Artisphere 2024: Dates, vendors, food, art what to know about the three-day arts festival

Downtown Greenville is expected to see nearly 93,000 people at Artisphere 2024, presented by TD Bank — a three-day festival from May 10-12, which will showcase more than 140 mixed media artists selling their artwork, with food vendors, live music, and kid-friendly events to enjoy.

Artisphere is celebrating its 20th year in Greenville, and 17 genres of craftsmanship, ranging from ceramics to printmaking, by some of the best artists and up-and-coming creatives in the country, who will arrive in Greenville next week.

This free fine arts festival will span from Court Street and Main to Wardlaw and Main from noon on Friday, May 10, through 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 12. It allows the public to meet and discuss creative works alongside world-class visiting and local artists.

"It's a great opportunity to see art-making in progress, to make art yourself, and to speak with the artists in this family-friendly and approachable atmosphere," said Kerry Murphy, president and CEO of Artisphere. "It's a fine arts festival and a family community event that makes the celebration of art accessible to all people because it's a free event, rain or shine."

Here are the details on the 20th Artisphere festival in Greenville:

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When and where is Artisphere 2024 taking place in Greenville?

Artisphere is a three-day, free art event from May 10 through 12 in downtown Greenville. As of Thursday, May 9, at 4 a.m., downtown will begin to see street closings to set up for the event.

The festival spans along Main Street in downtown Greenville, between Court Street and Main to Wardlaw and Main.

Festival hours are as follows:

• Friday, May 10 — noon until 8 p.m.

• Saturday, May 11 — 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

• Sunday, May 12 — 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

What is new this year at Artisphere 2024?

Artisphere 2024 will focus on many new interactive ways to engage the audience and get hands-on experience, as performing art groups from Philadelphia and as far away as Italy will travel to the festival. Young adults and children are the main focus of this year's event, as there are more than five hands-on ways to involve youth arts lovers in the festivities.

Here are four new activities and things happening at Artisphere 2024:

• Squonk Brouhaha — seven 30-minute performances will be on display at the Falls Park Stage as music alongside a larger-than-normal accordion will be available for the public to participate in. The "Squonkcordian" doubles as an interactive instrument for all to play. Still, also a colored banner, smoke, and brass sounds will make this scene both a musical performance and public art for all to experience.

• "Lotty" is an additional interactive art experience that allows PVC pipes to be altered and creatively placed around a bell-shaped figure. It is an opportunity for Artisphere attendees to contribute to a group public art piece.

• Public Art Unveiling—On Friday, May 10, Artisphere, alongside the city of Greenville, will unveil a newly commissioned public art piece at 5 p.m. on Camperdown Plaza.

• Arts Contest Winners — TD Bank's TD3D Art Contest winner will be announced on May 11 at 10 a.m. on the WYFF Stage, where the high school art contest winner will be announced. In addition, their Mother's Day Arts card contest winners will be announced on May 12. Legacy Early College, Clemson, Metromont, USC Upstate and Spinx Kidsphere will host children's activities throughout the weekend.

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Which food vendors will be at Artisphere 2024?

Located on the Main Street Bridge, 12 food vendors will be available for the Culinary Arts Cafe, and a taste of local Greenville cuisine will be available to purchase.

Unlike other Greenville festivals, tickets are not required. All food and beverage purchases must be made by card or cash.

Bonjour Main, Barbeitos, Common Pops, Greenville County Schools, Honest Scoop Ice Cream, Society Sandwich Bar, Social Latitude, Persis Indian Grill, Otto Izakaya, Local Pie Pizza Co., Latin Flavorz, and Abanico are among the participating food vendors for Artisphere 2024.

Will there be live music available at Artisphere 2024?

Nearly 40 bands and musical acts will fill the streets of downtown Greenville, including performances from Time Sawyer, Shamarr Allen, Greenville Symphony Orchestra, and more.

The Four stages at Artisphere 2024 are the Squonk-Falls Park Stage, the Furman University Stage, the United Community Camperdown Stage, and the WYFF Main Stage.

There will also be a PNC Pop-Up Stage, which offers dance and street performances, including chair stacking, juggling, stilts, and more.

What is prohibited at Artisphere 2024?

Here are a few commonly asked questions about what is allowed at Artisphere 2024:

• No smoking or vaping is permitted at Artisphere 2024.

• Public bathrooms will be available on-site near Oneal Street and Wardlaw Street.

• Artisphere 2024 will take place, rain or shine; weather updates can be found on Artisphere 2024 social media page.

• There are no lawn chairs, coolers, bikes, skateboards, or personal transportation. However, a Bike Valet is provided under the Main Street Bridge on Saturday and Sunday of the festival.

• No pets are allowed, only service animals.

• No firearms or weapons are allowed on festival grounds.

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– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Artispshere 2024 festival: What to know about 20th anniversary