News

Art on the Avenue festival needs volunteers, donations for 30th year

By James Cullum
Art on the Avenue in Del Ray, Oct. 5, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Want to judge a pie-eating contest? A popular art festival coming to Del Ray next month is seeking volunteers and donations.

The 30th annual Art on the Avenue is coming to Mount Vernon Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 4, and the event brings thousands to the city’s Del Ray neighborhood. The event features sellable art from hundreds of artists, live music, family-friendly events, and more. The Del Ray Business Association hosts it.

“To make this beloved event happen, Art on the Avenue needs your support,” Visit Del Ray said on Facebook. “It takes over 250 volunteers to make Art on the Avenue happen. Consider signing up for a shift — you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy Art on the Avenue!”

Available volunteer slots include:

  • Block captains
  • Parking management volunteers
  • Food court volunteers
  • Morning setup volunteers
  • Music stage assistants
  • Pie-eating contest judge
  • Artist demonstration volunteers
  • Kids canvas painting volunteers
  • Cleanup volunteers

The event costs nearly $100,000 to host, according to Visit Del Ray, the marketing brand for the Del Ray Business Association. The organization is asking for $30 donations.

“Art on the Avenue costs nearly $100,000 per year to host,” Visit Del Ray said. “This free, family-friendly event is funded primarily through artist fees and sponsorships from our small, locally-owned businesses in Del Ray.”

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.