Williamsburg’s premier arts and music festival, An Occasion for the Arts (AOFTA), returns to Merchants Square on Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, 2025, celebrating its 57th year as a beloved community tradition.
The weekend of creativity kicks off a day earlier on Friday, October 3 at 6pm with a free blues concert in the Merchants Square courtyard tent, the final show in the Merchants Square Summer Concert Series, setting the stage for two full days of art and entertainment.
More than 150 juried artists from over 20 states will fill the streets from 10am to 5pm each day, showcasing their work across a wide range of mediums including painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, glass, jewelry, mixed media and more.
This year’s lineup highlights include vibrant digital works from local favorite Bobby Oller, delicate Asian-inspired ceramics by Mark Poole, whimsical and richly detailed paintings from Jonathan Carraher, striking sculptural pieces from Loura and Gregg Dobbs, imaginative mixed media creations from Lauren DeSerres and Phill Singer, who takes surrealism to a new level.
The full artist gallery is available here.
AOFTA will also feature two live performance stages with nearly a dozen performances each day. Guests can enjoy music spanning jazz, folk, bluegrass, acoustic rock, pop and more, plus dance and theatrical performances. This year’s schedule includes local favorites like the Virginia Regional Ballet, Rainbow Puppets, William the Conjurer, En Pointe Dance Academy and Flute Frenzy, alongside regional and national musical acts.
The Youth Art Tent, located on Prince George Street, will display over 1,000 works created by students from public and private schools in Williamsburg-James City and Upper York County. High school students will also showcase three-dimensional pieces in ceramics, metal, sculpture and wood.
Families and art lovers alike are encouraged to stop by the Community Interactive Art Area to participate in the 250th Great American Birthday Quilt, led by Steve Prince, Director of Engagement and Distinguished Artist in Residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art. Part of a nationwide initiative with Visit Williamsburg honoring the country’s 250th birthday, this collaborative quilt invites participants to “stitch their story” into a monumental 250-foot work celebrating America’s past, present and future.
Coming back for its second year, the VIP Tent offers a shaded retreat for AOFTA donors, complete with complimentary snacks and a prime view of the main stage.
AOFTA is free, open to all and held rain or shine. To view the artist gallery, performance schedule, sign up to volunteer or donate to keep this treasured community tradition thriving, visit AOFTA.org.
