Artisphere is back on for 2021. 🎉 The annual fest celebrating arts + culture of the Upstate and beyond will officially return May 7-9, but with a few key changes. The key to attending Artisphere this year will be planning ahead (something that some of us type-A’s are *actually* looking forward to 😅).

We’re highlighting everything you need to know so you can be ready:

What’s new in 2021:

○ Artisphere will take place at a different location this year: South Main Street, from the intersection of River and Augusta to Markley at Fluor Field.

○ Capacity is limited, and it is strongly recommended that tickets are reserved in advance online (more details on tickets below). Reservations are good for 2.5-hour time slots and you can make yours here.

○ Masks are required for all who attend. Social distancing will be encouraged, + attendees should expect additional safety protocols to be in place around the fest and at artist booths. There will be plenty of sanitizing stations + hand-washing stations around the festival.

Getting tickets:

○ Tickets (read: those online reservations) are $5 per person — but basically free, because after entering the festival, attendees will receive a $5 coupon that can be used towards purchasing art at the event. Note: Those coupons can’t be used towards concessions or for artwork displayed in virtual exhibits.

○ You can reserve up to 12 tickets at a time. After reserving your spot, you'll receive an email with a link to your tickets. You can either print your tix, show your email, or have them sent to you via text. Just remember to save that text or email and/or bring the printed tickets with you to the gate.

○ Tickets will remain available online until the event reaches its capacity. You can buy them at the gate (with a credit card – no cash) only if there is space available.

Hours:

○ Friday, May 7: 12-8:30 p.m.

○ Saturday, May 8: 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

○ Sunday, May 9: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Arrival + parking:

○ Plan for closures on Main Street at River and Markley + other access points beginning at 4 a.m. on Thursday, May 6.

○ Parking will be available at nearby city garages (including accessible spots) for $6. There will also be parking available throughout the weekend at County Square (301 University Ridge), a short walk to the festival.

○ Visiting from out of town? Start planning your trip to GVL here.

What to bring:

○ A face mask. Attendees are required to wear a mask while at the event. 😷

○ Strollers or wheelchairs if needed. They will not be provided or available for rent at the festival. 🦽

○ An umbrella or rain jacket if the forecast calls for bad weather. Artisphere is on, rain or shine. ☔

What to leave at home:

○ Pets. Sorry, no Paw-cassos or Meow-calangelos allowed. 🐾

○ Food + drink. Water and soft drinks will be available on site at the festival. Due to mask requirements, though, no food will be permitted on the festival site – so eat first, or grab a bite after at one of the local spots nearby (many will be offering deals + specials throughout the weekend). 🥤

○ Lawn chairs, blankets, + coolers. All are prohibited within the festival site. 🪑

Learn more about Artisphere + reserve your tickets in advance here. Ⓟ

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