The 40th annual ARTFEST 2009 will continue traditions with such delights as the Wine Stroll Preview Party on Friday evening, Cultural Arts Stage and ARTFEST for Kids. ARTFEST 2009, presented by CBS 11/TXA 21, is the largest fundraiser for The 500, Inc., a volunteer organization that has supported over 35 local arts organizations over the past 40 years.
Favorite festivities continue with live bands on the main stage, a Cultural Arts Stage featuring performing artists, and ARTFEST for Kids, presented by Tom Thumb, with free activities including the classic Box City, face painting and sand art. Festival food favorites, such as funnel cakes, corndogs and cotton candy, will be available to purchase. In addition to Saturday and Sunday events, ARTFEST visitors can toast the weekend with a very special Wine Stroll Preview Party on Friday evening, which includes complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres, art preview, “meet and greet” with the artists, and a weekend pass to ARTFEST.
ARTFEST and Fair Park are a match made in heaven. With ample walkways, facilities and world-class art deco exhibit buildings, art and sculpture, Fair Park is the ideal setting for ARTFEST. In addition, there is ample complimentary parking and access to DART services.
Hundreds of volunteers with The 500, Inc. dedicate many hours to ARTFEST and its numerous fundraising activities. ARTFEST is the non-profit’s largest fundraiser . . . unusual for an arts festival since most similar events of such magnitude are organized by cities and communities. To date, The 500, Inc. has raised over $12 million, with proceeds assisting numerous musical, dramatic, visual, and other arts organizations in Dallas County.
ARTFEST 2009 will be held at Fair Park (3809 Grand Avenue) over Memorial Weekend, May 22 – 24. The Wine Stroll Preview Party, $20 per person, is on Friday, May 22 from 6pm – 9pm. The main event will be held from 10am – 7pm on Saturday, May 23 and from 10am – 6pm on Sunday, May 24. General admission is $6 per day for adults; children under 6 are free. Tickets will be available on event days at the festival. Advance discount tickets can be purchased at Dallas/Ft.Worth Tom Thumb stores beginning May 2. Advance tickets for Wine Stroll are $15 each, and general admission tickets are $5. Parking is complimentary on Washington Avenue. DART transportation is also available. For more information, visit www.artfest500.com or call 214.565.0200.
