On September 19 and 20, the annual feast for the eyes King Street Art Festival will be set up from Washington Street to the waterfront in Alexandria, VA. I’ve attended the outdoor art gallery four times and have enjoyed it immensely every time. The variety of artwork and the chance to speak to the creative artist makes for a very pleasant way to spend a fall day.
The festival will feature an impressive amount of paintings, large life-size sculptures, jewelry, photographs, ceramics and more. There’s something for everyone, although my taste tends to run a little higher than my bank account can afford. According to the website, this year’s event will have more $15 million in art on display. Even if you don’t purchase a one-of-a-kind art piece, I guarantee you will have fun perusing the booths.
Throughout the weekend, there will be local activities and live-music performances. Last year, I purchased a bowl at the Art League’s popular Ice Cream Bowl Fundraiser. They have about 1,000 hand-made ceramic bowls and local artisanal ice cream for sale which costs about $15 per bowl. My bowl from last year:
Alexandria’s Mobile Art Lab is celebrating its first birthday by participating at the Art Festival in a couple of ways: a disco dance party at Market Square on 19 September at 7 pm. At 9 pm, it’ll change to a “silent” disco and headphones will be available for your listening and dancing pleasure. The Mobile Art Lab will be on Royal Street near Market Square both days of the festival.
When: Saturday, 19 Sept 10am–7pm & Sunday, 20 Sept from 10am-5pm
Where: Old Town, Alexandria, VA (Start at Washington and King streets)
GPS: 480 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Admission: FREE
Helpful Hints:
- Park in one of the all-day garages since you’ll probably exceed the two or three-hour street parking limit
- Plan ahead with lunch reservations ~ it’ll be difficult to get a table between 11am and 2pm
- If you come across artwork you like, be sure get the artist’s business card. I neglected to do that last year & have been thinking about a photograph I’ve wanted to purchase all year. Hoping the artist returns to this year’s festival.
- Bring your patience, it’s going to be crowded ~ but worth it.
I love art festivals, especially when it is all locally/hand made objects. Maybe I’ll have to check this out next year!
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There’s a good mix of local and visiting artists. The amount of creativity at the festival is awesome!
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Thanks for the heads up!
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We love it also and wrote about it last year! Nice post.
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Thanks! Would love to read your post about the King Street Art festival but I couldn’t locate it on your site. Please post the link here.
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Thanks! Here is the short link. Our theme was “Bring It Home” and we neglected to tag it for Alexandria. We will tag it and update shortly so that it is easier to find. Let us know what you think. http://wp.me/p3wV0m-zB
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Thanks for the link. I just checked it out. Love all the photos. I’m reticent about taking shots of artwork ~ some vendors don’t appreciate it but yours look great. Maybe I’ll be brave enough to ask permission first this year 😉
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OOPS. Didn’t ask permission. But they saw me and noone stopped me.
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I found the artists/crafters in London were a little more cranky about having their photos taken. It’s made me a little shy about it. Haven’t had a problem here at places like Eastern Market, etc.
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It’s America. Everyone wants the publicity. 🙂
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