Kicking off QWAC!

SDDA Member “ART HIVE” rounds off the 1st “Staunton’s Art Month” as April proves to be the vibrant community awakening we all needed.

Meet QWAC: Staunton’s “Quack”-iest New Tradition

The Queen City West Arts & Culture Fest (affectionately known as QWAC…pronounced “quack”) is making its debut as the grand finale of Staunton’s spring arts season. This is the first year the City of Staunton designated April as Staunton’s Art Month. But this is not just another festival, QWAC is a reflection of the city’s creative spirit at its most grassroots and collaborative heart.

Taking place across Staunton’s West End, QWAC invites the community to step into the creative process, not just observe it. Expect a dynamic mix of live mural painting, hands-on workshops, performances, and artist-led experiences spread across multiple locations.

From fashion upcycling and painting to music, writing, and more, QWAC is designed to make art accessible; meeting people where they are and encouraging participation at every level.

What sets QWAC apart is its intention. This is a community-powered celebration of creativity, bringing together artists, makers, and neighbors to co-create something meaningful. With activations happening at spaces like Art Hive, Gypsy Hill Park, Staunton Makerspace and beyond, the festival encourages exploration, both of the city and of your own creative instincts.

And perhaps most importantly: it’s free to attend, with optional workshops offering deeper ways to engage.

What to Expect: Schedule & Lineup Highlights

QWAC is designed as a choose-your-own creative adventure, with activations happening throughout the day across multiple locations. You can find the full schedule on their website, but here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find:

• Live Mural Painting (All Day)
  A large-scale, community-driven mural project—jump in and leave your mark.

• Hands-On Workshops (Throughout the Day)
  From fashion upcycling and painting to writing, music, and craft—roughly 20+ interactive sessions designed for all skill levels.

• The QWAC Market
  A curated lineup of local makers featuring everything from pottery and textiles to upcycled goods and experimental crafts. This will be in the parking lot of Queen City Brewery

• Live Music Lineup
  Performances throughout the day on the Queen City Brewery patio, featuring regional acts like Wax Bats, The Falsies, Bremen, Eleagnus, Boxcar Speakeasy, BEEX, and Lady Taij.

• Creative Experiences Across the West End
  Programming spreads across spaces like Art Hive, Gypsy Hill Park, and the Staunton Augusta Art Center—encouraging exploration of the district.

• After-Hours Events
  Keep the energy going with karaoke, poetry, and more creative pop-ups into the evening.

Check out their website for more info!