Baltimore boasts a dynamic arts and music scene, offering residents and visitors a plethora of festivals, galleries, and cultural events that celebrate the city’s rich heritage and creative spirit.
Annual Festivals
AFRAM
AFRAM is a free two-day festival held over Juneteenth weekend in Druid Hill Park. It celebrates African American heritage with food, fashion, art, family-friendly activities, and live music from national and regional artists.
Artscape
Artscape is the nation’s largest free outdoor arts festival, taking place in the Station North Arts & Entertainment district. It features interactive visual arts exhibits, musical performances, poetry workshops, and street dance, along with a showcase of Baltimore’s top food vendors.
Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival
Held annually on July 4th at Middle Branch Park, this festival celebrates Baltimore’s musical and artistic culture, particularly highlighting African American creatives. The event includes live performances, arts and crafts, a children’s village, historical reenactments, and concludes with a drone show over the Patapsco River.
Art Galleries
Waller Gallery
Located at 2420 N Calvert St, Waller Gallery focuses on art created by people of color. Established in 2017 by curator Joy Davis, the gallery supports artists through exhibitions, programming, and collaborative projects.
Crystal Moll Gallery
Situated at 248 S. Conkling St., Crystal Moll Gallery showcases urban landscape paintings and prints by Crystal Moll, along with works from other local artists, emphasizing ‘plein air’ paintings.
Quid Nunc Art Gallery
Located at 1007 North Charles Street, Quid Nunc Art Gallery provides a space for artists to showcase and sell their work through themed events that express their complex journeys to the present.
Major Art Institutions
Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA)
Founded in 1914, the BMA houses a collection of 95,000 objects, including over 1,000 works by Henri Matisse. The museum offers free general admission and hosts various exhibitions and events throughout the year.
American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM)
AVAM features a collection of over 4,000 pieces by self-taught artists. The museum’s main building and outdoor spaces display permanent collections and special exhibitions, including kinetic sculptures and interactive installations.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Baltimore’s arts and music scene offers a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect the city’s diverse culture and creative energy.