Art geeks of the city listen up! The Christopher Columbus Park you know and love will be transformed into a magnificent and lively artists’ village packed with die-hard art aficionados and casual observers from all over the world. The metamorphosis is due to the fifth annual (ahts): The Boston Arts Festival. From Sept. 8 to 9, more than 70 visual artists and crafts people will exhibit their talent and sell their creations. Also adding to the already culture-rich atmosphere are several performances will be held on the park’s waterfront stage.

The festival, produced by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events, began in 2003 as a one-day event and has grown every year. To celebrate its fifth year, the festival is proudly presenting a number of new additions, including a public art project and the inclusion of artisan foods. Offering something for everyone in a diverse atmosphere, connoisseurs, tourists and locals alike will flock to the event to purchase a painting, a photograph or to get a sneak peek at the fall season for the various performing arts groups. The picturesque park will play host to a myriad of painters, photographers and storytellers. It will also feature a number of activities for children including face painters and children’s theater.

The festival uniquely presents big-name organizations like the Boston Ballet and the Boston Pops Ensemble, along side lesser-known, up-and-coming artists who get a terrific opportunity to display their work to an audience of thousands. It is a valuable opportunity for them, as in the past, exhibiting artists have used the event to sell their creations, establish a name for themselves and gain invitations to participate in other exhibitions in the process.

Boston is a city that prides itself on its culture and tradition, and (ahts): The Boston Arts Festival is quickly becoming a fundamental destination for culture seekers from far beyond the Boston area. It is a great chance for the people of the city to get some free exposure to the rich and varied culture that makes the city of Boston so great-something which usually comes with a steep price tag.

For more information on the festival visit: www.cityofboston.gov/arts