Photos courtesy of Arts in the Heart of Augusta
Art, international food, music and dance are the stars of this annual outdoor festival.
Arts in the Heart of Augusta represents cultures around the world with flair, but as one of the area’s most well-known events, it also helps the community shine.
This year the awarding-winning festival, which regularly attracts 100,000-plus attendees, will feature more than 150 juried fine arts and crafts artists from across the United States.
In addition, 20 authentic cuisine booths will populate the global food village. Food booths will include fare from Jamaica, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, China, Germany, India, France, Ireland, Laos, Sudan, South Sudan, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Lebanon, Trinidad, Philippines, Latin America and the Pacific Islands. A specialty beer garden also will be part of the festivities.
Along with international cuisine, the festival will offer five stages of non-stop entertainment that include everything from hip hop to jazz to rock. The Global Stage on the Augusta Common will feature cultural music and dance as well as popular music into the evening.
An indoor Jazz Stage offers jazz, blues and roots performances. Also indoors, the Soul Suite Stage will be the place to find poetry, storytelling, acoustic music, soul, spoken word and improv.
The Family Stage also will return with performances that appeal to children and families, and the Community Stage will showcase the area’s local talent.
Performers will include the platinum-selling Austin alt-rock band, Fastball, which will take the Global Stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 21. The band includes guitarist Miles Zuniga, guitarist/singer Tony Scalzo and drummer Joey Shuffield.
Fastball’s chart-topping hits include “The Way” and “Out Of My Head.” In addition to old favorites, the group will perform songs from its new album, Sonic Ranch.
Jazz performer Georgia Muldrow will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, September 20 on the Jazz Stage. Her Overload album was nominated for a 2020 Grammy, and she has collaborated with famed musicians such as Robert Glasper, Adrian Younge, Ambrose Akinmursire, Justin Brown’s Nyeusi and Keyon Harrold.
The large Family Area will be packed with interactive children’s activities, street performers, public art and a Young Artists Market. Atlanta puppeteer Lee “That Puppet Guy” Bryan will be a featured performance on the Family Stage.
Local artists will paint live all weekend with the return of Artzilla. The Authors Lounge, featuring Georgia authors and book signings, also will be back. Limited edition 2024 festival merchandise, including the collectible Festival Teddy Bears, will be available as well.
Arts in the Heart was named the Best Festival by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2020 and “Best for 2023” Festival – ranked 52nd best in the entire country – by Sunshine Artist.
The festival will be held on Broad Street and the Augusta Common. The festivities were slated to take place this year at its original location on and around Telfair Street. However, it was moved after the road construction schedule for Telfair Street was announced in July. Road construction on Broad Street, which initially prompted the relocation, will now start in 2025.
No pets or coolers will be allowed onsite. However, lawn chairs are welcome. The festival will be held rain or shine. Updates about inclement weather will be posted on the Arts in the Heart home page and social media.
If You Go:
What: Arts in the Heart of Augusta
When: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, September 20; 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, September 21 and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, September 22
Where: Downtown Augusta
How Much: $15 in advance; $20 at the gate; VIP – $80 single, $150 for two; free for children 10 and under; badges are good for the entire weekend
More Info: artsintheheartofaugusta.com
