Weekend calendar for downtown fills up

Tonight

First Friday Art Walk will take place 6–10 p.m. downtown and on Commercial Street.

Hyde Gallery, 210 E. Walnut St., will hold an opening reception, 6–9 p.m., with an Artist Talk at 8 p.m. Twenty-four other galleries and shops are on the lineup.

The Springfield Regional Arts Council, which organizes Artsfest, is holding a VIP Preview Party and auction at 7 p.m. at the Artworx Studio, 938 E. Walnut St. The party will feature work by winners of last year’s Artsfest awards and by some of this year’s Artsfest artists who received top scores. Some non-art items also will be auctioned, including dinner, golf and entertainment packages.

The event will have wine and hors d’oeuvres from Bijan’s Sea & Grille, and champagne and desserts from Candy House Gourmet Chocolates.

Tickets are $75 per individual and $100 per couple and include admission to Artsfest. To order, call the council at (417) 862-2787.

ArtsFiesta at Founders Park, a Cinco de Mayo celebration of Mexican culture, will be 6–10 p.m. It will feature a Mariachi band from Springfield’s sister city Tlaquepaque, Mexico, dancing, crafts, food and children’s activities. Admission is $2 and free for children 10 and under.

Saturday

The annual Artsfest Fine Arts Festival will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 6 p.m. on Walnut Street. Activities include art judging, a dog parade and art displays to view and purchase pieces. International sculptor Rodo Padilla will be there, also in town from Tlaquepaque.

Tickets to Artsfest are $5, or $3 if purchased today at McDonald’s restaurants. A $10 Superpass includes admission to ArtsFiesta, Artsfest and a ticket to the Springfield Cardinals’ Saturday or Sunday game.

The Cardinals play the Arkansas Travelers at 6:10 p.m. at Hammons Field

“An Evening at Artsfest” pops concert with Springfield Symphony, Springfield Ballet and Springfield Regional Opera will be at 7:30 p.m. at Jordan Valley Park. Admission is free.

Sunday

Artsfest continues, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., on Walnut Street.

Springfield Cardinals again take on the Travelers at 2:10 p.m. at Hammons Field.

The President’s Concert will take place at 4 p.m. at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.[[In-content Ad]]