Free art festival for kids returns to Central Park Aug. 1
Published 9:00 pm Thursday, July 23, 2026
HANNIBAL — The Hannibal Arts Council will host its 26th annual Wild & Wacky Art Adventure on Saturday, Aug. 1, transforming Central Park into an outdoor art studio for children and families.
The free, hands-on art festival, open to children ages 3 to 10 and their families, will run from 9 a.m. to noon. This year’s theme, Outdoor Adventure, will be reflected in projects including a paper chain snake, insect prints, pinecone critters, painted rocks, nature wall hangings, and folded paper frogs, alongside returning activities such as Box Town, Masterpiece T-shirts, and a drum circle.
The morning will also include special activities with the Hannibal Free Public Library, the Marion County Health Department, and the Mississippi Hills Master Naturalists, along with a community yoga session led by Twisted Juniper beginning at 9 a.m.
The event is presented by the Hannibal Arts Council in partnership with local businesses, organizations, and volunteers. Signature sponsor U.S. Bank and visionary sponsor McDonald’s: Gilstrap Restaurants, along with other community sponsors, help fund the festival so all activities remain free.
More than 300 children typically take part in the event each year, according to the Hannibal Arts Council, which has organized the festival for 26 years to encourage families to spend time together and explore art-making outdoors.
More information about the event and other Hannibal Arts Council programs is available by calling 573-221-6545 or visiting the council’s office at 105 S. Main St.
