53rd Kentuck Festival Of The Arts To Be Hosted In Snow Hinton Park

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Kentuck Art Center on Thursday officially announced that its 53rd annual Festival of the Arts will be held in Snow Hinton Park on Oct. 19-20.

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Kentuck officials say the festival will be held in a 10-acre section of the park and will feature 270+ artists, live music, spoken word, activities for children, folk and contemporary craft demonstrations, food trucks, and local craft brews.

"We are looking forward to hosting the 53rd Kentuck Festival in Snow Hinton Park," Kentuck Art Center Executive Director Exa Skinner. "Hosting an event this large is no easy feat, but through Kentuck’s partnership with the City of Tuscaloosa, we're excited to be able to continue the legacy of the Kentuck Festival of the Arts in West Alabama."

As Patch previously reported, Kentuck Art Center opted to move the longtime from its longtime site in Northport after negotiations fell through and prompted the nonprofit to reach out to the City of Tuscaloosa.

Skinner said the new location, which was chosen as the site over Parker-Haun Park, means a new layout for the Kentuck Festival of the Arts. In Snow Hinton Park, this will mean two-thirds of artists will be able to have their booths on a paved path

"I am especially excited about all the paved paths that will be installed this spring and summer," Skinner said. "Accessibility has been a top priority when considering all location options, and I'm thrilled to say that this location will be far more accessible for our guests with mobility challenges."

What's more, Snow Hinton Park's extensive improvements following a large investment by the City of Tuscaloosa include new bathrooms, several permanent pavilions, and many benches for festival guests to use.

Skinner also said a parking lot dedicated to accessible parking will be available on-site and public parking will be available at no cost in neighboring lots.

"Kentuck Art Center is committed to providing an exceptional experience to our artists, guests, and volunteers," Kentuck Board President Michelle Robinson said. "The Kentuck Festival you've come to know and love will have a new layout this year, but the organization hosting it and our love for the arts is the same."

The nonprofit says artist applications for the 53rd Kentuck Festival of the Arts will be available from March 1 - June 2.

Click here for more on applications.

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