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Downtown Plymouth transforms into arts celebration for 12th Annual ARTS in the Street Festival on July 25th

Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 10:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

Downtown Plymouth is about to become a canvas. On Saturday, July 25th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the 12th Annual ARTS in the Street Festival returns to Michigan Street, filling three blocks of downtown with more than 70 artists and makers, live entertainment, interactive experiences, local food, and family-friendly fun. Presented by Heartland Art Center, the event is free and open to everyone.

Now one of northern Indiana's premier one-day arts celebrations, ARTS in the Street has grown into an important showcase for the region's creative economy — connecting buyers directly with the artists behind the work.

"ARTS in the Street is more than an art festival — it's a celebration of the people whose creativity makes our communities stronger," said Anna Kietzman, President of Heartland Art Center. "Every artist, performer, musician, food vendor, volunteer, and community partner helps create an experience that connects people, supports small creative businesses, and demonstrates how the arts contribute to a vibrant, thriving downtown."

More than 70 independent artists and makers from across Indiana and the surrounding region will line the streets, representing original paintings, ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, glass, fiber art, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and more. Every purchase directly supports a small creative business and gives buyers the rare opportunity to meet the artist and hear the story behind each piece.

The Main Stage will feature performances by Rockwood from LaPorte, Alex Hutchek of Fort Wayne, and Latin band Los Electros, also from Fort Wayne. Festivalgoers can also enjoy acoustic performances by Claire Hoekstra and Rayna Dickson, along with showcases by Expressions Dance Studio, Core Dance Centre, and The Dolls.

Beyond shopping and music, ARTS in the Street offers hands-on fun throughout the day. Families can take part in a festival scavenger hunt, help paint a large community mural, leave their mark in the Graffiti Zone, create sand art, and watch traditional weaving and spinning demonstrations. Beloved street entertainers return as well — including Copper the Living Statue, magician Norman Basile, and chalk artist John Buggs. Artists of all ages are invited to enter the annual Chalk Art Contest for a chance to win prizes. Face painting and balloon art round out the activities for younger attendees.

Eleven food vendors and a beer and wine garden will serve up a wide variety of options, including barbecue, brisket, pulled chicken, Philly cheesesteaks, tacos, burritos, loaded potatoes, gourmet grilled cheese, soups, Italian ice, coffee, baked goods, fresh juices, lemon shake-ups, dirty sodas, and more.

The festival is rain or shine, with indoor plans in place if needed. For a complete schedule, artist lineup, and festival map, visit heartlandartcenter.org or follow Heartland Art Center on Facebook and Instagram.

ARTS in the Street is made possible through the generous support of Champion Sponsors Edward Jones and Greg & Susan Payne, as well as Guardian Sponsors Hoosier Tire, The Kietzman Family, Renewal by Andersen, AK Industries, and Growing Kids Learning Centers. A complete sponsor list is available at HeartlandArtCenter.org.

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