The Springfield Sister Cities Association (SSCA) will host its annual ArtsFiesta! celebration beginning at 5 p.m., Saturday, May 1, on the main stage at Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street. ArtsFiesta! was previously held at Founders Park in downtown Springfield, but has moved to historic Walnut Street in celebration of Artsfest’s 30th anniversary.

The event is a celebration of Mexican culture, which will feature an all-female Mariachi band, Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitlan, from Springfield’s sister city of Tlaquepaque, Mexico. Mariachi Femenil Nuevo Tecalitlan will perform at area schools in the days leading up to the Saturday event.

Admission to ArtsFiesta! and Artsfest is combined, with $3 advance tickets available beginning Monday, April 12 from McDonald’s restaurants in Springfield, Ozark, Republic, Nixa and Willard. Admission for children 10 and under is free. Artsfest tickets can be purchased day-of for $5. Concessions also will be available for sale.

Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair to enjoy the evening events. ArtsFiesta! includes performances by local dance groups, Mexican food, and provides an all-around authentic cultural experience of Tlaquepaque, Mexico.

ArtsFiesta! is presented by Springfield Sister Cities Association; the City of Tlaquepaque, Mexico; American Family Insurance; Frito Lay; and Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

For more information, media contact: Cindy Jobe, SSCA Coordinator, 417-864-1341.