The vibrant Baltimore Rhythm Festival is set to return to Greenmount West on Saturday, September 26, from noon until 6 p.m., promising a day filled with free music, dance, cultural traditions, and interactive learning experiences suitable for attendees of all ages.
Now in its 12th year, the Baltimore Rhythm Festival was designed to engage audiences as active participants in the celebration. Festival-goers can look forward to live performances across two stages, an interactive community drumming session, informative workshops focused on dance and music, engaging activities for children, as well as local vendors showcasing their wares and an array of delicious food options.
The festival will kick off at noon with the Homa Fire Ceremony led by Maria Broom, followed by a soothing Sound Bath session featuring Michele Blu. Broom, a Baltimore fixture and internationally celebrated actor known for her roles in “The Wire” and “The Corner,” is also a dancer, educator, and storyteller with numerous accolades, including the Eubie Blake Award and the Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist. In 2007, she was honored by Young Audiences of Maryland as Artist of the Year. Blu, who has 25 years of yoga experience, founded Baltimore City’s first Black-owned and -operated yoga studio in 2008 and is currently emphasizing Kemetic yoga, which is rooted in African and Egyptian traditions.
On the Street Stage, attendees will enjoy performances from Bumbada, Soroché, and the festival’s headliner, Mahiri “Spicy Khasso” Fainké A.R.T along with the FoReign DestinÉtion Arkestra. Meanwhile, the Grove Stage will host acts such as Park Vibe, Goucher Dancers, and the Moziah Saleem Group.
Community engagement is a core element of the Baltimore Rhythm Festival. Attendees can join in a community drum circle led by Jason Baker, along with movement workshops featuring a variety of artists, including Ana Temple, Mahiri “Spicy Khasso” Fainké, Adjetey Kluufo, BB Penda, and Serges Essombo Ewane. Additional music and rhythm workshops will spotlight Baba Abu, a women’s Samba group, Steve Bloom, Yu or Amadou, and Baile McKnight, who is set to lead a Shekere workshop.
All performances and workshops at the festival are offered free of charge, ensuring that everyone can participate regardless of their previous experience.
Children will find dedicated activities just for them in the Children’s Area, organized by Jessica Smith. The Living Classrooms Foundation will provide youth-oriented activities, alongside a Children’s Puppet Show with Joshua Smith.
Festival-goers can explore a vibrant marketplace filled with local vendors offering art, clothing, jewelry, handcrafted goods, and an assortment of food, providing plenty of options for families and attendees.
As the festival concludes, everyone is invited to participate in a Dance Hour at 5 p.m., led by DJ Talbolt Johnson alongside Shawna Divine, fostering a sense of community as the event wraps up.
The Baltimore Rhythm Festival 2026 will take place in the play yard behind the Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School, located at 1600 Guilford Ave., Baltimore. This family-friendly event is free to the public and will occur regardless of weather conditions, conveniently situated just blocks from Penn Station in the Greenmount West/Station North Arts District. For a detailed schedule of events, please visit the festival’s official website and check out their social media platforms.
