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Artscape 2023: Festival canceled for Saturday, other events still planned

Artscape to kick off Friday, WJZ to serve as media sponsor
Artscape to kick off Friday, WJZ to serve as media sponsor 02:23

BALTIMORE -- Artscape has been canceled for Saturday due to weather conditions, according to the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts.  

Artscape canceled for Saturday due to weather conditions 00:45

Tropical Storm Ophelia is expected to bring strong winds and rain, posing risks for those participating in outdoor activities.  

Other events are still planned for Friday and Sunday. 

A reimagined Artscape kicks off Friday evening in Baltimore with a bigger footprint and new date, but the threat of severe weather remains for Saturday.

DJ Pee .Wee, the alter-ego of Grammy Award-winning artist Anderson .Paak, is headlining the event. Other national acts include Nile Rogers & Chic, Muni Long, and Angelo Moore along with a bevy of local artists like Brandon Woody & Upendo, Chiffon, Jacq Jill and A4lenia.  

WJZ, the proud media sponsor of Artscape, has what you need to know before heading out this weekend: 

When is it? 

Artscape moved this year from its traditional spot on the calendar in the sweltering heat of July to September, a move organizers say will create opportunities to engage with students in an impactful way. 

The 38-year-old festival will be held from September 22 to 24. Here are the operating hours for the festival:

  • Friday: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 
  • Saturday: CANCELED 
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where is it? 

Artscape will remain in the historical footprint of Bolton Hill and Mount Vernon, but the festival is expanding into the neighboring Station North Arts & Entertainment District.  

Performance stages, the Artists' Marketplace, food options, bars and much more will be spread across the neighborhoods. 

The Baltimore Office of Arts and Promotions has an interactive Artscape map to help you find what you're looking for.   

artscapefootprint-9-19-withzones-791x1024.png

What's happening?

In addition to the performances, Artscape is showcasing visual arts experiences, performing arts, fashion designers, film, improv and comedy, literary arts programming and more. Click here for a complete list. 

Artist's Marketplace: Running Friday, Saturday and Sunday, shop from some of the best local artists at 1205 W. Mount Royal Avenue. 

Project Artscape: A runway show showcasing local designers all weekend in the B.I.G. Improv Lot at Charles and Lafayette

Kidscape and Teenscape: Motorhouse hosts this family-friendly event for kids and teens on Saturday. 

B23 Exhibition: An indoor exhibition featuring artists from Baltimore City and the surrounding region.

The Maryland Film Festival Shorts Fest: The SNF Parkway opens for a weekend of free shorts film screenings of Baltimore-based student work

How do I get there?

With the fun of festivals comes inevitable traffic, road closures and detours. So how do you get there? 

Click here for a full list of road and lane closures and parking restrictions.

Artscape falls on the same weekend as "World Car Free Day," so the Maryland Transit Administration is offering free rides on public transportation for the weekend. 

Local Bus, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC, Commuter Bus and Mobility services will all be free from Friday, September 22, through Sunday, September 24.   

When and where are the performances? 

Artscape has a full schedule of performances over the weekend with four outdoor performing stages, including the brand-new "North of North" stage at North Avenue and 20th Street.

DJ Pee .Wee and Muni Long headline Friday.

Artscape has a complete performance schedule here. 

What about the weather? 

Maryland is bracing for weekend impacts from Tropical Storm Ophelia brewing off the coast of The Carolinas. WJZ's First Alert weather team has declared an Alert Day for Saturday for anticipated severe weather.

Tap here for the latest forecast, and stay weather-aware.

Any more questions?: Artscape FAQ

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