Kites Take Center Stage At Sugar Land's International Arts Fest

SUGAR LAND, TX — The first ever Sugar Land International Arts Festival on April 27 will combine two of the community's most popular events. Residents who've enjoyed the Kite Fest and and iFest in years past can enjoy both at the same time in this awesome and unique festival.

The event will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at The Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land, 18355 Southwest Freeway.

This festival will unite the arts by highlighting dance, heritage, music and much more throughout the day, including the area's first daytime fireworks display that will fill the sky with vibrant colors!

Multiple stages will come to life with cultural performances from local area groups as well as musical entertainment from some of the best talent in the area.

Activities will include:

• demonstration areas
• an artisan's area
• kite-flying zones
• a rock wall
• inflatables
• storytelling
• face painting
• henna tattoos
• craft booths
• food

Stilt walkers will roam the site enticing the crowd with their visual artistry and movement.

Throughout the event, attendees will be able to enjoy kite-flying lessons and participate in several onsite competitions.

Competition categories include most unique kite, best onsite food vendor, poster art and chalk art. First- , second- and third-place trophies will be awarded for each category. There is no cost to enter the competition. Beat the lines by registering at www.sugarlandtx.gov/internationalartsfestival.

VIP wristbands are required to participate in special festival attractions and activities at the International Arts Festival. Sugar Land residents can receive VIP wristbands at no charge prior to the day of the event, while non-Sugar Land residents may purchase wristbands for a nominal fee of $3 in advance of the event.

Residents and non-residents may also purchase VIP wristbands for $5 at the event. VIP wristbands are available now at the Sugar Land Imperial Park Recreation Center, 234 Matlage Way, during normal hours of operation.

Public parking will be available onsite at the Brazos River Park and The Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land. Participants are encouraged to utilize free shuttles that will run continuously from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd., and University of Houston at Sugar Land, 14000 University Blvd.

The Brazos River turnaround under U.S. Highway 59 is closed and will be unavailable during festival operations.

Shuttle parking is strongly encouraged to avoid delays entering and exiting the site. Limited handicap parking will be available onsite. Participants planning to park onsite should arrive early and plan for possible traffic delays.

For more information about the event, contact Sugar Land's Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2900 or visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/specialevents for a complete listing of events. Don't forget to follow social media for more event information @SugarLandParks.

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