James Vose is a local business owner, US Army Veteran, and father. He currently serves as a Pittsboro Town Commissioner and is committed to generating a vibrant cultural community through projects like our Go See This series. Vose Natural Stone is proud to be our 2024-2025 sponsor, and we are delighted to present an event near and dear to our hearts. Our favorite time of year is here, and we at the Chatham Arts Council invite you to Go See This..
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of spring with us at ClydeFEST 2025! On Sunday, April 13, from 12 to 4 p.m., the Chatham County Agricultural & Conference Center will come alive with colorful creativity, lively performances, and family-friendly fun. The Chatham Arts Council’s annual festival is a blooming celebration of art, music, and community, where the season’s energy is mirrored in the joy of local performers, artists, and guests. With interactive arts and craft activities, delicious food, and sweet treats, ClydeFEST is where locals go to create some of their most memorable moments.
Neighbors, come out and enjoy a full day of free entertainment! Emceed by the lively Taz Halloween, a diverse lineup of music, dance, and theatrical performances will light up the main stage with top-notch local talent. The Magic of the African Rhythm will set the beat for the day, followed by the Bouncing Bulldogs. Carolina Lightnin’ will bring toe-tapping tunes to the stage, while Takiri Folclor Latino’s vibrant costumes and powerful dance will dazzle. School of Rock will amp up the energy before Diali Cissokho closes out the day with his dynamic drumming and a joyful, music-filled parade through the festival grounds. “I want to build my community,” says Cissokho. “Festivals like this one make me so happy because I want this new generation, who have just popped out into this life, to know what’s going on: we have a peaceful community, a happy community, full of people coming together and helping each other.”
Each year, the Chatham Arts Council challenges local artists to reflect on who we were, who we are, and who we want to be through the JumpstART Commissions initiative, sponsored by Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Pittsboro. This year’s theme, “The Locals at Twenty-Something,” focuses on Chatham residents in their 20s. Eight artists have created works inspired by young adults in Chatham County, exploring their outlooks on the world, their pasts, presents, and futures. The artists and their muses include Alexander Percy (Selina Lopez), Woodshed Arts Creative Ensemble led by Creighton Irons (Henry Pfeiffer and Makayla Graybeal), Diali Cissokho (Ben Pickens), Jordan Wiley (a group of Pittsboro residents aged 18-30), JR Butler (Caleb McLaurin), Melissa McLauren (Jackie Estrada), Robin Hall (Israel Hall and the high school graduating class of 2022), and Tanja Lipinski Cole (Elle DeWeese Faherty). Each JumpstART artist will also offer an interactive arts activity inspired by their local muse, inviting attendees to participate in poetry writing, sculpture naming, and other hands-on creative projects.
Throughout the day, families can dive into the magic of hands-on art stations, community craft booths, and interactive activities designed to spark creativity. Geoffrey the Bubble Guy will fill the air with shimmering bubbles, while Karen’s Hula Hoops invites festivalgoers of all ages to test their skills. Roving and field performers like the high-energy Apple Chill Cloggers and the ever-entertaining Farmer Eno will keep the festival buzzing with surprises at every turn.
When hunger strikes, grab a bite from food truck favorites like Maple View Farm Ice Cream, Food by H&V, Kona Ice, Tacos Paraisos, and Simplee Boba. Community booths will be buzzing with local organizations and businesses offering interactive art activities—paint, stitch, move, glue, and bead your way through a world of creativity. Kids can craft their own painted Critter Cut-out to take home, while families enjoy face painting, balloon creations, and handmade games. Don’t miss ClydeFEST’s naming sponsor, Connie Fenner with State Farm, and be sure to check out the beautifully decorated penguin critter cut-outs at The Rookery.
With endless ways to play, create, and celebrate, every corner of ClydeFEST bursts with color, laughter, and artistic joy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, ClydeFEST invites you to be part of a day filled with unforgettable moments. Bring your family, bring your friends, and join us as we come together to celebrate the richness of our community and the boundless power of creativity. Please note: this event is rain or shine—see y’all there!
PS: If you want to celebrate folk art–and public art!–the weekend before ClydeFEST, head on over to the ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring the restoration of Pittsboro’s iconic Clyde Jones mural. Funded by the Town of Pittsboro with additional support from Chatham Arts Council’s Grassroot Arts Grants, the restoring artist is Thomas Begley. It takes place on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. on the west side of the building at 49 West Salisbury Street in Downtown Pittsboro.
The Short Version for ClydeFEST
Who: Chatham Arts Council
What: ClydeFEST 2025
When: Sunday, April 13, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Chatham County Agricultural & Conference Center, 1192 US Hwy 64 West Business, Pittsboro
Cost: Free!
Parking: Available
Accessibility: Accessible parking available
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