2026 Art & Soul Fest

The City of Thomaston is excited to announce the 5th Annual Art & Soul Fest!  Activities will begin in Downtown Thomaston on Thursday, April 16th with our Film Competition at The Ritz Theatre; Friday, April 17th there will be celebration downtown with Food trucks, Live music, Photography Competition Display and a sip n' stroll; the festival will conclude at Greatest Generation Park on Saturday, April 18th with our Party in The Pines.

Thursday April 16th, 2026

Location: The Ritz Theatre

Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm

Events:  viewing of short films both student and professional, entered into The Ritz Film Fesatival

Friday April 17th, 2026

Location: Downtown Thomaston

Time: 4:00-10:00PM

Events: Live Music and Demonstrations, Photography Competition Display, Talent Show Competition, Plein Air Competition, Food Trucks, Sip & Stroll 

Saturday April 18th, 2026

Location: Greatest Generation Park

Time: 10:00AM-4:00PM

Events: BBQ Competition, Live Performances and Demonstrations, Pottery Competition, Photography Competition,  Arts & Craft Vendors, Food Trucks, Kids Zone with Hands-On Art

The City of Thomaston is excited to announce the 5th Annual Art & Soul Fest!  Activities will begin in Downtown Thomaston on Thursday, April 16th with our Film Competition at The Ritz Theatre, on Friday, April 19th there will be celebration downtown with Food trucks, Live music and a sip n' stroll, and the festival will conccude at Greatest Generation Park on Saturday, April 18th with our Party in The Pines.

Thursday April 16th, 2026 

Location: The Ritz Theatre

Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm 

Events:  viewing of short films both student and professional, entered into The Ritz Film Fesatival 

Friday April 17th, 2026
Location: Downtown Thomaston
Time: 4:00-10:00PM
Events: Live Music and Demonstrations, Photography Competition Display, Talent Show Competition, Plein Air Competition, Food Trucks, Sip & Stroll
  
Saturday April 18th, 2026
Location: Greatest Generation Park
Time: 10:00AM-4:00PM
Events: BBQ Competition, Live Performances and Demonstrations, Pottery Competition, Photography Competition,  Arts & Craft Vendors, Food Trucks, Kids Zone with Hands-On Art

We are looking for local partners (churches, non-profits, civic groups, and small businesses) that would be interested in providing a kid's zone activity at the Art and Soul Festival on Saturday, April 18th, 10:00AM-4:00PM. Setup is free and electricity can be provided at no charge. You are welcome to share/advertise information about your entity and your activities in the community. Activities can include games, interactive activities, crafts, learning opportunities, or anything that may match the theme of our festival.  If you are struggling to figure out an activity you can contact Stephanie McKleroy at 706-601-5853 for ideas. Some examples of activities could be face painting, temporary tattoo station, interactive games, or arts and crafts they can take home. Another idea could be an Earth Day theme activity since earth day is in April, a Mother’s Day craft, or a craft or activity about art or soul music. Once you know your activity, it is very important to sign up and included on the form so that we can ensure that there are no repeat activities.

~Full schedule 2026 Art & Soul Fest~

Thursday April 16th, 2026 

Location: The Ritz Theatre

Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm 

Events:  viewing of short films both student and professional, entered into The Ritz Film Fesatival 

Friday April 17th, 2026
Location: Downtown Thomaston
Time: 4:00-10:00PM
Events: Live Music and Demonstrations, Photography Competition Display, Talent Show Competition, Plein Air Competition, Food Trucks, Sip & Stroll
  
Saturday April 18th, 2026
Location: Greatest Generation Park
Time: 10:00AM-4:00PM
Events: BBQ Competition, Live Performances and Demonstrations, Pottery Competition, Photography Competition,  Arts & Craft Vendors, Food Trucks, Kids Zone with Hands-On Art

The City of Thomaston Main Street will be hosting the 4th Annual Plein Air Competition, as part of the 5th Annual Thomaston Art & Soul Festival.  Festival Theme: "Our Town. Our Art. Our Soul." 

Artists are to check in at Thomaston-Upson Arts Council (TUAC) between 12:20-2pm. 
201 S. Center St, Thomaston, GA 30286

Prior to the event you will choose one(1) image from a collection of historic photographs of Downtown Thomaston. This will be used as a point of reference for your painting. You will locate the building in its current form and paint it between 2pm and 6pm. PLEASE TURN IN YOUR PAINTING BY 6:15PM.Judging will commence at 6:30pm at the stage (Southside of Square)

Artists can choose to paint the historical image, current image, or artist interpretation of the images.

Prizes: 1st: $300, 2nd: $200, 3rd: $100

The City of Thomaston will be hosting the 3rd Art & Soul Fest Photography Contest, as part of the 5th Annual Thomaston Art & Soul Festival.  

Photographs must communicate the contest theme; "Moments that Matter."  In small towns, life is made up of meaningful moments - quiet routines, share laughter, community traditions, and everyday connections.  This theme invites photographers to capture the simple, powerful moments that tell the story of small-town life and the people who make it special. 

Prints should be either matted or in a frame to be hung for display. Pieces must be brought to the City of Downtown Courthouse 11AM - 3PM, Friday, April 17th. Photographs will be displayed & open to the public for viewing until 8PM on the bottom floor of the Downtown Courthouse. Judging will take place at 4:00pm, any entries afterward will not be considered for placement

Prizes: 1st: $250, 2nd: $100, 3rd: $50