Arts in Central Park 2026

Arts in Central Park is presented each year by the Decatur Area Arts Council and Gallery 510 Art and Framing, held the third weekend of September in Decatur, Illinois. Now in its 62nd year, this juried art show takes place in Central Park in downtown Decatur, featuring a beautiful location with its historic Transfer House and magnificent fountain. The event is free to the public and includes kids' arts activities, an art shop for kids, a VIP program with guaranteed patron purchases, live entertainment, and food vendors.

The show is open to all artists and craftspersons who exhibit and sell work of their own concept, design, and execution. Work that is imported, produced, or manufactured will not be accepted, nor will work produced from commercial molds, patterns, or kits. Artists must submit five current images of their work plus one image of their booth display. Media categories include ceramic, glass, jewelry, photography, painting/drawing/2D, wood, and other media. Awards total up to $3,500, including best of show and awards for each media category.

Application fee is $30, and booth fee is $200 for a 10' x 10' space. Each artist must provide their own tent and display equipment. Weights are required (no stakes allowed in Central Park). The event runs Saturday, September 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For accepted artists, hospitality includes complimentary coffee and refreshments each morning, assistance with setup starting at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, assistance with take-down starting at 4 p.m. on Sunday, and booth sitters available for breaks each day. Artists must be present both days. No refunds are given for cancellations. Artists are responsible for collecting and paying Illinois state sales tax.