Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park 2025: Dates, Tickets & Art Guide
The Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park 2025 stands out as a highlight among Houston art festivals, scheduled for October 10-12, 2025. This three-day outdoor event at Memorial Park brings together over 250 juried artists, live music, food trucks, and family activities, making it a top choice for things to do in Houston October 2025. Produced by the nonprofit Art Colony Association (ACA), the festival has supported local causes for over 50 years, raising nearly $4 million for nonprofits. Attendees can expect a mix of original art in 19 mediums, culinary tastings, and community engagement. Below is a detailed overview to help you prepare for this Houston fall festival 2025, including tickets, highlights, and practical advice.
Essential Details for Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park 2025
Location: Memorial Park, 7575 N Picnic Ln, Houston, TX 77007. The park's expansive green spaces and shaded trails provide an ideal setting for the event.
Dates & Hours: October 10-12, 2025 (Friday through Sunday); 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Tickets: Advance purchase is required, with no sales at the gate. Secure your Bayou City Art Festival tickets 2025 online at this website.
General Admission: $20 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5-12, free for children under 5.
Weekend Pass: $30 for adults, covering all three days.
VIP Hospitality Lounge: $75 per day or $150 for the three-day pass, which includes general admission, shaded lounge access with complimentary food and drinks, roaming musicians, artistic décor, and reserved parking.
The event operates rain or shine, so review the weather forecast and plan for comfortable walking on park paths. For more details, click here.
Key Features of the Festival
Artists and Art Displays
Over 250 juried artists from the U.S. display original works across 19 categories, such as painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and functional art. Prices vary to suit different budgets, from small accessories to larger installations. View the full artist directory at bayoucityartfestival.com/artists. The featured artist for 2025 is Jonah Ballard, an acrylic painter based in Phoenix, Arizona. Ballard's pieces combine western influences with themes of transformation and awakening, often featuring a distinctive pink palette. His work encourages viewers to explore personal connections, adding depth to the festival's artistic offerings.
Entertainment and Music
Two main stages present live performances by local Houston musicians, including indie, jazz, and acoustic sets. Roaming performers and a community art project encourage participation from all attendees. The 2025 entertainment schedule will be posted here closer to the date.
Food and Beverage Options
Food trucks provide a range of choices, including BBQ, tacos, and desserts. A craft beer and wine garden features local selections. The Chef’s Table occurs at noon daily, offering tastings from Houston chefs at restaurants like Maven, Bashi, and Cotton Culinary. VIP lounge guests receive complimentary food and drinks from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Family Activities
The Active Imagination Zone includes art workshops and crafts led by nonprofit partners, suitable for all ages. It also features an exhibition of the top 30 entries from the Middle School Art Competition. The Showtime Photo Booth offers themed photo opportunities. As a family-friendly Houston event, the festival provides free entry for children under 5 and low-cost options for ages 5-12.
Community Impact
The Art Colony Association directs proceeds to six nonprofits in 2025: ArtReach (art therapy programs), Brave Little Company (pediatric cancer support), Fresh Arts (artist development), The Health Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and Pink Bows Foundation (breast cancer awareness). Since its origins as the Westheimer Colony Art Festival in 1971, the event has contributed nearly $4 million to such initiatives.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets: Purchase general admission for $20 (adults) or the $30 weekend pass here. VIP options at $75/day or $150/three days include premium features.
Transportation: Memorial Park has no on-site parking. Options include free parking at Northwest Mall (555 NW Mall) with a $5 round-trip shuttle (free for kids 12 and under), rideshares like Uber or Lyft, or METRORail's Red Line to Stadium Park/Astrodome (20-minute walk).
Timing: Start at 10 a.m. for lighter crowds and easier art browsing; attend the Chef’s Table at noon. Afternoons see higher attendance with music peaks.
What to Bring: Cash or cards for purchases, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a reusable water bottle. Small bags are permitted but subject to search.
Accessibility: Park paths accommodate wheelchairs; VIP lounge provides shaded seating. Full details at bayoucityartfestival.com/festival-info.
The Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park 2025 continues a 50-year tradition of fostering Houston's cultural scene, drawing 20,000 visitors annually. It combines art discovery, entertainment, and philanthropy in a scenic fall setting.
Secure your tickets early and explore artists at bayoucityartfestival.com/artists.