Artscape: Art for the Masses Baltimore

Yes, it's that time of year again when Baltimore is all a buzz. Whether you live in Charm City or not, it shouldn't matter; this weekend is the ideal time for a visit. Heralded as "America's largest free art festival," this annual three-day event plays host to a slew of designers, sculptors, alt-crafters, and musicians...

DIY Section

If mentioning the word free isn't enough to grab your attention, then how about free concerts. No matter your musical preference, there is sure to be something here to please. Cake, Robin Thicke, Dionne Warwick, and Robert Randolph & the Family Band are just a few of the acts that will grace one of the stages (I counted at least 4 last year). Or maybe you like a little friendly competition. There's the Billie Holiday vocal competition (named after the Fells Point native), the Cab Calloway competition, and the Sew Me What You Got contest. The latter is the first-ever Project Runway-esque contest that ends with the finalist's designs strutting the catwalk. You can also find more than 150 visual arts exhibits, a DIY section, an organic food court, and the crowd-pleasing "art car" exhibit. For more information or to plan your visit, click here.

(Images: 1: Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, 2: kw, both via Baltimore Sun)

Comments (7)

Artscape is always a blast. If you've never been it looks like this year will be a particularly good time to start b/c the weather forecast is for fairly mild temperatures considering it's July in Baltimore. Artscape is notorious for being held on one of the hottest/muggiest weekends of the year. Check it out!!

Artscape is such an awesome annual event! Thanks for mentioning it; I wish I still lived nearby!

I love Artscape! I'm so excited about the DIY section this year.

If you get a bit too hot, make sure to take a break in the (air conditioned!) parking garage across from the Charles St. Theatre. In the garage you will find a cool exhibit that includes the Baltimore Free Store, as well as two local thrift stores for building materials (The Loading Dock from East Baltimore and The Community Forklift from Hyattsville/DC area). I'll be there on Sunday, come say hello!

--Ruthie from The Community Forklift

Artscape makes me miss Baltimore. I went to MICA, the school that surrounds the festival. It was great to see the work that local artists were doing as well as get inspiration.

I'll be there! I work at the University of Baltimore at it's been interesting seeing all of the tents go up this week.

Can't wait! I hope Sylvan Beach/Taharka Bros has an ice cream cart again. I need some more key lime pie icecream..mmmmmmmmmm