Baltimore, January 11, 2026
The Artscape festival is set to take place in downtown Baltimore, featuring performances by Grammy-winning band The Roots and singer Stephanie Mills. Scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, the festival will continue its tradition of celebrating diverse artistic expressions, alongside additional programs including ‘Artscape After Dark’ and the Scout Affordable Art Fair. This annual event has had significant economic impacts and draws large crowds, revitalizing the downtown area.
Baltimore, MD
Artscape 2026: The Roots and Stephanie Mills Headline
Baltimore’s Artscape festival is set to return to downtown on Memorial Day weekend, May 23–24, 2026, featuring Grammy Award-winning band The Roots and legendary singer Stephanie Mills as headliners.
Festival Details
Artscape, the nation’s largest free outdoor arts festival, will take place in downtown Baltimore, continuing its tradition of showcasing a diverse array of artistic expressions. The Roots are scheduled to perform on Saturday, May 23, followed by Stephanie Mills on Sunday, May 24. The festival will also feature “Artscape After Dark” activities from 9 p.m. to midnight each evening, along with the Scout Affordable Art Fair, The Flavor Lab culinary experience, and the Sondheim Semifinalists Exhibition. Applications for vendors, performers, and volunteers are open, with early bird applications due by January 25, 2026, and the final deadline on February 20, 2026. More information is available at the official festival website.
Economic Impact and Attendance
In 2025, Artscape generated an estimated $8.8 million in economic impact for the city, with daily attendance averaging 60,000 people—a nearly 15% increase from the previous year. The festival’s move to downtown has been credited with revitalizing the area and enhancing its vibrancy.
About the Headliners
The Roots, a renowned hip-hop group from Philadelphia, have won multiple Grammy Awards, including “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group” for “You Got Me” and “Best R&B Album” for “Wake Up!” Stephanie Mills, an acclaimed singer and actress, won a Grammy Award in 1981 for “Best R&B Vocal Female Performance” for her song “Never Knew Love Like This Before” and is known for her role as Dorothy in the original Broadway run of “The Wiz” from 1974 to 1979.
Festival Location
The 2026 edition of Artscape will be held in downtown Baltimore, near City Hall, the Jones Falls Expressway, and the War Memorial Building. This location continues the festival’s recent tradition of taking place in the heart of downtown, a move that debuted last year and has been credited with revitalizing the area and enhancing its vibrancy.
Additional Programs
In addition to the musical performances, Artscape 2026 will feature several popular programs, including Kidscape, the Artists’ Market, and a variety of public art installations and interactive components. These initiatives aim to engage the community and provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work.
Applications and Participation
Applications are now open for those looking to participate as vendors, performers, or volunteers. Early bird applications must be submitted by midnight on January 25, 2026. The final deadline for all other applications is February 20, 2026. More information and application forms can be found at the official festival website.
Background
Artscape has been a significant cultural event in Baltimore for over 40 years, serving as a platform for artistic expression and community engagement. The festival has evolved over the years, incorporating various art forms and activities to appeal to a broad audience. The 2026 edition aims to build on the success of previous years, offering an expanded lineup of performances and interactive experiences for attendees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When and where is Artscape 2026 taking place?
Artscape 2026 will be held in downtown Baltimore on Memorial Day weekend, May 23–24, 2026, near City Hall, the Jones Falls Expressway, and the War Memorial Building.
Who are the headliners for Artscape 2026?
The headliners for Artscape 2026 are The Roots, scheduled to perform on Saturday, May 23, and Stephanie Mills, scheduled to perform on Sunday, May 24.
What programs and activities will be featured at Artscape 2026?
Artscape 2026 will feature “Artscape After Dark” activities, the Scout Affordable Art Fair, The Flavor Lab culinary experience, the Sondheim Semifinalists Exhibition, Kidscape, the Artists’ Market, and various public art installations and interactive components.
How can I participate in Artscape 2026 as a vendor, performer, or volunteer?
Applications for vendors, performers, and volunteers are open, with early bird applications due by January 25, 2026, and the final deadline on February 20, 2026. More information and application forms can be found at the official festival website.
What is the economic impact of Artscape?
In 2025, Artscape generated an estimated $8.8 million in economic impact for the city, with daily attendance averaging 60,000 people—a nearly 15% increase from the previous year.
Key Features of Artscape 2026
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Festival Dates | May 23–24, 2026 |
| Location | Downtown Baltimore, near City Hall, the Jones Falls Expressway, and the War Memorial Building |
| Headliners | The Roots (May 23) and Stephanie Mills (May 24) |
| Key Programs | Artscape After Dark, Scout Affordable Art Fair, The Flavor Lab, Sondheim Semifinalists Exhibition, Kidscape, Artists’ Market, public art installations, and interactive components |
| Economic Impact (2025) | Estimated $8.8 million |
| Attendance (2025) | Averaged 60,000 people per day, a nearly 15% increase from the previous year |
| Application Deadlines | Early bird applications due by January 25, 2026; final deadline on February 20, 2026 |
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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.
