On October 12 and 13, more than 270 artists and thousands of art enthusiasts will gather at Kentuck Park in Northport, Alabama, to participate in The 48th Annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts. Ranked as one of the top 10 attractions in the state by the Alabama Board of Tourism and 5th in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the Festival makes a $5.5 million economic impact in the community during the weekend and attracts over 10,000 individuals from across the country over the two days.
Visitors will get to interact with artists from a variety of disciplines, ranging from folk to contemporary art and craft. Traditional and heritage craft artists such as basket weavers, blacksmiths, potters, and quilters invite visitors to watch them demonstrate their skills and share the secrets of their work. A total of $7,000 in prize money will be given to 2019 award winners, which includes Best in Show, Awards of Distinction, and Merit Awards. Collectors and art enthusiasts are invited to join the VIP experience, which, in addition to free admission and preferred parking, includes access to a catered party on Friday night, early entry to the festival on Saturday, and a designated VIP-only area during the festival weekend serving catered meals, snacks, and beverages.
In addition, the festival will host an expansive lineup of music, storytelling, and spoken word performances on two stages throughout the weekend, as well as two food courts filled with food and drink vendors, ranging from local food trucks to two craft beer tents. There will also be free continuous shuttle transportation to the park from Downtown Northport.
The festival will also host several kid-friendly interactive spaces such as a tie-dye station and a place for hands-on experiences with clay and other artistic mediums. The Tuscaloosa Symphony will once again bring its fan favorite musical petting zoo to the festival, inviting children of all ages to interact with and learn about a wide range of musical instruments. As always, children 12 and under get free admission to the Festival.
The 48th Annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts is the culmination of a year of planning and preparation by Kentuck employees and an all-volunteer steering committee. It represents an investment of more than $150,000 each year.
WHAT: 48th Annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts
WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, October 12 and 13, 2019 Saturday, 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-4pm RAIN OR SHINE
WHERE: Kentuck Park, 3401 Fifth Street, Northport, AL 35476
ADMISSION: $15 Weekend Passes; $10 Daily Passes; FREE to children 12 and younger. Tickets are available at Kentuck.org, at the Kentuck Gallery Shop, and at the festival gates.
To keep up with current updates, follow us on social media, click “going” on this event, or visit our website (www.kentuck.org). Hope to see you there!
***Kentuck Art Center and Festival was established in 1971. Kentuck’s mission is to perpetuate the arts, engage the community, and empower the artist. The Kentuck Festival of the Arts is held annually in October, and during that weekend, makes a $5.5 million impact on its community.
