Organizers Preparing For 55th Annual Arts Festival

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – More than 400,000 people are expected to pack downtown for the 55th annual Arts Festival.

The 10-day free event will feature food, lots of live music and nearly 350 artists from 30 states.

Many of your favorite artists from years past will return to the arts market in Gateway Center, but look for some new additions as well, like Leah Beal of Penn Hills.

She will set up show with her jewelry, necklaces, bracelets and more.

"It's really exciting," she said. "It's a chance to show everybody my work and be a part of the Pittsburgh community."

There will be all sorts of performances from dance, to song. Something brand new this year, the "Complaints N'at Choir."

"They are taking hundreds of complains of Pittsburghers, relocators, Boom-a-Rangers and turning them into a song that will be performed daily at the Arts Festival," said Festival Director Veronica Corpuz.

As for the live headlining music, there is something for anyone.

The first week alone will feature Jeff Tweedy, Bluegrass Day and several local groups performing in honor of WYEP Day.

Later in the festival, the Pittsburgh Symphony will return to the stage.

One of the big themes of Arts Fest this year is "Art and the Environment."

"There are lots of great activities, as well as art installations that explore this theme of how we can be more sustainable in our choices and practices at home and in the arts," said Corpuz.

The Arts Festival kicks off on Friday, June 6 and wraps up Sunday, June 15.

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