Baltimore's Flagship Festival Sees Record-Breaking Crowds, New Innovations, And Unforgettable Moments

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, May 28, 2025) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Mayor's Office of Art, Culture and Entertainment (MOACE), in co-production with the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA), celebrated the phenomenal success of Artscape 2025, the nation's largest free public outdoor arts festival. The crowd was record breaking since the COVID-19 pandemic — drawing well over 100,000 attendees into Baltimore’s reimagined downtown core this weekend, Artscape cemented its legacy as a transformative cultural, economic, and artistic powerhouse.

A Defining Cultural Moment

Backed by visionary leadership and an outpouring of community pride, Artscape 2025 expanded on last year's momentum with bold new programming, record-setting attendance, and unforgettable performances from icons across music, visual art, and film.

"Artscape this year was phenomenal, thanks to hundreds of hardworking public servants, volunteers, and event coordinators working around the clock. For the first time, we brought the festival to the heart of our Downtown Baltimore, where we enjoyed local art, national and local musical talent, great food vendors, and so much more together," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "I'm so proud of Artscape and the positive response we've heard from artists and attendees alike. We will make improvements, so stay tuned for next year!"

"As a visionary, you plan with hope - but to see this embraced and celebrated at this scale is extraordinary," said Tonya Miller Hall, Senior Advisor for MOACE. "Artscape 2025 was a defining moment for Baltimore's cultural renaissance."

"Artscape 2025 stands as a testament to what's possible through intentional curation and true partnership. I am incredibly proud of what the BOPA team accomplished this year in collaboration with the City of Baltimore. Together, we created a festival that not only celebrated our city's vibrant arts community, but also reflected a shared commitment to excellence. Our artists and the citizens of Baltimore deserve the very best, and I believe this year, they received it. The success of Artscape 2025 sets a strong foundation for what's to come," said Interim BOPA CEO, Robyn Murphy.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ARTSCAPE 2025

90,000+ IN A SINGLE EVENING

Baltimore's downtown corridor came alive with music, murals, and motion. Attendees described the atmosphere as "electric," with Saturday evening alone welcoming over 90,000 festival goers.

SCOUT ART FAIR

Scout, the inaugural Affordable Art Fair, was curated by contemporary artist Derrick Adams and Teri Henderson, who served as curatorial assistant. The fair showcased over 40 solo artists and 6 galleries, with many vendors reporting complete sell-outs. "Bringing the vision of Scout Art Fair into reality was a dream come true," said Derrick Adams. The support of the mayor's office made it that much more meaningful. The artists and galleries who participated are truly grateful for this endeavor and hope that it will be annual."

IN CONVERSATION & BEYOND THE REEL SERIES AT BALTIMORE CENTER STAGE: STANDING ROOM ONLY

"Baltimore's art scene is truly something special. Every time I visit, I'm welcomed with open arms and inspired by the city's vibrant artist community. The conversations were rich and nourishing. Artscape was an incredible experience, and I'm already looking forward to coming back and exploring even more of what this beautiful city has to offer," said Kofi Siriboe, Artscape moderator, actor, entrepreneur, cultural innovator, and founder of TOLA in New Orleans.

These two new features brought artists, filmmakers, and activists together for vital discussions on art, culture and equity. "I love this city and to see the artists, including a storied filmmaking community, have a moment to shine was energizing," said DC Wade, producer of the Sundance award winning film Ricky.

"Artscape was an incredibly inspiring weekend for everyone who was able to witness it! It was a great privilege to be called home as Honorary Chair and engage with so many dynamic artists and festival-goers alike," said actress and entrepreneur Lex Scott Davis of Suits LA.

"Baltimore is beautiful," said filmmaker and director of ESPN's 30 for 30 entitled Baltimore Boys, Sheldon Candis. "I've been to Sundance, I've been to Art Basel, I've been to Austin City Limits and what I just experienced in Charm City this weekend is special beyond measure."

ARTSCAPE AFTER DARK

This year Artscape's after hours programming took over Hotel Ulysses in Mount Vernon and Ikonic Live nightclub right on the main Artscape footprint. Frenchie Davis, who also headlined The Echoes of the City stage performed for two nights in the hotel's Bloom's Bar. Both nights were filled to capacity and RSVPs were forced to close in a matter of minutes. Across the hall in the Ash Bar poet Dr. Rebecca Dupas curated Femme Frequency.

"I have such tremendous love for Baltimore City and its art scene. It was an absolute honor to be invited to curate Femme Frequency for Artscape 2025 and to bring amazing women artists with me, not only to give a nod to the Harlem Renaissance era but to share our talent and passion with a city that has embraced us and held us up as poets and vocalists," said Dr. Rebecca Dupas. "There was so much laughter, nostalgia, power, culture, femininity, and inspiration in that room. Many in attendance have been asking when we'll do this again."

"When the Mayor said he would pull up to my party and DJ, I was certain he was joking at first. Not only did he pull up, he rocked out and brought Phonte from Little Brother with him to witness the Baltimore artists and DJs I had playing. Overall, this year I felt as local artists we were not only included but listened to," said Eze Jackson, musician and host of the Artscape Afterparty at Ikonic Live. "The new location felt like new life has been breathed into Artscape and I'm already looking forward to next year."

UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCES

Crowds were treated to dynamic live sets from Fantasia, Robin Thicke, Freeway, LeToya Luckett-Coles, Tanner Adell, Frenchie Davis, Gabby Samone, Bad Hombres, and more.

"What an amazing event Artscape is, honored to be a part of it. Baltimore was rocking. This is where my first single, Lost Without U, really blew up," said Robin Thicke. "So it's always like a second home to me. We always love coming to Baltimore; it's such a great crowd, great energy, great culture, and great food. We love it here."

"Artscape was such an experience. It was my first time. It was an honor and privilege to be on that stage performing for the most amazing people of Baltimore. The energy was crazy. I hope I can see you again," said LeToya Luckett-Coles. "I have been a fan of Baltimore for as long as I can remember. Baltimore is one of my favorite getaways and has always had a special place in my heart. I love the city, and I love what it's growing into. Y'all better invite me back!"

"Baltimore, I love you. The energy was live," said Fantasia, who gave powerful advice to rising artist Baltimore native and American Idol Top 7 finalist, Gabby Samone: "Don't try to be number one - just put out your music."

"Baltimore is not a hard city to play in. I feel very loved," added country newcomer Tanner Adell.

"It's a blessing to be here," said Freeway, who received a life-saving kidney transplant at Johns Hopkins. "Baltimore is like a second home. I'm looking forward to bringing workforce development here."

"There was this warm sense of community and love," said Frenchie Davis. "Baltimore knows how to have a good time."

"Artscape was a soundtrack of new energy," said Bryan Robinson of the Black Genius Art Show. "It was like walking through a neighborhood of good vibes."

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Vendors reported record-breaking sales, with Saturday eclipsing totals from prior years. Flavor Lab food vendors sold out completely by nightfall.

"This has been the best day of The Peale's life since we reopened!" said Nancy Proctor of The Peale. "We are on track to more than double our annual attendance just in these two days. I could cry, I'm so happy! Everybody is loving Artscape - congratulations and thank you for a magnificent job!"

ABOUT ARTSCAPE

Artscape is the nation's largest free outdoor arts festival. Produced by the Mayor's Office of Art, Culture and the Entertainment in co-production with BOPA, it is a cornerstone of Baltimore's creative identity, fueling local pride, economic growth, and national recognition.

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