CHARLESTON, W.Va. –FestivALL, a citywide arts festival in Charleston, will bring both new and returning events to the capital city during its 10-day run in May.
FestivALL officials held a press conference Tuesday to announce the lineup for the summer festival, which will run from May 22 to May 31. This year marks the 22nd year the festival has transformed the city of Charleston into a showcase for the arts.
Executive Director Zach Harold said the festival will offer something for everyone while ensuring events remain accessible.
“We have the full spectrum of the arts represented visual arts, dance, theater, music, and one thing we take really seriously is the all in our name, so we want to represent all the arts but want to also be accessible to all people, so the majority of the events that we offer are free,” Harold said.
He said one of the new additions is the inaugural FestivALL Family Cookout on May 25, Memorial Day, beginning at 11 a.m. The cookout will feature food, live entertainment, a sideshow with circus performers, and unique vendors.
Harold also announced the return of the River Queen Sternwheeler of Cincinnati, Ohio, after a six-year hiatus, for four days of cruises from May 27 to May 31.
They will also bring back longtime favorites, including the Capitol Street Art Fair and the Children’s Art Fair.
Harold said that support from the festival’s many sponsors is what makes the event possible each year.
“It’s amazing how many people want to come together and lend the resources to put on something like FestivALL, the tagline is a city becomes a work of art but it’s really true because it’s all of the city coming together to put this thing on,” he said.
According to the festival’s website, more than 200 partners and sponsors support the effort to bring the arts to Charleston.
Harold also announced that Black Sheep Burrito on Quarrier Street will serve as FestivALL’s headquarters during the 10-day festival.
He said individuals will be able to visit the restaurant for information about events and more.
“It was amazing to find this location because it is so centrally located to what we do, the vast majority of our events happen in these few blocks downtown, so having something right smack dab in the middle of it where people can come and get the information they need is great for us but also the people coming to the FestivALL,” Harold said.
Harold said it is amazing to bring these events to the community and allow everyone to experience different forms of art.
“I am so proud that FestivALL is able to offer so many diverse, unique experiences, things that you really can’t get anywhere else other than a FestivALL program to families of all kinds,” he said.
More information and a full lineup you can visit festivallcharleston.com