The Ellen Axson Wilson ArtsFest is GOING VIRTUAL! Due to COVID-19 the May 2nd ArtssFest has been cancelled. However, tun into our social media for a virtual arts week! @DowntownRomeGA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
On May 2nd this vibrant event will encompasses visual art, live music, and cultural performances including the Ellen Axson Wilson Art Walk, Chalk Your Heart Out, singer-songwriters, and a FREE CONCERT by the Gold Standard Band. The day will end with the launch of the Annual Rome Lantern Parade at 8:30pm. The Rome Area Council for the Arts (RACA) will host the Ellen Axson Wilson Art Walk as part of the street festival. A variety of artists including photographers, painters, jewelers, potters and other craft makers will be represented. If you are interested in being a vendor, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/ZCfHoUUmydvvpAyLA
Chalk Your HeART Out hosted by Merry Maids of Rome is encouraging teams to compete in a sidewalk art chalk competition to raise funds for their local charity of choice. Teams can visit the festival website for entry information. From 5-8pm the Gold Standard Band will be rocking Broad Street! The Gold Standard Band is a big, dynamic party band with great vocals & super horns that plays classic Motown, Soul & Carolina Beach Music.
Downtown retailers located throughout the street festival will host sidewalk sales throughout the day.
The Rome Lantern Parade is a glowing procession of light and art along Rome’s rivers and historic downtown. Entry into the parade is free, but a lantern is required for entry. Lanterns must be lighted by battery-operated lights; glass lanterns and fire lit lanterns are not permitted.
The parade will begin at the main stage of the block party with a lantern contest. Everyone is encouraged to bring a homemade lantern and entry into the contest is free. Groups are highly encouraged to participate with large lantern entries or lanterns made with a similar theme. Lantern contest categories include: Most Creative, Largest Lantern, Best Group Entry, and Best Rome Theme. This year, we will also add a best Star Wars theme – so May the 4th be with you 😉
Details on the Rome Lantern Parade and registration for the local workshops will soon be available on the festival web page and at RomeGeorgia.org/LanternParade.
Check back for workshop details and registration!
Downtown retailers located throughout the street festival will host sidewalk sales throughout the day.
The street festival will encompass Broad Street from the 200 Block to the 300 Block. Broad Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Parking is available for free during festival hours at the Fourth Avenue Parking Deck and the Third Avenue Parking Deck.
No outside coolers or drinks allowed.
The free event is made possible thanks to the generous support of Downtown Rome business and property owners, Downtown Rome Saturdays, Rome Area Council for the Arts, and Merry Maids.
All event related registration forms, vendor forms, volunteer information and contact information, is available on our website at https://downtownromega.us. For questions, contact the Office of Downtown Development at 706.236.4520 or email mtreglown@romega.us