BBVA Compass Magic City Art Connection

Find art at Magic City Art Connection (MCAC) Contemporary Art Festival presented by BBVA Compass. This award-winning Top 20 Southeast Tourism event celebrating its 29th anniversary April 27-29 in downtown Birmingham transforms Linn Park each year with its blast of fresh talent, sights, sounds and aromas, drawing from a pool of artists who have been recognized locally, regionally and nationally in visual and performing art, food and wine, dance, a nd music. Visitors will enjoy art from 215 juried artists from around the country, more than 40 interactive art workshops and activities for children, mouthwatering food creations from renowned chefs of Birmingham's finest restaurants and eateries, 100 wines from around the world, great live music and other performances on various stages, large scale art and architecture installations, a cafe and so much more. Plus, don't miss the BBVA Compass special feature: BBVA Compass Team. Works. On Tour where fans can shoot some hoops with an NBA legend, or get a photo op with The Larry O'Brien Trophy. And be sure to check out "Magic Ball", a special MCAC sculpture exhibition and artistic exploration of the basketball featuring works created by Alabama artists. How much entertainment can you cram into one day? Be a part of the MAGIC the last full weekend in April! FESTIVAL HOURS are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Admission is free! Directions & Parking: The festival is easy to find using Birmingham's major highways. There is ample parking at three downtown parking decks, including Boutwell's deck at 19th Street & 8th Avenue North. NOTE: Streets run north & south while avenues run east & west. There is also available street parking, especially on Saturday & Sunday. For more information, please visit the MCAC website at MagicCityArt.com, e-mail us at FindArt@bham.rr.com or call 205-595-6306.

More about the festival's favorite signature events ---Artists: Visit the booth of an award- winning painter, sculptor, glass maker or jeweler. All artist categories will be represented. Corks & Chefs: Indulge in a sampling of Pan Seared Scallops with Roasted Corn and Basil Risotto paired with a delectable wine. Ticketed. Be sure to reserve your seat for one of the guided wine seminars too.

Imagination Festival for Kids: Watch your child's imagination take flight creating one-of-a-kind works of art. Backyard Productions Cultural Stage:: Enjoy a performance by Devyani Dance Company: American Style Tribal Belly Dance or the Alabama Youth Symphony, part of the great cultural entertainment line-up. IMAGINE THAT PARADES: Catch kids meandering through the park daily at these lively and colorful parades.

Asphalt Cafe: Make a pit stop for some delicious fare from local food trucks and other favorite festival culinary features.

Centre Stage: Discover emerging new music talent at this popular live music stage.

High School Sculpture Project: Stumble upon the budding talents of future artists at this high school juried competition.