’s cultural richness and community spirit. Attendees can expect an array of artistic showcases, including local and national performances, opportunities for art engagement, and interactive family-friendly spaces. Artscape aims to strengthen local pride and boost economic benefits, emphasizing the importance of cultural events in Baltimore.

Baltimore Gears Up for Artscape 2026 Featuring The Roots and Stephanie Mills

Baltimore, MD – The 44th annual Artscape festival is set to return to downtown Baltimore, bringing vibrant artistic expression and community engagement to the forefront. Scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, May 23-24, 2026, the festival will feature the renowned hip-hop group The Roots and celebrated singer and actress Stephanie Mills as headliners, as announced by Mayor Brandon Scott. Artscape is not only a cultural milestone but also a testament to Baltimore’s resilience and creativity as it continues to thrive through community efforts and innovative leadership.

As America’s largest free outdoor arts festival, Artscape draws thousands of attendees each year and showcases the creative spirit of Baltimore. The involvement of both local talents and national headliners reflects a growing trend toward enriching community experiences through cultural events. With reduced bureaucratic hurdles, private sector partnerships, and civic involvement, the festival promises to enhance local pride and attract even more visitors to the city.

Festival Details

Artscape 2026 will unfold near City Hall, the JFX, and the War Memorial Building, welcoming attendees with an array of artistic showcases. The Roots will take the stage on Saturday, May 23, while Stephanie Mills will headline the following day. Alongside these acts, additional performers, both local and national, will be revealed leading up to the event.

About the Headliners

The Roots, based in Philadelphia, are renowned for their unique blend of live instrumentation with hip-hop beats, earning numerous Grammy Awards and captivating audiences worldwide. Their role as the house band for “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” has further solidified their status in the music industry.

Stephanie Mills gained fame for her compelling performance as Dorothy in the original Broadway production of “The Wiz,” alongside her successful music career with hits like “Never Knew Love Like This Before.” Her celebration of soul and R&B sweetens the festival lineup, appealing to a broad demographic of music lovers.

Festival Enhancements

In addition to the musical performances, Artscape 2026 will feature exciting enhancements aimed at broadening the festival’s appeal. The SCOUT Art Fair will present works from both emerging and established artists, providing an opportunity to engage with and purchase local art. Kidscape, an interactive space designed for families and youth, will deliver hands-on activities, making the festival a truly inclusive experience. Film programming and the “In Conversation” series will offer engaging discussions among artists and professionals, fostering connections within the artistic community.

Economic Impact

The festival’s popularity translates into significant economic benefits for the city. In 2025, Artscape attracted over 60,000 attendees each day, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. The event generated an impressive $8.8 million economic impact, underscoring the importance of culture as a catalyst for economic development in Baltimore.

Transportation and Accessibility

With the expectation of a large turnout for Artscape 2026, attendees are urged to consider public transportation or rideshare options to reach the festival. Ample parking will also be available in nearby areas like Mount Vernon and the Station North Arts & Entertainment District, ensuring easy access for all participants.

Additional Information

For further details regarding Artscape 2026, including the full lineup of performers and event schedules, potential attendees can visit the official Artscape website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER

The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.