KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – The city of Keene is set to celebrate its artistic community like never before as the Elevate the Arts Fest returns with an extended schedule and an even larger array of events.

Scheduled for this Sunday, Aug. 11, this year’s event promises even more excitement and community engagement as it marks its third year.

The festival will take place for the second time in the Commercial Street lot on Gilbo Avenue in downtown Keene from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organizers, buoyed by the overwhelming success of last year’s event, have extended both the duration and the footprint of the festival, ensuring there will be even more to see and do.

Arts Alive, the organization behind the festival, is committed to fostering creativity and bringing people together. With that in mind, the event will feature an artisan market curated by 17ROX Artist Studios, giving local artists a platform to showcase and sell their work. The festival will also feature an open mic session, hosted by the band Touch the Ocean, providing a stage for both seasoned performers and emerging talents to shine.

Jim Murphy
Jim Murphy
Jim Murphy

The Elevate the Arts Fest is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to Arts Alive’s mission to make art accessible to all. Admission to the festival is free, as are the various do-it-yourself creative activities and performances, allowing attendees to focus their spending on supporting local artists. The festival also features a diverse lineup of professional guest artists, adding an extra layer of artistic excellence to the day’s offerings.

Family-friendly activities are a cornerstone of the event, with face painting, collaborative mural painting, and large lawn games ensuring there’s something for everyone. Food trucks from local vendors will also be on hand, offering a variety of treats to satisfy festival-goers.

A raffle fundraiser will give attendees the chance to win prizes donated by artisan market vendors and local businesses. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase throughout the event.

Visit monadnockartsalive.org for more information.

Listen to Arts Alive board member Georgia Cassimatis talk about the festival on the Good Morning with Dan Mitchell show this morning: