Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll Results 2026: Arts & Culture

ART GALLERY

WINNER: BOHEMIAN HOUSE
Finalists: Current Space; Eubie Blake Cultural Center

CONCERT SERIES

WINNER: WTMD’S FIRST THURSDAYS
Finalists: Bright Moments at Keystone Korner; Deep Sugar Rooftop Jam

EXHIBIT

WINNER: AMY SHERALD: AMERICAN SUBLIME AT THE BMA
Finalists: ‘Paws on Parchment’ at The Walters; ‘Swimming Pool’ by Katie Pumphrey at the Creative Alliance

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

WINNER: OTTOBAR
Finalists: Merriweather Post Pavilion; Cat’s Eye Pub

LIVE THEATER VENUE

WINNER: HIPPODROME THEATRE AT THE FRANCE-MERRICK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Finalists: Baltimore Center Stage; Everyman Theatre

LOCAL AUTHOR

WINNER: JENNIFER VIDO
Finalists: Laura Lippman; Anne Tyler

LOCAL BAND

WINNER: TURNSTILE
Finalists: AMPS211; Mallow Hill

LOCAL DJ

WINNER: DJ JAMAAL
Finalists: Augustina Azu; DJ T-N-T

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

WINNER: CHARLOTTE NAGEY
Finalists: Rachel Carey Photography; Kyle Pompey

LOCAL POET

WINNER: HILARY GONZALEZ
Finalists: Maggie D. Brace; Kondwani Fidel

LOCAL SOLO MUSICIAN

WINNER: VON VARGAS
Finalists: Joe Scala; Cris Jacobs; Landis Expandis (tie)

LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST

WINNER: EMMA CHILDS
Finalists: Tim McFadden Glass Blowing; Katie Pumphrey, MC Carey, Paige Orpin (tie)

MOVIE THEATER

WINNER: THE SENATOR THEATRE
Finalists: The Charles; Warehouse Cinemas Rotunda

MURAL

WINNER: “MR. ED THE CAT” IN REMINGTON
Finalists: “Woven” in Hollins Market; “Queernesseseseses” in Patterson Park

MUSEUM

WINNER: AMERICAN VISIONARY ART MUSEUM
Finalists: Baltimore Museum of Art; The Walters Art Museum

TATTOO ARTIST

WINNER: ANASTASIA GNAU
Finalists: Emi Lynn Holler; Chris Smoot

Explore more of our Best of Baltimore Readers’ Poll winners, here.