It’s that time of year: Artscape is here. While the Baltimore festival has gone through less turmoil than last year (like not losing out on two headliners or dealing with a tropical storm), you probably still have some questions about what to expect. Whether you need to know the basics of when and where Artscape is or details about the after-parties, we’ve got answers.

The basics and need-to-knows

What is Artscape?

Artscape is billed as one of the largest free outdoor arts festivals in America. It debuted in Baltimore in 1982 and happened every year until 2020, when its multiyear hiatus started. The festival made its return in 2023 and looks to be going strong. The event will include art exhibitions, music performances, children’s activities, food and more.

When is Artscape?

The festival is Friday through Sunday — more traditional summer dates after Artscape took place in late September last year. Though it’s not during the July time frame people may be accustomed to, it’s a move in the right direction after the 2023 dates were met with criticism. Artscape will open at 5 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Where is Artscape?

After expanding into the Station North Arts and Entertainment District last year, Artscape is continuing that trend while still taking place in the Bolton Hill and Mount Royal area. This includes the 1300-1800 blocks of Charles Street and along Mount Royal Avenue through Mount Vernon’s cultural district.

How’s the weather looking?

Hot and rainy. The weather forecast predicts rain all three days of the festival with the temperature ranging between 80s and 90s. Seeing that Artscape is rain or shine, it’s going to be hard to decide your style of dress. Maybe some rain boots and a tank top or some sandals with a raincoat?

And traffic?

Not great, but that’s normal. Make sure to note which roads are closing earlier in the week, and which areas will be inaccessible during the festival. Check out our full list of road closures.

What about the fun stuff?

Who is performing?

On Friday, Artscape will be headlined by none other than the “Queen of Funk,” Chaka Khan. The 10-time Grammy Award winner previously performed at Artscape in 1993, so taking over the festival’s main stage will be nothing new. Opening for Khan will be R&B singer Maeta.

Saturday will be headlined by another queen: Sheila E., “Queen of Percussion.” Other performing talent for the day include Joi Carter, Live from the Paradox, and WhoCamille.

Reggae group The Original Wailers will headline the festival’s last day. “I’m looking forward to coming back east and putting it on our Baltimore audience with some classic Wailers music,” said Al Anderson, the group’s co-founder and lead guitarist for Bob Marley & The Wailers, of closing the event.

I’m not just there for the music performances. What else is going on?

A lot. Like last year, Artscape will have its signature “B 24″ art exhibition that highlights local creatives with works in all mediums. The indoor event is the largest exhibition to date and features the work of 41 artists based in Baltimore and the surrounding areas.

In an effort to “elevate the Baltimore fashion community,” Project Artscape is returning as well. The runway show will feature works from a variety of designers ranging from emerging to the professional level.

SNF Parkway Theatre will also have a lot of free events. They will be showing a series of short films, hosting Q&A panels with filmmakers and will even have an afterparty on Friday, which is just one of several happening during Artscape.

Several after-parties?

Yes, there are multiple. SNF Parkway Theatre’s Friday after-party is to celebrate local creators, but there are even more late-night events to choose from.

Check out “The Get Down,” Artscape’s group of events that begin after the festival closes, which will keep the party going for adults. LOL@Artscape, hosted by Baltimore Improv Group, will have free stand-up comedy shows Friday and Saturday from 9 to 10 p.m. at the BIG Theater on Charles Street, with different performers each night. You’ll also have the chance to a live DJ set near Penn Station, sign up for Bmore Hip Hop Karaoke and more.

That’s cool and all, but I have children. What can they do over the weekend?

We’re glad you asked. Families with children between the ages of 4 and 12 can take part in Kidscape on Saturday. The free activities will be a mixture of fun and learning including several museum vendors, a STEM festival, face painting and more.

If your child is in their rebel years of 13 through 18, they can check out Teenscape on Saturday, too. Located at the black-box theater in Motor House on North Avenue, Teenscape was curated by Media Rhythm Institute and will have appearances from BMore than Dance, rapper TayyBandz and a fashion show from AZIZA PE&CE.