UNION CITY, TENN. – Main Street Union City has announced a new event that combines Spring Open House with local artists. The inaugural “Downtown Art Crawl” will be on Fri., May 8, 2026 afterhours from 5 to 8 p.m. throughout businesses and restaurants in downtown Union City.
“As a board, we decided to combine our spring open house with an art crawl this year for a more energetic event and bigger economic impact downtown,” said Katie Graves, executive director for Main Street. “This also happens to be Mother’s Day weekend, so we want to encourage everyone to bring the moms in their lives downtown for a fun night of shopping, eating and art.”
Each participating business will have extended hours on Friday evening until 8 p.m. and will be hosting an artist inside their store or restaurant. Most merchants will have a little sip and snack while guests check out the art as well as the great gift items offered in each store.
Main Street officials will kick off the event at 5 p.m. in Merchants Park with a short welcome and a special dedication to Glenda Chrisp who served as executive director of Main Street for 17 years. Chrisp passed away earlier in 2026, and this is way to remember her love for Main Street and this community. All are welcome to attend.
Confirmed artists and locations include:
- Grinning Soul Crochet and Burning Phoenix Designs at For the Record
- Treena Bowling at Treena’s Photography
- Ben Walker at Bricks & Brews
- Pat Wade, John Clendenin and Tiny Baker at 217 S. First
- UCHS Art Students at Beau & Arrow
- Beth Micke and Flowers with Sass at Deep South Boutique
- Dylan Schaefer, Angela Chesteen Stough and Chandler Mathis at Reelfoot Brewing Co.
- David Flood at Shea Riley Appraisers
- Whitney Little and Soleil Designers at Soleil Florist & Designs
- Abi Hellmich, Julie Huggins, Judy Gierling and Holly Seng at The Art Room by Abi
- Selle Shanks at The Chocolate Bunny
- Sabrina Powers at Thrift +
- Jim Keeling, Lauren Hardy and Miranda Ligons at Vantage Coffee
Main Street has reached its total artists for the 2026 Art Crawl. To be placed on a waiting list for consideration for next year’s event, please email director@mainstreetunioncity.org.
For the most up-to-date list of artists and participating merchants, visit mainstreetunioncity.com/event/artcrawl2026.
This event is free to attend.
Photo: Artists Lana Purdy, Abi Hellmich, Selle Shanks and Pate Wade pose for a quick photo during the artists’ showcase held at The Art Room by Abi in 2025. Guests will enjoy over 20 artists throughout downtown Union City during the art crawl event this year on May 8, 2026.