Artsplosure - The Raleigh Arts Festival 2026

Artsplosure - The Raleigh Arts Festival is one of the most original, longest running, and best-attended arts festivals in North Carolina. The 2-day event is held annually on the third weekend of May in beautiful downtown Raleigh. The festival's centerpiece is an Art Market comprised of approximately 175 juried visual artists from across the United States showcasing works in ceramics, glass, fiber art, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, wood and more. Artsplosure presents national and regional entertainment on two stages, provides arts-based activities for children and families, and presents large-scale temporary art installations each year. Annual festival attendance averages over 85,000.

Accepted categories include ceramics, textiles, fiber art, glass, jewelry, metal, painting, photography, wood, other 2-D works, other 3-D works, and tech/digital art. All work displayed must be the artist's own work and must be for sale. Artists invited to show their work are chosen by an independent jury from the regional visual art community. The jury meets in February to review qualified entries, with notification of acceptance sent no later than March 5, 2026. Cash prizes totaling $3,500 will be awarded including Best in Show ($1,250), Judges' Choice ($750), two Merit Awards ($500 each), and two Honorable Mentions ($250 each).

Application fee is $35 (non-refundable). Booth fees are $345 for a single 10' x 10' space or $690 for a double 20' x 10' space, due upon acceptance by March 20, 2026. Artists must provide their own structures and tents must be certified fire-resistant. No electricity, water, or generators are available. Artists are responsible for collecting North Carolina sales tax at the current rate of 7.25% in Wake County.