Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival 2026

This 22nd annual juried fine arts festival is held at Styron Square in the heart of Port Warwick in Newport News. The outdoor venue is often described as "walking through an outdoor art gallery." The festival searches for qualified artists throughout the country who continually challenge themselves to achieve a higher artistic level in both subject matter and technique. The Port Warwick Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, organizes the show and encourages emerging artists and culturally diverse artists to participate.

No more than 120 artists are accepted through rolling admission. Prior-year award-winning artists are jury-exempt. Applicants will receive notification within 2 weeks of application. The festival features cash awards in 14 categories, live entertainment all weekend, expanding family and children's activities, and food trucks. The event is conveniently located between Williamsburg and Virginia Beach. Booth fees are $350 for a 10x10 space or $650 for a double booth space. The application fee is $35, and you may submit up to 2 applications. The application deadline is May 31, 2026, with a booth purchase deadline of June 12, 2026. The festival runs October 10-11, 2026.

Accepted media includes ceramics, drawing and graphics, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, sculpture (large and small), paintings, photography, printmaking, wood, and other original work. All pieces must be original and signed. Works produced with commercial kits, molds, patterns, or prefabricated forms are not permitted. Photography must be limited-edition prints not exceeding 250 prints of any single image. The festival provides 24-hour security, free program and artist listing, discounted hotel rates, assistance with load-in and load-out, booth sitters, complimentary lunch both days, a VIP dinner with entertainment on Saturday, and a champagne brunch on Sunday during the awards ceremony. The festival does not have a rain date; artists are encouraged to have suitable materials to protect their work.