Artscape 2026 stages to spotlight women
Artscape 2026, Baltimore’s largest free outdoor arts festival, will feature an all-female lineup of DJs and hosts on its main stage and highlight local and national performers like The Roots and Stephanie Mills over Memorial Day weekend. The event, running May 23–24 at War Memorial Plaza, includes multiple stages, after-dark performances, and curated art exhibits like the SCOUT Art Fair and Sondheim Semifinalists Exhibition.
Baltimore’s Artscape 2026 will celebrate its 40th anniversary as the city’s largest free outdoor arts festival, running May 23–24 at War Memorial Plaza. This year’s lineup emphasizes women in music, with all-female DJs and hosts on the main stage, including DJ P-Chris, DJ Bmore Loddie, Chey Parker, and DJ Keebee/Persia Nicole on Saturday, and DJ K-Leena/Coach B, DJ Jess Carp, and DJ Ty Alexander/April Watts on Sunday. Headlining acts include The Roots on Saturday and Stephanie Mills on Sunday, alongside local artists like Downtown Tumbao, Fulton Lee, and Navasha Daya at the Echoes Stage. The festival spans multiple venues, including Echoes Stage 1 at Guilford Street and Echoes Stage 2 at Gay Street, featuring performances by emerging and established acts such as The Muthafunkaholx, Lady Ro, and Buddy Red. After-dark events run from 9 p.m. to midnight at Whistle & Cane Juke Joint and Ikonic Live, with appearances by Frenchie Davis, Buddy Redd, and Eze’ Jackson’s Artscape After Party. Beyond music, Artscape 2026 showcases visual art through the SCOUT Art Fair, curated by Derrick Adams, and the Sondheim Semifinalists Exhibition, featuring 21 artists competing for the Janet & Walter Sondheim Art Prize. The festival also includes Kidscape, a family-friendly activation designed for younger audiences. Mayor Brandon M. Scott highlighted the festival’s significance, stating that Baltimore’s arts scene is driven by Black women, making Artscape the ideal platform to celebrate their contributions. Linzy Jackson, director of the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment, noted the intentional focus on female talent, reflecting Baltimore’s vibrant creative community. Artscape runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both days, with after-dark events extending until midnight.
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