Running from June 5 through June 14, Keene ArtWalk is the longest-running festival in downtown Keene and transforms storefronts and businesses throughout the city into temporary galleries featuring artwork from across the Monadnock Region. Residents and visitors are invited to take a self-guided tour through downtown, where local artists display everything from paintings, photography and ceramics to quilting, jewelry, mixed media, watercolor, pastel work and newer additions such as pyrography and metal engraving.

The festivities begin with a free opening reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at Mon Amie Fine Jewelry. Guests can enjoy refreshments provided by CC&D’s Kitchen Market, wine donated by Otto’s Food & Drink, and live acoustic music from local musician Danny Kamps.

Known for his work with the bands Omoo Omoo and Kendra, Kamps is a multi-instrumentalist whose performances often blend improvisation, looping and atmospheric soundscapes. For the ArtWalk reception, however, he will present a more intimate acoustic set, providing a relaxed backdrop as visitors gather to celebrate the opening of the festival.

New this year, ArtWalk organizers have replaced the traditional Saturday festival component with a Friday night Kick-Off Party at Madame Sherri’s from 7 to 9 p.m. The all-ages event will feature performances by Know Your Program and Gavin Key & The Getdown, along with face painting and makeup artistry by Caitlen Brown.

Know Your Program is the solo project of local musician Jeff Kolter, who describes his music as “pop song experiments.” Performing as a one-man band, Kolter combines bass guitar, looping technology, vocal effects and electronic elements to create layered performances that blend avant-pop influences with surreal and poetic lyrics. Friday’s performance is expected to include original material along with new songs debuting for the audience and a surprise or two.

Following Kolter’s set, Gavin Key & The Getdown will take the stage with their energetic mix of funk, blues and rock. Known for high-energy performances and danceable grooves, the band has become a familiar presence on regional stages and is expected to close out the evening with a lively set designed to keep the celebration going.

Several new downtown businesses are participating in this year’s ArtWalk, including Quench & Guild, Honey Hair Extensions, Artcade, Bad Mama Bear, Puggy’s new downtown location, and the Gallery at Syd’s Carpet & Snoozeroom.

Special exhibitions will also be featured throughout the festival. The Monadnock Area Artists Association is hosting a group show at the Gallery at Syd’s Carpet & Snoozeroom, while Keene on Cookies will once again host its annual Petite Fours exhibit. Now in its fifth year, the show features small-format works by ArtWalk artists displayed throughout the duration of the festival.

For more than 30 years, ArtWalk has served as a celebration of the region’s creative community while encouraging residents and visitors to explore downtown businesses. Organizers say the event continues to grow while remaining true to its mission of making art accessible and visible in public spaces.

Although this year’s opening festivities take place Friday evening, organizers are encouraging visitors to return downtown Saturday for Taste of Keene and continue exploring the ArtWalk galleries, which will remain on display through June 14.

All ArtWalk events are free and open to the public.