Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival 2026 - 31st Annual Spring - Thunderbird Artists

This award-winning Spring Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival is produced by Thunderbird Artists in conjunction with the 501c3 Imprints of Honor and is officially the Town of Carefree's Signature Event. This nationally acclaimed fine art festival in Carefree is widely known as "a collector's paradise." The unique town is nestled in the foothills of the Sonoran desert, bordering Scottsdale to the north, with downtown streets closed to make room for 160 artists. Well established as a collector's show, the Carefree festival draws a qualified, knowledgeable and affluent clientele who enjoy the finer things in life.

Thunderbird Artists' mission is to promote fine art and fine crafts, paralleled with the ambiance of unique wines and fine music, while supporting the artists, merchants and surrounding communities. All work must be original, handcrafted, created and exhibited by the artist. No open-ended edition prints permitted, and at least 65% of displayed work must be original art. Kits, imports and mass produced items are prohibited, as are clothing, hobby or bazaar type articles. All categories must be juried prior to acceptance, with separate images and jury fee required for acceptance of more than one medium.

Application deadline is October 15th, 2025, with notification on October 29th, 2025. Artists must accept or decline invitation by November 30, 2025. Marketing/space fees include Carefree vendor permit fees and range from $545 for a 10' x 10' space to $1135 for a 10' x 20' corner space. The application is free with 5 images required plus a booth shot. Refunds are available until February 6th, 2026 (minus a $35 cancellation fee). Artists must acquire proper state and city tax licenses/permits and provide their own weighted, sturdy display with solid white, flame retardant tents.