This is one of my favorite art fairs in the St. Louis area. It rained last year, and that didn't stop me from going. The crowds generally aren't bad, but it is getting more and more crowded each year, which is great for the fair and the artists. There aren't as many booths as Clayton's Art Fair, but I like the atmosphere more in Belleville. It's laid back and seems to have more families, which I don't have a problem with generally. Also, downtown Belleville is really clean and pretty. It's fun to spend an afternoon scoping out the art and browsing some of the little mom and pop shops. I always think that this is what an old downtown in a little town is supposed to look like--not like the dead, abandoned squares you'll find in most small towns. There's an antique store that I always visit, and there's movie theater that's I've been wanting to try ($6.50 for a standard adult ticket). Also, there is this metered parking lot that is insanely cheap--it's something like a quarter for 10 hours (that may not be exactly right but it's insane). Being used to the city, which is now a quarter for 15 minutes, I love putting my quarter in a watching the time up. My parents told me about this lot, and I had to check it out like it was some kind of urban legend. Anyway, the art fair is May 13-15 this year according to their website, and I can't wait. Also, this is a free art fair. read more