Looking for something to do over the weekend? An avid art lover or want to support regional artists? Then come out to the annual Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street! The Springfield Regional Arts Council is hosting Artsfest on Saturday, May 5, from 10am to 8pm and on Sunday, May 6 from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $5 per person. Children five and under are free. Following the close of art sales on Saturday at 6 is live music, a beer garden, and food trucks at Transland Parkway. The festival is located on Walnut Street in Springfield, Mo.

This event is managed by the Downtown Springfield Association (DSA), a community development nonprofit. Other events DSA hosts include Taste of SoMo, Cider Days, the Downtown Christmas Parade, and the Rated SGF Film Festival.

Lillian Stone, communications manager for DSA, helped organize this event.

“Artsfest is southwest Missouri’s largest fine arts festival. The event benefits the Springfield Regional Arts Council, which is an extraordinary organization dedicated to supporting local artists and art education. More than that, Artsfest serves as a hub for fine artists from around the country, bringing them to Walnut Street and downtown Springfield for one of the most exciting weekends of the year,” said Stone.

Stone encourages everyone to attend.

“Above all else, Artsfest is a destination for buying art. It’s also family-friendly, pet-friendly and full of activities from live performances to awesome local food. There really is something for everyone,” said Stone.

Stone continued, saying, “I grew up in Springfield, and I’m a rabid art collector, so Artsfest was always the best way to get my hands on my newest piece while supporting independent artists.”

The Artsfest does a lot more for the community than just provide entertainment. It benefits local artists and the Springfield Regional Arts Council.

“Artsfest serves as a beacon for the artistic community in the Missouri area and beyond. The proceeds go to support the Springfield Regional Arts Council in arts education initiatives, which makes a huge impact,” said Stone.

Over 140 artists are expected to attend along with a variety of nonprofit organizations and food vendors.

“This event is limited to fine artists. That means we don’t accept direct sales vendors or your typical kitschy craft vendors. We have a jurying process that ensures a well-rounded selection of artists in a variety of mediums: paint, acrylic art, wood, ceramics, glass and more,” said Stone.

For more information, visit http://www.springfieldartsfest.org or call (417) 831-6200.