Downtown Fairhope is a picturesque town full of shops, restaurants and art galleries but for one weekend in March, it transforms into one of the largest art festivals in the region. The 72nd Annual …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Please log in to continue |
Downtown Fairhope is a picturesque town full of shops, restaurants and art galleries but for one weekend in March, it transforms into one of the largest art festivals in the region. The 72nd Annual Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival takes over downtown Fairhope March 15-17.
The fine art show attracts more than 200 artists from across the U.S. and an estimated 300,000 visitors.
Along with the wide range of fine art, crafts and photography, visitors can enjoy live entertainment or a bite to eat at the festival food court or one of the many local restaurants downtown. The festival is fun for the whole family and the youngest art lovers can participate in hands-on activities and create art at the Children's Art Tent.
The Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival opens Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m. and runs through Sunday, March 17 at 5 p.m. The festival is free to attend.
Skip the hunt for parking or the worry of being towed and ride your bicycle to the festival. Bicycle Valet is available in front of the Fairhope Public Library on Fairhope Avenue during event hours.
Parking downtown is limited. Pay attention to the "No Parking" signs during the festival and do not block driveways. Vehicles will be towed if they interfere with festival activities or residences. Call Tony's Towing Services if your vehicle is towed during the festival, (251) 928-7324.
The top spots to find parking near the festival include Fairhope West Elementary (Saturday and Sunday only), Fairhope Public Parking Garage off North Church Street, municipal parking lot off Church Street, First Baptist Church of Fairhope, St. Lawrence Church, Fairhope United Methodist Church except during church services.
Handicap parking is available at the municipal parking lot on Bancroft Street behind Julwin's restaurant.
Golf cart parking is available at Coastal Alabama Community College on Bancroft Street.
Utilize the shuttle service and skip the parking worries. Hot Wheels of Daphne will provide a shuttle service throughout the weekend. It will run from Plantation Pointe Shopping Center (Piggly Wiggly) off U.S. Highway 98. Look for signs for the designated parking area and shuttle pickup and drop-off. The cost is $5 for a round-trip ride.
You will find the official festival merchandise booth behind the Fairhope Clock at the corner of Section Street and Fairhope Avenue. Pick up the festival poster featuring art by Elisabeth Hays, postcards, T-shirts and more.
For more information on the 72nd Annual Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival, visit www.fairhopeartsandcraftsfestival.com, and be sure to grab a copy of the official festival guidebook produced by Gulf Coast Media.
