Spring on Solano

Mini-Street Festival | April '23

This family-friendly (mini) street festival featured 40+ vendors alongside a range of free activities and performers. The event showcased a vibrant Kids Fun Zone with balloon art, face-painting, the Solcar Choo Choo Train, and Big Bubble People, as well as an Egg Hunt. Across the mile long avenue new eggs with prizes were hidden every hour for attendees to uncover. Six entertainers headlined, including magician Jonathan Strange, alongside musical performances by Albany Jazz Big Band, Vagabond Empire, Groove Objective, and other acts performing at various locations along the avenue.

While only in its second year, the event drew a 24% increase in vendor participation and an estimated 31% increase in attendance. With bustling street activity across the five hours of festivities, Solano Ave businesses also saw significantly heightened foot traffic, while the event served to bring together the wider community. Additional attractions included the Artisan & Art Market at Abrams Claghorn Gallery and a designated Photo Zone with themed props. Overall, the street fair propped up a range of local small businesses and highlighted the unique character that makes Solano Avenue a destination for residents and visitors alike.

Courtesy | Ian Ransley