Desert Art Festival - Thanksgiving Weekend - 2025

The Desert Art Festival - Thanksgiving Weekend celebrates its 37th year and will be held at The River in Rancho Mirage. One hundred artists will display their original work in all mediums of fine art and fine craft. This three-day outdoor celebration of the visual arts features work from 100 exhibitors, providing a venue for creators of quality fine art and fine craft to meet with the art-buying public. Admission and parking are free, with hours from 10 am - 4 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 28-30, 2025.

The festival uses a blinded jury process where professionals from the art community review four images from each artist based solely on artistic excellence. Artists can submit in up to 2 categories with 5 images total - 4 individual pieces and 1 booth display shot. Booth spaces accommodate 10' x 10' or 10' x 20' white canopies, with fees of $350 for small spaces and $500 for large spaces. Corner spaces cost an additional $50. Artists pay a 10% commission on all sales and must be present for the entire event.

Application deadline is September 2, 2025, with a $25 non-refundable jury fee. Notifications are sent September 9, and accepted artists must commit by September 26. The festival presents only original work - no imports, commercial, or mass-produced items. Exhibitors must be at least 16 years old and display work consistent with their submitted images. Overnight security and parking/camping are available at The River.