Lake Wales Arts Festival 2026, 55th Annual

The Lake Wales Arts Festival has over a 50-year-old tradition of celebrating and exhibiting quality works of art by fine artists and artisans with over 75 exhibiting artists competing for more than $20,000 in awards. Presented by the Lake Wales Arts Council, the diversity of the critically acclaimed two-day festival attracts thousands of art lovers each year who purchase original, one-of-a-kind works of art. The festival takes place February 28-March 1, 2026, with artists required to be present throughout the event.

Awards include Best of Show ($4,000), Judge's Awards for Exceptional Work (2 @ $2,000), Awards of Excellence (4 @ $1,000), Awards of Distinction (5 @ $600), Awards of Merit (5 @ $350), and Emerging Artist Awards (5 @ $150), plus a "Gift of Art" Purchase Program worth $5,000 or more. Artists may apply in multiple categories including Clay & Porcelain, Digital, Drawing & Pastels, Fiber, Fine Crafts, Glass, Graphics & Print Making, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Wood, as well as an Emerging Artist category.

Participation is limited to artists showing their own original works created in the last three years. Artists must provide their own 10x10 tent and display racks secured with weights (no ground stakes permitted). The jury fee is $30 per category if submitted by September 30, 2025, increasing to $35 after October 1 and $50 after January 1, 2026. Upon acceptance, artists pay a $195 exhibit booth fee. Applications require four images: three individual artworks and one booth display shot.