36th Annual Berea Arts Fest

Freedom to Create, Celebrate and Connect at the 36th Annual Berea Arts Fest

Fresh off the excitement of our nation’s 250th birthday celebration, the 36th Annual Berea Arts Fest is keeping the spirit alive with this year’s inspiring theme, “Freedom of Expression.” Set against the scenic backdrop of Coe Lake on Sunday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the beloved festival invites everyone to spend the day celebrating creativity, community and fun.

“This year’s Fest is packed with incredible talent, unforgettable entertainment and interactive experiences for all ages,” says Fest Coordinator R!ch Cihlar. “We’ve assembled more than 130 local and national artists, outstanding musicians, fantastic food vendors and hands-on activities that make this one of our biggest and most exciting festivals yet.”

Returning to Coe Lake for its second year, the festival transforms the lakeside into a colorful outdoor gallery. Visitors can browse artist tents featuring everything from painting, photography and portraits to jewelry, ceramics, glass art, woodworking, enamel work, printmaking, stained glass, metalwork and mixed-media creations.

“The lake is the perfect place to spend the day,” says R!ch. “With walking trails, playgrounds, the amphitheater and beautiful places to relax and enjoy lunch, it’s a wonderful setting for families and friends.”

Everyone Has a Story to Share

One of this year’s standout attractions is the interactive Arts Fest House, a community art installation that encourages visitors to celebrate their individuality by creating a simple self-portrait as they walk through the exhibit.

“Our message is that everyone deserves the freedom to express themselves through art, words and creativity,” says R!ch. “Each portrait becomes part of a larger display that celebrates the unique people who make our community so special. It’s a fun, meaningful experience that’s open to everyone.”

Located near the main stage, the installation will be impossible to miss—and easy for everyone to join.

Come Hungry

The festival’s food lineup is bigger and tastier than ever, with something to satisfy every appetite.

“We wanted to offer a little bit of everything,” says R!ch. “From comfort food to international favorites, desserts and coffee, there’s something for every craving.”

Popular stops include bRaised in the CLE, Cousins Maine Lobster, Thai it Up and Southern Thangs, along with several other local favorites serving everything from buttery lobster rolls to flavorful Southern specialties.

Art Around Every Corner

Creativity doesn’t stay inside the artist tents. Throughout the festival, talented performers will entertain guests with live art, music and interactive performances.

Festival favorites returning this year include Joy Unspeakable, the Human Statue; North Pointe Ballet; Caricatures by Greg; Sarah Morrison; Don Davis; Anthony Kleem; Billy the Robot; Bill Kribbs; and Michelle Janosky.

Young artists can jump into the fun at the always-popular Kids Kreation Station, where children ages 3-12 can make pipe cleaner creations, toilet paper roll animals, kazoos, window-pane art and popsicle stick bookmarks. It’s hands-on, colorful fun that encourages imagination—and a little happy mess-making.

Music All Day Long

Live music keeps the celebration going from morning until evening.

Main Stage Schedule

10–11 a.m. – Martini Five-O
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Cowboy Princess Brigade
1–2 p.m. – JiMiller Band
2:30–3:30 p.m. – Loconti
4–5 p.m. – BW Beatles

The Acoustic Corner/Solo Stage will feature performances from noon to 4 p.m., including the popular Drum Circle with Don Davis, Tommy Discenzo and Bill Sanders, along with the Songwriter Showcase.

Giving Back Through the Arts

Festival guests can also participate in the annual art raffle, which helps fund the Berea Arts Fest and its college scholarship program supporting young artists. Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipient, Maddie Drost, who will attend Baldwin Wallace University this fall to study musical theater.

Getting there is easy with complimentary shuttle service provided by Baldwin Wallace University. Shuttles run from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., transporting visitors from the Bonds Building on Eastland Road directly to the festival entrances.

Best of all, admission is free. Guests are welcome to support the nonprofit Berea Arts Fest through optional online donations.

Whether you’re shopping for one-of-a-kind artwork, enjoying live music, exploring hands-on activities or simply soaking up the beautiful lakeside atmosphere, the Berea Arts Fest offers a joyful day of creativity, connection and community for everyone.

For the complete artist lineup, entertainment schedule and festival information, visit BereaArtsFest.org.