Every night this week the Inner Harbor has been packed with people. Tens of thousands mobbed the 1.5 mile art walk. Light City Baltimore is more than halfway over, and organizers say it has exceeded expectations.
"Absolutely amazing,” Kathy Hornig, Director of Festivals for the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts, said. “Everything I could have hoped for and more, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night we had a tremendous crowd down here."
Between 40,000 to 50,000 is the guestimate over the four hours the festival runs each night. Meaning much more foot traffic for area bars, restaurants and hotels.
Customers enjoying the bands made use of Ouzo Bay's patio, and almost every table was full inside.
"Small spike in business, not astronomical, but definitely for beginning of the week has definitely been improving,” said General Manager, Brian McCormick.
Sister restaurant, Azumi, has a much more prominent spot along the art walk, and business is up by at least 5 percent this week.
Over at Family Meal, the constant crowds have brought more folks through the doors. Workers say it's been non-stop.
"It's definitely tripled our business, especially at dinner,” said Chef Cuisine Stephen Latta. “We're usually pretty busy for lunch here and dinner is hit or miss, but for dinner it's just like at 7:30 we're packed like the rest of the night."
An uptick in customers that is gladly welcomed this time of the year.
Both organizers and businesses say they're excited for the weekend, and expect a huge turnout for the festival.
Download the ABC2 News app for the iPhone, Kindleand Android.