Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival 2026

The Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival is an annual two-day outdoor event organized by the Phipps Center for the Arts in partnership with the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. This juried art festival is limited to 80 exceptional regional artists with fine art and traditional crafts for sale. The festival takes place at Lakefront Park on the St. Croix River and includes free, hands-on art activities sponsored by local businesses and community organizations, art demonstrations, live music, food trucks, and a drinks tent.

The event will be held September 26-27, 2026 (Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm). All exhibit spaces are 10' x 10' on grass. Booth fees are $200 for a single booth and $400 for a double booth (paid after acceptance). Exhibitors are responsible for their own tent, display tables, and other needs. Electricity is not available. Setup times are Friday, September 25, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 26, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Vehicles are not allowed on the grass; volunteers will assist with unloading and a limited number of carts will be provided. Each vendor receives a parking pass for an adjacent lot. Security will be provided around the clock from Friday at 7:00 p.m. through Sunday at 4:00 p.m.

Applications must include 5 digital photographs, including a booth shot. The application fee is $10. Only original fine art and traditional crafts are accepted; manufactured, commercial, or imported products will not be accepted. The number of accepted artists working in any category is limited to 20% of the total to maintain a balanced festival. Jury results include acceptance, non-acceptance, and waitlist notifications. Late applications will only be considered if spots become available beyond the waitlist. Prizes are awarded for Best of Show ($150), second place ($100), and third place ($50). Online voting during the event determines the People's Choice award ($25). The Best of Show winner receives free admittance to the following year's show. Artists can cancel participation for any reason and receive a refund, less a $40 administration fee, through August 14, 2026. No refunds will be given after that date.