William Edmondson Arts & Culture Fest 2026: Nashville, October 24

Nashville’s William Edmondson Arts & Culture Fest connects an art outing with the legacy of a pioneering local sculptor. On October 24, 2026, the grounds of the former Murrell School host an art-and-craft fair, performances, artist demonstrations and activities for children. Free admission and parking make it possible to explore the program at a family’s own pace.

Event details

• Date and hours: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Central time.
• Venue: Grounds of the former Murrell School, now the MNPS Visual & Performing Arts Department, 1450 14th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212.
• Admission and parking: Free.
• Organizer: Friends of the William Edmondson Homesite Park and Gardens.

Plan with the official William Edmondson Arts & Culture Fest information and the magazine’s William Edmondson Arts & Culture Fest database profile.

What visitors can expect

The organizer’s current program combines live music and other performances with artist demonstrations and a Kids Zone. The fair provides opportunities to look at work and engage with creative practice, while the demonstrations offer a closer view of making. Check the latest program for the specific artists and activities appearing this year.

A Nashville artist’s enduring legacy

William Edmondson, a self-taught sculptor, became the first African American artist to receive a solo exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art in 1937. The festival uses his legacy as the starting point for a community celebration of Nashville’s arts and culture. That connection gives the day a purpose beyond shopping: it asks visitors to recognize the creative history of the city around them.

Planning your visit

Use the former Murrell School address for arrival. A festival named for the homesite park should not be assumed to take place inside the park itself. Allow time for both looking at art and joining a demonstration or family activity, and consult the organizer for the current site layout and any access arrangements you need.

Prepare for an outdoor visit and check the forecast before leaving. Families may find it helpful to choose one or two activities to anchor the day, leaving room to browse between them. Contact the organizer for any participation requirements attached to particular workshops or demonstrations.

Information for artists and before you go

Artists seeking participation details should use the organizer’s current contacts and application announcements. Recheck the official event page for the final program, weather notices and visitor updates before traveling.

Explore more destinations in our upcoming shows directory, Weekend Art Show Finder and Show Guides archive.

Organizer information checked October 18, 2026. Featured image is an AI-generated editorial concept, not event photography.