Ashley for the Arts kicks off Thursday
Setup for the 16th annual Ashley for the Arts Festival was well underway last week, with stages being installed early this week. The festival runs Thursday through Saturday. (Times photograph by Andrew Dannehy)
The largest summer festival of the year kicks off at Arcadia’s Memorial Park this Thursday.
Ashley for the Arts, which regularly draws crowds exceeding 50,000 people, again offers several mainstream artists, interactive art and family-focused entertainment. And it does it all for a cause. The festival raised over $750,000 for more than 70 area school districts in 2024.
The headliners this year include The Castellows, Daughtry, ZZ Top and Brad Paisley on Friday followed by Neon Trees, Chris Janson, Third Eye Blind and Darius Rucker on Saturday. Performances begin at 3 p.m. with new acts hitting the stage at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. Those artists will play on the main stage, but there will be more performances on other stages located throughout the fest grounds.
The festival kicks off Thursday evening with the Pursuit of a Cure Glow Run and foam party, raising money to advance medical research and help offset medical costs for patients. Thursday night’s entertainment will be RED — a Taylor Swift Tribute and Arch Allies, both on the Soldiers Walk Stage. There will also be performances on the Pavilion Stage and the Amphitheater Stage. Thursday’s festivities close with a fireworks display.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can experience aerialist shows, rope walking and other circus-style entertainment with roaming street performers.
Art enthusiasts will find inspiration at the expanded Art & Craft Fair showcasing the work of nearly 100 regional artisans and crafters. Families can spend time together in the Kids and Family Fun Zone, which includes an inflatable air park, a petting zoo, and interactive art spaces.
“We’re excited to once again transform our beautiful small town of Arcadia into an incredible festival atmosphere that brings our community together,” Cole Bawek, event director of Ashley for the Arts, said. “Year after year, we’re amazed by how this event unites people through music and art while creating positive change in our communities. We’re thrilled to continue this wonderful tradition for another extraordinary season.”
For additional event details, download the Ashley for the Arts app or visit the website, https://www.ashleyforthearts.com.
