Light City Features 21 Artworks, Free Concerts, Drone Grand Prix

BALTIMORE, MD – Light City kicks off this weekend in Baltimore and will turn the promenade around the Inner Harbor into a dazzling, interactive light show. The theme for 2018 is “More Love, More Lights!”

The beloved Ferris wheel and illuminated peacock are back for this year's festivities, accompanied by a host of new attractions.

The free festival runs every evening throughout the week, with a self-guided 1.5-mile art walk at its center that features unique sights and sounds. Last year’s event attracted 470,000 people, organizers say.

Art Walk

Transforming the walkway from the Inner Harbor to Harbor East, the BGE Light Art Walk showcases 21 light installations made by artists from around the world and right here in Baltimore. BGE will also illuminate the three storage tanks in south Baltimore with murals of thoroughbreds, blue crabs and the Star-Spangled Banner.

"This is an opportunity to literally shine a bright light on the many positive things happening in Baltimore," BGE's Chief Executive Officer Calvin G. Butler Jr. said in a statement. "...we invite visitors and residents to celebrate our wonderful city and all that it has to offer.” BGE is a major sponsor of the festival, now in its third year. Organizers said the 2017 event generated an estimated $44 million for the local economy.

Many artworks will convey messages about sustainability, social justice, relationships, marine life, transformation and Baltimore history, organizers say. Those who want to take an audio tour can call 410-934-7821 and enter the number of the stop on the BGE Light Art Walk to hear information about each piece.

There will also be a "drone grand prix," where drone league racers will compete in the first-of-its-kind drone race course. Baltimore-based artist collaborative McCormack and Figg was commissioned to create obstacles, which form a sculpture garden that people can walk through during race breaks.

Roving performers and a children's area will also be along the art walk route.

Live Music

There will be live concerts and DJs on two stages, with these headliners at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater:

• Grand Master Flash at 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 14
• G. Love & Special Sauce at 10:30 p.m. on Friday, April 20
• Kimbra at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21

The Club Light City Stage, located in the Kaufman Pavilion near Rash Field, will feature internationally known DJs as well as local artists including TrillNatured, Mighty Mark and DJ LoveGoddess. The DJ stage is sponsored by Morgan State University and will be near Key Highway and the Maryland Science Center.

Social Innovation Conference

There will also be a speaker series with panelists Sonja Sohn from the Wire, NFL player Mateo Blu and more. Tickets for the lectures are "pay what you can." Speakers will address how to become a more just, equitable society. Called "Innovation Labs," these social innovation conferences will be held April 18 to April 21.

When Is Light City?

Light City runs from Saturday, April 14, to Saturday, April 21. Festival hours are 7-11 p.m. daily and 7 p.m.-midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Where To Park

The festival spans the promenade from the Inner Harbor to Harbor East. To find parking, check out the Baltimore Parking website or use Parking Panda.

The illuminated peacock, nicknamed "Charlie," is a favorite from the previous Light City events. He will be traveling around the city each night to promote Light City in different neighborhoods, and people can find him by following #WJZCharlie. The last night of the event, Charlie will be in attendance for the Light City fireworks finale. Charlie is a 40-foot-wide, 20-feet-tall kinetic sculpture with 15,000 LEDs. Photo courtesy of Light City producer Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts.