SAN MARCOS -- From face painting to photography, the eighth annual San Marcos Alive street fair is sure to be a palette of activity, with something for participants of all ages.

Focused on promoting the arts in various mediums, this year's street fair on Oct. 1 will offer live entertainment, hands-on crafts, art contests and a kiddie carnival with games and prizes.

"There's just really a lot that goes on," said Cathy Cronin, recreation supervisor for the city of San Marcos. "It brings everyone together to celebrate the arts in our community."

The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be held in front of the San Marcos Civic Center, located at 3 Civic Center Drive, at the corner of San Marcos Boulevard and Mission Road. Organizers are expecting up to 8,000 people, said Cronin.

"We're hoping for a really big crowd this year," she said. "Art is important to celebrate because it enriches our lives."

Cronin said many people come for the entertainment, which will include two headlining bands -- The Fabulous Woodies, a surf-inspired oldies band, and Dylan's Steel Band, which plays Caribbean music. Hula dancers, vocalists, magicians, school bands and ballroom dancers will also perform on two stages set up for the event.

Dancers from the local San Marcos Dance FX studio will show off their rhythm in tap, hip hop and jazz routines.

"In the past, it's been great to be out in the community," said Frances Worley, owner of the studio. "The kids love to perform for people they know."

Worley said she considers dance a special form of art, one that allows kids to express their emotions through movement.

In addition to entertainment, fair-goers will find an array of merchandise for sale from about 70 arts and crafts vendors, including everything from handmade jewelry to floral arrangements, artwork to seasonal decorations. The food court will feature Mexican dishes and barbecue, with tasty treats like gourmet ice cream and funnel cake for desert.

Another aspect of the fair is the children's art contest, where students from throughout the San Marcos School District compete in a contest to win cash prizes to go toward art supplies for their schools; the top prize is $100. The awards will be announced at 11 a.m.

"We do it every year," said Cronin.

Kids can come play on giant slides, inflatable mazes and party jumps in a kiddie carnival meant to keep them entertained, or participate in 20 hands-on crafts like beading and spin art.

The festival will also feature clowns, face painters, a book fair and an opportunity to meet local artists displaying oil paintings, wire works, photography and more.

"We wanted to provide an avenue for people to experience art in many forms," said Cronin.

For more information about the San Marcos Alive street fair, call (760) 744-9000 or visit www.san-marcos.net.

Contact staff writer Noelle Ibrahim at (760) 761-4404 or nibrahim@nctimes.com. Comment at nctimes.com.