About This Festival
Event Summary: Sixth Street Arts Festival
Located in the heart of downtown Terre Haute, Indiana, the Sixth Street Arts Festival (sometimes referred to as ArtsFest) is a vibrant, one-day celebration of regional arts and culture, held annually on the second Saturday of June. The festival takes place along 6th Street between Wabash and Cherry, transforming the city’s historic center into a lively pedestrian art market and community gathering space.
Area Surrounding the Event
Downtown Terre Haute is a compact, walkable urban core with historical architecture, local shops, and dining options. The festival is set along 6th Street, which is easily accessible and features a mix of commercial and civic buildings, contributing to an energetic, community-focused atmosphere. The area around the festival is known for its welcoming vibe, with a sense of small-town Midwest charm coupled with urban amenities. Accessibility is a priority, with the festival being fully handicapped accessible.
Vibe of the Event
The Sixth Street Arts Festival offers a lively, inclusive, and family-friendly environment. Visitors can expect a bustling art market atmosphere, live entertainment, interactive activities for all ages, and plenty of opportunities to engage with local artists and artisans. The festival fosters a sense of regional pride, with a focus on supporting Indiana and Illinois artists. The presence of food vendors and a dedicated beer/wine garden adds to the convivial, festive mood—expect crowds, music, spontaneous poetry readings, and a laid-back, creative energy.
Activities at the Event
The festival features a wide range of activities designed to appeal to all ages and interests:
- Art Market: Regional artists and makers display and sell original works, including jewelry, paintings, pottery, and other crafts.
- Literary Corner: Live poetry readings and literary performances create a space for spoken word enthusiasts.
- Live Music Stage: Musicians and bands perform throughout the day, offering a soundtrack to the festival experience.
- Children’s Creative Area: Hands-on art activities and workshops for kids encourage creativity and family participation.
- Food Vendors: A diverse selection of local food trucks and stands serve up festival favorites and regional specialties.
- Beer & Wine Garden: Adults can relax and socialize in a designated area featuring local beverages.
- Artist Demonstrations: Some artists offer live demonstrations of their craft, providing insight into their creative process.
Rough Schedule and Locations
While detailed hourly schedules for specific performances and activities are not provided in the available information, here is a typical outline based on the festival’s structure:
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Festival Opens / Art Market | Entire 6th Street (Wabash–Cherry) |
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Live Music Begins | Main Stage (TBD) |
| 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Children’s Creative Activities | Children’s Area (TBD) |
| 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Literary Corner / Poetry | Literary Tent (TBD) |
| Ongoing | Food & Beverage Vendors | Food Court / Beer Garden |
| 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Artist Demonstrations | Throughout the Art Market |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Closing Music / Finale | Main Stage |
| 5:00 PM | Festival Closes | All Areas |
Locations within the festival (e.g., Main Stage, Children’s Area, Literary Tent) are typically marked and easy to find along the closed-off street. Exact placement may vary year to year, but all are within the festival footprint.
History and Founding
The Sixth Street Arts Festival is presented by Arts Illiana, a regional arts agency dedicated to nurturing and promoting the arts in west-central Indiana and eastern Illinois. The event serves as a platform for local and regional artists to showcase and sell their work, while also engaging the broader community through interactive and performative arts. The festival has become a staple of the Terre Haute cultural calendar, evolving over the years to include more diverse activities and broader participation from artists and attendees. Its consistent scheduling on the second Saturday in June reflects its commitment to accessibility and tradition, helping to build a loyal audience and a vibrant local arts scene.
Additional Notes
For the most up-to-date information, exhibitor applications, or participation details, contact Arts Illiana directly or visit their website. The festival’s social media presence and email newsletter are also good sources for announcements about featured artists, performers, and special activities.