The Octagon Center for the Arts will present the 53rd annual Octagon Art Festival on September 22, 2024 in downtown Ames from 10 am – 4 pm. This event is free for the public to attend and includes many activities for the family to enjoy together. Approximately 90 artists from across the Midwest will showcase original artwork.  A percentage of artists will be demonstrating their craft or art form to provide an educational component to the event (clay throwing on pottery wheel, weaving, wood turning, metalsmithing, painting, etc). Free live entertainment performed by dance groups and musicians will be scheduled throughout the day. The Octagon coordinates a kids craft tent with different hands-on art activities for children to create and take home. 8-12 different food and beverage vendors will provide festival attendees with a wide variety of cuisine options.