Still looking for something to do over Labor Day weekend? Cities around the country are having art festivals and other art events.
For those in Denver, Colorado, check out A Taste of Colorado - Festival of Mountain and Plain. This free Labor Day festival celebrates the art of food by featuring Colorado's favorite food establishments. Visitors can explore new ethnic foods they've never tried before or sample inviditual portions of appetizers, entres and desserts from their favorite places. There will also be a Fine Dining Area that highlights gourmet cuisine from Colorado's most renowned chefs - there will even be cooking demonstrations so you can try out the culinary craft at home. But it's not all about the food - musucians from all genres will be performing throughout the weekend, including the headliner MC Hammer! Plus, since this is the 30th anniversary of the celebration, visitors will enjoy a fireworks display to kick-off the event Friday night. A Taste of Colorado is at the Civic Center Park in Denver and takes place from August 30th to September 2nd. You might just run into some Navis Pack & Ship Denver folks, while you're there! We have three locations nearby: Metro & West Denver, Denver & Boulder, and Metro & South Denver. Come say hi!
If you're looking to make it a weekend trip in Northern California, the 44th Annual Labor Day Festival of the Arts & Music, presented by the Mono Council for the Arts, is one that's full of artists from all over the west. Enjoy music and the works of more than 100 artists in the beautiful forests of Mammoth Lakes - there's no other art festival that makes you feel more in tune with nature. There will also be a cocktail lounge, beer garden, amazing food, and even kids art activities for an event that is truly for everyone. This free art event takes place at Sam's Wood Site from August 31st to September 2nd. Anyone who purchases art from the Labor Day Festival have many options for getting it shipped - there are Navis Pack & Ship locations in Sacramento and San Jose, and even Reno, Nevada, if that's where you're coming from. Make it an art and nature weekend!
Portland residents have the famous Art in the Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival to look forward to this Labor Day weekend. Named one of the top10 arts and crafts festivals in the country, this is one annual event that is not to be missed. Over 100 artists will present their work, featuring everything from paintings to photography to hand crafted glass and clay works, plus metal art, woodworking, jewelry and more. There will also be theatre, local music acts, artist demonstrations, educational workshops, and food. This free art festival is on the Northwest Park blocks in Portland, from August 31st to September 2nd. Stop by Navis Pack & Ship Portland for any custom packing and shipping needs you have after the festival - with so many options it will be hard to walk away with nothing!
Anyone in the Bay Area will want to head to Sausalito for the annual Sausalito Art Festival over Labor Day weekend. This picturesque city on the bay features the country's best artists, headlining music acts, gourmet food, plus fine wine and beer. One of the longest standing art festivals in the country, this 61st annual art event attracts thousands of locals and visitors alike over three days. The day before the festival, on Friday August 30th, is the Fire and Ice Gala (so hot - it's cool!), a preview of the 270 artists showcasing their finest in Sausalito. This benefit gala opens with a cocktail reception and proceeds go towards Artists Teaching Art, a new organization that connects Marin County students with local working artists for inspiration and mentoring. The main festival is accessible by public transportation (recommended). While this is not a free event, the general admission cost is $25, only $15 for seniors and just $5 for kids 6-12 (5 and under are free). Navis Pack & Ship San Francisco is only a few minutes away, and is the perfect way to get your one of a kind art works shipped anywhere in the world.
Anyone in the midwest will be sure to want to check out the African Festival of the Arts in Chicago, Illinois. Held by the Africa International House USA (a not-for-profit organization), the festival works to bridge the divide between the the peoples of the African Diaspora in Chicago. Featuring the headlining music act of Brandy, other R&B, jazz, blues and traditional music acts, an awards ceremony and art exhibition, the African Festival of the Arts has something for everyone. Come check out the 12 pavilions, including an African marketplace, beer and wine garden, children and family pavilion, arts and crafts, health and wellness, and spirituality pavilions. This event has a range of ticketing options, ranging from advanced tickets (until August 29th) of $10, a daily admission fee of $20 at the gate, or a family pass or weekend pass for $30, and tickets are good from August 30th through September 2nd in Washington Park in Chicago. Navis Pack & Ship has a location in Downers Grove and Joliet, which will be happy to help you with any art shipping needs you'll have after this unique art festival.
No matter what you do this Labor Day weekend, have a great time and enjoy the arts!
