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GRESHAM, Ore. – Celebrate art with free, family-friendly fun at the 18th annual Gresham Arts Festival with more than 100 artists, live music, Guinness World Record attempt and more—it’s all happening on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 in historic downtown Gresham.
The Gresham Arts Festival draws thousands from around the region each year to the charming downtown streets to meet, browse and shop from a carefully curated selection of Northwest artists and artisans, ranging from painters, potters and sculptors to woodworkers, photographers, jewelers and more.
“We worked hard this year to create a community event that has plenty of free entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re an art lover or looking for family fun, you’ll find it at the Gresham Arts Festival,” Mayor Shane Bemis said.
Festival activity summary:
Friday, July 19, Art Under the Stars, 6-10 p.m., Main Avenue in historic downtown
- Kick off Arts Festival weekend with a free concert featuring rhythm and blues artist the Norman "Boogie Cat" Sylvester Band.
- Beer, wine, outdoor dining, kids’ activities and a silent art auction benefitting Gresham Outdoor Public Art.
Saturday, July 20, Gresham Arts Festival, historic downtown
- Artist Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: More than 100 juried artisans from all over the Pacific Northwest fill the streets with an amazing array of unique art. Featuring live music and cultural performances all day, more than 100 shops and restaurants, and the Gresham Farmers' Market. Location: Historic downtown.
- Kids Village, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Art fun for kids is on the Arts Plaza, just steps from downtown. Enjoy free craft stations presented by sponsors, face painting, bounce houses, sports obstacles, live music, a visit from the Reptile Man and more. Splash in the Children’s Fountain. Location: Arts Plaza, 401 NE 2nd St.
- Guinness World Record Event, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Gresham is going to crush the world’s record for the largest display of origami turtles, in honor of Gresham’s native Western painted turtles. Location: Arts Plaza, 401 NE 2nd St.
- Breakin’ on Main, noon-5 p.m.: Breakin' on Main presented by the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce takes the art of dance to a whole new level. Watch it unfold with more than a dozen talented break dance teams from around the West Coast. Hosted by OSK with music by djblessOne. Location: Second Street and Main Avenue
- Summer Jam concert, 6-10 p.m.: Featuring Portland-based duo The Talbott Brothers and internationally-acclaimed country star Tenille Arts (as seen on The Bachelor!). Free. Live music, local cuisine, and Migration Brewing beer garden, with wine from Buddha Kat Winery and Catman Cellars and cider from Hood View Ciderworks. Location: Arts Plaza, 401 NE 2nd St.
Park at Gresham City Hall at 1333 NW Eastman Parkway and take the free shuttle, courtesy of First Student, to the Arts Plaza. Parking is also available at nine City-owned lots in and around downtown or take public transportation via TriMet’s MAX Blue Line to Gresham Central Transit Center.
More than 60 sponsors make this community event possible. Special thanks to our Patron sponsors: Gresham Ford, The Outlook/Pamplin Media Group, MetroEast Community Media, 101.9 KINK FM and 98.7 The Bull.
For more information, visit www.GreshamOregon.gov/Gresham-Arts-Festival.
For information the day of the event, members of the media may call or text Elizabeth Coffey, Communications Manager for the City of Gresham, at 503-793-4167.