Talent lineup for nation’s largest free outdoor arts festival includes singers, musicians, actors, poets and all-female DJs and hosts across several stages
Baltimore, MD — Artscape kicks off on May 23-24 in downtown Charm City. And Create Baltimore has announced the performing artists who are set to appear on the Artscape stages throughout the festival. Singers, musicians, actors, DJs, and poets are set to illuminate the various performance spaces with their talent and creativity to entertain Baltimore fans.
“Baltimore’s arts and culture scene is powered by Black women, so who better to host and perform at our largest free arts festival?” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Artscape gets bigger and better year after year, highlighting our city’s unmatched creativity, and I cannot wait for residents and visitors to see this lineup in action.”
“Our talent lineup is a dream,” said Jonathan Gilmore, chief of staff at Create Baltimore. “Local singers and bands command the spotlight to electrify the crowds. The creativity of our musical artists always adds another layer of joy to Artscape venues.”
“This year, we were intentional about making the mainstage an all-women hosted
and DJed experience,” said Linzy Jackson, director of the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment. “Baltimore has so many talented women shaping music, culture, and entertainment, and Artscape is the perfect platform to celebrate that energy in a major way.”
Artscape is a dynamic collision of art, culture, and community impact, transforming Baltimore into a living, breathing canvas of creativity. For over 40 years, Artscape has been a catalyst for artistic expression, economic impact, and cultural transformation. The city’s largest celebration of arts and culture delivers public art, high-impact installations, and curated experiences that elevate and celebrate Baltimore’s creative industry.
Artscape 2026 will take place Memorial Day weekend at War Memorial Plaza on Saturday, May 23 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and Sunday, May 24, from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
AFTER DARK 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
MAIN STAGE Saturday
DJ P-Chris, DJ Bmore Loddie, Chey Parker, DJ Keebee/Persia Nicole
Downtown Tumbao, Fulton Lee, Ken & Brad Kolodner, Frenchie Davis, Persia,
National talent: Brandon Woody, Kindred the Family Soul
Headliner: The Roots
MAIN STAGE Sunday
DJ K-Leena/Coach B, DJ Jess Carp, DJ Ty Alexander/April Watts
Charles Butler & Trinity, Ragdollz, Kendall Jay, Jxhn Tylxr, Black Assets
Headliner: Stephanie Mills
ECHOES STAGE 1 Saturday – at Guilford St.
The Muthafunkaholx, Morphing Grid Radio, Gallaghers Frolic, Moth Broth, Kevin
Jackson, Emily Davies, Soroche, Birckhead Music Group
Headliner: Navasha Daya
ECHOES STAGE 2 Saturday – at Gay St.
Philip Thomas, Lady Ro, L’Von, Kolpeace, Ari Voxx, Alena Ciera, Greeyo, Jon
Tyler Wiley and His Virginia Choir, Ché Ray,
DJ Close Out: DJ Sauce God
ECHOES STAGE 1 Sunday – at Guilford St.
Teddy (Artscape Karaoke Winner, at Hard Rock), HUE, Outside Smoke, L Stringz, Kyaira, Los Fellas, The Noize, Full Circle Dance Company, Liberated Muse, Rise With a Purpose, Queen Songbird Coates
Headliner: Buddy Red
ECHOES STAGE 2 Sunday – at Gay St. Wombwork, Italian Blood, Time in the Wilderness, Kiing, Jenny Hates Techno, Kelvin Dukes, Night Walks, Maestra Chameleon, Brooklynn, Mike Thomas
DJ Closeout: AJ Showtime
ARTSCAPE AFTER DARK 9pm-12am at Whistle & Cane Juke Joint, formerly Ida B’s
Friday – Frenchie Davis
Saturday – Buddy Redd
Sunday – Crank Crusaders
ARTSCAPE AFTER DARK 9pm-12am at Ikonic Live
Saturday – Eze’ Jackson’s Artscape After Party Other highlights of the festival include:
–SCOUT Art Fair: An exhibit curated by Derrick Adams with over 50 emerging and established artists
–Sondheim Semifinalists Exhibition: Work by this year’s 21 semifinalists for the prestigious Janet & Walter Sondheim Art Prize
–Kidscape: A family-friendly activation designed to engage young audiences through hands-on art experiences, performances and interactive storytelling
–The Flavor Lab: This activation will feature top chefs, food innovators, and immersive dining experiences
–Beyond the Reel: A new program track spotlighting the intersection of cinema, television and digital storytelling featuring screenings, panel discussions and filmmaker showcases
–Artscape After Dark: After hours programming with electrifying performances, DJ sets and avant-garde installations for a late-night festival experience unlike any other.
ABOUT ARTSCAPE
Artscape is the nation’s largest free outdoor arts festival. Produced by Create
Baltimore and the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment, it is an
integral part of Baltimore’s creative identity, fueling local pride, economic growth,
and national recognition. The festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend at
War Memorial Plaza.
ABOUT CREATE BALTIMORE
The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) Inc. d/b/a Create
Baltimore, is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which serves as
Baltimore City’s arts council. By providing funding and support to artists and arts
organizations, fostering equitable access to the arts, and producing world-class
cultural events, Create Baltimore’s goal is to make Baltimore a more vibrant and
creative place to live and work.
ABOUT MOACE
The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment (MOACE) helps connect
artists, residents, and city agencies. MOACE strives to strengthen and celebrate
creativity in every form, from public art and festivals to film permitting and
nightlife, through logistics and operational support.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
@artscapebmore
@create_baltimore
@bmoreculture
SOURCE: Create Baltimore and the Mayor’s Office of Art, Culture, and Entertainment (MOACE).