Smithfield is hosting its very first Arts Festival! Celebrate visual, performing, literary and culinary arts along Main Street in downtown Smithfield with a juried art show, fine craft vendors, food, live performances and more on Saturday, May 21, 2022.

Planned activities include: demonstrations by artists, a children's "make and take" art project, a story walk along Hayden's Lane, children's story time, "meet and greets" with local authors, a collaborative art project, live demos, a food court, cocktail garden.

Shuttle Pickups: 518 Main Street (former Little’s Market) and the Commuter Lot at the corner of Main and Route 10. Guests will be dropped at the 300 block of Main Street & Cary Street and will run from 9 am to 5 pm.

LIVE PERFORMANCES:

1750 Isle of Wight Courthouse will present Trial by Jury, a live theatrical re-enactment based on an actual court case from the late 1700's. Performances at 10, 11, 12, 2, and 3 p.m. Tickets $5 each, children 6 and under are free. For tickets visit https://1750courthouse.com/

Tidewater Dogs of War will present a duel re-enactment. The group is the first full contact, medieval armored combat team in Southeast Virginia with members from Richmond to the NC border. They will be located in front of Perfectly Natural Soap on the lawn. Free.

LIVE MUSIC:

9:00 am to 12:00 noon: Enjoy the acoustic sounds of Gaylon Ryan on the porch at the Historic Smithfield Inn. Free.

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: Enjoy the sounds of James Arellano playing acoustic easy listening tunes with good vibes, at the Art Center @319 Main Street. Free.

12 noon - 2 p.m. Local acoustic guitarist, singer and songwriter Jim Master will perform at Taste of Smithfield (217 Main Street). Free 

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.: Hear the sounds of Patrick Wray featuring 60's - present day acoustic and vocals covering pop, rock, folk, alternative and county music at the Gazebo stage at 224 Main Street. Free.

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.: Enjoy the sounds of Louis C. Vangieri playing acoustic instrumental, folk music. Free. Louis will be playing on the porch at the Smithfield Inn at 112 Main Street in Smithfield. Free.

Additionally...

Thursday - Sunday, May 19 - 22

Smithfield Little Theatre presents the musical "Hand on Hard Body." Inspired by the true events of the acclaimed 1997 documentary of the same name by S.R. Bindler, produced by Kevin Morris and Bindler. Please note: some material not suitable for children. Tickets: Adults $18, Students $10. Get tickets at www.smithfieldlittletheatre.org.

Friday, May 20:

Open Mic Night at Christ Episcopal Church, 111 S. Church Street in Downtown Smithfield, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Open to all...free event.

Third Fridays under the Stars Enjoy live music beginning at 4:30 p.m. Summerwind will be open until 9:30 p.m. Golden Girls Theme with cheesecake wine pairing flights and they encourage dressing up as your favorite golden girl! Specials for that evening begin at 4:00 p.m. Check them out on Facebook.

Sunday, May 22:

Sunday's at Four Concert Series will present a solo recital by tenor, Ricky Goodwyn, Jr. featuring opera arias, folk songs and more. A free-will offering will be taken to support Ricky's education to further his musical studies. Concert will be held at Christ Church, 111 S. Church Street on Sunday, May 22 at 4:00 p.m. Christ Episcopal Church will also be open for tours on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Visit their facebook page here.

Juried Art Show Participants:

David Allen, Pen & Ink                                                                                           

Tammy Burgett, Alcohol Ink

Kazuko Fuller, Mixed Media/Jewelry

Maria Hargis, Acrylic

Jane Keckler, Watercolor

Randall Maynard, Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor

Diane Milner, Jewelry

Catherine Minga, Oil

Leanne Moss, Oil

Mike O'Shell, Photography

John Tobin, Sculpture

Heidi Wurm, Stained Glass

Fine Crafters:

4U Handcrafted Jewelry Designs

Granite Creations

Just Gorgeous Custom Wreaths

Crackling Hearth Candles

Darlene's Glass Cafe

Grow Holistic

Mako Custom Creations

Marie Payne

Patricia Roberts

Sandy's Creations

Tedious Little Things

Whimsical Treasures, LLC

Thomas Wilson

Thread Divas

Turner's Turnings

Admission
Free