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Artfest director says parking loss threatened downtown festival’s growth
Summary
Juan Santiago told CRA commissioners Artfest drew 95,000 attendees in 2025 and generated roughly $3.3M in local attendee spending; he said loss of parking is the event’s biggest challenge and asked staff and commissioners to consider parking and trolley solutions.
Juan Santiago, who identified himself as executive director of Artfest, presented a 2025 recap to the CRA and highlighted the festival’s economic footprint and operational challenges. He said Artfest drew 95,000 attendees, hosted more than 200 artists and generated an estimated $3,300,000 in local attendee spending, producing an overall economic impact he estimated at about $4.3 million.
Jorge attendance and logistics were central to commissioners’ questions: Santiago said the loss of parking was the festival’s “biggest challenge” in 2025 and that restoring parking options or reintroducing shuttle/trolley services would be key to growth. He said staff and event organizers are exploring options and would produce a more detailed parking plan if asked to do so by city management.
Why it matters: The festival is a major downtown draw with measurable local spending; commissioners asked that a plan for parking and event logistics be developed so Artfest can sustain and grow its economic contribution.
