Every fall, Chapel Hill is treated to the Festifall Arts Festival.

But, earlier in October, the 43rd annual Festifall Arts Festival was cancelled due to the threat of severe weather.  It was the first time that Festifall has been cancelled.  Up until 1995, the Town of Chapel Hill reserved a rain date for the event each year for the following Sunday.  But, the event grew in size and complexity.  This made the logistics and expense of a rain date not feasible for the Town, artists, entertainers, and contractors.

But, despite Festifall’s cancellation, the Town of Chapel Hill has found a way to bring the popular event back.

Immerse yourself in the arts with the Festifall virtual artist market.  You can browse and shop with the unique vendors of Festifall online until Friday, October 23.

This one of a kind event will feature over 30 artisans from all over the South representing the finest in painting, photography, jewelry, glass, ceramics, wood, metal, fiber and mixed media artworks.

Amanda Fletcher, Supervisor of Festivals and Community Celebrations with the Town of Chapel Hill says:

“Festifall may have been cancelled, but the fun isn’t over! We wanted to give our talented artists from our juried show the opportunity to showcase their work and promote their business with our online community. Artists have been very receptive to the idea and have created some great discounts and products for our patrons!”

Debi L. Drew, a participating artist stated:

“After the considerate cancellation of Festifall, due to inclement weather and safety concerns for the public and artists, Chapel Hill’s Festifall team has come up with a superb opportunity for all involved. The Online Market gives us a new venue to showcase our uniquely handcrafted items to the community. What a wonderful solution!”

Follow Festifall on Facebook and Twitter to receive notifications regarding the special discounts and sales.

But, that is not all.

Mark your calendars.  Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation will promote a Festival in the Park event on Saturday, November 14, from 12pm-4pm, featuring Live Entertainment, Food Trucks and some of your favorite community arts organizations.

festival in the parkAbout the park take over, Amanda says, ”

“Hundreds of park patrons and soccer leagues players are already scheduled to be at the park on this date, and we plan to build on that momentum, to invite the community to join us for a park take over and community event.”

See list of vendors and performers here.

Presented by Food Lion, the Food Lion Better Bus will make a stop in the park too, with shopping cart races and free park survival kits full of great foods and snacks for everyone. Don’t miss all the fun, and join us for a Festival in the Park at Southern Community Park!