05/16/2026
Downtown Taunton Celebrates Creativity at Art Jam 2026
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Locations: Trescott Street, Main Street & City Hall, Taunton
Admission: FREE
FREE Parking: Available throughout downtown
For more information, visit www.artjamtaunton.org
Free, Multi-Site Festival Brings Live Music, Film, Poetry & Community Art to Downtown Saturday, May 16
TAUNTON, MA — The Downtown Taunton Foundation (DTF) invites the community to Art Jam 2026, a vibrant celebration of art, music, poetry, and creativity in downtown Taunton. Now in its 6th year, this free, family-friendly festival takes over Trescott Street, Main Street, and City Hall on Saturday, May 16, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Art Jam is a celebration of the creative spirit that defines our downtown community. With live music, a curated Short Film Festival, poetry readings, interactive art installations, and vendor experiences, there's something for every age and artistic interest. Admission and all art activities are free, and free parking is available throughout downtown.
Event Highlights
Live Music Stage (Trescott Street): Featuring local musicians throughout the 4-hour event. Performance schedule: 12:00 PM Cat & Jimmy, 1:00 PM Uncommon (poetry readings), 2:00 PM Galeer, 3:00 PM Silver City Jazz Committee. Creating an energetic soundtrack for downtown celebration.
Short Film Festival (City Hall): A curated selection of short films in partnership with Taunton filmmaker Chris Francis, showcasing innovative and compelling storytelling. Attendees should enter via the front door near Main Street. The film schedule and a trailer for the featured films will be aired on the Art Jam social media and website (artjamtaunton.org) later this week.
Interactive Art & Community Engagement: Free, hands-on art activities for all ages and abilities hosted by our Community Partners: Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South, Trescott Street Gallery, Mayor’s Worthy Cause, Triumph Inc., Abi-Saad Printing & Design, Crow County, Open Doors Yoga, Taunton Performing Arts Center (TPAC), Rob Roy Academy, TFED, Boston Artistry, Park & Rec, YMCA Taunton Family Resource Center, Taunton Garden Club, and Taunton River Watershed Alliance.
Additionally, Art Jam Interactive Community Art Projects at various locations will feature hands-on activities including a mural project, a Giant Canvas Drawing Project, a Wood & Paint Sculpture Project, a Matisse-Inspired Scissor & Paper Project, and much more. Most projects are designed for participants of all ages and abilities and all are free!
NEW: Art Jam Exhibit at Trescott Street Gallery
Art Jam 2026 is launching an exciting new initiative! All artwork created during the Interactive Community Art Projects will be collected and displayed in a special Art Jam Exhibit at Trescott Street Gallery from May 27–30. Attendees are invited to label their individual creations with their names and leave them at the event to be displayed in this showcase. The public is invited to visit to enjoy this unique art exhibit, admission is free. Submitted artwork can be picked up after the exhibit at Trescott Street Gallery during regular open hours throughout the month of June.
Art Jam Preview Events
Art Jam is one of 19 communities celebrating ArtWeek SouthCoast (visit artweeksouthcoast.org for details). Three downtown venues are starting the festivities early with interactive art projects:
- Open Doors Yoga and Unique Gifts, (13 Main Street) is hosting the Many Faces Project beginning Tuesday, May 12 through Art Jam on Saturday, May 16
- Trescott Street Gallery (8 Trescott Street) is hosting a Matisse-Inspired Project and It’s In the Eyes Project from Wednesday, May 13, through Art Jam on Saturday, May 16
- Crow County Studios (31 Main Street) is hosting a Giant Canvas Drawing Project from Tuesday, May 12 through Art Jam on Saturday, May 16
The public is invited to visit these locations during regular business hours to create art and participate, even if they cannot attend the main Art Jam event.
Generous Event Sponsors
Art Jam 2026 is made possible by the generous support of Bristol County Savings Bank, Morton Hospital/Brown University Health, TFED Credit Union, and grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Taunton Cultural Council, and the Creative SouthCoast Initiative Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation.
Event Planning Partners
Art Jam 2026 is planned and organized by Downtown Taunton Foundation, Trescott Street Gallery, Crow County Studios, and Abi-Saad Print & Design.
About Downtown Taunton Foundation
The Downtown Taunton Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and certified Community Development Corporation in Taunton, Massachusetts. Our mission is to revitalize downtown Taunton by fostering economic development, supporting local businesses, and creating vibrant community experiences that celebrate art, culture, and commerce.
