Visitor Information

Location

stART on the Street takes place on Park Avenue from Highland Street to Pleasant Street in the heart of Worcester, MA. Keep in mind if you use directions obtained from an online mapping service, some neighborhood streets will be re-routed during the festival (use Park Ave & Highland St. for a destination).

Google Maps directions to stART on the Street and suggested parking areas 

The festival is large and there are not many places to sit down so plan accordingly - comfortable shoes and a portable beach chair are a must! Or bring a blanket and have a picnic in nearby Elm Park.

About the Festival

If you've never been to stART on the Street, the festival consists of 250+ artists and crafters displaying their items for sale in the center of Park Ave, some with tents. The festival route is lined with area businesses, stores and restaurants. The Highland Street end of the festival includes historic Elm Park with grassy areas perfect for picnicking and the Main Stage located on the street level, with limited seating. The Pleasant Street end of the festival includes the Youth Activites area.

Centrally located in the Bank of America Tower parking lot is the Food Court with seating areas and public rest rooms.

Parking

Please be mindful of no parking signs and do not block any narrow streets near the festival. Free bicycle parking is available from Worcester Earn-a-Bike, located at the intersection of Elm Street and Park Avenue. Although there is no one specific parking area for stART on the Street, there are MANY side streets and small lots around Park Avenue.  Please be aware that Bank North (at 295 Park Avenue is open on Sundays so do not block their business parking spaces as you may be towed.

Information

Information booths are located at either end of the festival, where you can purchase a nifty 2011 T-shirt, limited edition reusable waer bottled, vintage stART on the Street T-shirts, "I support local artists" vinyl stickers and lime green shopping bags! Also find band and performance schedules and sponsor information.

Artists & Crafters

Over 250 arts and crafts vendors will be selling their handmade items. Not all vendors accept credit cards so it is best to bring cash to pay for your purchases, although there are some ATM machines along the festival route. Planning on purchasing arts and crafts??? (of course you are)...purchase a stART on the Street shopping bag to carry your goodies, available at the information booths.

Bands

There will be 4 stages set up on the street offering varied performances throughout the day. Street acts will perform throughout the festival and selected bands will be selling CD’s and other promotional materials – hey – if you like their music, support them and buy their stuff!

Street Performers

Performers are located throughout the festival area.  We have some exciting acts coming this year! 

Kids Activities

Kids Activities are located in the lot in front of C.C. Lowell’s store. Activities include face painting, community mural, button making, printmaking, weaving and other fun projects sponsored by local organizations. Most activities are free. Please do not leave children unattended in the kids area.

Food Court

Local food vendors will be offering a wide variety of selections in the Food Court and in selected also along the festival route. Food vendors accept cash only. Tables and chairs are provided but feel free to bring a blanket or chair and relax in nearby Elm Park. 

Non-Profit Organizations

Over 20 local organizations will be spreading the word about the wonderful programs they host in your community. Find them along the sidewalk of Park Avenue along Elm Park.

Vintage Vendors

Local vendors selling fabulous vintage items will be located in the parking lot of JN Phillips Glass at the intersection of Park Avenue and Elm Street.

Trash and Recycling

Numerous trash receptacles will be available throughout the festival. Please properly dispose of your trash and recycle your cans and bottles.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in public areas at stART on the Street. Biagio’s, Leitrum’s, Haiku and El Basha restaurants will be open and offer full bar service on their property.

Public Toilets

Portable toilets are located in the Bank of America lot at 255 Park Avenue and in front of the Alarm building across from Elm Park.

Pets

Pets are welcome at stART on the Street but please be a responsible pet-owner and keep the festival area clean and keep dogs on a leash!

Etc.

• Keep in mind there is little or no shade on Park Avenue – wear sunscreen or a hat to protect yourself from the sun
• The festival ends at 5pm which gives artists limited time to pack up before the street re-opens. Do your shopping early to give them ample time!
• We are always seeking volunteers at the festival!! Want to help out? Visit the volunteer booth on the sidewalk near That's Entertainment