POTSDAM – SLC Arts has announced the dates and events for the 2024 North Country Arts Festival, a statewide celebration of arts, culture and community.
The festival begins Wednesday, August 28th and runs through Sunday, September 1st and features a diverse arts program from across St. Lawrence County, including a poetry slam, plein air showcase, stand-up comedy night, porchfest, concert and film screening in Ives Park, as well as an art market and Arts Wellness Day.
All events, except the stand-up comedy night, are free and open to the public.
Poetry Slam: Wednesday, August 28, 6-8 p.m. at the Russell Opera House.
Experience a live poetry slam competition and participate in the voting! Want to be on stage? Participants can register at slcartscouncil.org/nocoartsfest until Monday, August 26 at 11:59 p.m. or until all spots are filled. Prizes for participants.
The Russell Opera House is located at 4 Pestle Street Road.
Plein-air showcase: Thursday 29 August, 5pm-8pm in the “old” Waddington Town Hall.
Be among the first to see new artwork from St. Lawrence County. This exhibit will feature works created during SLC Arts’ Plein Air Festival, Aug. 24-27, which includes an adult and children’s section. Artists of all ages can register to participate in the Plein Air Festival by 11:59 p.m. Aug. 23 at slcartscouncil.org/nocoartsfest. Prizes will be awarded for winning artwork at the exhibit.
The “old” Waddington Town Hall is located at 38 Main Street, Waddington, NY 13694.
Stand-up comedy: Friday, August 30, 6-10 p.m. at the Massena Elks Lodge.
Discover Art After Dark with stand-up comedy from the Aboriginal Outlaws. This dynamic trio from Akwesasne brings their unique brand of humor to the Massena Elks Lodge on Friday, August 30th. Doors open at 6pm and the show begins at 7pm. Tickets are $55 and there will be a bar and snacks. Don’t miss this opportunity to support SLC Arts and enjoy an evening of comedy. Ages 21+ only. Purchase tickets at slcartscouncil.org/nocoartsfest
The Massena Elks Lodge is located at 20 Bowers Street.
Porchfest: Saturday, August 31st, 12pm-5pm in the Potsdam residential area.
Featuring live musicians on porches in Potsdam’s residential neighborhoods, SLC Arts’ annual Porchfest is a free music fest in the North Country community. Grab a ticket, take a stroll and enjoy live music from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are available online at slcartscouncil.org/nocoartsfest or can be picked up the week of the festival at the Creative Spirit Community Arts Center, 6-8 Raymond St. in Potsdam.
Ives Park Concert Series: Saturday, August 31, 6–8 p.m. at the Ives Park Gazebo in Potsdam.
As a new annual tradition, the Ives Park Concert Series will once again end with a punk show featuring Sunflo’er and friends. Immediately following the concert, there will be a free film screening of “The Mighty Ducks” under the Farmer’s Market Pavilion in the park.
Art market and free arts wellness workshops: Sunday, September 1, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Ives Park Pavilion in Potsdam.
Conclude the North Country Arts Festival with an art market and free arts wellness workshops at Ives Park in Potsdam. A final workshop schedule and list of market vendors will be posted the week of the festival at slcartscouncil.org/nocoartsfestival.
The fourth annual North Country Arts Festival continues to showcase the incredible artistic talent of our community. From poetry to plein air painting, live music to wellness workshops, there is something for everyone. SLC Arts invites all community members to come together to celebrate the arts and support our local artists.
SLC Arts thanks its supporters, the Badenhausen Legacy Fund through the North Country Community Foundation, the City of Potsdam, Stewart’s Shops, Walmart and NYSCA.
Want to support the North Country Arts Festival? Become a Friend of the Festival for just $5. Your $5 donation helps bring exciting programs and talented artists to our community. Donate $50 or more to have your name featured in our next festival program and online! Become a Friend of the Festival at slcartscouncil.org/nocoartsfest
For more information about the festival and updates on additional events, visit our website at slcartscouncil.org/nocoartsfest and follow us on social media at @slcartsny.
