Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival 2026

The Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival is held on the grounds of the Bar Harbor Inn, a premier waterfront luxury hotel strategically located in the middle of town on the harbor waterfront. This boutique-size show features 45 artists and attracts both wealthy visitors and locals during the pinnacle of tourist season. About 50% of artists return to repeat the show, and based on interview statistics, a majority make a profit above expenses. The show averages around 7,500 attendees over three days, with patrons entering from either Maine Street or the Inn, ensuring good customer flow to every booth.

The festival runs August 7-9, 2026, with setup Friday 9:00-12:00 and show hours Friday 12:00-7:00, Saturday 9:00-7:00, and Sunday 10:00-5:00. Applications require 6 images of art and one booth shot, with a $35 non-refundable jury fee. Artists may apply in different media categories but can only exhibit in their accepted category. All artwork must be substantially produced by the artist's hands using traditional non-computer assisted means, with individual works containing at least 50% original work by the artist.

Each 10x10 booth space costs $40 and requires a durable white shelter with four walls and minimum 30 lbs weight on each corner (no stakes except in grass areas with electricity). Artists must be present throughout all three days and comply with Maine sales tax requirements. Medium categories are limited to provide balance, with jewelry filling quickly. Jurying is ongoing with a rolling jury system, and accepted artists have two weeks to confirm participation with payment.