It is almost here, my favorite downtown San Diego annual event is less than two weeks away! The 27th annual Little Italy ArtWalk, aka the Mission Federal ArtWalk, will be held in Little Italy on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, 2011 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 Streets are the primary cross-streets (India Street is closed to vehicle traffic during the 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, several stages will showcase an amazing lineup of 30 musical performing groups and live dance 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. You can see what kids activities are being offered by clicking on the organizations’ name on this list.

New this year, print out the passport (the link is about half way down the page where it says Win Prizes with the Mission Federal ArtWalk Passport) and earn the chance to win prizes as you explore ArtWalk. There are seven stations that you must visit and get a stamp from each one. Once you have all seven stamps on your passport you can enter it to win. Prizes include JetBlue airline tickets, gift certificates and original artwork. This new feature sponsored by the Union Tribune’s Night and Day is designed to guide you throughout Artwalk so you don’t miss a thing and have a little fun (and a chance to win a great prize) in the process.

ArtReach, a local non-profit art education program, will be holding a raffle for original artwork donated by six different Mission Federal ArtWalk artists. Click here to see the artwork in this year’s raffle and to enter to win. For as little as $10 or $20 you can win a fantastic piece of original art and support an important art service to schools who don’t have the resources to do it on their own.

Residents of Little Italy buildings including; La Vita, Aperture, Acqua Vista, 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 29 so residents and visitors will need to make alternative plans.

It is well worth navigating through the crowd at this amazing art event. The streets and restaurants of Little Italy are sure to be packed! Be prepared for amazing art, fun and impressive music and dance performances, fabulous food and drink, and a genuine good time! You may not be able to fully enjoy it in one day…so; you may want to go both days!