Arts in the Heart of Augusta fest gets underway downtown

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The annual Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival has returned with a weekend packed full of entertainment, music, local artists, food from all over the world and more.

Friday is finally here, which means the 2023 festival starts at 5 p.m. in downtown Augusta. There will be more than 130 artists at the artist market, three stages with performances, 19 international food booths, family fun and more.

Arts in the Heart will be held from Friday through Sunday in downtown Augusta. The hours are 5-9 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The turnout this year is expected to be one of the largest.

Organizers expect about 100,000 people to hit the streets this weekend to see what vendors have in store.

“I seen a lot today. I seen how many vendors came out to Augusta to support us. Augusta, please come on out,” said a participant.

With crowds like that, there will be first alert traffic, weather, and safety impacts.

Safety is always top of mind with any event, but Arts in the Heart especially, with thousands going to downtown Augusta.

The sheriff’s office is monitoring the area all day every day from now until the festival, and Central EMS will provide onsite medical care during festival hours.

Some downtown streets that will be closed to traffic, including:

• Jones Street and McCartan Street to Broad Street.
• One lane of Reynolds Street from Ninth and 10th streets.

Officials say these closures will stay in place even after the festival ends, and until Richmond County deputies say the roads are safe for traffic.

To find the festival map, performance schedules, vendor list, ticket information, rules and more, head over to the 2023 festival website.

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