Tarpon Springs Early Elf Art Market 35th Annual 2026

The 35th Annual Early Elf Art Market is a holiday showcase held in Historic Tarpon Springs (1 N Pinellas Ave), a spirited arts destination on the National Register of Historic Places. Sponsored by the Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce, this event is the premier alternative to "Big Box" shopping, attracting a loyal, gift-focused crowd looking for high-quality, handcrafted treasures. The event features no admission or parking fees for shoppers, resulting in high foot traffic. Categories include folk art, ceramics, fine painting, wearable art, luxury body products, pet accessories, and more.

The market accepts applications from both emerging and established artists and crafters in the following categories: Fine Art (oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography, sculpture), Fine Craft (ceramics/pottery, glass, woodworking, metalwork), Jewelry (hand-fabricated, precious metals, artisan-beaded), Wearable Art (hand-sewn apparel, textiles, leather goods), Apothecary & Home (luxurious body products, candles, gourmet pre-packaged foods), and Folk Art & Decor (whimsical garden art, upcycled creations, holiday-themed treasures). All products must be original, handcrafted, or artist-enhanced. The application fee is $35.00 (non-refundable). Standard booth fees are $285 for a 10x10 artist/crafter space, $385 for Fair Trade vendors (limit 4), and $1500 for Services vendors (limit 4).

Load-in is Saturday morning from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, with all vehicles required to be off the street by 9:15 AM. Booths must be show-ready by 9:45 AM with tents securely weighted (40 lbs per leg) and floor-length table covers to hide storage. The event runs November 21-22, 2026. Professional roaming security is provided Saturday night, and volunteer "Booth Buddies" are available for brief breaks. The market features an "Early Elf Excellence" award recognizing one artist for "Best in Show" and another for "Most Creative Holiday Display," with winners receiving a discounted booth fee for the following year. Exhibitors are encouraged to submit high-resolution product photos for press releases and digital event look-books, and selected artists will be featured on social media. A $50.00 cancellation fee applies; refund policies vary based on cancellation timing (30+ days, 8-29 days, or 7 days or less before setup).