The York Road Improvement District is sponsoring a free arts and music festival for attendees of all ages on Oct. 19.The inaugural York Road Music and Arts Festival will celebrate community and culture with a blend of world music and eclectic sounds. There will be performances by Easy Star All Stars, Freedom Enterprise, Noah Pierre Band, and more.Attendees can explore a variety of local food, drink, and craft vendors, spotlighting the diversity of Baltimore’s culinary and artisanal scene.“We are thrilled to launch the York Road Free Music and Arts Festival as a celebration of the vibrant spirit and rich diversity of Greater Govans,” said Sam Storey, executive director of the York Road Improvement District, in a statement. “This festival is not just about great music and delicious food; it’s a testament to the incredible culture and creativity that make our communities unique. We look forward to coming together with residents and visitors to enjoy everything York Road has to offer.”The festival is the first major event the York Road Improvement District has sponsored. The organization was approved by nearby businesses in 2023, and since then has been working on initiatives to improve public safety, the neighborhood’s appearance, growth, and investment.“We have implemented a Clean and Green program that has already brought a brighter streetscape to York Road, and we will soon unveil some upgraded facades that we are funding with the help of Loyola University Maryland, the Small Business Administration and Baltimore Development Corporation,” Storey said. “We have also been approved for grant funding from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to provide financial incentives to lease several vacant properties, and a pilot program to establish a system of security cameras is in the works. In total–York Road is on the rise with growing support, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with the rest of Baltimore.”The York Road Music and Arts Festival takes place on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the corner of York Road and Woodbourne Avenue. Woodbourne Avenue will be closed to traffic during the festival.The festival is free and open to people of all ages. For more information, visit their Eventbrite link or the organization’s Facebook page.