Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture’s annual Festifall Arts Markets return this October on three consecutive Saturdays. Festifall will take place at 140 West Plaza on Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill on October 14, 21, and 28 from 1 – 6 pm.
Each week will have a unique selection of more than 30 local artists and artisans, interactive arts experiences, and local performers, as well as food and beer from local favorites. Highlights include:
- October 14 will feature recycled art activities from The Scrap Exchange and steamroller printing with UNC’s Bob Goldstein. There will also be special performances by Andrew Kasab and XOXOK. CocoCrissi Tropical Icees will have sweet treats available for purchase with beverages offered from Craftboro Brewing Depot.
- October 21 will offer custom screen printing with Robby Poore and live music by Story Charlemagne. Drinks will be available from Dingo Dog Brewing Company with Bahamian food served by Mia’s Kitchen.
- October 28 will have Poetry Fox typing custom poems and street performances from Imagine Circus. Expect musical performances by LM Songs and Emma Jane. Carolina Brewery will offer a selection of their signature beers, and Safari Eatz will serve Kenyan barbeque.
This year, Festifall has an official afterparty hosted by Garden Spot, a new downtown outdoor venue behind Lantern restaurant at 421 W. Franklin Street. Garden Spot features diverse food and drink entrepreneurs and local music in a cozy, green, and growing space. Each week of Festifall, attendees can head to Garden Spot from 5 – 8 pm, where they can enter to win prizes while extending the Festifall fun. Garden Spot Program Coordinator Abby Parcell says, “Festifall and Garden Spot have a lot in common, particularly celebrating community and creativity. We’re delighted to partner on an after party that will keep the fall vibes going with delicious food and beverages from local food entrepreneurs and NC brewers.”
This year marks fifty years of Festifall, a community tradition that has evolved over those many years. Susan Brown, Community Arts & Culture Director, says “We’ve adapted the event based on engagement with downtown businesses and attendees, with the biggest change being the shift to a series of markets over the course of a month. However, one thing that has stayed constant are the great local artists and artisans, live local music, and interesting arts experiences.”
Every year, Festifall celebrates visual arts, crafts, music, and the Chapel Hill community. This year’s poster, designed by local artist Kelly Schrader, gives a nod to those as well as downtown’s beloved Varsity Theater marquee. Schrader is a local artist, muralist, and community organizer, whose murals can be found across Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh.
Attendees are encouraged to use Chapel Hill Transit to travel to and from Festifall. Information about parking in and around downtown Chapel Hill can be found at parkonthehill.com
For more about the event and Community Arts & Culture, visit chapelhillarts.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Community Arts & Culture is a division of the Town of Chapel Hill with a mission to inspire creativity and celebrate community for a better Chapel Hill.
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