International Folk Market 2017
Ticket sales, transportation options, family-friendly activities, People’s Choice Award, and more
Arlington’s International Folk Art Market is returning for the second year June 14-16 at The Green at College Park on the University of Texas at Arlington campus, a news release announced.
The Market will feature the artwork of 41 folk artists from across the globe, along with live entertainment, international cuisine, family-friendly activities and more. The release said that this year, the Market features 36 percent more artists, representing 30 countries across the globe, including Italy, Ghana, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Ukraine, India, Haiti and more.
Additionally, this year the Market will also introduce its inaugural People’s Choice Award, which will be selected by the public through social media.
Starting June 14, a Facebook poll will be live on the Market’s Facebook page allowing viewers to vote for their favorite artist. The “People’s Choice Award” winner will be announced Monday, June 18.
Also new to this year, a WaterMonster hydration station will be available, providing free, filtered water, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own (refillable) water bottles.
The release explained that attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance for a discounted price, and to utilize Arlington’s public transportation options. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit folkartmarket.org/Arlington
For attendees interested in public transit, the Trinity Railway Express will operate all three days of the Market, connecting attendees from Fort Worth or Dallas to the CenterPort station near Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Adult round-trip fares start at $5, with child fares starting at $2.50.
According to the release, from CenterPort Station, attendees can request a ride on Arlington’s new rideshare service Via, which offers rides to the UTA campus for a flat $3 fee and operates Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Users can request a ride on the Via mobile app, or by calling 817-784-7382. For more information about via, visit RideWithVia.com/Arlington.
However, for those who prefer to drive, free parking is available on two several surface lots, Lot LCS and Lot 53, located adjacent to The Green at College Park on the UTA campus, the release detailed.
The release also included a schedule of events for the Market:
— Midnight in Morocco VIP Preview Party | Thursday, June 14, 7-11 p.m. – A VIP event will kick off the 2018 Market, offering attendees the first opportunity to shop one-of-a-kind folk art. The evening will include authentic Moroccan cuisine, spiced cocktails, belly dancing, henna tattoos, street musicians, camels and monkeys, and more. Tickets cost $150 and include all-day Market access on Friday and Saturday.
— Early Bird Shopping | Friday, June 15, 8-9 a.m. – Tickets cost $25 and include all-day access to the Market on Friday and Saturday. Admission is free for youth 16 and under.
— Friday Market | Friday, June 15, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Tickets cost $10 online and $15 at the door Admission is free for youth 16 and under.
— Saturday Market | Saturday, June 16, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Tickets cost $10 online and $15 at the door. Admission is free for youth 16 and under.
— Saturday Afternoon Community Market | Saturday, June 16, 12-2 p.m. – No tickets required. Free admission for all.
— Family Day Saturday & Children’s Passport Project | Saturday, June 16, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Young children and their families are invited to participate in the 2018 Children’s Passport Project. Children will receive a special passport to explore the Market, “visit” a list of countries and artists, and get their passport stamped. After completing the itinerary, a refreshing treat will be provided to celebrate their travels. Participation is free.