A creative weekend lies ahead for downtown Raleigh as the annual SPARKcon event rolls out across three city blocks. Described as a “creative potluck” of more than 200 activities and events, the multi-street festival is organized by the Visual Art Exchange and touts several creative themes including art, music, film, fashion, and more.
From street-side art installations and interactive exhibitions to live circus, dance, and musical performances on four outdoor stages and a packed bazaar of local vendors with foods, fashions, and artwork, there truly is something that will interest everyone.
![[Photo by SPARKcon]](http://blog.hpw.com/files/2016/09/SPARKcon2015-108.jpg)
![[Photo by Dan Hacker]](http://blog.hpw.com/files/2016/09/Copy-of-Dan-Hacker-SPARKcon2015-17.jpg)
![[Photo by Rachel Berbec]](http://blog.hpw.com/files/2016/09/Copy-of-RachelBerbec_fashionspark12-1-of-1.jpg)
SPARKcon event details:
Where:
Downtown Raleigh
When:
Thursday, Sept. 15 through Sunday, Sept. 18
Cost:
FREE
Parking:
Street parking around the footprint of SPARKcon will be free on Saturday and Sunday. Meter rates will still apply on Friday. Parking decks will also be open, but may require parking fees.
Event Info:
A complete schedule of the SPARKcon “SPARKS” available for you to enjoy can be found here.
– artSPARK: 700 streetpainters, art galleries, art installations and kids activities.
– bazaarSPARK: Street bazaar of 50+ artists and designers.
– circusSPARK: Acrobats, aerialists, firedancers, jugglers and parkour acrobats perform and host workshops.
– comedySPARK: Comedy and improv showcases and stand-up on the R-Line public bus.
– geekSPARK: Interactive media showcase of local game design, art, and tech.
– danceSPARK: Performances and workshops showcasing a wide variety of local dancers and styles.
– designSPARK: Exhibitions and interactive street programming showcasing local architectural, graphic, industrial, interior, furniture, and landscape designers.
– fashionSPARK: Runway show, featuring 15 local fashion designers and an accessories trunk show.
– filmSPARK: Film short screenings, a 48-hour film challenge and a celebration of a popular film.
– ideaSPARK: Presentations from local leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs in a fast-paced format.
– musicSPARK: Four outdoor stages and a variety of local venues to host more than 150 musical acts.
– theatreSPARK: Performances by local theatre groups, including NC Theatre, Bare Theatre, Nickel Shakespeare Girls and Burning Coal Theatre.
Photo Credits: (L to R) SPARKcon, Dan Hacker, and Rachel Berbec