The streets of Little Italy will be more colorful than ever this weekend: Mission Fed ArtWalk returns for its 38th installment — showcasing 250+ local, national, and international artists at an outdoor festival for the ages (and for all ages).

The free event runs from Sat., April 30-Sun., May 1, and also features live music (there’s a new stage), food, drinks, and activities. Here’s a rundown of the artsy affair, so you can make the most of your time there.

The best part of ArtWalk is getting to meet the artists. | Photo via Candice Audick

🗓️ The 411

The popular street fest runs from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday + 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
It spans 15 blocks along India Street — from Beech to Fir streets; here’s a map.
There are several parking options — or you could take the Trolley’s Green Line to the County Center/Little Italy stop, which is a short walk to the fest.
ArtWalk helps support the local nonprofit, ArtReach San Diego, which brings art lessons into schools that lack resources for arts education.

Rows upon rows of art booths make this event super colorful. | Photo via Candice Audick

🎨 The artists

As always, rows upon rows of booths highlighting the works of hundreds of artists will line the streets. As you browse, you can stop and talk with the artists — and buy the pieces directly from the creators.

Expect fine art across mediums like painting, sculpture, glass work, photography, and jewelry. Organizers say this crop of 2022 Featured Artists also represent “some of the most captivating work at the show.”

Live music across several stages is another highlight of the street fest. | Photo via Dan Audick

🎷 What’s new?

There’s always live music across multiple stages but this year, there’s a new “Gator by the Bay” stage at Piazza della Famiglia (at Date and Columbia streets) that’ll give you a taste of the “Mardi Gras in May” festival that’s going down at Spanish Landing Park from Thurs., May 5-Sun., May 8. The NOLA vibes will be strong here. 🐊
This year, there’s a Vinyl Art Auction featuring 100+ works of art on vinyl records designed by 50 local artists. Proceeds support ArtReach — you can bid here. 🖌️
Saturday’s interactive art activity is a suncatcher with Pinata Alcohol inks on polyester sheets, while Sunday’s activity is a DIY block printing. ✂️