Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street 2026

Artsfest makes art essential to the lives of those living in the Southwest Missouri by showcasing talented artists and their creativity in a community-centric festival. More than forty years strong, this outdoor event hosts over 110 artists on the beautiful Historic Walnut Street in Springfield, Missouri. With more than 20,000 attendees, Artsfest prides itself on Midwestern hospitality for artists. More than $5,000 in cash awards will be given at the festival, including Best of Show ($1,000), Best of Show 2D ($500), Best of Show 3D ($500), People's Choice ($500), and Award of Excellence ($500 each, up to eight awards).

The festival takes place on Historic Walnut Street in Springfield, Missouri, amidst historic Victorian homes and tree-lined sidewalks, adjacent to the Missouri State University campus and Downtown Springfield. The event runs Saturday, May 2, 2026, and Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM both days, rain or shine. All booth spaces are 10' by 10' with a $225 booth fee. Artists must provide their own display including tent or canopy with sturdy weights.

The non-refundable jury fee is $30, with applications due January 23, 2026, and notifications sent by February 27, 2026. Up to 110 artists will be accepted with 15-20 alternates chosen. Artists must submit five images: four representative of work to be exhibited and one of booth display. All work must be original, human-created work by the submitting artist - AI-generated artwork is expressly prohibited. Artists must be present throughout the two-day festival and provide their own City of Springfield retail license and State of Missouri tax identification number.