Arts Festival reimagined, virtually
The 22nd annual celebration of the arts will be held online April 23-25.
25th Annual Boston College Arts Festival
April 27-29, 2023
Synergy at the 2022 Arts Festival Katelyn Cozzi
Annually on the last weekend in April, the Boston College Arts Festival brings the Boston College and surrounding communities together to celebrate the arts. From April 27-29, 2023, the 25th annual Arts Festival will once again invite the community to experience the variety of arts at Boston College!
With over 16,000 visitors from Boston College and the surrounding community coming in attendance, the Arts Festival never fails to be one of the most vibrant and exciting events at Boston College. Students have the added bonus of relieving end-of-semester stress, while members of the surrounding communities are given the opportunity to delight in all forms of art, from the laugh-out-loud humor offered by comedy groups, to the transcendent beauty of the many dance ensembles, to the boldness of the studio art students' work.
Highlighted at the spring's festival are the "BC's Best" competition, an Art Walk, and Dancing with bOp!. Other annual features include children's activities, literary readings, alumni events, student art work for sale, multi-cultural dance performances, and expanded hours at the McMullen Museum. Special guests at the festival have included Tracey Wigfield '05, Nick Scandalios '89, Chris Doyle '81, Anne Garefino '81, Robert Polito '73, Chuck Hogan '89 and Amy Poehler '93.
Arts Fest at a Glance
1999
First Arts Festival
1440
Artist Participation
68
Events
210
Volunteers
In the News
Alumni, Faculty & Student Recognition
Each year, the Boston College Arts Council recognizes an alumnus, a faculty member, and several students for their accomplishments and contributions to the arts in various disciplines. Alumni and faculty award recipients serve as role models, inspiring and guiding developing young artists in the Boston College community. The award recipients participate in programming at our annual campus-wide Arts Festival and interact in small-group settings with students in their fields. Student award recipients in sophomore, junior or senior years are recognized for their creativity and accomplishments, as well as for specific projects.
Children's Activities
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Arts 'n' Crafts
Kids love these hands-on activities facilitated by BC volunteers. Activities vary each year, but have included making tambourines, decorating masks and bookmarks, making pipecleaner 'monsters', sidewalk chalk, and decorating a pot to plant a seed in.
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Children's Theatre
Boston College theatre classes and other campus ensembles have presented live performances for children to enjoy. Previous performances have included The Little Mermaid, "From Film to Broadway–The Songs of Disney," Shrek! The Musical, Peter and the Wolf, Nick of Time, The Princess Bride, Beauty and the Beast, and more.
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Interactive activities
Various student groups that perform at Arts Fest have lead 20-30 minute activities to engage kids in what they are passionate about. Children have been able to participate in mini-sessions on dance, singing, and improvisation. Every year the children and parents have loved being introduced to new styles of performance and art.
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Instrument Petting Zoo
The Boston College Marching Band takes over green spaces to give children an opportunity to touch, feel, and play the instruments. This experience is for kids of all ages!
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Chamber Music Children's Concert
Boston College's Chamber Music Society performs beloved children's music and theater.