USA Special Event Description:
Works of fine art, sounds of smooth jazz and the aroma of delectable treats will fill the air as the City of Gainesville' s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs presents the 26th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show on Saturday and Sunday, November 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Set in the heart of historic downtown Gainesville, the nationally acclaimed Downtown Festival & Art Show is North Central Florida' s premier fall festival of the arts. Since 1996, the Downtown Festival & Art Show has been rated as one of the top 200 shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist magazine. In 2006 the festival was ranked No. 28 as the best fine art show in the country. AmericanStyle Magazine ranked the show No. 9 as the best fair and festival in the nation.
Stroll along the streets of downtown Gainesville, from City Hall to the Hippodrome State Theatre, as 250 of the nation's top artists display their original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and vivid photography. Artisans will compete for more than $14,000 in cash prizes and $5,000 in purchase awards. With such a diverse array of unique art displayed for sale and competition, the Downtown Festival & Art Show is a great way to begin your holiday shopping.
Children can participate in the Imagination Station, which offers free interactive entertainment and creative hands-on activities, such as sidewalk chalk drawing, painting, mask design, puppet and button creation and clay sculpting. It also features magic shows, puppet shows and music for the young and young-at-heart.
Near the steps of the Hippodrome State Theatre, more than 30 non-profit organizations will have booths devoted to educating and providing information to the Gainesville community. For music lovers, the Festival features live continuous entertainment on three stages by bands, dance companies and musicians from the community. The weekend begins with a Downtown Blues Festival presented by the Gainesville Friends of Jazz and Blues on Friday, November 9 at 7 p.m. at the Downtown Community Plaza. The celebration of music continues on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with a free Jazz Festival featuring well known Jazz musicians.
Dozens of food vendors will offer a variety of delicious treats to satisfy all tastes, from barbecue ribs to apple sundaes. Visitors can experience foods from around the world, including Thai shish-ka-bobs, Greek gyros, Cajun jambalaya and more.
Come celebrate the arts and join us for a weekend full of fun for the entire family. The Festival is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all weekend.
Event Performers:
Three stages of continuous music, Blues Concert Friday evening and Gainesville Music Showcase Saturday evening.
Location of USA Special Event:
Historic Downtown Gainesville
Directions to Festival:
Historic Downtown Gainesville (SE 1st Street)
Times:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Admission & Parking:
FREE
Special Event Contact: 352-393-8536
Event Email Contact: piperlr@ci.gainesville.fl.us
