With July almost half over — and the new school year starting in one short month — it’s easy to feel like summer is flying by, that many of the big events that we connect with summer are practically behind us.
But with Three Rivers Festival next week, there is still a lot of hot fun in the summertime to anticipate. Fans of art fairs are no doubt readying themselves for this weekend’s Art in the Park, always held on the first weekend of TRF.
Of course, there is Taste of the Arts, our area’s largest art event, which highlights not only artist booths but also a wide range of musical, dance, and theatrical performances. Taste of the Arts kicks off Friday, August 23, from 5-10 p.m., with lots of family fun. Plus, Fort Wayne legend Julia Meek will host her popular Meet the Music as a special live edition downtown that evening.
There will be a small sampling of restaurant booths that evening, but the big-time indulgence comes the following morning when Taste of the Arts is open Saturday, August 24, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Uncork some art at Satek
But that only scratches the surface. Coming up on Saturday, August 17, Satek Winery hosts its annual Art Fair, something they’ve been doing since their early days.
Having just celebrated their 18th anniversary, that’s a lot of art fairs, and this one promises new artists and returning favorites. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and features plenty of variety, with watercolor, concrete, and jewelry among the offerings. It also happens to take place just outside the winery tasting room, open 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
With up to eight free samples available for visitors, the chances are good that visitors can return home with both new artwork and a bottle or two of Satek’s finest.
From Winona Lake to Churubusco
There are a couple more art festivals the weekend of Taste of the Arts. Art lovers can make the rounds since both are within easy driving distance.
On August 24, arts lovers can head to Winona Lake where the Winona Village’s Canal Days from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., featuring a day of family-friendly activities, including craft and art booths, food vendors along the canal, and a variety of kid’s activities.
The day culminates with a Cardboard Boat race along the canal. Schedule includes Craft & Art Booths all day, kids activities 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and the Regatta Boat Race at 12:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Also on August 24 is the fifth annual Fine Arts Festival hosted by the Churubusco Public Library from 2-7 p.m. on North Line Street in downtown Churubusco, featuring artists, music, and giveaways.
Along the rivers
Still to come for arts fans: the Johnny Appleseed Festival, September 21-22, which not only features some amazing food but also great artisan booths for fans of many mediums.
The seventh annual Art at the Riverside returns to Leo on Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Also, fans of the Eel River Arts and Harvest Festival will want to mark their calendars as the event, formerly held in September, embraces a more autumnal date, this year taking place on Saturday, October 5.
With plenty of live music, art, free kids’ activities, food vendors, apple dumplings, wagon rides, and more at the ready, the cooler temps will likely be welcome by that time.
There are so many talented artists in our area so take advantage of this chance to support them and their work — and maybe get a head start on that Christmas shopping list.
News and Venues covers Northeast Indiana’s music and arts organizations, venues, and colleges, from large to small. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.
