Jefferson Citians will have a chance to explore their cultural side with the second annual Friday Arts Stroll series.
Held four times a year - once per season on May 8, July 31, Sept. 11 and Nov. 6 - the events are designed to feature local art, music, food, wine and live entertainment. To accommodate the event, portions of High and Madison streets will be closed May 8.
"We want to promote a different side of Jefferson City - the cultural side," event organizer Jill Snodgrass said.
Scheduled from 6-9 p.m., the event is a joint effort between the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, Missouri River Regional Library, the Arts Council, the Jefferson City Arts Commission and the Jefferson City Department of Parks and Recreation.
The strolls offer a venue for local artists, performers, musicians and crafts people to showcase their talent. Painters, sculptors, poets, chefs, buskers, storytellers, magicians, musicians, jugglers, clowns and anyone else with a creative, artistic or skillful bent are invited to showcase their wares and performances.
To participate, artists must register at www.planetreg.com/ArtsStroll2015. The only requirements, Snodgrass said, are the offerings must be art-related or handmade, not mass produced.
The show also features a "performance corner" where local dance and theater troupes will take the stage.
"We hope to have a really full and vibrant show," Snodgrass said.
On May 8 classic car enthusiasts will enjoy the Corvette Classic that is being held in conjunction with the Arts Stroll. Also, a mini version of Lincoln University's Farmers Market also will be held downtown. And re-enactors from the Shire of Wyvern Cliffe, a chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism, also will display their costumes and techniques.
"We like to think of it as a showcase of many things happening in our community," she added.
She's hopeful people will decide to relax downtown, taking advantage of the outdoor bistro seating at many bars and restaurants. People will be able to enjoy glasses of wine or beer while strolling around the festival district, she said.