Downtown Festival and Art Show
Gainesville, Florida, USA
Mid NovemberDescription
Celebrating its 28th anniversary in 2009, the Downtown Festival & Art Show, proudly presented by the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, is one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine arts festivals. The historic, tree-lined streets of downtown Gainesville, from City Hall to the Hippodrome State Theatre, will be transformed into a celebration of art and creativity on Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. One of North Florida’s most beloved traditions, the Arts Festival offers visitors the opportunity to meet the exhibiting artists, sample fine cuisine and enjoy live, continuous entertainment. The Downtown Festival & Art Show, a nationally recognized event, brings out the best in Gainesville and provides an exciting and educational atmosphere through sharing the love of art. Since 1996, Sunshine Artist magazine has consistently recognized the Downtown Festival & Art Show as one of the top 200 shows in the nation. The Festival has significantly risen in national rankings, and this year Sunshine Artist magazine ranked it No. 23 on its list of the best art shows in the nation. The Festival was also chosen as one of the American Bus Association’s “2009 Top 100 Events in North America” for group travel. The art show rose to historic heights last year when attendance reached an all-time high of more than 100,000 attendees. Annually, visitors travel to view the works of over 250 of the nation’s most talented artists as they display their original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and vivid photography. Artisans will compete for more than $18,000 in cash prizes and purchase awards. The Festival will delight the entire family, encouraging children to spend an entire day immersed in a world of art and creativity as they visit the Imagination Station. Children can discover their own artistic talents by participating in a large selection of free hands-on art activities including sidewalk-chalk drawing, painting, mask design, puppet and button creation and clay sculpting. The Imagination Station will also feature a performance area including puppet shows, magic and music for the young and the young at heart. Near the steps of the Hippodrome State Theatre, more than 40 non-profit organizations will showcase their programs and services to the community. Visitors can indulge in a diverse selection of delicious foods. Just some of the mouth-watering treats include Bloomin’ Onions, sweet barbecue ribs, hearty Mediterranean pitas, Cajun jambalaya and authentic Pad Thai cuisine. For music lovers, the Festival features continuous, live entertainment on three stages by local bands, solo musicians and dance companies. The Festival weekend kicks off Friday night at 7 p.m. with a Downtown Blues Festival, filled with sultry sounds and electric notes, presented by the North Central Florida Blues Society. The City of Gainesville loo
Performers
Three stages of continuous music, Blues Concert Friday evening.
Venue
Historic Downtown Gainesville
Directions
Historic Downtown Gainesville (SE 1st Street)
Times
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Admission & Parking
FREE
Website
http://www.gvlculturalaffairs.org
Infophone
352--393-8536
Email
piperlr@ci.gainesville.fl.us