CALL FOR ARTISTS: Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street 2026
Presented by the Springfield Regional Arts Council
Join us for one of the Midwest’s longest-running and most beloved fine arts festivals. Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street returns May 2–3, 2026, celebrating more than 40 years of creativity, community, and exceptional visual art in the heart of Springfield, Missouri. Each spring, Artsfest brings together 110+ juried artists and more than 20,000 art-loving attendees for a weekend of connection, inspiration, and strong artist sales.
Event Overview
Important Dates:
Friday, January 23, 2026 – Application deadline
Friday, February 27, 2026 – Jury notifications
Event Dates:
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Rain or shine
Location:
Historic Walnut Street, Springfield, Missouri
Adjacent to Missouri State University and Downtown Springfield
Artist Awards — Over $5,000 Available
Best of Show – $1,000
Best of Show 2D – $500
Best of Show 3D – $500
People’s Choice – $500
Awards of Excellence (up to 8) – $500 each
Why Artists Love Artsfest:
20,000+ attendees and strong sales history
A warm, community-driven atmosphere
Drive-up load-in and load-out
Booth sitters provided daily
Complimentary breakfast & lunch at the Artist Hospitality Tent
Luxury restrooms for artists
Lodging options nearby
On-site support from the Springfield Regional Arts Council team
Jury & Application Details:
Application deadline: January 23, 2026
Jury fee: $30 (non-refundable)
Notification: February 27, 2026
The jury consists of three independent arts professionals who review work anonymously. Artists are scored on originality, craftsmanship, cohesion, and professional presentation. All artwork must be original and created by the applying artist. AI-generated work is not permitted.
Rules & Requirements:
Work must be original, designed, and produced by the accepted artist
No buy/sell, imports, or commercial molds/patterns
Artist must be present for the entire festival (no reps or agents)
Giclées must be clearly labeled and displayed in a non-prominent area
Artist is responsible for sales tax reporting
This is a rain-or-shine event
Refund Policy:
All application, booth, and jury fees are non-refundable, including optional add-on fees (electricity, corner booths, etc.). In the event the festival is canceled by the organizer, artists will be notified regarding any potential credits or refunds.
Apply on ZAPP – for full application and event details, please visit the ZAPP listing.
Artists may apply at: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=13705
👉 ZAPP: Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street 2026
(Search for Event ID: 13705)
Questions?
Contact: [email protected]
We look forward to celebrating creativity with you at Artsfest 2026!
