Arts Around the Square
Arts Around the Square
Stage Schedule
Artisan & Crafts Vendors
Food & Beverage Vendors
Event FAQs
Arts Around the Square
Arts Around the Square
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (no rain date)
Times: 10:00am – 4:00pm
For All Ages
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Graham, Around Court Square
Graham Recreation & Parks is excited to bring back the cherished signature event, Arts Around the Square, to Downtown Graham. Originally launched in 1978, this beloved annual spring event ran for 25 consecutive years as a fundraiser sponsored by the Alamance Arts Council.
Join us downtown for Arts Around the Square, a vibrant celebration featuring artisan and craft vendors, live art demonstrations, stages of music and performing arts, engaging activities for kids, and participation from community partners. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience the arts in the heart of Graham!
Grab your lawn chairs and set up near the stage to enjoy the music. As a reminder, smoking/vaping, pets, and drones are not allowed at this event. Please visit the “Event FAQs” tab for more information. There is no rain date for Arts Around the Square.
Sharing your favorite moments? Tag us and use #ArtsAroundTheSquare @GrahamRecNC
Art Demonstrations
• Free Poems by the Poetry Fox
• Live Painting by Walter Creech
• Pottery Demonstration by Recovering Clay
• Upside Aerial (acrobatics performers)
• Live Painting by Walter Creech
• Pottery Demonstration by Recovering Clay
• Upside Aerial (acrobatics performers)
Non-Profit Organizations & Community Partners
• Alamance Arts – providing local artist color pages and drawing station
• Alamance County Democratic Party – Bracelet Making Station
• Alamance Public Libraries – 3D Coloring Station
• Burlington Animal Services – Coloring Sheet Activity
• Charity Baptist Church – providing a greeting card and a DIY bookmark station
• CRM Legacy Foundation – Interactive Photo Op Mural
• Guilford Courthouse National Military Park – providing a nature collage station
• Humane Society of Alamance County – Dog paints their own masterpiece at the painting station
• Little Blue Tattoos Rescue
• NC Film & TV Working Arts School – Kindness Rock painting station
• Providence Outdoors: Nature School – Nature Craft Station
• Safe Kids Alamance County – Chalk & Tattoo Station, Hot Car Demonstration
Downtown Businesses Set Up Within the Event
- 64 Harvard
- Griffin & McClure Furniture
- Music in Z Major
- Sandy & Co.
- Sonja Claire Wellness
- The Broom Closet
- The Main Line
Stay Up To Date
Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on additions to the event and any inclement weather updates. If a cancellation is due to inclement weather, a decision will be made at (time: TBD).
Street Closure Information
On the day of the event (05/16/2026), the 100 blocks of East and West Elm Streets, North and South Main Streets, the public parking lot at the intersection of East Elm Street and Marshal Street, and the public parking lot on the 100 block of West Elm Street will close from 5:00am to 6:00pm. Please make sure you are not parked in this area after closure times. Setup of vendors, attractions, and stages will begin at these times, and it may not be possible to move vehicles due to congestion and pedestrian traffic. Streets will reopen at 6:00pm. (updated 05/14/2025)
Questions? Please email Michelle Shaffer, Program Manager.
Sharing event pictures on social media? #ArtsAroundTheSquare @GrahamRecNC
Stage Schedule
Stage Schedule
North Main Street Stage
10:00am – 11:30am: The Fandinos (Pop/Rock)
12:00pm – 1:30pm: The Rundown (Rock, 80s & 90s Hits)
2:00pm – 3:30pm: Headliner – Chatham Rabbits (Folk)
West Elm Street Stage
10:30am – 12:00pm: Nitlife Boogie (Swing, Jump Blues, 1940s–1960s) – Triangle Swing Dance Society will perform during this performance
12:30pm – 2:00pm: XcentriX (Classic Rock & Blues)
2:30pm – 4:00pm: NewLina (Country / Hip Hop)
South Main Street Stage
10:00am – 10:30am: Miss Kim’s Dance Studio – Soloist Performance
10:45am – 11:30am: The Guitar Den (45-min interactive music performance)
11:45am – 12:15pm: Batala Durham (Samba Reggae Music)
12:30pm – 1:15pm: The Guitar Den (45-min interactive music performance)
1:30pm – 2:15pm: The Guitar Den (45-min interactive music performance)
2:30pm – 4:00pm: Bobby Frith (Folk)
Street Performances
11:00am – 11:45am: Miss Kim’s Dance Studio – Group Performances
12:00pm – 12:45pm: Skill4Kidz Martial Arts Studio
1:00pm – 1:45pm: COPA Dance Studio
Artisan & Crafts Vendors
Artisan & Crafts Vendors
Bath & Body
Avinlee Handmade
Creekside Gardens & Crafts LLC
Edge of the World Farm LLC
Misty Creek Farm
Naturally Krafty
Natural Magic
Twisted Raven Apothecary
Candles
Everlasting Light Candles
JusRite Essentials
Wicks for Wags
Clothing & Accessories
Beau Ties by B
Crafty Little Baker & Designer
Crazy fingers Tye Dye/ Everything dyes
Embered Edges
Knot Garden, the
Stevie & Mikey
Fine Art
A Good Catch
Art from the Heart
Artist Co-op on Main
Clover Corner Co.
Elizabeth Witherow Art
Grace’s Palette
Hand Over Heals: Body Art
Jason C. Hill Art
Laura Morales Studios
Riley Rose Studio
Tara Reed Art
Walter Creech
Wild Thorn Collective
Photography
Inside Looking Out
Glass Art
Darion Glass
Floral Prism
Glass Moxie
Sea Glass by Shonna
World of Elegance Stained Glass Art
Handmade Jewelry
Barking Dog Jewelry
Cheryl Knox Jewerly
El arte en tus manos
Innovated by Laura
Just in Casings Jewelry, Inc
Miry Clay Handcrafted
Presley Designs
Shasta’s Treasures
Mixed Media
Alder Grand Park
Bee Outdoors
Buttons and Beads by Anne
Charming Bird Creations
Crafted by Cathie
Dog Gone Cute Crafts
Garden Party Vintage
Shop e’Beth
Thann Craft
Wattle Tree Designs
Paper Goods
Greenweald Publishing
Paper Artistry RN
Ross Twin Creations
SKP Ink
Pottery & Ceramics
Atlas Arts
Earth & Iron Pottery
EKC Pottery & Jewelry
Haw River Pottery
Inspired Artifacts
JM Maker Studios
KK Pottery
Laurel Creek Designs
Pottery by Steffie
Pottery by Suzanne Tilley
R&M Statues
Recovering Clay
Textiles & Fiber Arts
Asha’s Thread Art
Boujee Babee Company
Burlington Carousel Quilters Guild
DKMS Crafts
Dreams and Vision
Feathers & Ferns Crochet
Grain & Butter
I DID IT!
Knit One Crochet Two
Port & Starbird
Woodworking
A Fine Fancy Time
Albini Laser Works
Booth Creations
Brailsford Woodworking
Brasstown Creations
J&C Barnbuilt Woodcraft
jmac’s Woodworks
Ken Cass Woodworking & CasKatz Quiltz
Miles Woodcraft
Rimshotz Fine Woodturning
The Woodshop
Baked Goods
Accidently Delicious
Kel’s Creations
Lizzee’s Apple
Stay Praising
Sunday Dinner Cupcakes
Gourmet Foods
Asabasa Spice Co.
Cary Caramel Company
Rising Smoke Sauceworks
Welsh Apiary 7
Produce
Foxwood Gardens Farm
Food & Beverage Vendors
Food & Beverage Vendors
• A-Maizeing Kettle Korn
• Bobastic
• Cash’s Smokin BBQ
• Cluckin Batter
• Just a Squeezin Lemonade
• Philly’s Corner Ice
• Quench 305
Beer Vendors:
• Forgotten Rd Ales
• Lil Oblivion Brewing
Event FAQs
Event Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any helpful reminders before we attend?
• Don’t forget your lawn chairs! Grab a spot near the stage and enjoy live music throughout the event.
• Stay hydrated…bring water in a non-breakable container.
• Come hungry! Support local businesses and enjoy delicious eats from food trucks and vendors around the square.
• You might want to bring a reusable shopping bag (or a few) for all your purchases throughout the day.
• Get ready for fun, but please leave these at home: smoking/vaping, pets, and drones are not permitted at the event.
• Street Closures: On the day of the event (05/16/2026), the 100 blocks of East and West Elm Streets, North and South Main Streets, the public parking lot at the intersection of East Elm Street and Marshal Street, and the public parking lot on the 100 block of West Elm Street will close from 5:00am to 6:00pm. Please make sure you are not parked in this area after closure times. Setup of vendors, attractions, and stages will begin at these times, and it may not be possible to move vehicles due to congestion and pedestrian traffic. Streets will reopen at 6:00pm.
Where can I park?
Where to Park Downtown
Can I bring my dog to the event?
Yes, dogs are welcome at the event, provided owners adhere to the following rules:
• Dogs must be on a non-retractable leash no longer than six (6) feet at all times.
• Dogs must be fully vaccinated according to state and local regulations.
• Any dog showing aggressive behavior or posing a safety risk must be removed from the event area.
• Owners or handlers must maintain control of their dogs at all times.
• Please do your part to keep your downtown area clean by picking up after your pet.
Is there a social district at the event?
No, there is not a social district at the event. The City Council has suspended the ordinance to allow the consumption of alcohol within the designated areas of the event space. No alcohol will be allowed on South Main Street / Kid Zone. Only City-approved and permitted vendors are allowed to sell from their assigned vendor spaces on the street.
City ordinance Sec. 12-11. – Wine or beer container—Public display.
It shall be unlawful for any person to consume any wine or beer, or display any opened wine or beer bottle, can or any other type of container of such beverages on or in any public street, alley, sidewalk or other public property within the corporate limits of the city unless specifically permitted or sanctioned by the city council.
(Code 1978, ch. L, art. VII, § 1; Code 1983, § 8-17)
Is smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, or smokeless tobacco allowed?
City ordinance Sec. 12-16. – Regulation of smoking in public places.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to smoke or carry a lighted cigarette, lighted cigar or lighted pipe, or any other lighted tobacco product, including the use of e-cigarettes, in a public place as defined by G.S. 130A-492(14), or portion thereof, wherein the owner or operator thereof has designated the premises or portion thereof a nonsmoking area and posted notice.
(b) Clear and conspicuous signs shall be posted in every building and facility and/or grounds wherein smoking is regulated by this article as follows:
(1) The signs may contain the international “No Smoking” symbol, (consisting of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a circle with a bar across it).
(2) Signs shall be conspicuously posted in a position clearly visible on entry into every building, facility and/or grounds wherein smoking is regulated or prohibited.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to remove or to deface any placard or sign erected by or under the authority of this section.
(Ord. of 10-3-2017(2), § 1)
Can I fly my drone at the event?
City of Graham & FAA – “Policy for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Usage in Public Parks” prohibits the flying on drones in any area occupied by people and/or at special events. City of Graham Drone Policy
Sponsors
North Main Street Block Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Friends of the Arts
Vendor, Band, & Sponsor Opportunities
This is the application for Artisan & Crafts Vendors interested in selling handmade artisanal goods/items at Downtown Graham’s Arts Around the Square event. Printable application forms are not an option.
Application closes on March 15, 2026
All communications with vendors will be made by the Graham Recreation & Parks Department (GRPD) and/or the GRPD Program Manager, Michelle Shaffer, only. Questions? Please email Michelle Shaffer, Program Supervisor.
This application is for Non-Profit Organizations and Community Partners interested in participating in Downtown Graham’s Arts Around the Square event. Participants may only distribute information or advertise within the designated space. Selling items, taking orders for souvenirs or services, or engaging in fundraising activities (such as raffles, donation buckets, QR code donations, etc.) is prohibited. Printable application forms are not available. Space is limited.
Non-Profit Organizations & Community Partners
All communications with vendors will be made by the Graham Recreation & Parks Department (GRPD) and/or the GRPD Program Manager, Michelle Shaffer, only. Questions? Please email Michelle Shaffer, Program Supervisor.
If you are interested in participating as a food vendor at an upcoming Graham Recreation & Parks event, please complete this Food Vendor Interest Form. We will review this list of possible food vendors for upcoming events and programs.
All food vendors must have their Certificate of Insurance (COI), at a minimum of $1 million, on file with the city, listing the City of Graham as the additional insured. Vendors must be able to run on a low sound/quiet generator, at most events no electricity is provided. Lighting may also be required for evening/night events. Vendor Contract, COI, and food vendor fees will be required in advance by a deadline to guarantee space at the event. The fee varies based on the event.
The food vendor is responsible for contacting Alamance County Environmental Health to complete the Temporary Food Vendor Application process at least 15 days before the event (i.e., food trucks, stands, units, tents, push carts). A Food Service Permit may be required based on your application and the food being served. It is the responsibility of the food vendor to meet all Alamance County Environmental Health requirements for the events.
All communications with vendors will be made by the Graham Recreation & Parks Department (GRPD) and/or the GRPD Program Manager, Michelle Shaffer, only. Questions? Please email Michelle Shaffer, Program Supervisor.
Is your band interested in performing at an upcoming event, including the Thursdays at Seven Concert Series in Downtown Graham, Musical Chairs Concert Series at Bill Cooke Park, or Arts Around the Square in Downtown Graham? If so, please complete the Band Interest Form, and our team will reach out if there is an upcoming opportunity for your band to perform.
A Completed Contract, Indemnification Agreement, W-9, and promotional photos will be required. Payment will be delivered upon completion of the performance.
Interested in performing? Please complete the Band Interest Form
All communications will be made by the Graham Recreation & Parks Department (GRPD) and/or the GRPD Program Manager, Michelle Shaffer, only. Questions? Please email Michelle Shaffer, Program Supervisor.
Become associated with community events that attract people from across Alamance County each year! There are partnership opportunities ranging from athletics to fitness & health programs to large special events. Check out the many opportunities to highlight your business through logos on promotional materials, with booth displays at events, banners at the ball fields providing onsite advertising, and through social media (based on the level of sponsorship).
Arts Around the Square Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Policy & Procedures
All communications with sponsors will be made by the Graham Recreation & Parks Department (GRPD) and/or the GRPD Program Manager, Michelle Shaffer, only. Questions? Please email Michelle Shaffer, Program Supervisor.
Presented by
