It’s getting closer to August, which means Austin is getting closer to the second annual Austin ArtWorks Festival.

We salute the art festival organizers who are working to make this year’s two-day event even bigger than last year, a tough task for volunteers. Last year’s festival had several demonstrations and interactive artistic opportunities, including a Volkswagon Beetle painted by children and residents alike.

This year’s festival promises even more surprises, as notable authors with Austin connections like Amanda Hocking and Therese Pautz are participating, along with painters and other artists like hometown favorite Eric Anfinson.

The musical highlight of the event will be the Aug. 24 performance by Cloud Cult and Martin Zellar and the Hardways, as both bands have Austin ties.

We look forward to this year’s festival and we encourage people to make plans to attend now — especially as ticket prices for Cloud Cult and Martin Zeller jump from $20 to $30 come Aug. 1. You can find more information about the festival at austinartworksfestival.org