Bayou City Art Festival, produced by the Art Colony Association, Inc., has opened the applications for nonprofit partners, volunteers, food vendors, and live entertainment for the Bayou City Art Festival Downtown on Saturday-Sunday, October 14-15, 2023.

Located in Sam Houston Park and along Allen Parkway, Bayou City Art Festival will celebrate providing unique art experiences and education for the Greater Houston area, while supporting local organizations and promoting the impact that art has on the Houston community. As one of the top art festivals in the country, the outdoor gallery provides patrons with the opportunity to meet 250 artists, view original works, and purchase one-of-a-kind art, world-class paintings, prints, jewelry, sculptures, functional art and more. This year’s featured artist is Michelle McDowell Smith, a mixed media artist from Roanoke, VA.

The weekend festival features two entertainment stages, a food truck park, beverage stations throughout the festival, and art installations. Guests will enjoy Houston’s skyline views while visiting the festival’s wine garden, craft beer garden, and art bar. Bayou City Art Festival will also feature a Collegiate Art Collective, a collection of art composed of Houston-area college art students.

Nonprofits: Bayou City Art Festival has raised over $3.6 million in support for nonprofits in the Greater Houston area. For each festival, Bayou City Art Festival selects up to ten local charities to receive a portion of the proceeds from the event. Each nonprofit partner provides volunteers and has the option to host an art crafting station in the Active Imagination Zone. Local nonprofit organizations interested in becoming a nonprofit partner for the Bayou City Art Festival Downtown can apply here. The deadline to apply is August 1, 2023.

Volunteers: Festival volunteers have the option to choose various roles and shifts for Saturday and Sunday. After every shift, volunteers are entered into a raffle and have the chance to win prizes, such as gift cards to local restaurants, movies, museum tickets, and more. All volunteers will receive a complimentary t-shirt and can enjoy the festival at no cost before and after their shift. The minimum age to sign up is 13 and group volunteering is also available. Volunteer registrations will open on August 1, 2023, and anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can sign up here.

Food vendors: This fall, art-loving foodies will swarm to Bayou City Art Festival Downtown and their senses will lead them to the onsite food truck park. Food vendors interested in serving up delicious eats to patrons at Bayou City Art Festival Downtown can submit an online application here.

Entertainment: Bayou City Art Festival patrons attend the festival year after year for its variety of art and nonstop live entertainment. With two entertainment stages, a VIP area, and vibrant Downtown streets, Bayou City Art Festival will be accepting applications to feature entertainment in every corner during the weekend event. Applications are now open, and performers can email sara@bayoucityartfestival.com.

Online early bird tickets will be available on Monday, August 15, 2023, at www.bayoucityartfestival.com for $18 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and children under five are free. Adult tickets purchased after October 1, 2023, are $20. VIP Hospitality Lounge tickets are $75 and include admission to the festival. Online pre-purchased tickets are required to enter the festival. Physical tickets will not be sold at the gate and can only be purchased online.

For the most recent updates, follow the official event hashtags #HouArtFest and #BCAF, like the Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.