Rochester Hills Mayor Barnett and Paint Creek Center for the Arts executive director Shaun Hayes sat down for a new episode of the city's "Right Down the Street" video series, released Friday, Aug. 21, to talk about what draws 60,000 people to Rochester Municipal Park each September and why picking up a paintbrush doesn't require a fine-arts degree.
The city announced the episode on X, noting it covers three threads: PCCA's beginner art classes, the Art & Apples Festival's 60th anniversary and the case for unplugging from screens through hands-on creativity.
The full episode is available on the City of Rochester Hills YouTube channel.
A national reputation, local roots
Art & Apples returns to Rochester Municipal Park on Friday through Sunday, Sept. 11–13, 2026. More than 250 juried artists and artisans from across the country will sell photography, ceramics, painting, metalwork, knits and more. Genisys Credit Union is back as presenting sponsor.
The festival is ranked No. 11 on Sunshine Artist magazine's 2025 list of the Top 200 Fine Art & Design Shows. It is the only Michigan fair in the top 15.
In a July 3 press release, Hayes said the ranking reflects an intentional strategy: maintaining local appeal while meeting the national standard for a premier community art event. He noted that PCCA juried artists are selected to offer high-quality, unique work at a range of prices.
Last year's festival drew a record number of artist applications for its roughly 250 spots. The event accounts for a large portion of PCCA's annual operating budget, according to the nonprofit.
Open to all skill levels
Hayes, a millennial himself, has pushed PCCA's programming toward accessibility. In a separate July 7 release, he noted that many young adults never took art history or appreciation courses in school, and that art fairs let visitors speak directly with artists, learn what drives their work and handle physical pieces before buying.
Beyond the festival, PCCA offers year-round classes for all ages, free exhibitions, summer camps and its Art Anywhere community outreach program at its downtown Rochester location. The center was named HOUR Detroit Magazine's Best Art Gallery and Best After School Program for 2025.
Festival details
Hours are 2–7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12; and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. A $5 per-person donation is suggested at each entrance, with a portion shared with area nonprofits.
In recognition of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, the traditional Friday ribbon cutting moves to Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. at the park bandshell. Live glassblowing demonstrations by Ervin Glassworks will be featured in the Creation Station.
Free shuttle service runs Saturday and Sunday from Rochester High School, with wheelchair-accessible buses provided by OPC Social & Activity Center. Dogs are not permitted per city ordinance.
