Mesa Arts & Culture Presents Dia de los Muertos, Mesa Arts Festival, MACFest & More

This year Mesa Arts Center celebrates the diversity, traditions and art of prominent cultures in Arizona with a variety of free festivals and events. In September, the season kicks off with live music and performances, artist demonstrations, and exhibitions of American Indian Art at Mesa Contemporary Arts. Following in October, the fourth annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival showcases the music, dance, and culture of the Mexican tradition honoring deceased relatives. Every week there are new opportunities to enjoy the arts while taking advantage of Arizona's sunshine and beautiful weather.

Mesa Arts Center Season Kick off Party
Friday, Sept. 10
6 - 10 p.m.
FREE FESTIVAL
Experience the rhythms, the beats, the sights and the theatrics as the fall season kicks off at Mesa Arts Center. New exhibitions open at Mesa Contemporary Arts (MCA) which will feature artwork by contemporary American Indian artists. Festivities include free live performances by Mesa Arts Center's Founding Resident Company organizations in the four theaters along with Art Studios activities and demonstrations. The unforgettable night will begin at 6 p.m. on the Shadow Walk, located in the heart of Mesa Arts Center, awakening the rest of the gorgeous complex with the native music styling of the GRAMMY winning R. Carlos Nakai, William Eaton & Will Clipman: The R. Carlos Nakai Trio.

Fourth Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Saturday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 31, 12 - 5 p.m.
FREE FESTIVAL
Mesa Arts Center hosts the fourth annual Dia de los Muertos Festival on Oct. 30 and 31, in conjunction with the Consulate General of Mexico in Phoenix, Friends of Mexican Art, and the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens. Dia de Los Muertos is a community celebration honoring the memory of departed loved ones.
The event is complete with a community altar, live music and performances, food, and a Mercado featuring an assortment of Day of the Dead merchandise that includes jewelry, arts and crafts, children's activities, entertainment, and more. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind cultural festival.

Sixth Annual Mesa Arts Festival
Saturday, Dec. 11 and Sunday Dec. 12
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
FREE FESTIVAL
This season, avoid lines at crowded shopping centers and do your holiday shopping outdoors on the beautiful Mesa Arts Center campus. The annual Mesa Arts Festival will feature original works of art for sale by local and national artists; live entertainment on two stages; artist demonstrations in glassblowing, metals, and ceramics; children's activities; and a variety of food from featured local restaurants. Come to Mesa Arts Center Dec. 11 and 12 to kick off the holiday season at this spectacular arts festival.

Target 3 for Free
The first Sunday of each month
Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010 - Sunday, May 1, 2011
12 - 5 p.m.
FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION

In addition to the special festivals and concerts, you can visit the museums in downtown Mesa for free on the first Sunday of every month from noon- 5 p.m. Mesa Contemporary Arts, Arizona Museum of Natural History, and Arizona Museum for Youth are within walking distance of one another, it is easy to make a stop at each while enjoying the beautiful fall weather.

Out to Lunch
Every Thursday, Oct. 21 - Dec. 16
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
FREE CONCERT SERIES

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and local music during Mesa Arts Center's free outdoor concerts on Thursdays, Oct. 21 through Dec. 16, in the Wells Fargo Garden. These lunchtime concerts will feature local artists playing a variety of music including folk, country, jazz, oldies, and world music. Chairs and lawn seating are available, but guests are encouraged to bring stadium cushions and blankets. Brown bags and picnic baskets are welcome, and many of Downtown Mesa's unique restaurants offer convenient and appetizing take-out options. Out to Lunch concerts are FREE and open to the public.

Mesa Arts and Culture Festival (MACFest)
Every Saturday, Oct. 2 - Apr. 30
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
No Festival on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
FREE FESTIVAL
Mesa Arts and Culture Festival (MACFest) is a free weekly event featuring unique artist creations and fun for the whole family in downtown Mesa. The festival takes place every Saturday, Oct. 2 - Apr. 30 (excluding Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) on Main and Macdonald Streets.

Mesa Arts Center Tours
Every Wednesday, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 2010 - June 2011
FREE TOURS
Explore the architectural wonder of the campus at Mesa Arts Center. Get an inside look at the four theaters, the Art Studios, Mesa Contemporary Arts and the Shadow Walk. Reservations are required for the tour, so please make them at least one week in advance.

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