Park Avenue is expecting its seasonal stampede of patrons and pedestrians as the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival celebrates its 64th event, March 17-19. This year’s list of 215 artists will feature more than 30 first-time exhibitors, and the awards program will be expanded with the first presentation of the Monte Livermore Celebration of Nature Award. Click here for a look at last year’s festival.
An estimated 250,000 visitors attend the three-day event with many turning their attention to retail and restaurant offerings near the festival zone. The following street closures will be in effect between 5 a.m. Friday, March 17, and 8 p.m. Sunday, Match 19:
- Garfield Avenue
- Lincoln and East Welbourne Avenues, from Center Street to Park Avenue
- Morse Boulevard, from South Knowles to South New York Avenues
- New England Avenue from West Park Avenue to Center Street
- Park Avenue from West Canton to Lyman Avenues
Restaurants located within the street closures must make a request with the city if they wish to expand outdoor dining into the right of way. Retail businesses are allowed one display table or rack outside their establishment during the weekend, but requests must be made for additional displays.
Applications for restaurant and retail requests are available here and must be submitted no later than Wednesday, March 15.
The first official event will happen way before the artists arrive as Central Park hosts the free festival kickoff concert on March 11 from 3-9 p.m., featuring Spirogyra. Festival hours will be 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 17-18, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on March 19. Guests are advised that no pets, bicycles, motorized scooters or skateboards will be allowed inside the festival areas. For more information, visit WPSAF.org or call 407 644-7207.