The Magic City Art Connection (MCAC), Birmingham’s long-running spring arts festival, returns for its 42nd year from April 25 to 27, 2024. Set against the striking backdrop of Sloss Furnaces, this three-day event brings together more than 150 juried fine artists from across the region and country. Visitors can expect a weekend filled with art, culture, food, and community—all in celebration of creativity in its many forms.

Founded on the mission to create, inspire, educate, and collect, MCAC has become a major cultural tradition in Birmingham. With thousands of works on display in a wide variety of styles, mediums, and price points, the festival is designed for both seasoned collectors and those just beginning their art journey.

Local painter Vicki Denaburg, who has participated in MCAC for over 15 years, describes the event’s lasting impact. “I look forward to MCAC every year,” she says. “I’m local and love interacting with the supportive patrons year after year. It’s amazing how many new people I continue to meet.”

The festival is a celebration of exploration through a variety of art forms and mediums, as Dan Bynum, a 2D mixed media artist from Birmingham, adds. “My favorite experience at Magic City Art Connection is discovering fresh, interesting art—the work made by artists who dare to never do what’s come before,” Bynum says. “At MCAC, there is always art that feels authentic and for the right reasons.”

This year’s featured artist is Dori DeCamillis, a Birmingham-based painter and co-owner of Red Dot Gallery in Edgewood. Originally from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, DeCamillis became a regular at MCAC in the 1990s, earning multiple awards and building a strong local following. Her special exhibition, located near the Festival Information Center, will showcase her return to the festival and celebrate her artistic evolution.

Ray Wetzel, Director and Curator of the Gadsden Museum of Art, will serve as this year’s juror, awarding a selection of exhibiting artists for excellence. Visitors can spot these award-winning pieces marked with ribbons throughout the festival.

After browsing the artist booths, bring the kids over to Imagination Festival’s (IF) interactive workshops, which focus on both art making and art education. These inspiring, educational, small and large-scale art-making workshops are led by Birmingham artists and instructors—and your kids are sure to have a blast as they explore their creative side.

Looking for something to sip and savor? A key highlight of the weekend is Corks & Chefs, MCAC’s signature tasting experience and one of the festival’s most beloved traditions. Now in its 28th year, the event will take place from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26th, and Sunday, April 27th. Guests can enjoy tastings from local chefs, caterers, and beverage makers, including wine, cocktails, craft beer, non-alcoholic options, and seated tasting seminars. Held inside the Sloss Casting Shed, the experience allows attendees to sample a wide range of flavors while continuing to explore the festival’s art offerings. All Corks & Chefs tickets include a 3-day pass to the MCAC as well.

Whether you come for the art, the chef tastings, or the vibrant atmosphere, Magic City Art Connection offers an unforgettable way to experience Birmingham’s creative spirit.

For more information and advance ticket purchases, including entry to Corks & Chefs, visit magiccityart.com.