As vibrant, diverse and noteworthy as the city it calls home, the 11th Annual Art Off Pike asks all of us to appreciate and enjoy not just the art that hangs on the wall, but art in its many forms. 

Taking place September 27 from 11 am to 5 pm, Art Off Pike is expected to draw as many as 5,000 people to the city’s urban core. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse and shop the works of more than 60 talented artists and creatives, enjoy artistic demonstrations including spoken word and dance, participate in hands-on activities, take in a variety of art installations, watch drag performances, and much, much more.

Musical performances by popular bands such as Josh Eagle, Cream & Sugar, Fairmount Girls, and Pike 27 will take place on the Madlot Main Stage, sponsored by Cov10.  In between musical performances the stage will host drag performances.  A smaller pallet stage will feature performances by Baoku Moses and Elementz, among others.

In the Madlot guests also will find hands-on arts activities supported by representatives from a variety of Covington non-profits including Gateway Community and Technical College, Kenton County Public Library, Baker Hunt, The Point, and NKY Pride.

“Art Off Pike has really expanded its artistic offerings this year," said Jim Guthrie, Vice President of Renaissance Covington and Art Off Pike Co-Chair. "With so much going on, it truly will be a feast for the senses, offering a little something for everyone.”

The Arcade Tunnel off Pike Street will be transformed into an interactive space curated by Caitlin Sparks and J. Gray of NuMediacy and centered on environmental education. Representatives from Keep Covington Beautiful and the City of Covington will be on hand to answer questions about recycling in the city. 

Traditionally centered on Pike Street in the Madlot area (7th and Washington), in 2015 Art Off Pike will be expanding its footprint, utilizing spaces such as the Duveneck Triangle (intersection of Pike and Washington) for spoken word performances by artists such as Monty Collier, Syreeta Briggs, Sam Phillips, and others, and the Pike Street Overpass (Pike and Russell) where Renaissance Covington will be unveiling its new Rock Garden and DJs will be spinning tunes in front of an interactive graffiti wall installation.  

Also new this year, Art Off Pike has partnered with a number of neighborhood businesses such as Rudy Harris Photography, Perks on Pike, BLDG, and Pique on a variety of art installations, further enhancing the Art Off Pike experience. 

“Art installations transform public spaces into places," said Katie Meyer, Manager of Renaissance Covington, the organization behind Art Off Pike. "Artistic creative interpretations of space bring these places to life showing the potential of these in-between spaces.  We’re always excited to feature these creative endeavors in our community at Art Off Pike.”

As in past years, hungry attendees will find plenty to eat and drink at Art Off Pike, with options that include Rima’s Diner, Four Seasons Catering, Inspirado, Chicago Don’s Hot Dogs, Braxton Brewing Company, and Vom Fass.

Art Off Pike is free and open to the public. There will be ample parking in the city parking garage on 7th Street or street parking is available at a first come, first serve basis.

For a full list of vendors, schedules, and more information about Art Off Pike, visit artoffpike.org.