Bellefonte Arts Festival draws local artists and community to weekend street fair
The typically quiet streets of Bellefonte were filled with art lovers, shoppers and families for the annual Bellefonte Arts Festival, a celebration of the town’s thriving arts community and creative spirit.
Usually held on the third Saturday in May, this year’s free outdoor event was postponed until its May 18 rain date. The festival transformed Brandywine Boulevard into a lively street fair featuring more than 50 local artisans, food trucks, open shops, and live entertainment. Visitors browsed a wide variety of handcrafted goods, including jewelry, upcycled décor, clothing, woodwork and other one-of-a-kind items by local artists.
The festival not only serves as a showcase for Bellefonte’s creative talent but also reflects the town’s year-round dedication to the arts. The Shops of Bellefonte host regular art classes, events, and rotating exhibits that keep the local arts scene active beyond the annual event.
The Bellefonte Arts Festival, held annually in May, celebrates local creativity during a street fair with over 50 local artists, food trucks, live entertainment and open shops, in support of the neighborhood's creative community.
Among the artists was Brian Mills, an art teacher at the Bellevue Community Center, who was participating in the festival for his third year. Originally from California, Mills now lives in Delaware and works with students ranging from pre-kindergarten to high school. This year marked his third appearance at the festival.
Mills drew a crowd as he painted live on canvas, engaging curious children who stopped to watch.
"I saw these kids walking by and I was like, what should I draw? They're like, draw Goku from Dragon Ball. And I said, 'All right, cool.' So in like 2 minutes I had it sketched out and I'm right now I'm just playing around with the paint, just coloring it up," Mills said.
Other local artists showcased a diverse array of work, from eco-friendly creations to fine crafts. For many attendees, the festival offered not just a chance to shop, but to connect with fellow creatives.
The Bellefonte Arts Festival, held annually in May, celebrates local creativity during a street fair with over 50 local artists, food trucks, live entertainment and open shops, in support of the neighborhood's creative community.
Cathy James, a North Wilmington resident and longtime attendee, said the event has become a community tradition.
“A lot of us go to the same pottery studio, and we see each other here. We have friends who have a booth here,” she said.
This year, James left with two new items. “I bought a hummingbird perch to go with my feeders, and a sign that says: Be kind, drink wine and pet dogs,” she said with a laugh.
For those who missed the festival, Bellefonte’s art scene continues throughout the year. The Shops of Bellefonte remain open with ongoing opportunities to explore and support local creativity through classes, exhibits and artisan goods.
