Photo Credit: Mauricio RamirezEvents
Ten tips to plan your perfect weekend at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival will mark its 20th anniversary from April 11 – 13, 2025. Recognized as one of the top five art festivals in the country, it has also earned the title of Best Event in The Woodlands for 14 years running. This cherished three-day event invites local and statewide guests to enjoy a lively outdoor atmosphere along The Woodlands Waterway® and Town Green Park.
Here are the top ten tips to help you get the most out of your festival weekend:
1. Skip The Lines – Buy ahead of time. Purchase your ticket online for the best deal as prices increase at the gate! Click here for details on the festival and here for parking options.
All ticket proceeds benefit The Woodlands Arts Council’s year-round programs, impacting students, educators, and arts organizations in Montgomery County. Thank you for helping us Make Art Matter!
2. Don’t miss the ART DASH PARTY presented by The Woodlands Compounding Pharmacy. Mingle with the VIP artists at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel at one of the best-kept secrets in The Woodlands! The 60-Second Dash Ticket offers the chance to dash for a one-of-a-kind piece of art. This year’s key auction piece is “Balancing Boundaries,” a breathtaking work that blends metaphoric storytelling with masterful craftsmanship, donated by featured artist Thomas Wargin. Tickets are still available!
3. Celebrate the 20-Year Journey of Making Art Matter. All around the festival, you will feel the excitement of the 20th anniversary! Pause between artist booths in Town Green Park or near Gate 4 to explore the colorful timeline banners that share the history of The Woodlands Arts Council. Visit The Market for commemorative and vintage festival merchandise and to purchase the Student Art Anthology to support the Student Art Scholarship program.
4. Connect with the featured artist. This year’s featured artist, Thomas Wargin, invites all into a world of introspection with his captivating work. You can experience his art at Watercolor Terrace, presented by Ovintiv, one of the most creative spots in the festival. While you are there, get a close look at The Beauty of Nature in The Woodlands, the commemorative mural celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Woodlands. Browse the artist directory online and start selecting your favorite ones to visit.
5. Plan your schedule around Live Music. Pick your favorite rhythm at the Palette Cafe Main Stage, presented by Stella Artois, the acoustic set at Hometown Stage at the front of Town Green Park, or a variety of performances from local groups on the Art & Culture Stage in ARTopoly, on the west end of The Waterway. See the full lineup here.
6. Immerse your children in the world of art at ARTopoly. On Saturday and Sunday, in partnership with The Woodlands Children’s Museum, the festival delights children at the west end of The Woodlands Waterway.® Activities include hands-on projects inspired by featured artists, graffiti hats, face painting, and more. Discover all the details about ARTopoly here!
7. Discover a wave of literary inspiration at Books On The Green. North of Town Green Park, relax with a cup of coffee, craft beer, or a glass of wine while listening to award-winning authors or participating in poetry buskers, storytelling competitions, a poetry slam, and the longest game of “Pass the Story.” In partnership with Village Books, this space also features titles from authors across genres and age groups. Check the weekend schedule here.
8. Enjoy Local Eats & Drinks. Recharge with local foods, ice cream, and beverages throughout the festival. The Palette Café, presented by Haley Garcia Real Estate Group, is a favorite spot to take a break. You can also sip a glass of wine at Wine on the Water, which is brought to you by Republic Grand Ranch.
9. Take a break to reflect on your favorite art. While strolling the festival, take time to slow down and enjoy the art. Notice what draws you in and don’t hesitate to connect with the artists. Ask about their techniques, inspiration, and process. Choose those one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to you and bring personality to your home, office, or life.
10. Get involved with the arts council. It truly takes a village to Make Art Matter! The success of the festival over the past two decades wouldn’t have been possible without the thousands of committed volunteers, board members, officers, sponsors, and team members who help bring it to life each year. Stop by The Woodlands Arts Council tent or visit our website to learn how you can be part of it.
Generous festival sponsors include: Year-Round Sponsors – The Woodlands Compounding Pharmacy and Woodforest National Bank; Anchor Sponsors – Howard Hughes, Stella Artois, and Visit The Woodlands; Official Festival Sponsors – The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, Haley Garcia Real Estate Group, Republic Grand Ranch, and Ovintiv; Festival Sponsors – The Madeley Fine Art Gallery, The Woodlands Mall, The Woodlands Art Gallery & Studios, Power Home Remodeling, SCAN Health Plan, Fitness Project, Statewide Remodeling, Scott Vann + Mari Graham, and Waste Connections; Program Sponsors – evamor, Market Street, PODS Moving & Storage, Alpha & Omega, Moment Architects, Judith K. Wren Memorial Fund, and Next Level Urgent Care; Media Sponsors – Woodlands Online, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, Hello Woodlands, Houston Public Media, iHeart, Mauricio Ramirez Photography, and Silver Rock Productions.
Click here to buy tickets: https://www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/buytickets
Event Dates/Hours:
FESTIVAL
Friday, April 11, 2025 – 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, April 12, 2025 – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, April 13, 2025 – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
ART DASH PARTY
Friday, April 11, 2025 – 6:30 PM-10:00 PM
Source: The Woodlands Arts Council
