About
Every year the streets of Historic Old Redford are transformed into a space for discovery, dancing, innovation, and joy. Sidewalk Festival doesn’t use traditional stages—artists are challenged to create site-specific performance and installation art for the alleys, gardens, storefronts, courtyards, parking lots and streets of Old Redford. This festival serves as an annual sacred space on the first weekend of August for the gathering of boundary-pushing artists, residents, curious art-lovers, and those of adventurous spirit.
Sidewalk Festival is produced and managed by Sidewalk Detroit.
What to
Expect
The experience of being immersed in the Artist Village during Sidewalk Festival serves as an opportunity to shift your perspective about what to expect in Detroit and in yourself. Every wall is painted with splashes of color, and every turn through the winding corridors brings you to an unexpected performance or piece of art. You may find yourself joyfully integrated into the performance of visual artists, storytellers, dancers and musicians.
BRING A CHAIR OR BLANKET
The street is our living room, but the
couches and chairs fill up fast.
EAT AMAZING FOOD
There will be amazing food throughout the
festival, but be sure to check out Sweet Potato
Sensations + MotorCity Java!
EXPLORE THE SPACE
Many of the art installations are interactive,
so don’t be afraid to get involved.
You can learn more about where to park and see our parking map here
About Artist
Village
Visit Artist Village to learn more.
Artist Village Detroit an independent organization and key partner in Sidewalk Festival. It is located in the Old Redford District was founded in 2003 by Alicia Marion George (affectionately known as the Queen of The Village), Charles "Chazz" Miller (founder of Public Art Workz and resident artist of AVD), and John George founder of the Motor City Blight Busters a non-profit housing organization it's mission is to revitalize and stabilize the neighborhoods in the city of Detroit.
Artist Village Detroit is a creative enclave in the old Redford neighborhood in Northwest Detroit.
A once an abandoned commercial strip serves as the center of the village and houses the historic Redford Theatre, a small coffee shop, vintage clothing store, and an art education program, and more. It hosts live music, poetry jams, church service, summer art camps, and additional community events throughout the year. The spirit and history of the neighborhood is shared through illustrative murals painted on each building and through colorful stories swapped between neighbors over cups of coffee at the village
Java House.
Supporters + Partners
