Organizers outline Mural Fest 2026 plans, citing economic and tourism benefits
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Summary
Mural Fest organizers told council the fifth annual festival aims to expand downtown programming and public art, citing prior attendance of 15,000–22,000 and an existing portfolio of 66 murals; organizers asked for city support on logistics and mockups for city-owned walls.
Organizers of Beaumont’s Mural Fest presented plans for the festival’s fifth year on Dec. 16, asking the council to support logistics, permitting and site selection for murals on city-owned buildings.
Freddie Willard, executive director of the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau, said Mural Fest has helped grow Beaumont’s public art collection to 66 murals and that attendance during the festival has ranged from about 15,000 to 22,000 people over a week, with roughly 31 percent of attendees from out of town and 34 percent from out of state in past years. "Enhancing our community through public art is the key role of Mural Fest and to tell a story and showcase Beaumont through history," Willard said.
Minh Dai, a co-creator of Mural Fest, described event logistics including a kids’ zone, live music, local food vendors and the placement of sponsored "cubes" and mural panels that can be relocated to parks after the festival. City staff confirmed the festival is budgeted and that artists would provide mockups of any artwork proposed for city buildings before painting.
Organizers requested city services for festival safety and operations — including coordination with emergency personnel, temporary fencing, facility maintenance and permitting for food vendors — and said they would return to council with detailed mockups and site plans for approval.
Council thanked organizers and noted the event’s role in tourism and downtown activation; no formal vote was required during the presentation.
