Sugar Creek Arts Festival 2026

The 43rd Annual Sugar Creek Arts Festival will take place in Uptown Normal on Saturday, October 3rd, from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, October 4th, 2026, from 9 am to 4 pm. This nationally recognized juried event showcases fine art and fine crafts by local, regional, and national artists, with professional artists external to the MCAC serving as paid jurors. The outdoor festival is hosted in the beautiful streets of Uptown Normal with ample parking for both artists and patrons nearby. What started with sixteen artists selling from the trunks of their cars in 1983 has been ranked among the nation's top arts festivals and draws upwards of 15,000 attendees each year.

The festival accepts work in ceramics, painting, digital art, fiber, glass, jewelry, 2D mixed media, 3D mixed media, metal, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and wood. Awards include Best in Show ($500), The D. Bill Award for Best Artwork Using Recycled Material ($200), 1st Place Fine Art ($300), 2nd Place Fine Art ($200), 1st Place Fine Craft ($300), 2nd Place Fine Craft ($200), plus Juror's Choice recognition in each medium category. Artists must be 18 years or older, present during all festival hours, and submit 6 images including a booth shot. Application fee is $35.

Perks include easy setup on level, accessible ground, free artist parking, affordable nearby hotel accommodations, volunteer assistance, booth sitting, overnight security, complimentary lunches delivered to booths both days, and complimentary coffee and pastries each morning. All work must be original art produced by the exhibiting artist and must be for sale. The comprehensive marketing campaign includes social media, emails, TV, radio, newspaper, magazines, digital, billboards, posters, and t-shirts, with featured artist profiles on Instagram and Facebook.