Artapalooza 2026
Activities & Performances
A highlight of Artapalooza is our free performances and art activites!
Performers will entertain you all day at Magnolia Square and in select locations along Magnolia Ave. See the lineup of Talent below.
This year we are expanding our art activites to include projects and classes for teens and adults as well as children. While Chrildren's activities will be occurring all day, our teen & adult classes will follow a schedule and will have caps on how many may participate. Come sign up on the day of the event at the pavilion in Magnolia Square to reserve your spot! More information on classes and times will be coming soon.
Special Guest:
Wet Plate Photography Demonstration
This year we are excited to have a very unique artist visiting Artaplaooza! Brinn Willis of Rockbridge County will demonstrate an especially rare, almost lost art called “wet plate photography.”
Once known as tintype, this style of photography was invented in 1851 and used during the 19th century as predecessor to film photography popularized in the 20th. This process creates beautiful images on glass or metal. The artist shared that “it’s a hard process to put into words. People just need to see it to understand how special it is.” Brinn recently outfitted a van to create a mobile studio and dark room that will allow her to produce this unique art form on the road. She will be traveling to regional festivals, making Artapalooza the inaugural stop of her summer tour. Examples of Brinn’s wet plate photography and other works, can be found online at https://www.instagram.com/studioonfifth/. Brinn’s current project is documenting the stories and images of hikers coming off the Appalachian Trail. Look for the Tintype Truck next to Magnolia Square from 11am-1pm!
Performance Schedule
Keep an eye on this page throughout the day to discover what performances are in store.
25 April 2026
09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Downtown Buena Vista on Magnolia Ave.
09:00 am
Keragyn
09:25 am
Parry McCluer Theatre
09:50 am
Parry McCluer Music Department
10:30 am
Wyoming Willis
10:55 am
Maury River Senior Center Pickers & Singers
11:35 am
Blue Forest Theatre Academy
12:00 pm
Line Dancing
12:30 pm
Knight Groove Brass Band
01:10 pm
Aubrey Ballstaedt
01:30 pm
Lucas Waite
01:50 pm
Barry Hause & Julia Goudimova
02:20 pm
Hylomorphic
03:00 pm
Jonah Brown
03:25 pm
Fotgut
All Day Art Activities for the kids
All six art activities are completely free and running all day! Swing by each business to dive in, get creative, and make memories that will last long after the festival ends.
Assunder Coffee
2037 Magnolia Ave
2037 Magnolia Ave
Glove Story Puppets
Art On Magnolia/Little Beasties
2067 Magnolia Ave
2067 Magnolia Ave
Painted Clay Planters
Leaf & Lore
2077 Magnolia Ave
2077 Magnolia Ave
Handmade Greeting Cards
Buena Vista Public Library
2110 Magnolia Ave
2110 Magnolia Ave
Handmade Journals
Coiner Country Store
2122 Magnolia Ave
2122 Magnolia Ave
Bean Mosaics
Cooper Building Green Space
2161 Magnolia Ave
2161 Magnolia Ave
Bubbles, Clay, & Sidewalk Chalk
Adult Craft Classes
Artapalooza is for the whole family! Browse the schedule of art activities for teens and adults below, all completely free and held at scheduled times throughout the day.
These classes will take place in the Timberframe at Magnolia Square.
**We can only accomodate 10 people per class.** Sign-ups begin 9 am at the location on the day of the event, so stop by and sign up when you arrive to secure your spot!
These classes will take place in the Timberframe at Magnolia Square.
**We can only accomodate 10 people per class.** Sign-ups begin 9 am at the location on the day of the event, so stop by and sign up when you arrive to secure your spot!
9:30-10:30 am
Paper Quilling
Learn the art of paper quilling and create your own unique work of art to bring home. Quilling uses thin strips of colored paper, glue, and a few simple tools to make beautiful and mesmerizing images. This class uses sharp pins and scissors. Participants must be at least 13 years old and capable of using tools and materials safely.
11 am - 12 pm
Cross Stitch
Making pictures with colorful x's of floss is a relaxing and fun craft tradition. Come stitch a little image and turn it into a keychain that you can take with you. This class uses sharp pins and scissors. Participants must be at least 13 years old and capable of using tools and materials safely.
1:00-2:00 pm
Cell Phone Photography
Have you ever wanted to take your cell phone photos to the next level? You don't need a fancy camera to turn out great pics. This class teaches tips and tricks for basic photography skills like composition, exposure, timing, lighting and color.
2:00-3:00 pm
Pressed Flowers
Learn some of the best ways to press and dry flowers from your yard. Then create a book mark using pressed flowers and you’ll be all set the next time you pick up a good book to read. Suitable for art and book lovers over age 13; you’ll need to be able to handle delicate materials and a simple tool safely and with good hand-eye coordination.
Vendors’ & Performers’ Application Deadline is April 11, 2026
Artapalooza thrives because of the incredible artists and performers who participate. Interested in showcasing your work or talent? Be sure to apply by April 11. Payments made after 11:59 pm on April 11 will include a $20 late fee.
Follow Us on Social Media to Keep Updated
Stay up to date with the Buena Vista Arts Council by following us on social media for events, programs, and creative happenings in our community.
Volunteers Needed!
Artapalooza cannot operate without our wonderful volunteers! Choose from a variety of ways to serve, from leading art activities to manning information tables for our visitors. Whatever your interest, there's a job just right for you!