Palo Alto Festival of the Arts 2026

The Palo Alto Festival of the Arts celebrates its 43rd anniversary on August 22 & 23, 2026, along University Avenue between High and Webster Streets. This open-air gallery features over 250 artists showcasing fine arts and fine crafts, attracting over sixty thousand patrons annually. The festival includes sidewalk piano performances, Italian Street Painting, food selections, and beverages. Event hours are 10:00am - 6:00pm.

Artists can apply through Zapplication.org ($25 non-refundable fee) or pacificfinearts.com ($15 non-refundable fee). Only one application per person or collaborative partnership of two artists is permitted. Accepted media categories include ceramics, fiber, glass, graphics, jewelry, leather, metalwork, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and wood. Items such as imported or mass-produced products, kits, hand-embellished mass-produced items, packaged specialty foods, books, and items involving weapons or nudity are not suitable.

Booth spaces range from 8dx10w to 10dx20w, with prices from $295 to $850 depending on size and location (standard, walk-through, corner, or double corner). A 10% commission on gross, pre-tax sales is required, due within two weeks of the festival for on-site sales and by December 31 for post-show sales. Artists must be on-site for the full weekend, provide their own canopy and display materials, and maintain professional booth appearance. Free parking is available within two blocks. The festival is hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce with support from the City of Palo Alto and serves as a fundraiser for the Chamber and local non-profit organizations.