ArtWalk: A Monthly Art Festival Downtown
Every Second Thursday, 5 - 8 p.m.
Downtown Abilene
Presented by The Center for Contemporary Arts
ArtWalk features art museums and galleries open and free to the public from 5 until 8 p.m., as well as visual and performing arts along Cypress Street in downtown Abilene.
Support ArtWalk!
Become a sponsor!
Find out how your business or organization can lend its financial support to an upcoming ArtWalk.
Get your name in front of the community, email or call (325) 677-8389
Be an ArtWalk Vendor
About ArtWalk
The Center-coordinated monthly mini arts festival features different themes that highlight the best of the visual and performing arts in Abilene. Every second Thursday, Abilene’s Downtown Cultural District comes alive with anywhere between 800 to 1400 individuals. ArtWalk is a family-friendly event that enables a broad cross-section of the community to enjoy free offerings of art and entertainment that involve over 120 businesses and organizations annually. Visitors come from Abilene, the Big Country, and even further to see the work of the artists and performers and to shop and eat downtown.
The Center's Board of Trustees, Artist Members, and staff continually work to refine the ArtWalk program to allow a broader demographic to become involved in the event.
Gallery talks, by exhibiting artists, give visitors an understanding of the creative process behind the work. Students, artists, and art-admirers alike can join the discussion of art and artistic expression. The Center consistently strives to expand and refresh ArtWalk programming to gain more exposure for artists of all ages and expressions in the Big Country region and to promote cultural tourism.
The Center's ArtWalk continues to serve as a model for other cities seeking revitalization by creating similar programs that focus on the arts. The Center's collaboration with Grace Museum, The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, and The Paramount Theater has made it a critical stimulus for the promotion and support of the arts in Abilene.
Download this Fact Sheet
Visual Arts at ArtWalk
The following Art museums and galleries are always open and free to the public on ArtWalk nights.
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, these events may be altered or canceled. Check the organization's webpage for current hours of operation.
The Center for Contemporary Arts, 220 Cypress Street
Exhibiting original, contemporary art and photography by local and Texas artists in five galleries.
The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress Street
An art museum featuring rotating exhibits, as well as a history museum and children's museum all in one historic building. Open and free to the public during ArtWalk, with make-and-take art activities for children.
The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, 102 Cedar Street
A gallery dedicated to exhibiting the art of children's picture books and sharing art experiences with school children in the Big Country. Open during ArtWalk and always free to the public. Make-and-take art activities or gallery talks by exhibiting artists often take place during ArtWalk.
Calypso Gallery, 1133 North 2nd Street, Ste. 102
An independent art gallery, specializing in art lessons of a wide variety.
The Cockerell Galleries Upstairs, 1133 North 2nd Street
Working artist studios and a small gallery upstairs above 2nd Street, open to the public during ArtWalk.
Abilene Public Library, 202 Cedar Street
See the library's mural, painted by a local artist, in the children's section and stick around for the children's make-and-take art activities.
Performing Arts at ArtWalk
ArtWalks usually include musical, dance, or theatrical performances. Depending on the time of year and the weather, you may find a performance inside The Center, on the street, or in a downtown park.
Performances generally feature local artists, including students and young performers. Past performances have included everything from Hip Hop and flash mobs to belly dancing, country music to jazz, and poetry readings to historical reenactments. Something different every month!
Downtown During ArtWalk
Community Organizations
Many of our local nonprofit organizations set up booths during ArtWalk to provide information about ways our community can help others in need.
Street Vendors
You'll always find a variety of artists and craftsmen selling their work at booths on the street during ArtWalk. Look for them along Cypress Street and North Second Street near Cypress.
Historic Paramount Theatre
Down the street from The Center, the Paramount Theatre often hosts special films, live performances, or special artist presentations during ArtWalk.
Downtown Restaurants
Cypress Street Station, The Beehive, McKay's Bakery, Abi-Haus, Fat Boss's Pub, and Monk's Coffee Shop are generally open during ArtWalk, and you can often find food trucks on the streets as well.