Bayfront Blues and Fine Arts Festival 2026

The Bayfront Blues & Fine Art Festival is an inaugural two-day juried art festival taking place Saturday and Sunday, May 2–3, 2026, at Pier 21 on the Galveston waterfront. The festival brings together fine art, live blues music, and local food and drinks. Organized by the director behind Galveston's ARTobereFEST, the event features a high-quality juried art experience.

Artists must submit original work in one of 15 categories including ceramics, digital art, drawing, fiber/textiles, functional art, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, wood, and sculpture. Applications require 6 images (including a required booth shot). The application fee is $15 for early bird submissions until February 13, 2026, or $25 regular fee. Booth fees are $200 for a 10x10 single booth or $400 for a 10x20 double booth (limited availability, first come first serve). Artists must provide their own professional-grade white tent with a minimum of 50 lbs weights per leg.

The application deadline is March 20, 2026. Jury occurs March 23–27, with acceptance notifications on March 30, 2026. Booth purchase deadline is April 3, 2026. Load-in is Friday, May 1, 2026 (late afternoon, time TBA). Show hours are Saturday 10am–6pm and Sunday 10am–4pm. Festival amenities include 24-hour security, booth-sitting by Galveston Police Department, complimentary coffee and pastries, one free parking pass per artist per day, and hands-on art activities for kids. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children, with all proceeds benefiting Galveston's Cultural Arts District. Artists are responsible for collecting and paying 8.25% sales tax on all sales and must have a valid Texas Sales Tax Permit. A 50% refund is available until April 10, 2026.