A Day Where Art, Music, and Community Shine: Maplewood Art Walk & Music Fest Returns October 19, 2025

As autumn paints the trees in warm shades of amber and gold, Maplewood prepares for one of its most anticipated celebrations of creativity — the Maplewood Art Walk & Music Fest, returning on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Every fall, this beloved event transforms Maplewood’s charming downtown into an open-air gallery and performance space, where art, sound, and spirit come together in joyful harmony. Artists, musicians, neighbors, and visitors gather to share in a day that honors craftsmanship, imagination, and the pulse of community life.

An Open-Air Gallery of Creativity

The Art Walk is a curated fine art show, featuring a handpicked selection of painters, photographers, jewelers, and ceramicists. Each artist brings not only their work but their story — a glimpse into the countless hours of inspiration, experimentation, and perseverance that transform raw materials into beauty.
Strolling through the exhibits, visitors can explore a tapestry of creative expression: the shimmer of sunlight on glasswork, the earthy texture of handcrafted pottery, the quiet power of a black-and-white photograph. The Art Walk reminds us that creativity is not just about art — it’s about connection. Every piece represents a dialogue between the artist and the world around them, inviting us to see the familiar with fresh eyes.

Music Island: The Soundtrack of Maplewood

The air will be alive with sound at Music Island, located at Baker Street and Maplewood Avenue — a hub where live performances will fill the streets with rhythm, harmony, and heart.
The day begins at 11:00 AM with Band of Strays, an indie pop-rock songwriter collective whose music captures the raw edge of emotion with upbeat, infectious energy. Their sound draws from Americana, rock, and pop, blending soulful melodies and gritty rhythm into songs that feel both personal and universal. Each lyric tells a story; each beat invites you to move, to feel, to remember why live music matters.
At 1:00 PM, Water Towers Band takes the stage, bringing their signature mix of indie rock, bluegrass, and punk-inspired vitality. Known for their spirited covers and spontaneous energy, the band channels the unfiltered joy of playing music for a crowd that’s ready to dance. Their performance bridges generations and genres — a nod to tradition with a spark of rebellion.
The afternoon reaches its crescendo with Essex Funk Collective (3:00–5:00 PM), who will transform the street into a soulful street party. Their repertoire honors funk and R&B legends like Aretha Franklin, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Stevie Wonder, with grooves so rich and rhythms so contagious that standing still isn’t an option. This set is more than a concert — it’s a celebration of community, nostalgia, and the timeless joy of soul music.

Acoustic Island: Where Music Meets Mindfulness

At Acoustic Island (next to Canna Boss Lady at 9 Highland Place), the pace is. cool, bluesy, jazzy and the atmosphere deepens. Here, the festival honors not just artistic expression but wellness, empowerment, and inner calm — a space to exhale amid the excitement.
Bill Tally and Friends (11:00 AM–1:00 PM) open the stage with Blowing the Blues Away, a set that fuses gritty blues with jazz-tinged rock and a laid-back groove. Their music invites listeners to slow down and savor each note — the kind of performance that makes you feel the weight of a good story told through song.
Later in the day, Alex Desriveres Group (2:30–4:30 PM) takes over with Mellow Jazzy Grooves — smooth, intentional jazz led by saxophonist and woodwind artist Alex Desriveres. Their sound drifts through the air like a warm breeze, blending jazz, fusion, and indie influences into a meditative experience. It’s music that soothes the soul, offering a moment of stillness in the flow of the day.

DJ M and the Pulse of the Festival

Throughout the day, DJ M will be spinning from 11:30 AM to 5 PM at the corner of Maplewood Avenue and Highland Place, weaving together a seamless musical journey of dubstep, break beats, and house. Between live sets, DJ M’s mixes keep the streets alive — the steady pulse that connects the festival’s many sounds into one continuous celebration.
At 12:30 PM, students from INTune Music School take the stage, sharing their talent and enthusiasm under the guidance of founder John Brophy, whose mission is to inspire students to pursue music as a lifelong joy. Their performance is a reminder that every great musician starts somewhere — and that creativity, when nurtured, can shape a lifetime.

A Celebration of What Makes Maplewood Shine

The Maplewood Art Walk & Music Fest is more than just an event — it’s a reflection of what makes this community so special. It’s the laughter of neighbors greeting one another over coffee and canvases. It’s the rhythm of a bass line mingling with the rustle of autumn leaves. It’s the shared belief that creativity has the power to heal, to inspire, and to bring people together.
Whether you come for the art, the music, or the magic that happens when both collide, October 19 promises to be a day that leaves its mark on your heart.

So mark your calendar, invite a friend, and join us in downtown Maplewood for a celebration where art, music, and community come alive — together, in perfect harmony.

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