Sidewalk Arts Festival 2026

The Sidewalk Arts Festival is a free outdoor community arts event held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Sioux Falls on the streets surrounding the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science. The festival features more than 250 vendor booths showcasing fine art, folk art, and craft work from regional artisans, along with activities for kids, live entertainment, and food vendors. The event attracts more than 40,000 shoppers annually and serves as a fundraiser for the Washington Pavilion.

Artists must submit applications through ZAPPlication, which opens February 9, 2026. The application deadline is June 12, 2026, with a late fee deadline of June 12, 2026. A jury fee of $30 applies; late jury fees are $80 after May 30, 2026. Applicants must submit four images: three of individual pieces and one booth photo. Work must be original and hand-crafted or hand-designed; no buy-sell items are permitted. Jury notification occurs by July 10, 2026, with a purchase deadline of July 27, 2026.

Accepted artists must pay booth fees by July 27, 2026. Electricity is available on a first-come, first-served basis for $55 and is limited to perimeter booths. The jury evaluates work based on originality, design quality, creativity, and technical execution. Fine Art awards include Best in Show ($500), Best in Show Two-Dimensional ($250), and Best in Show Three-Dimensional ($250). Artists are responsible for collecting and remitting South Dakota sales tax (7.7%) on all sales.