Artscape 2017: Map, Music, Parking, Hours

BALTIMORE, MD - The country's largest free arts festival has begun in midtown Baltimore and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands this weekend. Last year, organizers said more than 300,000 attended the three-day event.

The theme for 2017 is "Camp Artscape: Adventure Awaits."

"Artscape is kind of a summer staple in Baltimore," said Megan Bosse, spokeswoman for Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, which organizes the festival. The theme was designed to be nostalgic for those who have been to summer camp and "encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone and experience something new," she explained.

A 20-foot-tall campfire sculpture with a giant marshmallow is one of several installations going along with the theme.

Other new additions this year include films at the Parkway Theatre and dance at The Lyric, according to Bosse. NASA will also have a presence.

Percussionist Sheila E. is headlining on Friday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. On Saturday gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello will play at 7:30 to 9 p.m.; and Sunday's headliner is Robert Randolph & The Family Band from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Those shows will be at 1400 Cathedral Street. Click the "musical acts" link for all performers.

The festival is centered around Mount Royal Avenue, Cathedral Street and North Charles Street, spanning Bolton Hill and Station North.

Food and drink as well as art will be for sale at the festival. See the Artscape map below. There is also a guide to restrooms at the event. Parking information is at the end of the article.

People are asked not to bring pets other than service animals because conditions may be hazardous due to the number of attendees.

Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s, according to the National Weather Service, and Baltimore City's health commissioner has declared a "code red" heat advisory.

"As Baltimore prepares for a fun weekend with one of the nation’s largest free arts festivals...remember to stay cool and hydrated," Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said. "Heat is a silent killer and a public health threat."

People are encouraged to wear loose-fitting clothing and drink water. There are misting tents at the festival.

There are several ways to get to Artscape: Amtrak train, MTA bus/light rail, Charm City Circulator, Lyft, bicycle or driving.

Bike parking is on Maryland Avenue between Mount Royal Avenue and Preston Street.

There are three official Artscape garages for vehicles: The Fitzgerald, 80 West Oliver Street; Meyerhoff, 1212 Cathedral Street; and Penn Station, 1511 North Charles Street. Street parking and other garages are available.

Admission is free. Artscape is July 21 to July 23, 2017.

Hours are as follows:

• 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22
• 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 23

Organizers advise using The Lyric as a landmark to get to Artscape, since it sits at the center, located at 140 West Mount Royal Avenue. Here are directions.

Main photo courtesy of Artscape/Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts.