Explore “Music City, Maryland” — a home to public art, music venues, galleries, creative businesses, the Catonsville Clubhouse Art Center, award-winning dining, unique shops, and scenic Rails to Trails.
About this A&E District
The Catonsville Arts & Entertainment District, managed by the Baltimore County Arts Guild, is the heart of “Music City, Maryland”—a vibrant hub where arts, music, and community meet.
Established in 2012, the Baltimore County Arts Guild is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Catonsville, Maryland, dedicated to fostering all aspects of the arts across Baltimore County. From its inception, the Guild has supported local artists by providing affordable studio space and promoting their work through Gallery 1101, Arts on Tour, public art installations, and community programs. The Guild also nurtures emerging artists of all ages through classes, exhibits, and special events.
In 2020, the Baltimore County Arts Guild, in partnership with the Maryland State Arts Council and Baltimore County Government, became the managing entity of the Catonsville Arts District. As Baltimore County’s first designated Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District, it has played a key role in enhancing community engagement, attracting tourism, and supporting creative business development through a range of state and local tax incentives.
At the center of the district is “The Catonsville Clubhouse,” a 5,000-square-foot multi-use arts center offering classrooms, exhibit space, creative studios, performance space, and indoor and outdoor vendor markets featuring local artists and makers.Throughout the district, visitors can explore a vibrant array of public art, including murals, music-themed bike racks, and interactive sculptures. Local restaurants also contribute to the creative atmosphere by showcasing artwork and hosting rotating exhibits by area artists.
Catonsville is home to two beloved outdoor music venues: the historic Lurman Woodland Theatre and the newly launched Vortex stage. From spring through fall, the community comes alive with cherished traditions like Frederick Road Fridays and the Catonsville Sunday Farmers Market, drawing visitors with live music, handmade goods, and local flavor.
Designated “Music City, Maryland” in 2002, Catonsville thrives with live performances, exhibit spaces, creative businesses, award-winning restaurants, Rails to Trails access, and nearby Patapsco State Park. Catonsville—where artists live, work, and play. Let your artbeat guide you.