Elizabethton is preparing for its next Art Walk this Friday evening, but this time there are a few additions to spice up the experience.

Karen Hitchcock of Blue River Studios said this will be about the fifth walk she has put on.

“A lot of people do not know we have a lot of artists here,” Hitchcock said. “This is about bringing people downtown to meet local artists.”

In past instances, the walk has brought hundreds of people to Downtown Elizabethton, and the walk has made sure local businesses have a way to benefit as well.

The walk gives each participant a passport, and dozens of local businesses will feature different artists and their work. At each location, the participant will receive a stamp. They then turn in their passport full of stamps at the end of the night for a prize drawing.

Deborah Knapp said she has volunteered at the walk for the past few years and has loved how many people get excited about it every time.

“It makes Elizabethton feel alive,” Knapp said. “It is something I did not have here growing up.”

She said there are many artists who get little recognition beyond events such as this.

“You would not believe how many artists are in this area,” Knapp said. “They have wanted something like this for a while.”

This time, more local businesses are participating beyond simply housing artists. Riverside Taphouse will be serving beverages during the evening, participants begin their walk at the Coffee Company and the Bonnie Kate Theater will house the afterparty around 8 p.m.

“We will have a table at the theater with canvases,” Hitchcock said. “For three dollars a minute, you can paint on the canvas. After that, other people can then paint on that canvas as well.”

She said the completed canvases of community art will either be showcased during the afterparty or on social media after the festivities.

“If you have not come, you should come and experience it,” she said.

Knapp said she loves seeing how excited people are seeing all the local art on display.

“They have such a great time,” she said. “The people are so excited about it.”

For more information on the art walk, contact Hitchcock at 585-406-3255. The walk is free to the general public.

The walk will take place Friday, Sept. 27, from 5 to 8 p.m.