AUSTIN, Texas – A local festival coming up quick is trying to help veterans cope with mental illness in a hands-on way.

  • Festival starts October 12
  • Runs through November 16

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, approximately 500 Texas veterans committed suicide in 2017. The Austin Veteran Arts Festival is trying to combat those statistics and the stigma surrounding mental illness.

The festival opens on Saturday, October 12 and runs through November 16.

WATCH ABOVE: AVA Fest creator Glenn Towery came to the Spectrum News studio to talk about the festival.

The festival will feature artwork, music, dance, comedy and more. All money raised during the festival will go to veteran suicide prevention programs.

The event kicks off with a free concert at the AISD Performing Arts Center.

You can learn more about how to attend and what to expect by clicking here.