By Seth Fera-Schanes

The Harlem Arts Festival (HAF) continues to build on its annual tradition as it open this Friday and runs through Sunday.  The kickoff will be at Ginny’s Supper Club and Red Rooster with performances running from 7pm until 11:30 (tickets are available for purchase for Friday evening.)

The heart of the festival which will be in Marcus Garvey Park and is free to the public.  The venue is easily accessible from both the 2/3 trains and 4,5,6 trains all stopping at 125th street.  The first performances will start at 3pm and run through the evening. If you want to keep going, there will be an after party at Silvana starting at 11pm.

Photo Copyright Harlem Arts Festival

Part of the mission of the HAF is to “provide resources, visibility and career opportunities to artists; to increase participation and engagement in the arts by the Harlem community; and to continue Harlem’s artistic legacy of making art that preserves the history and develops the identity of Harlem.”

This year, the festival will showcase 35 artists and performers.  Attendance has continued to grown since 2012 and crowds are expected to top 7,500 people.

The festival is also run entirely by volunteers.  Around 100 people will be helping out this year and if you are interested, there is still time to sign-up on the site.  Volunteering let’s you experience the festivities and help ensure a great event for the artists and participants.

Map Copyright: Harlem Arts Festival