Discover the art at the 2011 Columbus Arts Festival presented by Time Warner Cable. The 50th Anniversary of the Columbus Arts Festival will take place June 3, 4 & 5, 2011.

The Columbus Arts Festival presented by Time Warner Cable will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2011 on June 3, 4 & 5. Columbus' Discovery District will be transformed into a stunning, outdoor art gallery as the nation's top artists displayed their work and attracted art enthusiasts from all over the country. In addition to hosting more than 230 nationally acclaimed artists, the 2011 Festival will feature fantastic gourmet fare from some of the city's finest local restaurants, live concerts, hands-on art activities and more—there truly is something for everyone.

From its humble beginning as a "Festival of the Arts" on the Statehouse lawn in 1961, the Columbus Arts Festival has grown into one of the most highly acclaimed arts festivals in the nation. Early festivals focused on "a program in cultural achievements" by students of the Columbus City Schools and local colleges, but today the Columbus Arts Festival has evolved into an extravaganza of art and culture. Even more exciting changes lay ahead as we celebrate our final year in the Discovery District and prepare for our move back to the Riverfront in 2012.

There are many new and exciting events to look forward to as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the festival. Make sure to check out our Emerging Artists featuring upcoming local artists and the All Hands On Art area for adults from 6-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Saturday at the Festival discover the science behind art at Connect a Million Minds Day presented by Time Warner Cable, or get a taste of some of Columbus’s finest restaurants at Savor the Arts presented by Dine Originals. Can’t get enough of the Festival? Become a VIP and recieve a 50th anniversary commemorative print, a Festival t-shirt, special benefits and a place to relax and enjoy the Festival in style.

The Festival Coordinating Committee is made up of more than 60 volunteers and works with Festival staff year-round to bring you this event. Festival volunteers are invaluable in terms of the work they accomplish, and their input ensures a festival that’s fresh, original and fun – the key elements in maintaining a dynamic ART event. No public money funds the Columbus Arts Festival. We hope you will patronize Festival artists and food and beverage vendors while you’re visiting—and remember the Festival's many generous sponsors! These businesses and individuals make it possible for the Greater Columbus Arts Council to bring you this free event each year.