An Occasion for the Arts 2026

The 58th Annual An Occasion for the Arts takes place October 3-4, 2026 at Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. This outdoor show is dedicated to maintaining high standards and fostering a positive environment for artists and patrons. The event draws approximately 38,000 art-educated patrons from the Historic Triangle region (Williamsburg, James City County, and York County), as well as metropolitan areas including Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, plus tourists visiting the area.

Applications are accepted from artists in all media. Each application requires five images: four of artwork and one booth display shot. The preferred deadline is April 23, 2026 with a $40 jury fee; the final deadline is April 30, 2026 with a $50 jury fee. Early bird fee of $35 is available until February 12, 2026. Artists may submit up to 3 applications and emerging artists are welcome. Jury selection occurs May 4-11 with results emailed May 19. Booth fees are due June 9: 10x10 corner booths are $495 and 10x20 double corner booths are $990. All booths are corners arranged in quads.

The show offers $6,000 in awards with 12 awards given in 2D and 3D categories. Award winners are jury-exempt the following year. Event features Friday setup, Sunday tear-down with drive-adjacent parking, reserved artist-only parking, 24-hour security, onsite staff and volunteers, booth sitters, and an Awards Reception Saturday evening. A full color printed program is sent to 20,000 households prior to the show. All participating artists must register with the City of Williamsburg for a Business License. Out-of-state artists must file a Temporary Sales Tax Certificate/Return (Form ST-50) as Virginia sales tax is 7%.