Downtown Baltimore will sparkle this April, when Light City returns for its third year. From April 6 through April 21, the city will be home to a vibrant festival of light, featuring artists, music, innovative thinkers and much more.
What Is Light City?
Light City, which describes itself as a “festival of light, music and innovation,” is one of the world’s premier festivals of light. The most visible element of Light City is its light-oriented arts, including illuminated sculptures and interactive pieces, as well as concerts and art performances that take place after dark, when the light-powered works of art help make the city shine.
In addition to literal lights and music, the festival also focuses on innovation and fostering discussion; much of this work takes place during a series of daytime talks and workshops, called Labs@LightCity.
The daytime Labs@LightCity events require tickets; they draw some of the best thinkers from around the region.
The nighttime art displays and concerts are free and open to the public. Festivalgoers can also pop into local restaurants and shops and nosh on food from event vendors.
In 2017, nearly half a million people visited Light City over the course of 10 days. The crowd was enthusiastic and engaged, interacting with both the works of art and one another.
Where and When Is Light City?
The first part of Light City, Neighborhood Lights, takes place April 6-8 in neighborhoods throughout the city, including Brooklyn/Curtis Bay, Belair-Edison, Bromo Tower Arts & Entertainment District, Federal Hill, Hamilton-Lauraville, Highlandtown, Hollins Roundhouse/Southwest Baltimore, Locust Point, Patterson Park, Pigtown/Washington Village, Remington and Waverly. Each neighborhood will be lit up by works created by a particular artist.
From April 14-21, the central attraction of Light City, the BGE Light Art Walk, will take over Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The walk, which wraps around the harbor, includes dozens of attractions, including sculptures, projections and interactive works designed to engage with the audience, as well as performers on both small and large stages.
Labs@LightCity takes place April 18-21 at the IMET Columbus Center at Pier V in the Inner Harbor.
Who Will Be at Light City?
Dozens of artists, thinkers, musicians and other performers land on the Light City roster – no matter what type of art you like or what topics interest you, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.
The BGE Light Art Walk will feature close to 30 installations, including “Fireflies,” by Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang – Guo-Qiang has made over 900 lanterns, which will be attached to 27 pedicabs that festival attendees can use to get around downtown, and “On the Wings of Freedom” by interdisciplinary studio Aether & Hemera, a collection of color-changing butterflies symbolizing Baltimore’s capacity for ongoing change.
One of the previous years’ most popular installations, Charlie the Peacock, will also be back in 2018. Starting April 6, the brightly lit peacock will pop up in a different spot throughout the city and on April 21, the bird will make its way to the Inner Harbor in time for closing night fireworks.
The concert lineup includes performers from a variety of genres, including famous names like Grand Master Flash, young local stars like the students from BSO OrchKids, and eclectic groups like The Bangladesh Project.
Labs@LightCity will tackle several different subjects, from food to health, with talks and workshops featuring both locals and those from outside the city. Food lovers can hear thoughts from local chef/writer Allison Robicelli and Oprah’s former personal chef Art Smith, among others. Health talks will involve everyone from artist and former NFL player Mateo Blu to Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana S. Wen.
Lineups are equally impressive for other lab topics, including art, education, the environment, social change and the maker movement.
Where to Park
During Light City, downtown Baltimore is always buzzing, so it’s smart to plan ahead when it comes to parking.
Located at 55 Market Place, Harbor Park Garage is right in the thick of things – it’s an ideal starting and ending point that will allow you to get in and out of downtown without hassle and explore all parts of the BGE Light Walk. Park for a flat rate of $15 anytime after 5 p.m. – this will give you plenty of time to enjoy dinner before sunset, when the lights come alive.
Plan ahead even more by reserving your spot with ParkWhiz, which allows you to reserve and prepay for your spot, so you won’t have to hunt and search once you get downtown.
And once you arrive at the garage, if you have any questions about where to go or how to get there, the friendly and knowledgeable Harbor Park staff will be happy to point you in the right direction and answer your questions. Get your flat rate parking by following this link – https://goo.gl/rFAeQp