Friday, May 3, 2013, from 6 to 9 p.m., ArtsFiesta!, the family-friendly celebration of Mexican arts and culture moves to Park Central Square. In the heart of downtown Springfield on First Friday in May, ArtsFiesta! will kick off a full weekend of center-city events including First Friday Art Walk and the 33rd annual Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street.

The new venue isn’t the only change. This year ArtsFiesta! will be free of charge, and beer from Springfield’s own Mother’s Brewing Company will be available for purchase on site, along with Mexican-themed food.

As always, there will be authentic mariachi music and traditional Mexican dancing. Mariachi Viva Xalisco, from Springfield’s Mexican sister city of Tlaquepaque, Jaliscio, will perform live music. Other festivities will include live dance performances by Grupo Latino Americano and Grupo Libertad; bi-lingual storytelling for children and a display of art from Tlaquepaque at the ParkCentral Branch Library.

“Holding ArtsFiesta! on the Square with free admission makes this the perfect way to experience Mexican and Latino culture right here in Springfield and kick off First Friday downtown,” says Cindy Jobe, Springfield Sister Cities Coordinator.

Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Free parking is available at the College Station and Heer’s car parks just west of the Square, public lots at Olive and Boonville and elsewhere downtown.

Great Southern Bank is this year’s presenting sponsor for ArtsFiesta! Bi-lingual storytelling is made possible thanks to support from Dr. Michael Hanks. Other sponsors include Nippes & Associates, the Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District, Mother’s Brewing Co., and the City of Tlaquepaque.

Download the ArtsFiesta-poster-2013 here. Further information about performance schedules, vendors and more will be released as the information is finalized in the coming weeks.

For more information, contact Cindy Jobe, Sister Cities Coordinator, (417) 864-1341 or by email here