Ruidoso Art Festival 2026

The Ruidoso Art Festival is in its 55th year, held the fourth weekend in July at the Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Drive, Ruidoso, New Mexico. The 2026 festival will be held July 24-26, with hours Friday 12 noon to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 5 pm. The event draws approximately 5,000 people and features artists working in a variety of fine art disciplines.

Artists must submit a complete application including 3 artwork images and 1 booth shot, along with a non-refundable $40 application fee per medium (maximum two mediums per artist). The application deadline is April 20, 2026. Accepted artists will be notified no later than May 12, 2026. The festival is limited to approximately 80 exhibitors chosen by a jury of qualified fine artists and craftspeople. Jury selection begins April 24, 2026.

Eligible media include: Acrylics/Watercolor Painting, Oil Painting, Pastels/Pen/Pencil & Ink, Photography, Sculpture, Metalwork, Woodwork, Pottery/Porcelain, Glass, Jewelry, Fiber Arts, and Mixed Media. Prints and giclees are permitted, but a minimum of 50% of displayed artwork must be original work. Artists may request single booths (10x10), double booths (10x20), or limited 7x20 booths. Booth payment is due by June 30, 2026. Return artists from 2025 receive a 10% discount on the jury fee. Artists awarded Best in Show or Best in Medium in 2025 have their jury fee waived and receive booth preference. The festival provides complimentary refreshments, volunteer booth sitters, and an artists reception with awards ceremony. Load-in is Thursday July 23 from 8am to 5pm and Friday July 24 from 8am to 11am. All booths must be ready for judging by 11am Friday. For questions, contact 575-257-7395, [email protected], or [email protected].