The artsiest fests on the block are back this spring in Richardson, blooming brightly with a creative wonderland of artistic works, mainstage-worthy music, culinary treats, and so much more.
It’s the 54th year for Cottonwood Art Festival (May 6-7) and the 31st for Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival (May 19-21). Here’s what you need to know about both:
Cottonwood Art Festival
What to expect: No matter your art personality type, you’ll find something to love amid more than 200 global artists’ juried work, spanning paintings and sculpture to ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, fine glass, woodwork, mixed media, and photography.
Make sure to look for Artist of the Year Karina Llergo, who studied with famed Mexican artist Roberto Cortazar and portraitist Enrique Estrada.
There’s also live music across two stages along with an arts-and-crafts area for the kiddos and plenty of food and drink for all on tap.
Where: Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Belt Line Rd.
When: Saturday, May 6, 10 am-7 pm; Sunday, May 7, 10 am-5 pm.
Tickets: Admission and parking are both free, with shuttles running continuously between the park and the Richardson High School football stadium lot.
History lesson: Celebrating 54 years, the award-winning Cottonwood Art Festival is a twice-yearly juried show that has become a signature art event in the community and beyond. The festival also provides innovative outreach programs for students, with the goal of broadening interest in visual arts and bringing the art world into classrooms.
More details: CottonwoodArtFestival.com
Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival
What to expect: With five stages and 100-plus performers, including Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band, X Ambassadors, The Romantics, Little River Band, Judah & The Lion, and more, your listening schedule will be packed at this fest.
Beyond the stages, the Wildflower! Marketplace is a one-stop-shop for local and regional accessories, art, home decor, apparel, and more.
There’s also an art guitar auction, songwriter competition, and a Performance Row that features street performers, acrobats, and magicians. Plus, look for Wildflower! Kids, a family-fun zone with art, games, informative activities, and kid-friendly tunes.
Where: Galatyn Park Urban Center, located at Galatyn Parkway and U.S. 75.
When: Friday, May 19, 6 pm-midnight; Saturday, May 20, 11 am-midnight; Sunday, May 21, 11 am-6 pm.
Tickets: Friday and Saturday are $35, Sunday is $20, and kids 12 and under are free. A three-day pass is $75. Richardson residents can score tickets for only $15.
History lesson: Wildflower! began as a small community gathering in 1993 and has since become one of the most popular cultural events in North Texas, with tens of thousands of fans showing up for their favorite artists.
More details: WildflowerFestival.com
Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Art Festival
Karina Llergo is Artist of the Year at this year's Cottonwood Art Festival.
