Residents and visitors alike will love to experience downtown Canton through a new lens with Canton Art Walk, a guided public art tour program designed to showcase the city's growing collection of murals, sculptures, and creative spaces while sharing the stories that make Canton unique.
Canton Art Walk offers regularly scheduled docent-led tours that explore downtown’s vibrant public art scene, including works from Mural Fest Canton, The Eleven public art series, and other installations that have transformed the city into an open-air gallery. The tours will combine art, history, architecture, and local storytelling, creating a one-of-a-kind cultural tourism experience.
Downtown Canton is home to dozens of public artworks, including nationally recognized installations and more than 20 new murals added through recent placemaking initiatives.
Tickets for Canton Art Walk are just $20 and two tour options are available, allowing participants to explore different sections of downtown while discovering the artists, historical figures, and community stories behind the artwork. Tours are expected to last approximately 90 minutes and will include visits to local creative spaces and businesses.
What is included in a tour ticket?
Your Canton Art Walk ticket includes an approx. 90-minute guided tour experience in downtown Canton. You'll explore a variety of public art stops, as well as visit galleries and shops. There may also be optional add-ons you can include with your ticket for an additional fee, including hands-on experiences.
What is not included?
Because Canton Art Walk takes place in the DORA district of downtown Canton, there may be an opportunity to purchase an alcoholic beverage to bring with you on the tour. This is optional and the purchase will be made directly with the establishment. If you order drinks on your own, please tip accordingly.
Tour guide gratuity is not included and is much appreciated. Gratuity for our guides averages $3-5 per person – or 15% of the ticket price.
When should I arrive for the tour?
The Tour Time is the time we will depart on tour. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to your tour time.
Where is the tour meeting place? Where Should I park?
There is ample parking downtown! If you're taking the Downtown Canton Art Walk Tour that starts at the museum, you can park on site at the museum in the Cultural Center lots or parking deck. If you are taking the Warehouse District Tour, there are many on-street and surface lots available for parking near the hotel. And remember—on-street parking at meters is free after 4 p.m. during the week and all day on weekends.
Can we really walk around with alcoholic beverages?
Yes! Downtown Canton's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas, AKA "DORA" is a great addition to our walking tour. If you purchase an alcoholic beverage, you'll receive it in a DORA cup, and you'll need to finish it before we enter some businesses. But our tour guide will help you with the details.
Is there a minimum size for the tour?
You can buy a single ticket, or multiple tickets for your group. You will be on tour with other people who may also purchase tickets. Please note that if a tour does not have at least 5 total guests by 48-hours prior, we reserve the right to cancel it and issue you a full refund.
What is your cancellation policy?
For cancellations up to 48 hours before start time, tickets are fully refundable, or can be turned into a gift certificate to be used on another tour.
For cancellations within 48 hours (or “no shows” the day of the event), no refunds will be given.
In the event of severe weather or other conditions that make the tour unsafe or impractical, Canton Art Walk reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the tour. Registered guests will be contacted as soon as possible and offered the option of a full refund or transfer to a future tour date.
How much / when should I tip our tour guide?
If you are happy with your tour, tipping is greatly appreciated! $3-5 per person is average – or 15% of the ticket price. At the end of your tour, when the guide is wrapping up, is a good time to tip and cash is recommended.
I'm interested in a tour, but the times you offer won't work?
We can create a custom tour for you if you if you have at least 6 people. Use our custom tour request form and we'll put together something special.
Can you create a special experience for my company, family or group?
Yes! We can create a custom tour tailored to your group. Use our custom tour request form and we'll put together something special.
How much walking is involved? Are tours wheelchair accessible?
Our tour requires a great deal of walking (at least 1.3 miles worth). We move in and out of buildings, up and down stairs, and through historical corridors that are not always well suited for wheelchairs or those that have trouble walking.
Any other tips for the tour?
We suggest remembering to wear sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated!
I still have some questions, what should I do?
Something we can help with that isn't outlined here? Just reach out to us via email at [email protected] or call 330.409.7607 during regular business hours with any questions before your tour using the contact form below!
Stephanie Sweany is the Executive Director at Stark County Hunger Task Force. She has been with the organization since 2017. She is a graduate of Kent State University and is a board member for the National Alumni Association. Stephanie is a graduate of the 34th Class of Leadership Stark County and is a past recipient of Twenty Under 40! and the Kent State University Alumni Advocacy Award. In her spare time, she operates the Canton Kindness Coalition and enjoys exploring Downtown Canton. She lives in Canton with her cats, Spooky Mulder and Chandler Bing.
Cathy Wyatt has owned Carpe Diem Coffee Shop for more than 20 years, putting her at the forefront of downtown Canton’s renaissance. She is extremely active in the community, including serving on the City of Canton Architectural Review Board, Women's Impact, The Women's Board of Aultman and Canton Palace Theatre Board, to name a few. She and her husband Patrick even live in downtown! Be sure to ask Cathy for recommendations for lunch, dinner or other downtown fun to do after your tour is over—she's an expert!
From California to New York and back again, Becky DeHart's journey through the arts has always been rooted in the power of storytelling. As ArtsinStark's Director of Education & Community Engagement, she oversees SmARTs programming that reaches students and communities across every corner of Stark County. With deep roots in theater and a passion for connecting people through the arts, Becky loves helping others discover the creativity and culture that make Canton special. When she's not championing arts education, she's spending time with her husband, Aaron, and daughter, Lizzy.
A lifelong Stark County resident and proud champion of downtown Canton, Courtney Halter serves as Vice President of Development for ArtsinStark. She has dedicated her career to shining a spotlight on the people, projects, and organizations that make our community thrive. Courtney's love for the arts, local history, and all things Canton makes her a natural guide for the Canton Art Walk. When she's not connecting people to the arts, she's likely creating something delicious in the kitchen for her family.
Raised in Stark County and surrounded by the arts her entire life, Mo Ater considers it a bit of kismet that she now serves as President & CEO of ArtsinStark. A passionate community volunteer and advocate, she loves sharing the stories that make Canton unique. Her favorite downtown artwork is the vibrant mural by Lizzie Aronholt near the ArtsinStark parking lot. "It's bright, colorful, and full of hidden references to Stark County. Plus, my oldest daughter helped paint it alongside hundreds of community members." When she's not championing the arts, Mo enjoys spending time with her husband, Patrick, and their three daughters, all of whom are deeply involved in the arts.
Select from two different tour paths and a variety of dates below! All our tours are approximately 90 minutes in length
Experience downtown Canton through the lens of art, history, and creativity on this guided 1.5-mile walking tour. Beginning at the Cultural Center for the Arts, the route travels along Cleveland Avenue, featuring murals, sculptures, and several works from The Eleven public art collection. Guests will enjoy a stop at Second April Studios before continuing toward Centennial Plaza and returning via Market Avenue. Along the way, discover the stories behind the artwork, the artists who created it, and the role public art plays in shaping Canton's identity. Participants may also enjoy a beverage within Canton's DORA district during the tour. Approximately 90 minutes.
Price and availability may vary
Discover the vibrant public art that has transformed downtown Canton on this guided 1.3-mile walking tour. Beginning at the DoubleTree by Hilton, guests will explore the Warehouse District, home to more than 15 murals created by local and nationally recognized artists. Along the way, the tour includes stops at Strauss Studios and Canton Marketplace, offering opportunities to experience the creative energy that fuels this growing district. You'll hear the stories behind the artwork, learn about the artists who brought these walls to life, and gain a deeper appreciation for Canton's evolving arts scene. Participants may also enjoy a beverage within Canton's DORA district during the tour. Approximately 90 minutes.
I understand that if the Canton Art Walk tour I book doesn't reach a minimum of 5 guests by 48-hours prior to the event, the tour will be canceled and I will receive a full refund.
Consider a donation to ArtsinStark to contribute to our Public Art Fund, to help us restore and maintain public art throughout Stark County. Your donation is tax deductible and any amount is welcome!
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