Here's what you need to know for the 27th annual Red Poppy Festival

On Sunday, attendees will again have access to the artisan market and live music. Festivalgoers can also gather for the pup parade at 11:30 a.m. to see a pageant of pets riding in style. Lastly, the festival will include an appearance from Chet Garner, the creator, executive producer, writer and host of the travel show “The Daytripper.”

“The Red Poppy Festival is one of Georgetown’s most cherished traditions, bringing our community together to celebrate the beauty of spring, local talent, and the spirit of our historic downtown,” Sharon Parker, special events and marketing program manager for the city of Georgetown, stated in a news release.

This year marks the first Red Poppy Festival since the city of Georgetown unveiled its first downtown parking garage, adding 315 parking spaces near the square in November. The $23.11 million garage is free and open to the public, featuring a parking guidance system that connects with the city website to show available parking online.

Event coordinators are excited to have the additional parking available, Parker said in an email it has been an asset to previous city events, including the Christmas Stroll in December. The garage will be accessible during the event, closing temporarily on Saturday from 6 a.m.-noon for the parade.

The city will also provide shuttles on Saturday and Sunday from East View and Georgetown high schools. Additional information about parking can be found online.

The history

Red poppies first appeared in Georgetown when Henry Purl Compton, who served in the American Expeditionary Forces, sent them to his mother after World War I. She planted them at her home on East Seventh Street. They later spread down the river and into Old Town.

The Texas Legislature certified Georgetown as the “Red Poppy Capital of Texas” in 1990. Now, the city of Georgetown celebrates the return of the red poppies every year with the festival.

Friday, April 24

Attractions and live entertainment:

• Artisan booths and food court opens, 5 p.m.
• Red Eye Gamblers, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Dysfunkshun Junkshun, 7-10 p.m.

Attractions:

• Artisan booths and food courts opens, 10 a.m.
• Parade, 10 a.m.
• Car show, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Kids Zone, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Red Poppy Stage
  • Rhythm Congress, 11:30 a.m.
  • Clint & The Cosmic Wake, 1 p.m.
  • American Gypsy Band, 5 p.m.
  • Jade Eagleson, 6:45 p.m.
  • Maddie & Tae, 8:30 p.m.
• Mayfair Stage
  • The Sieker Band, 11:30 a.m.
  • Michael Alexandersson, 1 p.m.
  • Avery Logan, 2:30 p.m.
  • Rich Stolp, 4 p.m.
• Celebrate Stage
  • Texas Twister Gymnastics, 11:30 a.m.
  • Step on Stage Rockstars, 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
  • YMCA, 3 p.m.
  • Georgetown ISD Ballet Folklorico & Mariachi, 4 p.m.
  • Georgetown Palace Theatre, 5 p.m.

Attractions:

• Artisan booths and food courts opens, 11 a.m.
• Pup parade, 11:30 a.m.
• Kids Zone, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Red Poppy Stage
  • North of Luck Band, 12:30 p.m.
  • Matthew Ryan Band, 2 p.m.
  • Elle Townley, 3:30 p.m.
• Mayfair Stage
  • Krissy Taylor, 11 a.m.
  • DJ Pet-Nat, 12:30 p.m.
  • Logan Papp, 2 p.m.
  • Derek Skelton 3:30 p.m.
• Celebrate Stage
  • Danzas Folkloricas Venezuela, noon
  • Clickety Cloggers, 1 p.m.
  • Sun City Georgettes, 2 p.m.
  • East View Red Line Jazz Ensemble, 3 p.m.
  • Rumah Budaya, 4:15 p.m.