Art On The Avenue Returns To Del Ray In October

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Art on the Avenue, one of Del Ray's largest events of the year, will return for a 26th year on Saturday, Oct. 2.

The multicultural art festival will be held along Mount Vernon Avenue between Hume and Bellefonte Avenues from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Over 300 local and regional artists will be featured to display their paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, glass art, fiber, mixed media, and other forms of art. Information about artists is available on the Art on the Avenue website.

Art on the Avenue also offers three stages of live music, international food, and take-home children's craft kits. The City Stage will be held at Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Homegrown Stage will be held at 1900 Mount Vernon Avenue from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and the Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel Concert Band Stage will be held at the Mount Vernon Community School basketball court from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The 2020 festival was held virtually rather than in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. About 200 artists participated in the virtual event held from early October through the holidays.

"This year's Art on the Avenue is the most important in our festival's history," said Art on the Avenue founder Pat Miller in a statement. "The cancellation of art shows throughout the pandemic has drastically affected all artists. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to once again connect the incredible Del Ray community with the region's top creators."

The event is free, and free trolley transportation will be offered from the Braddock Road Metro. The event is outdoors, but masks are recommended regardless of vaccination status due to the likelihood of crowds.

Volunteer are needed to help run various aspects of the festival.

For more information, visit artontheavenue.org.