CenterFest Arts Festival 2026

Now in its 51st year, CenterFest Arts Festival is the longest running outdoor juried arts festival in North Carolina. Located in Downtown Durham, the event attracts 30,000+ visitors and art buyers. CenterFest is Sunshine Artist's #1 Fine Arts Festival in North Carolina and is ranked #22 nationally. The festival is particularly lauded by exhibitors for its artist services amenities, including complimentary breakfast, attentive staff, abundant volunteers, and easy load-in/load-out. Reserved free artist parking, booth sitters, overnight security, and indoor restrooms are available.

The festival takes place September 19-20, 2026. Single booth spaces are 10' x 10' ($330), and double booth spaces are 10' x 20' ($630), with an additional $85 fee for corner spaces. Electricity is available for $100 with advance reservations. Early load-in is available on Friday, September 18 at 9pm for an $85 fee (limited to 15 artists, must enter between 8:30-9pm). Standard exhibitor setup is 6am-9am on Saturday. Merit awards include Best of Show ($1,000), First Place ($600), Second Place ($500), Third Place ($400), and Best Durham Artist ($300). Application fee is $40 (non-refundable). Accepted mediums include basket weaving, clay, digital, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, paper, printmaking, sculpture, and wood.

Artists must submit an online application with 6 images (a booth shot is required) and the application fee. Returning artists are rejuried every two years. Restrictions apply: electrostatic prints, imports, commercially manufactured items, cast molds (except original artist-designed molds), kit items, paper/plastic flowers, live plants, consumable items, and AI-generated art are not allowed. Work must be made by the hands of the artists selling it. Reproducible prints (Iris, Gicleé, offset lithographs, laser and ink-jet prints) are acceptable only when clearly labeled "Reproduction" and displayed in one bin (not exceeding 2' x 3') or on one wall of a booth. Conventionally printed photographs and digitally produced photographs/collages/paintings/graphics are allowed if printed by or under the direct supervision of the photographer.