Artscape Is Underway: Hundreds Of Thousands Expected Downtown

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The heat can't keep hundreds of people away from one of Baltimore's top summer events.

Linh Bui has more on Artscape's newest attractions.

This year's Artscape theme is Travel: No Passport Required and people are certainly seeing their fill of many types of art---both old and new.

New exhibits are popping up all over Artscape this year. A mural experience and pop-up trip to Atlantic City are keeping visitors entertained and relaxed.

"This is a pop-up destination resort: 'Do A.C.' We're here to show people all there is to offer in Atlantic City," said Jeff Guaracino, AC Alliance.

For the more creative and artistic, Artscape gives the opportunity to take on a new role.

"It's a chance just for the folks and festival goers to become the artist themselves," said Tracy Baskerville, Ofc. of Comm. and the Arts.

Hundreds of artists and vendors line the streets selling their homemade pieces to festival-goers, coming back year after year.

John Davis makes recycled leather cuffs out of old belts and bags and says Artscape is an event he never misses.

"This is a fabulous show, It's one of the shows that we look forward to every year, aside from the heat," Davis said. "It's a great crowd, it's huge. Just a great vibe."

Event organizers say the prime time to come to the festival is Friday evening and Saturday---but it's already crowded.

"I'm just gonna sit back and relax in the sun because it's too hot to do a lot of walking," said Rose Brooks. "Everything's beautiful. It's really nice. It's hot, but it's nice."

If you can't stand the heat, there are indoor options as well to keep you cool.

"It's just a reminder for people to remember you don't have to stay outside," said Baskerville. "We have things inside. Theater projects inside the Brown Center, inside Corpus Christi. So there are a lot of things that are going on inside the area too."

Vendors say between the art and endless food options, there's no excuse not to make it to Artscape.

"Three days. You have all the time in the world to get here," Davis said.

The main headliners this year are KEM Friday night, a blend of New Orleans music Saturday and Sunday night Appaloosa and The Wailers.

If you plan to come out to see the headliners, experts advise you come early to get a prime spot. Remember, the light rail stops right in the center of the festival if you want to take public transportation.