The Monte Sano Art Festival is back this year. The festival takes place at the Monte Sano State Park on September 21st and they are proud to introduce a new aspect of the show this year. For the first time, they’ll have featured artwork on display inside the Monte Sano State Park Lodge.
The festival started in 1999 when local artist Debra Simpson wanted to create and organize an arts festival here in Huntsville and modeled after the ones in other cities and states such as Chattanooga and the Kentuck Festival – which is actually in Northport, Alabama.
The Artwork
With normally 140 plus artists and vendors participating in the festival, you are sure to find your next great artwork piece. A wide variety of artists are onboard this year for the festival.
At this year’s festival you’ll find:
- Fashion
- Photography
- Fiber art
- Furniture
- Metal
- Jewelry
- Painting
- Glass
- And much more
Find a full list of vendors on the Monte Sano Arts Festival website.
More than Art
There will be live music and musical performances from several of our finest melody makers in Huntsville. Lest we forget our appetites, there will also be food vendors on location in a food court atmosphere in the Monte Sano Amphitheater. Your stomach will thank you with such choices as zucchini breads, pumpkin doughnuts, spiced pretzels, fried catfish, and more.
As the festival organizers like to say, the ‘magic on the mountain’ begins at 9:00AM and will run until 5:00PM. The view, the fresh air, and the ambience of art will surely soothe your soul.
Organizers of the festival are always looking for volunteers. If you’d like to get involved and be a part of your community, this would be a great opportunity.
So keep the third weekend in September open and come on out to enjoy some culture, art, food, and the good ole outdoors. [spacer size=”0″]
Tips for a Great Festival
My tips and survival guide for attending an arts festival:
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
- Bring a light jacket or sweater
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast and perhaps think about packing a small umbrella or rain gear
- A tote bag is a must, or if you prefer something lighter and smaller then consider a fanny pack
- While there will be food vendors on location, it still wouldn’t hurt to bring a bottle of water
- We live in a technology savvy world but just in case, bring cash or checkbook
- A hat would be nice and of course sunglasses
- Apply your sunblock before you leave the house, or pack a small tube in your tote bag
- Most importantly, bring your open mind, creative spirit, and cheerful disposition.
Happy festivaling to you and yours!
Event Information: Monte Sano Arts Festival
Date: Saturday, September 21st
Time: 9am-5pm
Location: Monte Sano State Park
Cost: $5 to park inside Monte Sano
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
I loved being invited to the social at the lodge last night and meeting such fabulous people. I look forward to the art show this afternoon.