Guide to the Top Art Fairs Across the U.S.

Art fair season is in full swing!

While hundreds of art festivals and fine art shows pop up across the U.S. throughout the year, some are especially outstanding in terms of atmosphere and attendance.

And, you know what that means? The better the show, the better chance you have of connecting with excited customers and selling your work!

So whether you want to check out these fairs in person and see what they’re all about, or you’re ready to throw your hat into the ring, we’ve rounded up some of the highest rated art fairs across America as determined by ArtFairCalendar.com.

Check out these art fairs consistently voted the best of the best:

Upcoming Deadlines:

Plaza Art Fair

The Plaza Art Fair encompasses nine city blocks and welcomes a crowd of over 250,000. Featuring 240 artists, the Plaza Art Fair is a top-ranked, national art event with three live music stages and over 20 featured restaurant booths. It continues to be a weekend of people simply celebrating art and each other, as well as Kansas City’s unofficial welcome to the fall season.

DATES: September 20 - 22

LOCATION: Kansas City, MO

DEADLINE: April 18

St. James Court Art Show

Consistently ranked as one of the top Fine Art and Contemporary Craft Shows in the country*, the St. James Court Art Show attracts 250,000 visitors annually from all across the nation who come to purchase unique handcrafted items directly from the hands that crafted them. Held annually on the first full weekend of October, the St. James Court Art Show has been running continuously for over 62 years.

DATES: October 4 - 6

LOCATION: Louisville, KY

DEADLINE: May 1

Park Forest Fine Art Fair

The Tall Grass Arts Association operates a regional art gallery located in Park Forest, Illinois. Juried artists are invited to participate in the annual fine art fair held in September in Downtown Park Forest. They have the opportunity to display work in the gallery at least once a year and to include their work in the Tall Grass Gift Shop.

DATES: September 14 - 15

LOCATION: Park Forest, IL

DEADLINE: May 4

Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair

It's our 57th year for bringing original art to central Illinois and we want you to be a part of the celebration! As one of the oldest art events in the country, the Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair is nationally recognized for its organization, event marketing, and for putting artists' needs at the top of the priority list.

DATES: September 27 - 29

LOCATION: Peoria, IL

DEADLINE: May 5

2019 One of a Kind Holiday Show

The One of a Kind Show, held in April and December each year, can be your best opportunity to sell to tens of thousands of affluent consumers who value handmade work and love to shop! Artists, designers and makers with high quality, handmade, original work are invited to apply to be a part of the One of a Kind experience! Applications will be juried and chosen based on uniqueness, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

DATES: December 5 - 8

LOCATION: Chicago, IL

DEADLINE: May 8

Gold Coast Art Fair

The Gold Coast Art Fair is the 3rd oldest and by far one of the most well-attended art festivals in Chicago. Located within walking distance of the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, The Bean, and Buckingham Fountain, the Gold Coast Art Fair draws hundreds of thousands of art enthusiasts from Chicago and the surrounding suburbs annually.

DATES: June 16 - 17

LOCATION: Chicago, IL

DEADLINE: May 27

LEARN MORE: How to Get Accepted to More Art Fairs

Port Clinton Art Festival

More than 100,000 art savvy, loyal attendees and buyers visit this high caliber festival which celebrates its 36th year this summer. Located in the affluent community of Highland Park, Illinois, the Port Clinton Art Festival is one of the most acclaimed art festivals in the country and is rated one of the top art shows in the United States by Sunshine Artist Magazine and a top show by Art Fair Calendar.

DATES: August 25 - 26

LOCATION: Highland Park, IL

DEADLINE: August 19

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown is one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine art events. The jury for this festival is a week-long offsite process by an invited panel of artists, collectors, and industry professionals. The festival has been consistently ranked among the top 25 in Sunshine Artist's 200 Best.

DATES: October 12 - 13

LOCATION: Houston, TX

DEADLINE: June 9

SOFA CHICAGO

The Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design (SOFA) Fair in Chicago is the premier gallery-presented art fair dedicated to three-dimensional art and design. Critically acclaimed and continuously running since 1993, what distinguishes SOFA from other top art events is its focus on three-dimensional artworks that cross the boundaries of fine art, decorative art and design.

DATES: October 31 - November 3

LOCATION: Chicago, IL

DEADLINE: Request an application here.

Deadline to get on your calendar for next year:

Main Street Arts Festival

Being a juried arts festival is a big deal, especially if you’re ranked in the Top 3 juried Fine Arts Festivals in the country. We take this responsibility seriously! Only one in seven artists who apply each year are accepted, meaning the works you’ll see along Main Street represent the best of the best, from all over the country.

DATES: April 11 - 14

LOCATION: Fort Worth, TX

DEADLINE: Previous application cycle ran from July 15 - October 13

Delray Affair

Each year, the Delray Affair is host to up to 600 artists and exhibitors from across the country! Come and be a part of one of the largest outdoor arts and crafts show in sunny South Florida!

DATES: April 12 - 14

LOCATION: Delray Beach, FL

DEADLINE: 2020 application cycle TBA

One of a Kind Spring Show

The One of a Kind Spring Show is a 3-day show featuring fine art and craft from a juried selection of talented artists that is held at Chicago's Mart. We invite artists, designers and makers with high quality, handmade, original work to apply to be a part of the One of a Kind Spring experience!

DATES: April 26 - 28

LOCATION: Chicago, IL

DEADLINE: The Spring deadline has passed. Apply to be on the waitlist here.

Artisphere

Artisphere has been successfully connecting artists and buyers for over a decade. Our festival has become a staple in the local and regional community as ‘the place to be’ for artists of all kinds. All artists go through an application and review process before final selections are made.

DATES: May 10 -12

LOCATION: Greenville, SC

DEADLINE: Application cycle ended in October

Art on the Square

Since 2002 Art on the Square has consistently been ranked #1 and #2 in the nation by Art Fair Source Book. Art on the Square is held annually the weekend after Mother’s Day. Featuring the original work of over 100 accomplished artists from around the world, fantastic musical and stage performances as well as delicious local food and drink, Art on the Square is a three-day sensation for the eyes, ears and palate!

DATES: May 17 - 19

LOCATION: Belleville, IL

DEADLINE: Previous application cycle ran from August 20 - December 20

LEARN MORE: Affordable Art Fair Booths You Can Build in a Weekend

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival

The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, now in its 28th year, is one of the “top five” outdoor art festivals in the country with a long-standing reputation for showcasing high-quality, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind artwork in a dynamic outdoor setting that draws affluent and knowledgeable clientele.

DATES: May 17 - 19

LOCATION: Reston, VA

DEADLINE: TBA

57th Street Art Fair

Held every year on the first full weekend in June, the 57th Street Art Fair is a two-day outdoor celebration of the visual arts held in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Artists and art lovers reunite at Chicago's oldest juried art fair in the Midwest, featuring the work of up to 200 exhibitors. Most are returning artists, but each year between 50 and 75 new exhibitors are invited to participate by a jury made up of collectors, critics, curators and artists.

DATES: June 1 - 2

LOCATION: Chicago, IL

DEADLINE: Previous application cycle ran from November 1 - January 14

Old Town Art Fair

Considered one of the top Art Fairs in the country, the Old Town Art Fair was voted #1 in America for the fourth year in a row.* It takes place the second weekend of June in the heart of the charming Old Town Triangle Historic District on Chicago’s North Side. There are 250 artists, an estimated 30,000 art lovers, a Garden Walk, Live Music, Food Court and Children’s Corner.

DATES: June 8 - 9

LOCATION: Chicago, IL

DEADLINE: Applications accepted September 15 - December 15

The Art of Fire

The Art of Fire includes over 100 artists working in clay, glass and metal. Live glass blowing, metal working and more.

DATES: June 8 - 9

LOCATION: Royal Oak, MI

DEADLINE: TBA

Lakefront Festival of the Arts

For over fifty years, the Lakefront Festival of Art has been bringing art to life on Milwaukee’s lakefront. Started in 1963, this three-day fund-raising event has evolved from a gathering of a handful of artists to a vibrant, exciting, and wide-ranging festival with something for everyone. With close to 25,000 attendees and over 170 jury-selected artists from across the nation, the Lakefront Festival of Art is a fun-filled destination with art, food, music, and activities for the whole family.

DATES: June 21- 23

LOCATION: Milwaukee, WI

DEADLINE: 2020 application cycle TBA

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival (CCAF) weekend event is a world‐class and award‐winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts, and enjoys an attendance of 350,000 visitors over the course of the three‐day event. The CCAF’s year-round 501c3 non-profit mission is to provide access to art experiences and to support education.

DATES: July 5 - 7

LOCATION: Denver, CO

DEADLINE: Application cycle runs October 1 – December 1

Art in the Park

A signature Michigan event, Art In The Park, now in its 39th year will welcome over 400 artists from around the U.S. offering paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, woodwork, photography, folk art & much more.

DATES: July 12 - 14

LOCATION: Plymouth, MI

DEADLINE: Application cycle ended March 1

Art Fair on the Square

With its mix of music, outdoor dining, and nearly 500 artists exhibiting paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, jewelry, handmade clothing and accessories, and fine craft, the fair draws nearly 200,000 visitors to Madison.

DATES: July 13 - 14

LOCATION: Madison, WI

DEADLINE: Artists may apply November through mid-March

Ann Arbor Street Art Fair

The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is the original of a collective of four concurrent and contiguous fairs that transform central Ann Arbor into a massive outdoor art gallery each July. Established in 1960 as part of Ann Arbor’s Sidewalk Sales, the Street Art Fair quickly became a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization with a mission of increasing public knowledge and appreciation for contemporary fine arts and fine crafts.

DATES: July 18 – 21

LOCATION: Ann Arbor, MI

DEADLINE: 2020 application cycle runs October 2019 - January 2020

LEARN MORE: How to Sell to the Five People You’ll Meet at an Art Fair

Guilford Art Center Craft Expo

Craft Expo 2019 will bring 180 nationally-recognized craft artists to Guilford, whose exquisite-quality works help rank this event as one of the top craft shows in New England and the country. As a celebration of the arts and a signature happening for the town of Guilford and the Connecticut shoreline, Craft Expo is a must-see summer event.

DATES: July 19 - 21

LOCATION: Guilford, CT

DEADLINE: Application cycle ended in February

Geneva Fine Arts Fair

Geneva, a chic and charming historic town located on the Fox River, will celebrate its 17th annual Fine Arts Fair in 2019. Its prestigious reputation of offering a superb selection of fine art by renowned artists and cutting edge newcomers attracts beginning and avid art collectors.

DATES: July 27 - 28

LOCATION: Geneva, IL

DEADLINE: Application cycle ended February 1

Kimball Arts Festival

Now, in its 50thyear, the Kimball Arts Festival is Utah’s longest-running visual arts festival and is one of the most highly regarded art events in the West. For three days, the Park City Kimball Arts Festival proudly features more than 220 of North America’s finest artists across 13 disciplines, providing visitors with an opportunity to meet and purchase art from a wide variety of talented artists from across the country and internationally.

DATES: August 2 - 4

LOCATION: Park City, UT

DEADLINE: Application deadline ended March 8

Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair

On August 10, 2019, many of the nation's finest artists and craftsmen will be coming to the Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair to exhibit their best works. The Fair is always held the second Saturday in August and draws over 25,000 art lovers to this resort town between Lake Michigan and Round Lake. It is the second oldest juried art fair in Michigan.

DATES: August 10

LOCATION: Charlevoix, MI

DEADLINE: Application cycle ended in February

Art in the High Desert

Art in the High Desert is Central Oregon's Premier Juried Fine Art and Craft Show, welcoming 120 highly acclaimed artists from across the country and Canada.

DATES: August 23 - 25

LOCATION: Bend, OR

DEADLINE: Previous application cycle ran from December - March

Arts, Beats & Eats

The 22nd Annual Arts, Beats & Eats will take place in Downtown Royal Oak. The festival offers more than 200 performances on nine stages, a highly ranked Juried Fine Arts Show, and local restaurants with some of the finest cuisine in Metro-Detroit. Each year these international, regional and local festival attractions make the City of Royal Oak the premier destination for Labor Day weekend.

DATES: August 30 - September 2

LOCATION: Royal Oak, MI

DEADLINE: Previous application cycle ended April 15

Art in the Pearl

The Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival is an annual juried arts event, held Labor Day weekend. It is located in the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon. Drawing an estimated 85,000 attendees, Art In The Pearl features the artwork of 130 exceptional visual artists. Our Emerging Artist Program provides regional artists in the early stages of their art career, an opportunity to gain experience marketing their work at one of our nation’s premier art festivals.

DATES: August 31 - September 2

LOCATION: Portland, OR

DEADLINE: Application cycle ended February 15

LEARN MORE: 13 Do’s and Don’ts to Stand Out at an Art Fair

Art & Apples Festival

Now in its 54th year, the Art & Apples Festival returns to transform the scenic 30-acre Rochester Municipal Park into one of the nations top fine art fairs with three days of food, music, and the artwork of 250 top-quality fine art exhibitors.

DATES: September 6 - 8

LOCATION: Rochester, MI

DEADLINE: Application cycle ended March 31

Saint Louis Art Fair

The 26th annual Saint Louis Art Fair (SLAF), presented by Centene Charitable Foundation, is a nationally juried fine art and fine craft show. SLAF selects 142 artists (plus wait list) from a jury pool of approximately 1250 applicants. SLAF is consistently ranked one of the nation’s top fine art fairs. Each year the Art Fair attracts over 130,000 art enthusiasts.

DATES: September 6 - 8

LOCATION: Clayton, MO

DEADLINE: Application cycle ended March 22

American Craft Exposition

The 35th Annual American Craft Exposition (ACE), a juried exhibition and sale of fine craft, will be held at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois. Proceeds from ACE benefit increased access to mental health services at NorthShore University HealthSystem. Approximately 8,500 visitors attend each year. Out of the 149 artists exhibiting at the 2018 show, approximately 30 were new to the show, including three Emerging Artists.

DATES: September 20 -22

LOCATION: Glencoe, IL

DEADLINE: Previous application cycle ended March 25

Las Olas Art Fair

The iconic artistic event known as the Las Olas Art Fair Part I returns with more than 300 national and international artists in a stunning showcase of art across all mediums.

DATES: Previously January 5 - 6

LOCATION: Fort Lauderdale, FL

DEADLINE: TBA

Beaux Arts Festival of Art

The Festival of Art became an annual project and is now a juried show with over 200 participating artists in 10 different mediums on the grounds of the University of Miami. It is recognized as one of the leading art shows in the country and attracts acclaimed artists from all over the world.

DATES: Previously January 12 - 13

LOCATION: Coral Gables, FL

DEADLINE: TBA

ArtFest Fort Myers

On the first weekend in February, ArtFest enlivens the Fort Myers waterfront with exceptional art, entertainment and children’s art activities.

DATES: January 31 - February 2

LOCATION: Fort Myers, FL

DEADLINE: TBA

LEARN MORE: The Ultimate Art Fair Packing List

Mount Dora Art Festival

What better way to celebrate one of the top downtown areas in the country than by walking America’s favorite home-town. Filled with fine art from national artists, along a magnificent lake view. Discover terrific entertainment, food, superb shopping and of course, The Premier Arts Festival in Central Florida!

DATES: Previously February 2 -3

LOCATION: Mount Dora, FL

DEADLINE: Previous application deadline ended in October

Coconut Grove Arts Festival

More than 360 artists flock to South Florida each year to showcase their talents alongside Biscayne Bay. Spanning across 15 mediums and ranging from classic and contemporary to the unconventional and eccentric, it's no surprise that Coconut Grove Arts Festival’s creative variety has made it among the top Fine Arts outdoor festivals in the nation.

DATES: Previously February 15 - 17

LOCATION: Miami, FL

DEADLINE: TBA

ArtiGras

Experience the art of 300 national and local fine artists at one of the Top 50 ranked premier art shows in the nation. Shop, eat, drink and enjoy live entertainment, artist demonstrations, emerging artists and more.

DATES: Previously February 16 - 18

LOCATION: Jupiter, FL

DEADLINE: TBA

American Craft Show

The American Craft Council’s four annual, juried craft shows convene a vibrant community of more than 1,500 of the country’s most talented craft artists – ranging from those just beginning their careers to masters in the field. Exhibiting artists represent the broad aesthetic, technical, and material diversity of the craft field, from age-old traditions to cutting-edge technologies.

DATES: Previously February 21 - 24 in Baltimore, MD

LOCATIONS: Atlanta, Baltimore, St. Paul, San Francisco

DEADLINE: Sign up here to receive notifications when 2020 applications open.

Photo by olivia hutcherson

La Quinta Arts Festival

Presenting 220 foremost contemporary artists in a spectacular outdoor gallery, this four-day event guarantees patrons an unparalleled cultural experience. Amenities include music, performance art, and trendy food, refreshments, wine and beer.

DATES: Previously March 7 - 10

LOCATION: La Quinta, CA

DEADLINE: Application cycle ended September 30

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is one of the nation’s oldest, largest and most prestigious outdoor art festivals. It is produced by an all-volunteer board and draws more than 350,000 visitors each year. Over 1,100 artists from around the world apply for the Festival each year. Festival. An independent panel of three judges select the 225 artists who will exhibit their works.

DATES: Previously March 15 - 17

LOCATION: Winter Park, FL

DEADLINE: Application cycle ended September 26

Cedar Key Arts Festival

This juried event, attracts 20,000 visitors annually and offers over $18,000 in prize money and purchase awards. This event has been rated one of the top ten fine arts festivals in the nation by ArtFairCalendar.com for the past two years. Cedar Key's beautiful natural setting, outstanding artist amenities, and the friendliness and hospitality of the volunteers make this a favorite destination for both artists and art lovers.

DATES: Previously March 30 - 31

LOCATION: Cedar Key, FL

DEADLINE: Applications for the 2020 Festival are open July 1 through mid-November

Are you ready to apply?

You don’t want to be digging for images, details, or documents last minute. A rushed, subpar application will probably land itself in the rejection pile!

If deadlines have a habit of creeping up on you, but you’re serious about showing art your art, you’ll need to find a way to stay organized and tackle art fair applications easily. An art inventory management system like Artwork Archive can be the perfect solution.

With your art inventory at your fingertips, you’ll be able to choose the right collection of pieces for your application (with high-quality images and details like dimensions and availability at the ready).

Does your application ask for an image list? Create one with the push of a button. Show history? A complete history is recorded in your inventory. Artist statement? Stored with other important documents on your cloud-based account.

Add application deadlines to the “My Schedule” feature and receive email reminders before it’s time to submit. You’ll never miss out on these opportunities again.