Pete’s Pick: Parks and Arts is Back

Parks and Arts, a program that brings performing and visual artists to neighborhood parks, is back for another season with a stellar lineup. The program kicks off later this month and will continue through October at parks across Roanoke.

The program is a collaboration with the City of Roanoke and neighborhood alliances to promote community involvement, arts and cultural diversity, and strengthen the entire community. Each event will be packed with fun and is 100 percent free!

Parks and Arts is designed for all ages and will highlight familiar arts and names as well as a few up and comers. Pick out a date or two, mark your calendars and then pack a picnic lunch and head to the park!

Parks and Arts Schedule

Golden Park: June 25

• Noon to 3 p.m.
• Performing artists: The Moyer Brothers, Taubman Museum of Art, Opera Roanoke, Mill Mountain Theatre, SWVA Ballet
• Visual artists: Art is Happening, Hat & Prop Making, Katherine Devine (banners for all ages)

Preston Park: July 16

• Noon to 3 p.m.
• Performing artists: Jim and Kimbo Carey, Einstein’s Monkey, Star City Swag
• Visual artists: Katherine Devine (face painting), Polly Branch (Seeing Nature with Watercolors)

Mountain View: Aug. 6

• Noon to 3 p.m.
• Performing artists: The Wright Kids, Rootstone Jug Band, Upscale Band Show
• Visual artists: Katherine Devine (face painting), Carlos Dowling (pottery), Charlene Graves (Let’s Color)

Elmwood Park: Aug. 27

• Noon to 3 p.m.
• Performing artists: Upscale Band and Show, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra
• Visual artists: Charlene Graves (Clay Critters), Polly Branch (Seeing Nature with Watercolors)

Horton Park: Oct. 1

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Performing artists: Carrington Kay, JoJo Stockton, Larnell Starkey and the Spiritual Seven
• Visual artists: Katherine Devine (face painting), Carlos Dowling (pottery), Charlene Graves (Let’s Color)

Make it a great weekend … outside!

— Pete