Columbus Arts Festival 2027

The Columbus Arts Festival, honored by Sunshine Artist Magazine as one of the top fine art and design festivals in the country, takes place June 11-13, 2027 on Columbus' Downtown Scioto Riverfront. Produced by the Greater Columbus Arts Council in its 65th year, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of art patrons and offers a vibrant atmosphere for artists to buy and sell original work and meet patrons face to face. The festival includes music, dance and theatre performances, a family-friendly arts area, and food vendors.

Artist amenities include one parking space in the dedicated artist lot, 5 amps of electricity per booth, complimentary water, continental breakfast, volunteer booth sitters upon request, access to restroom facilities, and limited storage space behind booths. All booths are accessible by vehicle for setup and teardown. Average festival sales based on 2026 data are $10,000, with total awards of $20,000 including a $4,000 Best in Show prize. The Greater Columbus Arts Council provides marketing support through paid television, radio, digital and social ads, as well as earned media and public relations efforts.

Applications are due December 11, 2026 via ZAPPlication.org. Jury selection occurs January 22-24, 2027, with notifications sent February 9, 2027. All work must be original, handcrafted, and signed. No buy/sell work, mass production, or work generated by or with the aid of Artificial Intelligence is permitted. The festival accepts work in 2D and 3D mixed media, ceramics, digital art, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wood, and an Emerging Festival Artist Program for residents of Franklin County and surrounding counties with limited festival experience.