Festival of the Arts - 30th Annual - 2025

The 30th Annual Festival of the Arts takes place at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin, Florida on October 25 & 26, 2025. The Festival features juried artists from around the United States, continuous live music, Cuisine on the Green (beer, wine, bloody marys, food trucks and local restaurants), kids art projects and more. This is a juried show that includes artists in categories of Watercolor, Acrylic, Clay, Mosaic, Metal, Jewelry, Sculpture, Photography, Oil, Pastel, Collage, Fiber, Pen & Ink, Glass, Wood, Paper, Mixed Media, Pottery, Resin, Ceramics, Original Digital Art, and Works on Paper. The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation awards $12,000 in cash prizes and it is a rain or shine event.

The Festival is limited to 105 juried artists and attracts 6,000 quality art buyers. Jurying is by three art industry professionals, with applications scored on a 1-5 scale. Entry fees are $30 per media category for jury fee, plus $350 for single space, $400 for corner space (limited), or $700 for double space (limited). Artists must provide their own white 10x10 tents and be present during the entire show to be eligible for judging. All work must be original and handcrafted by the applying artist, with prints not exceeding 25% of overall exhibit.

The $12,000 in cash awards include Best in Show, People's Choice Award, Awards of Excellence, Awards of Merit and Judge's Recognition Awards. Amenities include color image in program, exceptional artist hospitality, easy Friday load-in, drive-to-booth access, free on-site parking, complimentary continental breakfast both days, artist award dinner Saturday evening, booth sitters, overnight security, and indoor bathroom facilities. Purchase deadline is August 31, 2025, with a $50 processing fee for refunds before that date and no refunds after.