An Occasion for the Arts 2025

The 57th Annual An Occasion for the Arts takes place October 4-5, 2025 on Merchants Square in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, nestled between Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William and Mary. This outdoor art fair is dedicated to maintaining high standards and fostering a positive environment for artists and patrons, with a commitment to balance the show to showcase every artist's unique work.

The event features 38,000 loyal, art-educated patrons based on 2024 geofencing data. All booths are corners with Friday setup and Sunday tear-down, drive-adjacent access, reserved artist-only parking, onsite staff and volunteers, booth sitters and lunch delivery options, and 24-hour security. A full-color printed program is sent to 45,000 households prior to the show, and there's an Awards Reception Saturday evening with $5,000 in awards distributed across 2D and 3D categories. Award winners receive jury exemption for the following year.

Applications require five images (four artwork, one booth display) and are due April 7th ($40 fee) or final deadline April 15th ($50 fee). The jury process involves six qualified members evaluating applications over five days, with results emailed April 30th. Booth fees are due June 4th: $495 for 10x10 corner booths and $990 for 10x20 double corner booths. Virginia sales tax of 7% applies, and 148 artists will be selected for the 2025 festival.