A celebration of the arts is coming to the area this week.

The inaugural St. Charles Art and Music Festival kicks off in Heritage Square Friday with a noon-time concert by the folk band Avalanche.

The festival will last for 16 days and feature various exhibitions and performances to entertain art and music lovers alike. Several stage performances will highlight the festival as well as an international piano competition, which offers a $5,000 first prize.

One festival director, Max Hunt, said, “As a community, St. Charles has a long and storied tradition in both the visual and performing arts. Coupled with the many world class facilities the town offers, we believe St. Charles is the ideal environment for this 16-day celebration of the arts.”

Festival organizers credit cooperation from local businesses and corporations with making the festival possible.

Prices for the various events will not exceed $25, but those who plan to attend more than one event requiring admission can purchase a Festival button for five dollars. The button will allow the bearer to save five dollars on most of the events requiring admission.

The festival will run through July 20. The closing day celebration will be held from noon until 10 p.m. and will include music and entertainment at Pottawatomie Park.

Festival Finance Committee Chairman Dick Nerad said many of the events and performances held during the festival are free. Festival organizers are hopeful the festival will be successful enough to become an annual event.

For questions regarding the schedule of events and ticket information, call 1-800-777-4373.