On Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20, 2024 the newly updated Snow Hinton Park made its debut as the site of the nationally recognized Kentuck Festival of the Arts. The new location marked the first time the festival had moved in its 53-year history. 

Shortly after the Elevate Tuscaloosa Snow Hinton Park upgrades project began, the City of Tuscaloosa and the Kentuck Art Center announced a new partnership agreement and intent to move the festival to Tuscaloosa with financial and other support from the City.

The festival’s new location was well-received by artists, attendees and staff alike. According to Kentuck Executive Director Exa Skinner, ticket sales broke recent years’ records “by a few thousand.” 

The festival kicked off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, and by 10 a.m. there were around 10,000 people in Snow Hinton Park. Part of the benefit of hosting the festival in the recently renovated Snow Hinton Park was the increased accessibility, Skinner explained. 

“I saw a lot of people in walkers, in wheelchairs, pushing strollers, pulling wagons,” Skinner said, “things it wouldn’t have been as easy to do at the last location.”

Mayor Walt Maddox praised the Kentuck staff, artists, performers and volunteers. 

“This weekend truly showcased the power of collaboration,” Maddox said. “The 53rd Kentuck Festival of the Arts, held at the recently upgraded Snow Hinton Park, exceeded all expectations. The dedicated efforts of City and Kentuck Art Center staff, volunteers, talented artists, and performers created an unforgettable experience for tens of thousands of guests.”

Learn more about the Elevate Tuscaloosa Snow Hinton Park Upgrades here.