The Carmel International Arts Festival (CIAF) is set for this weekend, Sept. 25 and 26, in the Arts & Design District. Final preparations are being completed for this event that brings more than 120 artists and nearly 30,000 people to the two-day event.
CIAF organizers say they are proud to have the Carmel Lion’s Club as one of the local non-profits at this year’s event. The Lions will sell various food items, including an Italian beef sandwich, a pulled chicken sandwich, a veggie sandwich and a quarter-pound hot dog or chili dog.
A percentage of the proceeds from these sales will go to support GiGi’s Playhouse, an Indianapolis non-profit organization striving to change the way the world views Down Syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. GiGi’s Playhouse delivers free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down Syndrome, their families and the community through a replicable playhouse model. To learn more about GiGi’s Playhouse, call (317) 288-8235 or visit gigisplayhouse.org/indianapolis.
In addition, the Carmel International Arts Festival will feature the Carmel Utilities Hydration Station to incorporate the green initiatives of the festival. The station will be located near the information booth at the corner of Range Line Road and Main Street. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and are invited to visit the hydration station for refills.
Trash and recycling bins will also be made available throughout the festival and are sponsored by Caring Transitions. Caring Transitions provides older adults and their families with help through life’s transitions by aiding in downsizing, estate sales and online auctions, moving solutions and more. Located in Carmel, you can call Caring Transitions at (317) 472-5752 or visit caringtransitions.com/locations/caring-transitions-indy-north.
This festival features artists in nine different mediums, including paint, 2D, 3D, wood, glass, photography, ceramics, jewelry and fiber.
In addition to the local and national artisans, there are also food vendors, music and entertainment throughout the Arts & Design District. There will be special exhibits and activities, including the High School Student Art Exhibit, Japanese Exhibit, Chinese Exhibit and a children’s art area.
The festival kicks off at 9:55 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25 with the singing of the National Anthem. Saturday’s hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Then Art Rocks! takes place from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. This is a family-friendly event for the whole community. Co-hosted by the Carmel International Arts Festival and Current Publishing, this event offers over a dozen various food and beverage trucks.
Hours for Sunday, September 26, 2021 are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival takes place at Main Street and Range Line Road in Carmel.
Find more information about the event at carmelartsfestival.org.