Biddeford ArtWalk

*Thank you to Victoria Gordon for designing the ArtWalk logo!*

The Biddeford ArtWalk is a free event celebrating local arts and creativity happening from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the third Friday of the month from May through October.

ArtWalks are an intersection of Maine’s contemporary art scene, its historic downtowns, and the natural world.

Engine is proud to power Biddeford’s ArtWalk events in partnership with the City of Biddeford, Heart of Biddeford, and a number of downtown businesses and organizations.

These self-guided walks lead you to some of Biddeford’s working artists, local businesses, and restaurants and cafés exhibiting local artwork. Different every time, an ArtWalk evening may include opening receptions, street performances, and visits to open studios. You can view works in progress and even participate in hands-on workshops.

2023 Schedule

Rain or shine from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the Third Friday of the month!

May 19
June 16
July 21
August 18*
September 15
October 20

* The August ArtWalk will incorporate Fringe Fest, with extended hours from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. with a block party on Main Street between the intersections of Washington and Alfred streets.

Plan Your ArtWalk

Map of Business and Artist Hubs

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS & BUSINESSES

Each month, enjoy Biddeford’s vibrant art scene by wandering the Pepperell Mill Campus, Main Street (from Water to Elm streets), Alfred Street, Washington Street, and Shevenell Park. New for 2023, Washington Street will be closed to vehicular traffic, creating a street fair atmosphere. Artists will be set up along sidewalks, in parks, in the mills, and inside businesses. Bring your curiosity and walking shoes to enjoy something different each month!

FOOD & BEVERAGE

We have a limited listing of the vibrant food and beverage spots in Downtown Biddeford on our ArtWalk Map. Heart of Biddeford’s places directory is the perfect place to find a bite to eat or a drink before or after ArtWalk festivities.

For Participating Artists & Businesses

2023 ARTIST & BUSINESS SIGNUP

Artists, makers, creatives, and businesses of all types are welcome to participate in Biddeford’s ArtWalk for free. We asks participants to help share marketing materials, publicizing the event through social media and word of mouth, helping to bolster this vibrant creative community. If you are interested in participating as an artist or business, please complete this form. If you have any questions, please email us at director@feedtheengine.org.

ARTISTS & MAKERS! SHOW YOUR WORK

Each month, various venues participate in ArtWalk. Here is a partial listing of those venues that actively look for artists to display work during ArtWalk and throughout the year as pop-up shows and month-long exhibits:

Elements Books Beer and Coffee at 265 Main Street in Biddeford

Heart of Biddeford at 205 Main Street: contact Juanita Dickinson

Trillium at 238 Main Street in Biddeford: email

Flourish at 140 Main Street: contact Maribeth Amber

Nibblesford: contact Ian Kern

The McArthur Library: contact Danielle Fortin

History of Biddeford ArtWalk

Biddeford’s first ArtWalk was April 26, 2007. Artists Nancy Kureth and Jared Radding conceived of the idea based on Portland’s successful First Friday. Kureth and Radding organized a group show at the North Dam Mill and recruited Portland-based band Phantom Buffalo to perform in the mill. The event was a result of the Twin Cities Cultural Plan that was completed in 2006.

After the first ArtWalk, the downtown group Heart of Biddeford and other volunteers got involved, making it an ongoing monthly event with artists hosted at local businesses. The event expanded to include venues in Saco in 2013, and operated as the Biddeford+Saco ArtWalk until 2018.

Since 2009, Biddeford ArtWalk has been coordinated by Engine, a local nonprofit community arts organization and takes place on the third Friday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Engine now collaborates with Common Roots Studio to co-produce this community event