Creative Campus and the Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission will be presenting the fourth annual Druid City Arts Festival Saturday, April 6.

The festival’s purpose is to celebrate music and art in the community of Tuscaloosa. There will be 12 musical acts throughout the day and a “Fun Zone” with activities for kids. In addition to the festival, shops and restaurants downtown will have special offers for those who attend.

Chase Sanders is a member of Creative Campus and is in charge of the festival this year. He said those who attend can expect absolute fun.

“We will have over 40 artists displaying and selling their amazing artwork and crafts along with food vendors, live original music and many more activities,” Sanders, a senior majoring in music administration, said. “The festival always brings a great atmosphere to the downtown area that people enjoy.”

Additionally, this year the festival has teamed up with Temporary Emergency Services. They will be having a canned food drive during the day.

“All attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food item to donate,” Sanders said. “Each donation will enter the person into a door-prize drawing that includes wonderful items from merchants around the Tuscaloosa community.”

The festival features a multi-genre line up and serves as a way to showcase the many different talents in Tuscaloosa.

Laura Coby, a freshman majoring in English, said she believes the festival opens the community up to new ideas of creativity.

“It broadens the creative spectrum that we have in town,” she said. “It really opens people up to new opportunities and embraces the culture that we have in the town.”

Coby also said she is excited to hear several of the local acts, including Golightly.

“I’m so excited for Golightly,” she said. “I’ve heard them before and really like their singer-songwriter feel.”

Sanders said he believes the festival helps show a new side to Tuscaloosa people may not be familiar with.

“The city of Tuscaloosa is growing at a fast rate, and visitors are taking notice of all the city has to offer besides Alabama football,” he said. “Tuscaloosa has a vibrant arts scene that is starting to gain more exposure, and this festival helps to bring the community together to see what all their community can offer.”

Sanders hopes the festival will one day draw in those who live outside of Tuscaloosa.

“We are striving to have the festival become a major attraction that will bring outside visitors to Tuscaloosa on a Saturday in late spring,” he said. “It is all about growing the Tuscaloosa community and celebrating what all is available in this great city.”

The Druid City Arts Festival will be held Saturday, April 6, at Government Plaza. The festival will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, a special edition magazine will be available on Crimson White newsstands for students on Friday.

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