This is going to be the 34th year that Artsplosure is going to be held in downtown Raleigh. Artsplosure The Raleigh Arts Festival is being held from May 17 to May 19.
This free spring festival includes many different types of art for people to look at and buy, live music, and delicious food.
Artists are juried before they are allowed to have a spot in the show, and only 170 artists get in.
There will be two main stages, an NC State stage where live music will be played and a kid’s stage for kid appropriate activities and interactive art.
“I like the variety of art people show, that there are vendors from everywhere who come to show their work, and the amazing food and music,” says Cheryl Weisz, a member of Triangle Potters Guild. “At the Triangle Potters Guild booth, we normally have a kids clay table where kids can learn to throw pottery on the wheel and demonstrations.”
This year for Artsplosure, there will be the Raleigh Street Piano Project. Six different pianos will be painted and spread around out in public areas downtown. The public is invited to play them to bring the community together and make music.
The performers will be spread out to play different days on different stages. Squonk Opera will be performing on City Plaza Friday May 17 to May 19.
There will be 16 bands playing during Artsplosure. Some of the bands’ genres are blues, folk, rock, reggae, swing, and soul. Headliners include bands such as the Wailers, Cherry Poppin Daddies, Holly Ghost Tent Revival, and Matrimony.
“This free spring festival of arts is the way Raleigh celebrates spring,” says Terri Dollar, program director of Artsplosure and First Night Raleigh. “It is amazing to see it all come together.”