Everything You Need to Know About Q-Fest 2018

Last year, Q-Fest debuted as the revamped and updated Mid-Summer Arts Faire, even moving up a few weeks to the start of June. But now it's settled back into its old, comfortable time slot of first official weekend of Summer, and I for one am looking forward to it. Here's what you need to know.

The Good Times

Q-Fest starts on Friday at 5:30p with this week's Blues in the District (more on that below). That goes until about 9:30p, then reopens from 11a-9p on Saturday with the Street Concert at 5:30p, and 11a-4p on Sunday.

The Great Music

The festivities officially kick off with Friday night's Blues In The District starting at 5:30pm featuring the James Armstrong Band, and continuing on Saturday night with the District Street Concert. Gates open at 5:30pm, and the $5 entry fee will grant you access to see The Gentlemen from 6-8p, and Griffin & The Gargoyles headlining at 9p.

The Delicious Food

The Q-Fest Food Court will be open during the entirety of Q-Fest, from 5:30p on Friday for Blues in the District to closing at 4p on Sunday. You'll be able to sample great food from, Butcher Block, County Market, TCBY, Genenbacher's Shaved Ice, and A&A Pizza which I have never heard of, I have no idea where they're from, best I can glean from their Facebook page they are from Portage, Indiana, maybe. But that's way up there on Lake Michigan, east of Gary. So these guys could be a front for the Foot Clan and Master Shredder trying to draw out the Ninja Turtles. Who knows? Alta at the Chamber and Laura with Arts Quincy didn't know, so maybe they really ARE a front for Master Shredder.* And of course the cold beverages in the form of soda, beer and wine.

*UPDATE* Since I wrote that, Joi with the Great River Economic Development Foundation got back to me and said A & A Pizza is a food truck specializing in made-to-order pizzas started by local guy Adam Schwartz. But I already wrote all that about the Ninja Turtles, and it made me giggle, so I'm leaving it. Besides... it could still be true. We don't know.

The Beautiful Art

Over 50 vendors will fill Washington Park with tents showcasing their art for sale, which according to the Q-Fest website will feature "... mediums including clay, digital photography, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood."

For more details about this year's Q-Fest, or to see highlights from last year's, visit the Q-Fest website.