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2023
PALO ALTO FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS AUG. 26-27
PALO ALTO, Calif. (July 1, 2023) – The Palo Alto Festival of the Arts, the very popular fine art and entertainment festival along downtown’s tree-lined University Avenue, celebrates 40 years from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 26-27, 2023. Proudly hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce with the support of the City of Palo Alto, this stunning, multifaceted art showcase spans all mediums, from 250 booths of unique fine art to live music to hands-on kids’ art and a street painting expo.
The backbone of the festival and the key to its success are the 250 fine artists and crafters whose display booths are placed back-to-back along University Avenue. These exhibitors are one of the reasons this festival attracts such a high percentage of fine artists whose work you'll see at only a few select shows on the West Coast. From sculpture to glass, photography to wood, metal to ceramics and more, the fabulous, handcrafted art is perfect for home, office and garden and includes unique and one-of-a-kind art pieces and wearable art. See a sneak peek of the artists’ work in the list of participating artists.
Festival attendees will have two full days to become immersed in some exceptional visual and performance art throughout the nine-block festival. Tasso Street will provide again the "canvas" for the popular Italian Street Painting Expo, where 100-square-foot and larger chalk pastel “paintings” by chalk artists throughout the state will be created on the asphalt over the festival’s two-day run.
A big part of the weekend experience is the wide variety of musical entertainment, with ongoing performances on two stages, street corner concerts and the Chopin & Chandeliers "Play Me" piano that is open to all. The Waverley Stage is sponsored by Sutter Health Palo Alto Medical Foundation. The Webster Stage is sponsored by the California Coast Music Camp, and the Chopin & Chandeliers Exhibit at University and Bryant is sponsored by Stanford Health Care. See the full entertainment lineup.
The Kids’ Art Studio, on University between Tasso and Webster, is always a popular destination for budding young artists. It will again offer free "make and take" art activities, sponsored by City National Bank and hosted by the Palo Alto Art Center.
And, what's a festival without plenty of tasty food and beverages? For the wine connoisseur, enjoy a variety of wines showcased at one of four wine booths, or for craft-beer aficionados, your taste buds won't be disappointed. It’s a perfect pairing to go along with the fine art.
Admission is free. Plenty of convenient parking surrounds the festival, or better yet, take public transit with drop-off locations within close proximity of University Avenue. For public transit information, visit www.511.org.
Media sponsors include the Mercury News/Bay Area News Group and NBC Bay Area and Telemundo.
PLEASE NOTE: The City of Palo Alto has a ban on the use of plastic and paper bags for carrying purchased merchandise. The Chamber of Commerce highly recommends that festival attendees bring their own tote bags for easy transportation of multiple purchases. Also, please be kind to your pets and leave them at home. Only service animals will be allowed.
For more details, please visit www.paloaltochamber.com/festival or call 650-324-3121.
About the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce is located in a unique community: a college town with excellent public and private schools, beautiful residential areas and tree-lined shopping districts, a world-class university and top healthcare institutions, and exciting arts and culture scene – all enlivened by a startup culture in an international hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship.
For more than 100 years, the Palo Alto Chamber has been an important connection to this exceptional community for visitors and residents alike.
Today’s Chamber members span the spectrum of 21st century businesses in the mid-Silicon Valley region, from local-serving retailers to global industries. Members take pride in their civic contributions and sponsorship of community-building events to ensure the vitality of the community as a whole.
For more information, visit www.paloaltochamber.com.
Your Chance to Play Piano at Palo Alto Festival of the Arts’ Chopin & Chandeliers Aug. 26-27
PALO ALTO, Calif. (Aug. 3, 2023) – The Palo Alto Festival of the Arts, the very popular fine art and entertainment festival along downtown’s tree-lined University Avenue, celebrates 40 years from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 26-27, 2023. Proudly hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce with the support of the City of Palo Alto, this stunning, multifaceted art showcase spans all mediums, from 250 booths of unique fine art to live music to hands-on kids’ art and a street painting expo.
CHOPIN & CHANDELIERS
Would you play a piano with a “Play Me” sign?
Of course you would! Look for Chopin & Chandeliers' interactive “Play Me” piano at the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts on Bryant at University Avenue. Presented by Stanford Health Care, Chopin & Chandeliers will be surrounded by colorful and whimsical chandeliers, made from recycled plastic bottles. The Community Partner for Chopin & Chandeliers is Peninsula Piano Brokers.
Piano playing at Chopin & Chandeliers is free and open to all.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
Admission to the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts is free. Plenty of convenient parking surrounds the festival, or better yet, take public transit with drop-off locations within close proximity of University Avenue. For public transit information, visit www.511.org.
Media sponsors include the Mercury News/Bay Area News Group and NBC Bay Area and Telemundo.
For more details, please visit www.paloaltochamber.com/festival or call 650-324-3121.
About the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce is located in a unique community: a college town with excellent public and private schools, beautiful residential areas and tree-lined shopping districts, a world-class university and top healthcare institutions, and exciting arts and culture scene – all enlivened by a startup culture in an international hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship.
For more than 100 years, the Palo Alto Chamber has been an important connection to this exceptional community for visitors and residents alike.
Today’s Chamber members span the spectrum of 21st century businesses in the mid-Silicon Valley region, from local-serving retailers to global industries. Members take pride in their civic contributions and sponsorship of community-building events to ensure the vitality of the community as a whole.
For more information, visit www.paloaltochamber.com.
Popular Palo Alto Festival of the Arts Italian Street Painting Expo Back for 16th Year; Kids Can Participate in ‘Chalk-a-Lot’
PALO ALTO, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2023) – The Palo Alto Festival of the Arts, the very popular fine art and entertainment festival along downtown’s tree-lined University Avenue, celebrates 40 years from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 26-27, 2023. Proudly hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce with the support of the City of Palo Alto, this stunning, multifaceted art showcase spans all mediums, from 250 booths of unique fine art to live music to hands-on kids’ art and a street painting expo.
ITALIAN STREET PAINTING EXPO
Festival attendees will have two full days to become immersed in some exceptional visual and performance art throughout the nine-block festival. Tasso Street will provide again the "canvas" for the popular Italian Street Painting Expo, where 100-square-foot and larger chalk pastel “paintings” by chalk artists throughout the state will be created on the asphalt over the festival’s run. And kids can get involved, too, by creating their own chalk canvases in the special Chalk-a-Lot area.
This year’s Featured Artist, Rod Tryon, has been street painting for 36 years. He visited the first street painting festival in the United States, I Madonnari Street Painting Festival in Santa Barbara, Calif., in 1986, and knew it was something he had to do. Rod creates street paintings for special events worldwide.
He’s often asked if it is difficult to deal with the fact that his work is so temporary. “The act of creating the painting is as significant as the finished piece,” he said. “The ephemeral nature of the art form only makes it more special for the artist and unique for the audience. It is a gift to those who get to experience the artwork being created. Interacting with onlookers, discussing the image and answering questions about the piece is a large part of the joy of the creation.”
See Rod’s work here.
Seventeen amazing chalk artists are participating this year in 100-square-foot and larger street canvases. See the full list at https://www.paloaltochamber.com/festival-of-the-arts-artist-italian-street-painting.
Proceeds from the sponsored-street paintings will go to support Ada’s Café, whose main priority is to create engaging and meaningful career experiences for adults with disabilities.
Community Sponsors of the street paintings include Ada’s Café, Avis Family, City National Bank, Edenbridge Homes, Hahn Family, Kiwanis Club of Palo Alto , Klausner Family, Palo Alto University Rotary, Peter Eng, The Hughes Family, University Arts, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, and Ziebelman Family.
Kids’ Chalk-a-Lot
The Kids’ Chalk-a-Lot area, toward the end of Tasso, allows youths to purchase for a nominal fee a 2x2-foot asphalt canvas to create their own chalk art. The Kids’ Chalk-a-Lot area will benefit Youth Community Service, which elevates youth voice to raise community connection and equity through service.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
Admission to the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts is free. Plenty of convenient parking surrounds the festival, or better yet, take public transit with drop-off locations within close proximity of University Avenue. For public transit information, visit www.511.org.
Media sponsors include the Mercury News/Bay Area News Group and NBC Bay Area and Telemundo.
For more details, please visit www.paloaltochamber.com/festival or call 650-324-3121.
About the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce is located in a unique community: a college town with excellent public and private schools, beautiful residential areas and tree-lined shopping districts, a world-class university and top healthcare institutions, and exciting arts and culture scene – all enlivened by a startup culture in an international hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship.
For more than 100 years, the Palo Alto Chamber has been an important connection to this exceptional community for visitors and residents alike.
Today’s Chamber members span the spectrum of 21st century businesses in the mid-Silicon Valley region, from local-serving retailers to global industries. Members take pride in their civic contributions and sponsorship of community-building events to ensure the vitality of the community as a whole.
For more information, visit www.paloaltochamber.com.
Kids’ Art Studio Allows Young Artists to Bloom at Palo Alto Festival of the Arts Aug. 26-27
PALO ALTO, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2023) – The Palo Alto Festival of the Arts, the very popular fine art and entertainment festival along downtown’s tree-lined University Avenue, celebrates 40 years from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 26-27, 2023. Proudly hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce with the support of the City of Palo Alto, this stunning, multifaceted art showcase spans all mediums, from 250 booths of unique fine art to live music to hands-on kids’ art and a street painting expo.
KIDS’ ART STUDIO
The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center and the Palo Alto Art Center are the organizers and beneficiaries of the kids’ hands-on arts and crafts area at the 2023 Palo Alto Festival of the Arts, offering free art activities. Professional instructors will guide the children on their own art experiences, allowing them to take home a handmade festival memento.
Sponsored by City National Bank, the Kids’ Art Studio will be on University Avenue between Tasso and Webster. Studio hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27. It is open to children of all ages.
KIDS’ CHALK-A-LOT
The Kids Chalk-a-Lot area on Tasso also gives children the chance to participate in the Italian Street Painting Expo by creating their own 2 x 2-foot chalk street art for a nominal fee. The monies generated from Chalk-a-Lot will go to support Youth Community Service.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
Admission to the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts is free. Plenty of convenient parking surrounds the festival, or better yet, take public transit with drop-off locations within close proximity of University Avenue. For public transit information, visit www.511.org.
Media sponsors include the Mercury News/Bay Area News Group and NBC Bay Area and Telemundo.
For more details, please visit www.paloaltochamber.com/festival or call 650-324-3121.
About the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce is located in a unique community: a college town with excellent public and private schools, beautiful residential areas and tree-lined shopping districts, a world-class university and top healthcare institutions, and exciting arts and culture scene – all enlivened by a startup culture in an international hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship.
For more than 100 years, the Palo Alto Chamber has been an important connection to this exceptional community for visitors and residents alike.
Today’s Chamber members span the spectrum of 21st century businesses in the mid-Silicon Valley region, from local-serving retailers to global industries. Members take pride in their civic contributions and sponsorship of community-building events to ensure the vitality of the community as a whole.
For more information, visit www.paloaltochamber.com.
Non-stop Live Music at the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts Aug. 26-27
PALO ALTO, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2023) – The Palo Alto Festival of the Arts, the very popular fine art and entertainment festival along University Avenue, will offer non-stop live music on multiple stages from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 26-27, 2023. Proudly hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce with the support of the City of Palo Alto, this stunning, multifaceted art showcase spans all mediums, from 250 booths of unique fine art to live music to hands-on kids’ art and a street painting expo.
WAVERLEY STAGE
The main stage on Waverley at University is presented by Sutter Health Palo Alto Medical Foundation. The Waverley musical lineup includes: folk rock by Michael Barrett; memorable covers by First Call Trio; violinist and fiddler Tom Rigney and John R. Burr; and blues and country by The Cook ‘n Fenny Combo.
The Waverley Stage lineup:
Saturday, Aug. 26
11:30 a.m. Michael & Kim
2:00 p.m. Blue House
4:30 p.m. First Call Trio
Sunday, Aug. 27
11:30 a.m. Mary Ellen & Thom Duo
2:00 p.m. Tom Rigney & John R Burr
4:30 p.m. The Cook ‘n Fenny Combo
WEBSTER STAGE
The Webster Stage, at University and Webster is presented by California Coast Music Camp and will include a variety of musical genres. Performers include: the progressive folk rock of Katalysst; the acoustic pop, rock, R&B and jazz of B Street Express; blues, rock, jazz, and country by According to Bazooka; ukulele by Melissa Dinwiddie; and folk singer Steve Kritzer.
Webster Stage Lineup:
Saturday, Aug. 26
10:30 a.m. Andy Karn & Friends
12:00 p.m. Katalysst
1:30 p.m. B Street Express
3:00 p.m. Mike Simpson & Friends
4:30 p.m. According to Bazooka
Sunday, Aug. 27
10:30 a.m. Carl Tilchen
11:30 a.m. Melissa Dinwiddie
12:30 p.m. UKE JAM with Janet Lenore
1:30 p.m. Steve Kritzer
2:30 p.m. The M’Earthtones
3:30 p.m. Ellen Silva
4:45 p.m. Don Murdoch & Friends
STREET CORNER CONCERTS
There will also be continuous street corner concerts at University at Cowper, and University at Emerson. Norm Kahan plays a variety of instruments in soft rock, classics, country, ballads and Broadway tunes. South Bay Swindlers wows crowds with jazz and blues.
Street Concerts Lineup:
Norm Kahan: University Avenue @ Cowper: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-27
South Bay Swindlers: University Avenue @ Emerson: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-27
The Palo Alto Festival of the Arts is free and open to all. For full Festival details, please visit www.paloaltochamber.com/festival or call 650-324-3121.
About the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce is located in a unique community: a college town with excellent public and private schools, beautiful residential areas and tree-lined shopping districts, a world-class university and top healthcare institutions, and exciting arts and culture scene – all enlivened by a startup culture in an international hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship.
For more than 100 years, the Palo Alto Chamber has been an important connection to this exceptional community for visitors and residents alike.
Today’s Chamber members span the spectrum of 21st century businesses in the mid-Silicon Valley region, from local-serving retailers to global industries. Members take pride in their civic contributions and sponsorship of community-building events to ensure the vitality of the community as a whole.
For more information, visit www.paloaltochamber.com.
