Arts & Entertainment Report Richardson is committed to supporting cultural arts, leisure, entertainment and programs that foster artistic diversity. As an example of this commitment, the city's Cultural Arts Commission offers financial assistance for some art programs through its Arts Funding Grants program. The Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts and Corporate Presentations is a 116,900 square-foot facility that features live music, NY-style theater productions and touring companies with musicals, dance and special performances throughout the year. Located off U.S. 75/Central Expressway, on Performance Drive next to the Marriott's Renaissance Hotel, the Eisemann Center is also an ideal multi-venue setting for business meetings and seminars: Hill Performance Hall (accommodates up to 1,563) Bank of America Theater (accommodates up to 400) Bank of America Meeting and Banquet Hall (accommodates up to 300) Multi-purpose lobby and art gallery area Owned and operated by the City of Richardson Easily accessed from Central Expressway, President George Bush Turnpike and Galatyn Park DART light rail station Founded in 1961, the Richardson Symphony Orchestra has grown with the DFW metroplex and is recognized as one of the premiere orchestras of the region. It is the resident symphony of the Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts and offers a variety of classical and pops concerts each season programmed to appeal to the varied audiences of the area. City-Sponsored Festivals The City of Richardson, along with various corporate partners, hosts annual events for residents and visitors. These events attract thousands of people and generally include vendors, talented artists, food, music, culture, art, entertainment and holiday activities. Some events are free to the public. Wildflower! Arts & Musical Festival takes place annually the third weekend in May at Galatyn Urban Park in Richardson, TX. Enjoy over 100+ musicians and bands on one of six stages, WF! Kids activities, Performance Row, WF! Marketplace Vendors, and festival favorite treats during the 3-day event! Learn more at wildflowerfestival.com. Cottonwood Art Festival is a juried semi-annual art show that features work from the nation's top visual artist and takes place on the first full weekend in May and October each year. Learn more at cottonwoodartfestival.com. Every year during the 3rd weekend of October, the paved trails of Huffhines Park come alive with close to 150 exhibiting artists and craftsmen. Patrons will find a variety of contemporary crafts, traditional crafts, and arts in mediums that range from painting to pottery, glass to woodworks, and jewelry to hand work. Learn more at huffhinesarttrails.com. Santa's Village is a tiny town of 16 holiday dwellings on the north side of City Hall as well as a holiday tradition for families from Richardson and beyond. Each colorful building offers children a fun activity and even a visit with Santa Claus! Attendees can also enjoy live performances, holiday photo ops, and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or a snack. The Village is open the first 3 weekend each December. Learn more at cor.net/santasvillage. Learn more about Richardson's entertainment activities and events at artsinrichardson.com.