This Weekend: Arts in the Park and The City Proper

Boston's vibrant local arts scene will show its colors this weekend, when dozens of Boston-based contemporary artists and several performances will be on display as part of the 10th annual (ähts): Boston Arts Festival. 

Closer to home, 60 artists who are mostly associatated with the Artists' Group of Charlestown  on Saturday.

Outside of the town, a specially designed artists village located at the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park (105 Atlantic Ave.) on Sept. 8th and 9th will showcase more than 60 local visual and contemporary artists. See here for the full list of participating artists. 

“Boston’s vibrant arts and cultural sector is unique and each year we look forward to celebrating the Boston arts scene and its exceptional contribution to the social fabric of our great city," said Mayor Thomas Menino. "Head down to the waterfront and join us in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Ahts and the vast talent and work of our local arts community at the idyllic Christopher Columbus Park."

One of the most exciting displays will be a sculptural installation by Boston artist Caroline Aragón. The project, called Ripples, is an exploration of light and color that is part of a City-wide effort to bring more artist led temporary art installations to the city of Boston. 

This year's festival will feature a kickoff concert headlined by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings on Friday, Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., then run from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8th and 9th. Throughout the weekend, there will be scheduled performances running live on two stages. 

There will also be a program of family friendly activities including interactive paintings led by the Mayor’s Mural Crew, a special children’s area, and a glass blowing demonstration.  Local artist, Fish McGill will lead a collaborative drawing project with festival-goers. There will also be puppet encounters, a chalk artist and several other exciting additions to this year’s interactive program.

The festival has grown in size and scope since it was first founded in 2003, expanding during the last 10 years from a single day event to a 3-day celebration of contemporary and interactive art. 

The park is accessible from the Blue Line to the Aquarium stop, the Green Line to the Haymarket stop, or the Orange Line to Haymarket.