Last June, local arts council Arts in Bartlett presented a new outdoor festival format that focused on the cultural diversity represented in the community. The 2017 Global Arts Festival was attended by 2,500 enthusiastic visitors.

On Saturday, 6/23 and Sunday, 6/24, the 2nd annual Global Arts Festival returns to Bartlett Park. This two-day festival, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, features multicultural art & crafts booths, music, dance, food, games and audience participation. The Daily Herald recently listed this festival as one of the “10 Great Art Shows in the Suburbs.”

The opening ceremony at 11 a.m. includes children and other volunteers carrying 20 national flags in a parade to music around the park. Anyone who wishes to participate should come to the Bartlett Park Log Cabin at 10:45 a.m.

New this year is a “Sit and Knit a Bit” tent, where you can relax and participate in this ancient craft that started in Egypt and traveled to America with European immigrants. Donations of knitting needles and yarn are needed and can be dropped off at Arts in Bartlett, 215 S. Main Street, or brought to the park during the festival.

Visitors will also be invited to participate in yoga, martial arts and games. The activity tent will have face painting, crafts and loteria, a Mexican bingo game with prizes. There will be a “Family Global Story Circle” and crafts with Color My World Arts Academy at the gazebo. Hanover Township seniors’ tent features rock and shell painting. At 10 a.m., the Bartlett Historical Society will lead a pre-event walking tour of architecturally interesting historical homes surrounding Bartlett Park.

For a full schedule, go to the festival page of artsinbartlett.org or look for Global Arts Festival, Bartlett IL on Facebook. You can also contact Arts in Bartlett, 630-372-4152 or artsinbartlett@comcast.net.