Holiday Arts Festival 2026

The Waterloo Center for the Arts' Holiday Arts Festival is a premier indoor arts festival held annually for over 55 years, kicking off the holiday shopping season. The festival takes place Saturday, November 14, 2026 and Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 9:00am to 4:00pm both days. All mediums are welcome, and emerging artists are encouraged to apply. Average attendance is 2,000-2,500. Artists are expected to participate both days and may not tear down or leave prior to the close of the festival. Overnight security will be provided, and onsite dining options are available for purchase.

Applications require submission of 6 images (5 representative of current work plus 1 showing an indoor booth display). The application fee is $15 (non-refundable). All submissions must be received by September 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Artists will be notified of jury results by Friday, September 18, 2026. Selected artists must confirm acceptance and booth reservation by October 6, 2026. Cancellations must be made in writing or by email and received by Friday, October 16, 2026 to receive a booth refund; cancellations after this date will not be refunded.

Booth sizes and fees: Small (8' X 8' or smaller) $50, Standard (10' X 10') $100, Large (10' X 20') $200. One 6-foot table, chairs, and electrical hook-up are available by request at no extra cost. Early setup is available Friday, November 13, 2026 from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Day-of setup is Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 6:00am to 9:00am. Carts, dollies, and personnel are available to assist with loading and unloading. Artists whose work is not original or is composed using AI are ineligible. Reproductions of artwork presented must be clearly marked.