Leading up to Artscape 2026, we have already learned which artists were appearing and we are salivating in advance over the promised culinary offerings. Now that Create Baltimore has announced the full lineup of who is performing at Artscape, excitement can be fully unleashed.
Singers, musicians, actors, DJs, and poets are set to light up three stages and the talent runs deep. Mainstage, Echo Stage 1, and Echo Stage 2 will play host to entertainment during the day and during After Dark programming.
“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.”
Jonathan Gilmore, chief of staff at Create Baltimore, agrees.
“Our talent lineup is a dream,” Gilmore said. “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.”
Linzy Jackson is director of the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (MOACE). He said the spotlight on women as hosts and DJs on the mainstage was no accident.
“This year, we were intentional about making the mainstage an all-women hosted and DJed experience,” Jackson said. “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.”
For more than 40 years, Baltimore’s Artscape festival has combined art, culture, and community impact with belief in creating meaningful change. The public art, large-scale installations, and focus on joy celebrates and elevates Baltimore’s limitless creativity and strength in community.
Artscape 2026 takes place Memorial Day weekend at War Memorial Plaza, on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24. Hours on both days are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Please note that Artscape After Dark happens Friday and Saturday evenings, May 22 and May 23, from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. both nights.
Below is the schedule of performers on each stage for each day of Artscape 2026 and for Artscape After Dark.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
ARTSCAPE AFTER DARK – 9 p.m.–12 a.m.
- Frenchie Davis (at Whistle & Cane Juke Joint, formerly Ida B’s)
SATURDAY, MAY 23
MAINSTAGE
- DJ P-Chris
- DJ Bmore Loddie
- Chey Parker
- DJ Keebee/Persia Nicole Downtown Tumbao
- Fulton Lee, Ken & Brad Kolodner
- Frenchie Davis
- Persia
- Brandon Woody
- Kindred the Family Soul
- HEADLINER: THE ROOTS
ECHOES STAGE 1 – 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 – 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 CLOSEOUT: DJ SAUCE GOD
ARTSCAPE AFTER DARK – 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- Buddy Redd (at Whistle & Cane Juke Joint, formerly Ida B’s)
- Eze’ Jackson’s Artscape After Party (at Ikonic Live)
SUNDAY, MAY 24
MAINSTAGE
- 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 – 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 REDD
ECHOES STAGE 2 – 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
