Celebrating 30 years in the community, the Black Swamp Arts Festival (BSAF) returns for another year in downtown BG. The festival is being held Sept. 6-9 and will feature art vendors from around the world, showcases featuring work from local teen artists, food trucks and live music.

With upwards of 40,000 people in attendance with people coming from all over the world, the festival continues to be a hot event for people surrounding the BG area. 

Carmen Cano has worked with the Black Swamp Arts Festival since 2019 and now serves as the marketing co-chair. Cano explained that even though the festival is only three days, the planning for the event can start as early as January. 

From curating the event posters, contacting vendors and artists from around the nation and lining up performers for the festival, Cano says the job can be a year-round job.

This detailed planning covers everything, from the art that people enjoy, to the food that people love. 

Food at the festival 

Cano says the food will line Main St. as well as the food court in the festival- including the festival’s fan favorite of beef tips.  

“They are genuinely a festival favorite. Everybody comes out for the beef tips,” Cano explained. 

The food trucks, located at the food court will be next to the Main Stage behind the east side of the street to the South Main Street businesses. Here are some of what the festival is offering this year. 

• J&K Sirloin Tips: Sirloin Tips, Mushrooms, Mashed Potatoes
• Big Meals on Wheels: Chicken, Ribs, Chili Dogs, Polish Sausage, Burgers, Pulled Pork, Sides
• Cindy’s Concessions: Funnel Cakes, Elephant Ears, French Waffles
• Kabob It!: Chicken, Falafel, Hummous, Rice, Salad, Baklava and Pita
• Thai Thai: Chicken on a stick, Veggie Pad Thai Noodles, Veggie Lo Mein, Veggie Spring Rolls, Fried Rice, Cashew Chicken
• Eric’s Ice Cream: Floats, Milkshakes, Malts, Flurries, Scoops, Sundaes and Freezes
• Rusty’s Road Trip: Lobster rolls, Lake Erie Yellow Perch, Crab Rolls, Crab Eggrolls, fish tacos, Grilled Cheese, Vegan Fried Tofu Tacos
• Tom’s BBQ: Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Hungarian Dogs, Italian Sausages, Grilled Chicken, Chicken Chunks, Hot Dogs, Fresh Cut Fries, Ribbon Fries
• Manny’s Munchies: Pretzel Calzones and Soft Pretzels
• Frankly Plant-Based Kitchen: Mac n Cheese, Coleslaw, Fries, Chili Fries, Cheese Fries, Potato Salad
• Pisanello’s Pizza: Fresh Handmade Pizza
• The Tamale Guy: Taco Plate, Burrito Plate, Tamales, Quesadillas, Walking Tacos and Tres Leches Cake

Musicians and performers

The festival is set to have three different stages: one for local bands, one for national acts and one for main stage performers. Here are some of the local musicians taking the stage:

Friday:

• Main Stage 2024
  • 5 p.m. Angela Perley
  • 6:30 p.m. Strictly Fine
  • 8 p.m. Cris Jacobs
  • 10 p.m. Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country

• Community Stage
  • 5 p.m. Corduroy Road

• After Hours at Howard’s Club H
  • 11:30 p.m. Strictly Fine

Saturday

• Main Stage 2024
  • 4:30 p.m. Leon Timbo
  • 6:15 p.m. Yam Yam
  • 8 p.m. Amy Helm
  • 10 p.m. The Sensational Barnes Brothers

• Community Stage
  • 3:45 p.m. Seth Mulder & Midnight Run
  • 5 p.m. Rough Lovers

• Family Stage
  • 3:30 p.m. Echo Record
  • 5 p.m. Two Runner

• After Hours at Howard’s Club H
  • 11:30 p.m. Yam Yam

Sunday:

• Main Stage 2024
  • 2 p.m. Kendall Street Company
  • 3:30 p.m. Gaby Moreno
• Community Stage
  • 2:45 p.m. Tom Gorman
  • 4 p.m. Jontavious Willis
• Family Stage
  • 4 p.m. Kendall Street Company

Artists coming to show 

Cano said over 40 artists come from around the nation. The different art that will be featured varies from vendors to art shows, youth arts and teen arts. 

The BSAF, Cano explained, is volunteer run, and the event relies heavily on BGSU and the community to continue thriving. 

“I really can’t overstate enough how integral the university is to the Black Swamp’s success…we can’t succeed without you guys. It’s really important,” Cano said. 

Cano explained that despite the festival being world-renowned, Bowling Green will always be the BSAF’s home. 

“There’s something about Bowling Green… there really is something about downtown Bowling Green… it’s literally the perfect backdrop for the festival,” Cano said. 

If you are interested in helping volunteer for the festival, you can check out their volunteer sign up site.