The 54th annual Octagon Art Festival will showcase the artwork of approximately 100 artists from across the Midwest and draws between 12,000 and 14,000 people to downtown Ames each year.
Live entertainment, food vendors and a kids’ art area round out the free, family-friendly event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, in downtown Ames.
Visitors will be able to stroll along Main Street to see original artwork from dozens of artists in a wide variety of mediums, including ceramics, jewelry, paintings, fiber art, photography, garden art and sculpture.
The festival is organized by the Octagon Center for the Arts, a nonprofit community art center located at 427 Douglas Ave. in downtown Ames.
Kid-friendly activities will include face painting, Becca the Balloon Lady and a chalk art area. There will also be a kids’ craft area in front of the Octagon with about 10 art projects for children to create and take home.
A dozen food trucks will be offering a wide selection of cuisine at the festival. The festival is held outdoors on pavement, rain or shine.
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Octagon Art Festival
Emerging Artists project features four local artists
“The Octagon Center for the Arts is passionate about supporting artists,” said Heather Johnson, the Octagon’s director. “One of our goals is to provide space and opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers, including a focus on emerging artists. Four of the participants are Emerging Artists who are up and coming local creatives.”
This year’s Emerging Artists project features the drawings of Adam Baldus of Ames; the paintings of Reagan Kruse of Ogden; the digital artwork of Sebastian Sanchez-Falero of Ames; and the drawings of Olivia Sorenson of Ames.
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Steve Young looks around displayed art at the Octagon Art Festival on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
What live music will be featured at the Octagon Art Festival?
Live entertainment, including bands and solo musicians, will be presented throughout the day at two stages — the Tom Evans Performance Area in Tom Evans Park, near the corner of Main Street and Burnett Avenue, and the Main Street & Douglas Performance Area.
Burnin’ Sensations, a popular local rock band, will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Tom Evans Performance Area.
Tom Evans Performance Area
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10-11:30 a.m.: Day’s Live Music
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Noon-1:30 p.m.: Bone People
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2-4 p.m.: Burnin’ Sensations
Main Street & Douglas Performance Area
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10 a.m.-noon: Reggie Greenlaw
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Noon-2 p.m.: Miles Morgan
More: See who’s featured in the Stephens Auditorium Performing Arts Series. What to know:
Glass sculptures display at the Octagon Art Festival on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Ames, Iowa.
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Octagon Art Festival could draw 14,000 visitors to Ames’ Main Street
