MPAartfest 2018 Returns To McLean In October

MCLEAN, VA—Whether you're an art lover or have kids to entertain, the upcoming MPAartfest will be a fun time for the family in McLean. The annual art festival is set for Sunday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in McLean Central Park.

"Our MPAartfest each fall is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate our community on a fabulous art-filled day, and we're so appreciative of our generous community sponsors who help to make it all possible," said MPA Executive Director Lori Carbonneau in a statement. "We invite everyone to come and enjoy a relaxing and inspiring day of art in the park!"

McLean Central Park is transformed into an outdoor art gallery during the event, which offers fun for all ages. Visitors can browse around 40 artists' tents showcasing a variety of art, such as painting, woodturning, jewelry, contemporary ironwork and more.

Other activities include a Children's ArtWalk showcasing student work from local schools, arts and STEAM (STEM+Art) interactive fun, an Open Air Art Studio, food vendors and live music.

Food selections will include Taco Bamba, Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company, Assaggi Osteria and Pizzeria, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Big Cheese, Sweetbites Café and Bakery, Crepe Love and Zinga Frozen Yogurt. Café Beret will serve beer and wine from The Wine Outlet.

The musical lineup is as follows:

• 10 a.m.—Project Locrea: traditional music
• 11 a.m.—Cecily: vocalist
• Noon—The Dave Kline Band: international world fusion
• 1 p.m.—The JoGo Project: Go-Go
• 2 p.m.—Rose Moraes: Brazilian music
• 3:00 pm—Little Red & The Renegades: Blues, Zydeco, Funk, R&B, Country, Gospel, Pop, Compas Direct, Latin, Jazz and Carnival blend
• 4:00 pm—Blues Alley Youth Jazz Orchestra: student jazz band

The event draws around 5,000 to 6,000 people each year. It has been named a Top 100 Fine Art and Design Shows in the USA by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Admission is free.

The main sponsor is the McLean Community Center; co-sponsors are Fairfax County Park Authority and TD Bank; community partners are TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, COMPASS Realty, Freedom Bank, BOWA, The Langley School, Deirdre Maull Orthodontics, McLean Community Foundation, McLean Properties, Kathleen Murphy, Nancy & Steve Perry, Debbie & Leo Jardot, Montessori School of McLean, Vinson Hall Retirement Community, Crushed Cellars, Fairfax Woman Magazine; and additional supporters are ARTSFAIRFAX, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and The National Endowment for the Arts.

There will be a shuttle bus to the park with parking at signed lots in McLean. Check for updates on parking and more information at mpaart.org/mpaartfest.

Image provided by McLean Project for the Arts