The second annual Austin ArtWorks Festival is the place to be Aug. 24 and 25 at the downtown power plant.

More than 200 artists, authors, musicians, actors and craftspeople will participate. Each one has a unique connection to Austin.

Admission to the festival site is free and is designed to appeal to the entire family.

Three galleries will feature visual artists and crafters from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 24 and from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 25.

The Turbine Gallery showcases the work of professional visual artists and gives visitors a sense of the potential for the revitalization of the former plant.

Instrumental musicians will perform throughout the festival to enhance the Turbine Gallery experience. The Fourth Avenue and Annex galleries feature more artists.

Glassblower Peter Waldman is back from New York and will do demonstrations throughout the festival. Kyra Bellrichard will share her talents as a potter with demonstrations.

Visitors will be treated to a variety of live entertainment on the outdoor stage including blues by Sena Ehrhardt, jazz, rock, country, pop, mariachi, storytelling, magic, Austin’s own SPAMettes and the talents of guitarist Trace Bundy. Trace is another former Austinite who now lives in Colorado.

Writing is celebrated with author presentations in a new space this year. Festival organizers are thrilled to feature the highly successful young author Amanda Hocking who continues to write and live in Austin.

A total of 14 authors and illustrators will present their work and interact with audiences. Their books will also be on sale so the festival is a great time to get an autographed copy. The full author schedule is available on the festival website.

Look forward to lots of fun arts activities for kids. One of the highlights from last summer is back by popular demand. Kids are invited to “Brush the Beetle” by actually painting a Volkswagen Beetle.

Matchbox Children’s Theatre will present a sampling of their musical production of “Pinocchio,” which is being performed during the Festival in the Historic Paramount Theatre — just a few blocks from the Festival site. Local food vendors will add Festival fun and appeal.

An exciting new feature will be the Saturday night double headliner concert at Marcusen Park in partnership with Pacelli Catholic School in celebration of their 100th anniversary. Austin native Martin Zellar kicks off the concert with his band Martin Zellar and the Hardways at 7:30 p.m. Cloud Cult takes center stage at 9:30 p.m. Austin native, Shannon Frid-Ruben is the violinist Cloud Cult.

Two artists each create a painting during the concert and their painting will be available for purchase.

For more information and to buy concert tickets, go to austinartworksfestival.org.