Disclosure: Wichita Festivals, Inc., sponsored this blog and provided courtesy photos for it. All opinions are mine.

Every fall, I clear my calendar the second weekend of September to attend Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair Parkway in Wichita, a free community event hosting more than 100 artists from across the United States.

Autumn & Art is more than an artists’ exhibition. It’s a welcoming setting where enthusiasts can mingle with artists, hang out with friends and family amongst live entertainment and food trucks.

5 Reasons I Attend Wichita’s Autumn & Art Every Year

Meeting the Artists and Admiring One-of-a-Kind Creations

Autumn & Art offers attendees the opportunity to meet the artists and learn what inspires them. Unlike an art gallery, Autumn & Art provides access to the artists who enthusiastically greet visitors and are eager to make conversation.

I’ve met remarkable photographers, painters, jewelry makers, and ceramicists by introducing myself to them while admiring their work. Sometimes, you can catch a moment with an artist while they work on a new piece.

Wichitans will tell you the city is large, but it feels like a small town. After a brief conversation with photographer Mickey Shannon, we learned that we are Wichita natives who share a love of Colorado.

Drawn to his vibrant photograph of the Flint Hills at springtime, I found myself purchasing Shannon’s coffee-table book “Kansas is Beautiful.”

You can find artwork for sale at every price point. Kids Artists’ Booths give the youngest enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase art for $5.

PRO TIP: Don’t miss the annual Featured Artist set up in the middle of the Parkway.

Local Food and Drinks Make It More Than an Art Show

A bonus to attending the fine arts show is pausing between shopping to grab a bite to eat and a beverage.

Friday night’s Patron Party, a ticketed event, kicks off the weekend and is a must-attend event. I’ve sampled cuisine from some of Bradley Fair’s premier restaurants under the shaded canopy of trees.

It’s an excuse to mingle with friends with a handcrafted cocktail between bites of local fare. You can count on a lively atmosphere with live music, and organizers always gift guests a swag bag at the end of the night.

Plus, food trucks are on site from Friday through Sunday for all Autumn & Art attendees to enjoy.

PRO TIP: You can purchase Patron Party tickets in advance or pay for them at the party’s entrance tent.

Live Entertainment Creates a Vibrant Fall Festival Atmosphere

It’s not uncommon to discover live entertainment along the Bradley Fair Parkway throughout the weekend, so I recommend bringing a lawn chair to enjoy performances by dancers and musicians at the Main Stage.

Additionally, the Autumn & Art mascot greets families and is available for group photos. The mascot is featured in the annual coloring book available for children.

Shopping for a Gift For Myself or Someone

For me, discovering artwork I love is easy. Deciding which piece to purchase is difficult.

One year, I adored a photograph of a flying falcon so much that I purchased the framed print. I simply had to gift it to my boyfriend, a pilot, who is fascinated with falcons.

As the photographer gently packaged the framed print for me, he told me the story of how he captured the moment on film.

I think about the photographer’s account of that day each time I admire the photo displayed in our home.

The Artwork Inspires Me To Create

As a travel content creator, my career is focused on writing and photographing destinations to motivate readers to experience leisure travel. Since attending Autumn & Art, I’ve tried a new medium.

I’ve allowed myself the creative freedom to paint.

My newfound hobby grounds me and allows me to express myself in a delightful way.

You’ll be glad you experienced Autumn & Art, whether you stroll Bradley Fair Park for an hour, stay for the day, or make a weekend of it.

I hope to see you there.

WHERE TO PARK: Autumn & Art attendees can park anywhere within Bradley Fair and make the short walk to the Parkway.

WHAT TO BRING: Tote a lawn chair so you can kick back and relax while watching performers at the Main Stage.