Labor Day Weekend Brings Art to the Park

Are you looking for an amazing new painting to take center stage over your couch? Or how about just a little inspiration to spark your own creative fires? This Labor Day weekend marks the Staunton Augusta Art Center’s annual Art in the Park festival in Gypsy Hill Park. Join the fun at this Staunton tradition where you’ll find community spirit, live music, food, and creative activities for the kids.

Before You Go

• Art in the Park is happening Labor Day Weekend. Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023 from 10 – 5, Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023 from 11 – 5.
• The event is free
• The event takes place in the shaded area in front of the bandstand
• Public restrooms are available
• Food vendors will be at the festival

What Kind of Art Can You Expect to See?

The Art in the Park festival is a juried art show, which means that potential artists are evaluated by a panel and chosen for their quality and appropriateness. Expect to see photography, watercolor paintings, oil paintings, hand-made jewelry, stained glasswork, pencil drawings, hand-crafted clothing, metal sculpture, wood-turned sculpture, and much more. What’s nice about shopping for art at an art show is that the artists are on hand ready to answer questions and chat with you about their creative process.

Is the Event Good for Families?

Art in the Park is a family-friendly event. Not only will kids enjoy looking at the art that’s on display for sale, but the festival will have interactive art activities, face painting and a free Kid’s Tent, with projects to make and take home. The nearby duck pond and playground are perfect for après art fun.

What Next?

If you can’t wait until Labor Day for art, visit the Staunton Augusta Art Center’s website for information about current and upcoming online and gallery shows. You can also access an archive of art that’s appeared in the gallery in the past. For more art-related activities, check out our Guide to Arts and Culture.

It’s a very short stroll from Gypsy Hill Park to Queen City Brewing. Discuss your favorite art (or recent purchase) over a cold craft brew. Next, head downtown for a late lunch or dinner.

Several blocks of Beverley Street will be closed to traffic for the Shop and Dine Out Downtown program. This allows businesses without outside spaces to make use of Staunton’s sidewalks, street, and fresh air. Participating businesses include Pampered Palate, Clocktower Eats & Sweets, and more.