The October 2012 series of Arts on Sunday Festivals gets cranked up on Sunday, October 7th with its kick-off event "Blues-a-Palooza." Featured performers this time around include Twin City Buskers, Peter May and Friends, and the Charley Ward Band.
The stage will be located at the 6th and Trade St. intersection, and the 500 and 600 blocks of Trade Street, as well as the 200 block of 6th Street will be filled with artists and craftsmen displaying their wares. Numerous shops and galleries will be open as well. One can expect to shop at The Other Half, Delurk Gallery, Unleashed Art Center, Willy Nilly, Red Dog Gallery, Retro Art Ware, Earthbound Arts, and Studios at 625. Other galleries that may be open are Woodland Moth, Inter_Section Gallery, Bubbling Well/Golden Flower. Shoppers and gallery patrons should encourage their sports-fan-spouses to come along--Finnigan's has several big-screen TVs tuned in to your favorite games and sports events, plus 36 draft beers to choose from for libation. Our friendly neighborhood bike patrol public safety officers will be on hand to keep watch and ensure everyone's safety.
Come a little early and start your day with delicious Sunday brunch at Finnigan's Wake, 6th & Vine, or Breakfast of Course (in the 700 block). Then spend the afternoon enjoying a visual feast of art and craft. Bring the kids, as there are always some fun activities in store for them. Bring your dog. Bring a chair in case you want to sit and enjoy the music. And bring your wallet filled with cash or debit/credit card, as this is the perfect time to begin your holiday shopping. There is an ATM conveniently located inside Finnigan's should you need an emergency infusion of cash.
Best places to park are in parking lots with entrances along the 600 block Liberty Street. You may also get lucky and find some on-street parking in the 700 block of Trade or the 500-600 blocks of Liberty. Then there is always the parking deck at the corner of 6th and Cherry Streets.
If you are one of those folks who keep saying they ought to check out downtown Winston-Salem again, this is THE perfect day for that outing. It's FUN and it's all FREE. And if you are an artist who wants to participate, visit the AFAS Group's website for information about how to sign up.
www.theafasgroup.com
Check out the Trade Street Tracker's new Google+ page for
photos of past Arts on Sunday festivals.
Black is back. You'll want to know that for "The Wake" on March 16th at the pub. It's going to be our biggest party yet, and we would be so sad for you to miss out. We've even got you covered if you need a place to stay. Now, we've really got you thinking about it, don't we?!
How It All Started 
Arts on Sunday Festivals have evolved into one of the premier events series in the Arts District. The event was conceived a few years ago as a collaborative effort to promote Sunday Brunch at Finnigan's Wake and 6th and Vine restaurants and to provide artists with an opportunity to display and sell their creations. That handful of tables and some acoustical music in the area between Finnigan's and 619-625 Trade Street has blossomed into a lively Sunday afternoon arts festival that spans the 500 and 600 blocks of Trade Street as well as the 200 block of 6th Street. Each Sunday features a different theme, with a terrific array of live musical performances.
Other street performers provide additional entertainment. A mime wanders around interacting with kids and adults. Sometimes we get a balancing act demonstration. Balloon artists, clowns, hula hoops, chalk drawing in the street--guaranteed fun for everyone. There is always a kid's booth set up where kids get to create something special to take home with them. Dozens of artists' booths and tables line both sides of the street, and many of the retail shops and galleries are open too. Meet and greet the artists and watch as some of them create works of art before your very eyes.
GIT UP OFFA DAT THANG !
