San Diego’s Little Italy community is always colorful but this weekend that energy will be amplified as a two-day, art-centric block party lines the streets.
The 32nd Annual Mission Federal ArtWalk will go down Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., highlighting both visual and performing arts in San Diego.
This year, the event will fill 17 blocks along India Street – from Fir to Beech streets – with more than 350 local, national and international artists selling their works across every medium, from paintings and sculptures to glass works, fine jewelry and photography.
The free, family-friendly fest will also feature live music and dance performances, as well as street food vendors, interactive activities and a “KidsWalk” area with a wide range of creative projects to keep the little ones busy.
Organizers say the event typically draws 100,000 art enthusiasts of all ages. It is recognized as one of San Diego’s premier arts and cultural event and the largest fine art festival in Southern California.
Due to the large crowd, organizers suggest attendees use public transit like the MTS trolley to get to the ArtWalk. The trolley’s Green Line stops at the County Center/Little Italy stop, which is at the western edge of the event area between Cedar and Beech streets. From there, it’s a short walk east on Beech Street to the block party.
There will also be a free Old Town Trolley shuttle taking passengers to and from the ArtWalk from two parking lots near the event: the Airport’s new Economy Lot, which can be accessed from Pacific Highway and Washington Street or Pacific Highway and Sassafras Street, or the Aladdin Garage located at Kettner Boulevard and Laurel Street.
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If you opt to drive, there’s also a large Ace Parking garage located at the corner of Cedar Street and Kettner Boulevard. An ArtWalk map can be seen here.
