British journalist (and, full disclosure, our favorite guest at the hotel) Liz Thomson was dismayed after discovering that our beautiful Greenwich Village didn't have an annual arts festival to call its own. Thomson, along with Washington Square Hotel owners Judy Paul and Marc Garrett, got together with other Village experts--and fans--to put together The Village Trip, a celebration of arts and activism (15 days and 45 events, to be exact) across both Greenwich Village and the East Village from September 14 through September 28.

Their mission? "To uplift, to entertain and to celebrate the arts for all New Yorkers, their families and all people from around the world who come to visit Downtown Manhattan's special oases, Greenwich Village and the East Village."

Amen to that!

Of course, music is a big part of the event, and programming runs the gamut from folk to rock to classical music. Local neighborhood and history walks, comedy, topical talks and panel discussions are on tap, as well as an exhibition of neighborhood artists.

Some highlights:

• The Village Trip on West 4th Street kicks off the festival with a free block party, centered around the historic Music Inn, a Village fixture for more than a century and a hangout for many musicians who played down the street at Gerdes Folk City and the Bottom Line. (September 14th from 2 to 7 PM, on West 4th between Jones and Barrow)

• Stoned Soul Picnic: Diane Garisto & The Laura Nyro Project. Garisto and the Stoned Soul Picnic Band perform the songs of the late, great Nyro. (The Bitter End, September 21, $25-$30)

• The Music of the West Village from Dylan to Springsteen and Beyond Walking Tour (September 17 and 25)

• Framing the Village: Identity, a free art exhibit curated by long-time Village artist Marc Kehoe (Moshava Art, Monday to Saturday from 2 to 5 PM)

• Stand Up & Be Counted! The Village Trip Comedy Night (September 25 at the Grisly Pear, $20))

• Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll is an authorized documentary on the late great artist which makes its New York City premier at The Loft at City Winery on September 15 ($25-$35)

Plus, a not-to-be-missed Bringing It All Back Home to Washington Square Concert on Saturday, the 28th from 4 - 7 PM at Garibaldi Plaza in the park. This free concert will celebrate girl power and sister acts: Tish and Snooky, glam punk rock legends of the Lower East Side, BETTY, the indie rock trio (and Gloria Steinem's favorite band) and Jamie Barnett, acclaimed session singer and Americana soloist.

Many of the events in the festival are free; none are expensive! Head to The Village Trip's website for tickets to events and more info.