From 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the 300 to 600 blocks of Julia Street and much of the length of Magazine Street, New Orleanians and visitors alike can stroll the Contemporary Arts Center’s “Art for Art’s Sake” festival.  Located in the heart of the New Orleans Warehouse Arts District and along one of its most famous and prominent streets, the festival will not only feature the work of various local artists and open galleries, but also cash bars and food stands.

Most of the restaurants along both these streets will also be open during the festival itself, but reservations are highly recommended to get ahead of the crowd. 

The Contemporary Arts Center has been hosting this event since 1979, and its popularity has been increasing exponentially, as more than 30,000 people have attended over the past few years. There will be an exhibition reception from 6 p.m. to midnight Oct. 4 at the center itself, located at 900 Camp St. Unlike the art festival which has free admission, the party costs $10 to enter and is only free for members of CACNO.

The festival is meant to promote regional artists and while it costs nothing to attend, patrons are encouraged to buy some of the artworks on display and support New Orleans’ art community. Artworks include not just paintings, but sculptures, photography and other forms of contemporary art as well.

Regardless of whether you’re shopping for a new piece of art or just looking for something to do, “Art for Art’s Sake” provides a wonderful opportunity to see one-of-a-kind artwork for no cost.