Traffic Modifications for the Kinetic Sculpture Race
BALTIMORE, MD (April 29, 2026) – The Baltimore City Department of Transportation would like to advise motorists of the traffic modifications that will be in effect for the Kinetic Sculpture Race. The race will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., rain or shine.
The race will begin and end at the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) on Covington Street and kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Find a link to the race route map. Race participants will run the 15-mile course through the Inner Harbor and surrounding neighborhoods at the approximate times listed below:
- 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Safety check and brake test at AVAM
- 9:30 – 10:00 Opening Ceremonies & start from AVAM onto Key Highway
- 10:03 – 10:20 Climb Battery Avenue into Federal Hill Park
- 10:15 – 11:30 Race down Riverside, Fort, Lawrence, Key Highway, around the Inner Harbor, down President Street, around Katyn Circle to Aliceanna Street & Boston Street
- 11:15 – 1:00 p.m. Water entry at Canton Waterfront Park
- 1:00 – 1:30 Race up Kenwood Avenue, right on Eastern, left on Linwood and into Patterson Park
- 1:15 – 3:15 Patterson Park Obstacle Course
- 3:30 – 4:45 Race down Lombard, Central, Eastern, Pier 5, Pratt, Light, Key Highway, Lawrence, Fort, Jackson, Clement and Covington to the finish line at AVAM (first racers may finish as early as 3:30)
- 4:00 – 6:00 Post-race recovery (dinner for racers & volunteers)
- 6:00 – 7:00 Awards Ceremony at AVAM
In preparation for the event, Covington Street will be closed to traffic between Key Highway and Cross Street beginning at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30th through 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026, with detours and parking restrictions in effect. During the event, one lane of travel will be coned off for participants along the race route wherever possible.
The following parking restrictions will be implemented on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.:
- South side of Key Highway from Battery Avenue to Covington Street
- South side of Key Highway from Williams Street to Light Street
- South side of Boston Street from Aliceanna Street to East Avenue
- Covington Street between Key Highway and Cross Street (begins at 7:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30th)
Motorists are advised that temporary traffic stops will occur throughout the event for the safety of participants. Transportation Enforcement Officers, along with the Baltimore City Police, will be positioned along the race route to help manage traffic flow. Drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to plan ahead by allowing extra travel time on race day.
