Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival is September 20 – 22 in downtown Augusta, Georgia. The festival is returning this year to its original location on Telfair Street and will encompass a large footprint that includes part of Greene Street, Telfair Street, the Old Medical College, old Richmond Academy, Parade grounds, the Municipal Building parking lot, and the Linda Beazley Room.

Brenda Durant, Executive Director of the Arts Council said “We are excited to return to our roots, knowing we had to move off Broad Street to accommodate the TIA projects we searched the City for a suitable replacement.  Securing the whole Municipal Building campus and the historic buildings and Parade Ground across the street could not have been a better fit.  We are looking forward to our new digs as we expand the Festival to fill our new space.” 

With over 100,000 attendees, the festival has grown to become an iconic representation of Arts in Georgia. We expect over 150 juried Fine Arts and Crafts artists this year, with artists coming from all over the United States to be a part of our award-winning festival. We are pleased to announce Menia Chester as our new Festival Chairperson for 2024. Menia said, “I’m excited about guiding the festival forward in its new location and presenting some very exciting and diverse performers this year!” 

Our five stages of non-stop entertainment include everything from hip hop to jazz to rock. This year we’re very excited to be featuring Augusta as a Music City. Thanks to a special grant from Destination Augusta, we will be featuring nationally renowned performers on the Global Stage and the Jazz Stage. Headline acts will be announced as they are secured. Music has grown to be a dynamic part of Arts in the Heart and that will be especially true this year.

The global food village is famous for its authentic taste of global cuisine and will tempt food lovers with 20 authentic cuisine booths. The large Family Area is packed with interactive children's activities, street performers, public art, and a Young Artists Market. Artzilla returns with local artists painting live all weekend. The Authors Lounge also returns and will feature Georgia authors and book signings. Limited edition 2024 Festival Merchandise will also be available, including the collectible Festival Teddy Bears. Last year we sold out of everything quickly.

Advanced Festival badges will be available online in July. Check the Festival website and social media for updates. Pets and coolers are not allowed in the Festival. Lawn chairs are welcomed. Arts in the Heart of Augusta is a rain or shine event.

Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival was named the Best Festival by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2020 and “Best for 2023” Festival (ranked 52^ndbest in the entire country!) by Sunshine Artist. We were also awarded Best Festival in 2023 by the readers of Augusta Magazine and Columbia County Magazine.

For more information visit artsintheheartofaugusta.com.