The nightlife in downtown Austin is about to get a little bit louder.

Sixteen pianos have been placed throughout the central region of the city as a part of an international art project called “Play Me, I’m Yours” by Luke Jerram. The project, which kicked off today, will last for one month and encourages public interaction in playing and even decorating the pianos as they stroll through downtown.

This weekend marks the 60th anniversary of Art City Austin, an art festival held in the busiest and liveliest streets of the city every spring.

PMIY showcases pianos outside their traditional settings, according to Art Alliance Austin, the organization promoting Jerram’s project and the festival. “[It] places them in public spaces so that they are accessible to and played by musicians and non-musicians alike.”

This marks the 18th city that PMIY will be displayed at since its debut in 2008. Previous piano locations have included the streets and bridges of New York City, Barcelona and London.

Each city the project reaches is given a website, in this case, Play Me, I’m Yours: Austin 2011. The site lists the locations of each piano and encourages those who use them to post pictures, video and comments online.

Art City Austin will also keep the streets bustling this weekend. Over 190 artists from all over the city will be jam packed in streets, plazas and green spaces near city hall. An array of art, food and drinks are to be sold including works by Monique Capanelli, Jay Long and Michael O’Brien. Torchy’s Tacos, Amy’s Ice Cream and Tiff’s Treat are just a few of the participating vendors.

The event will also feature “a Kid’s Block where young artists can create their own masterpieces” such as flowers and butterflies made from recycled fabrics, decorative masks and postcards.

Of course, the scene would not be complete without music. Musicians will be playing around the clock at City Hall Stage on Saturday and Sunday. Participants include The Biscuit Brothers and Henry and the Invisibles. Coincidentally, a piano is placed right in front of city hall, so you will probably be able to hear tunes coming from that as well.

Tickets to attend Art City Austin are $8 for adults and free for children 12 and under. But those who like to bike ride have got an even sweeter deal. If you park your bike at Mellow Johnny’s Bike Valet located on 1st Street Bridge, you get in free of charge.

So get up off of the couch this weekend and go and enjoy all of the art and music Austin has to offer!