It is almost here, my favorite San Diego annual event is less than two weeks away! The 26th annual Little Italy ArtWalk, aka the Mission Federal ArtWalk San Diego, will be held in Little Italy on Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25 from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The ArtWalk event extends from the trolley stop on Beech Street (southern border of event), to the northern end of Fir Street (north border of event). Kettner, India and Columbia are the primary cross-streets (India Street is closed to vehicle traffic during the event).

As I walked my dog through Little Italy this evening I saw all of the “No Parking / Tow-away” signs which have been posted throughout the neighborhood for the upcoming event. Residents of Little Italy buildings including; La Vita, Aperture, AcquaVista, Village Walk, Portico and more, will all find themselves in the midst of all the action. Street parking will not be allowed on many of the Little Italy streets beginning on Friday, April 23 so residents and visitors will need to make alternative plans. As a resident, I am so excited to live so close to this awesome event!

Over 300 artists turn out for this event each year, displaying a variety of art types. Over 100,000 people attend each year to check out the art displays and enjoy live performances, music, food and activities.

In addition to all of the beautiful art on display, six stages will showcase an amazing lineup of 25 musical performing groups and live performances. Check out the performance schedule so that you don’t miss out!

KidsWalk activities and the Art Miles Murals will be held at Amici Park on Date Street, three blocks east of India Street. Local arts organizations will team up with ArtWalk to offer fun and creative hands-on projects for kids throughout the ArtWalk weekend; including Shoes of Hope, Ocean Art, Face Painting and Animal Masks, Mini Kite Making, art projects made from recycled and reclaimed items, and interactive music performances.

ArtReach Silent Auction: Attendees can bid on the opportunity to win an original portrait of themselves, their families and/or a pet from a line-up of talented artists. Mission Federal ArtWalk artists will create these original portraits in support of ArtReach, a local non-profit art education program. Mission Federal ArtWalk has teamed with more than 14 artists who are willing to donate their time to paint customized artwork for the winning bidders at a designated area at the festival.

ArtWalk is sure to be fantastic!  It is well worth navigating through the crowds at this amazing art event. The streets and restaurants of Little Italy are sure to be packed!