Fiesta Arts Fair is just over 7 days away. You heard me right, siete. We’ve been working since last year to put together the best fair yet. I could tell you the basics: that Fiesta Arts Fair is on April 17 &18 at the Southwest School of Art & Craft, tickets cost $8 at the gate, and you can find more information at fiestaartsfair.com.
But I would be remiss if I didn’t give you a basic tutorial on getting the most out of your time at Fiesta Arts Fair. Without further ado, I bring you…
9 10 ways to rock Fiesta Arts Fair
1. Bring your friends. Yes, even THAT friend.
Fiesta Arts Fair may be an art fair and shopper paradise at it’s core, but there is SO much more than that.
In fact, Fiesta Arts Fair is well know for the live music acts it draws, and the variety of sounds can’t be beat. According to school staff, they most look forward to returning acts Sisters Morales and Guy Forsythe.
Ollin is a relative newcomer to the FAF scene, but their ties to the school run deep: trumpter Vincent Valdez is the same artist who not only got his start in our Young Artist Programs but whose work is also featured in our current exhibition. (*Editors Note: Vincent Valdez’ works will not be available during the Fiesta Arts Fair. The exhibition ends Sunday, April 11.)
Lest we not forget the reason for the season, this year La Margarita returns with it’s namesake refreshments and other food finds (staff favorite: sausage and fajita taco with lots of pico de gallo), newcomer SAweet Cupcakes joins the lineup, and the Corn Wheel brings back Fiesta staples of roasted corn and baked potatoes.
There’s something for every one of your friends and family to enjoy, even those who are typically hard to please.
Did I mention the children’s activities? No? Well stay tuned, there’s more.
2. Show up. But use public transportation to get here.
San Antonio is blessed with a vibrant public transportation system that is fully equipped to handle the Fiesta loving crowds heading in and out of the downtown area. No parking will be available at the school during the fair, so unless you enjoy the ritual hunting a parking space in a full lot, take the bus. You’ll thank us for it later.
If you’re not familiar with the area, plan your pedestrian route to the fair by using the Google Public Transportation Planner.
3. Buy your tickets ahead of time.
Yes you can buy them the day of the fair at the entrances, but there are perks for the early birds. Not only are tickets available at the Gallery Shop, H-E-B and the Fiesta Store, you’ll also save a dollar on each daily ticket you purchase when you buy your tickets in advance. Who doesn’t want to save a dollar?
4. Looking for a great find or a bargain? Shop early, Come late.
A big draw at the Fiesta Arts Fair is the shopping. But if you want first dibs on what the artists bring to sell, you better get here Saturday morning. While there are plenty of items, some are more popular than others and go fast.
If you are looking for great bargains, shop just before the artists begin packing up to go home on Sunday afternoon. Artists come from all over North America, and the less boxes they have to load into their truck and take back home, the better. But beggars can’t be choosers, so just don’t expect the most popular items to be on an artist’s list to leave behind.
6. Bring your kids. No, Really. We want you to.
Fiesta events aren’t always known for being kid friendly, but Fiesta Arts Fair is an exception to the rule. The Children’s Art Garden is an area where you and your family can go hands-on and explore different types of art.
This year projects ranging from clay to printing to embossing metal will be available, and it’s a good way to find the next Picasso in the family- or just relax and have fun. Just don’t leave your kids behind to miss out.
7. Bring cash (or just use the ATM).
While many artists may take a credit card and checks, cash is still king (an ATM is available on site).You’ll also need a few bucks for food and activities. Don’t forget, it all goes to a great cause. Of course, ‘window’ shopping, artist’s demonstrations, listening to live music and people watching is always free.
8. Leave the contraband at home with the dog.
We provide chairs to sit in, so leave those at home. Coolers are also a no-no. We love, LOVE animals too but Fiesta Arts Fair is simply not the place for them (yes, even the cute little ones that fit into your purse). If you need a shopping buddy bring a cute little fuzzy human instead.
9. Connect with Fiesta Arts Fair goers before & after the event.
Shameless plug here, but there are so many ways to get the inside scoop on what’s best at the fair. We’ve seen a huge rise in artists’ posting about their upcoming booths on the Fiesta Arts Fair Facebook page and on Twitter. There is a Flickr group where you can share your photos and videos, or post them on YouTube. Use the tag #fiestaartsfair to help others find it.
While you are at the fair don’t forget to check in using services like Foursquare, Gowalla, or Whrrl if you’re into that kind of thing (the school needs a new virtual mayor- is it you?). The fair is a great place to meet cool people and have a great time, but don’t leave that fun at the door. Share it! (end of shameless plug)
10. #10 is up to you.
This blogger wants to know: what are the best ways you know of to rock Fiesta Arts Fair? If you’ve been what were the best and worst parts? What are your favorites? What should a newbie do?
Tell me below.
#10. Bring a big, lightweight bag (the plastic mesh bags from Mexico work well) to carry all of your goodies home. Your kids’ newly-created art projects and your artistic purchases will fit nicely and your hands will be free to hold all the good food and beverages you’re going to buy. Viva Fiesta!
We’re running a contest! Leave a comment with a tip about Fiesta Arts Fair on this post and we’ll randomly select two commenters to receive Fiesta Arts Fair tickets. Comments must be received by Tuesday, 4/13 at Midnight (PST) in order to be eligible for the contest. Employees, vendors, sponsors and exhibiting artists are not eligible to win, but are more than welcome to leave a tip either way!
Bring a wagon for the younger children and all goodies! Mine will fit one 3 year old and a whole bunch of other things!
Love the greyhound picture, Shelley, nice touch!
Some artists will let you take home a piece of art on approval on Sat eve–just need to leave a credit card #. Buying should be completely fun experience so ask the artists what their policies are.
Write notes. There are soooooooo many goodies that I recommend that you make the rounds once, taking notes of all your favorite items. Also pick up business cards so that you can contact the artists again.
Don’t forget to take your camera! Take pictures of your kids making all of their wonderful crafts so they can remember how they were created. I still have the mosaic my daughter made last year in our dining room. And don’t forget sunscreen as well!
This’ll be my first visit so I don’t have any tips yet, but I hope I still will be eligible of the free tickets! That would make the first time ALL the more memorable. ~Hint hint~ Kidding.
Keep up the great posts on Facebook!
Find out about theFund, San Antonio’s United Art Fund and a proud supporter of Southwest School of Art and Craft. Stop by and visit with the volunteers at theFund Booth located at the entrance to the Children’s Garden. And on that subject: If you are bringing children, do not forget to schedule plenty of time to take the kids by the Children’s Garden.
You’ll definitely be eligible. And you’ll get the best inside scoop on what to do once you get there. Thanks for posting!
My 4 and 6 year old girls love Fiesta Arts Fair as much as I do. Get a bunch of tickets and sit them at all the crafts activities. They will have lots of art pieces to take home.
Bring along children(Neighbors or extended family members) that may not be as fortunate as your own children and give them a beautiful day to remember.
Wear a hat…it will be sunny and hot and easy to overheat. And do some people watching! I find myself mesmerized by all the wonderful items for sale, and I forget to look up at my fellow art patrons. Walk the whole fair at least once looking for familiar faces…you are sure to find some.
In addition to all the great tips above, here’s another one – meet and chat with the artists, but respect their time. They are interesting people with great stories, but remember they earn their livelihood through sales of their work. Hold off on your questions about technique until after the sale to the other patron.
Get there early and ready to spend some time. There’s lots of great art to see.
park at the Library for a short walk to the fair…then get a map…and walk each isle so you don’t miss anything! It’s the best of the best of Fiesta!!!!!!
Great music, too. Check the schedule online before you go so you don’t miss anyone you might want to see.
Don’t be an art snob! Each and every person who is in the fair loves art. It is very discouraging to hear others “be a negative critic”! Enjoy, and if you don’t like something you see, kindly keep it to yourself until out of earshot! Viva Fiesta!
Congratulations to Amy Visnaw and Nancy Resendez Battram. Using a random selection (through the site http://random.org), these two commenters were selected as winners. Each will receive two tickets to Fiesta Arts Fair. Thanks to everyone who made a comment before the deadline. If you didn’t leave a tip but have a good one, feel free to share it here. We’re always looking for great tips! I look forward to seeing each of you at the fair this weekend!