Orange Beach Festival of Art 2027

Overview

The 53rd annual Orange Beach Festival of Art is a juried exhibition and sale of fine art hosted by the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, Alabama. The festival is set among stately oaks on Wolf Bay, offering spaces to only 90 fine artists, and draws over 15,000 visitors. The event includes performing arts, gourmet coastal cuisine, a bayfront music stage, and a kids' art alley, with a 10,000 sq. ft. waterfront gallery anchoring the grounds. Voted "Best Art Festival in the Nation" by USA Today readers in 2025 and 2026.

Key Dates

• Submission deadline: October 31, 2026
• Artist notification: November 19, 2026 by 5pm
• Exhibition: March 13–14, 2027
• Load-in: Friday March 12 starting at 12:00 pm (with check-in time options at 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 pm for invited artists); Saturday March 13, 6:00 am–8:45 am

Eligibility & Requirements

Fine artists only; no crafters. Mediums include: Clay, Digital Media, Folk Art, Glass, Graphics/Illustration/Pencil, Jewelry, Leather, Metal, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor), Paper, Photography, Sculpture, Textile/Fiber, and Wood. One application per artist; applications are non-refundable.

Application Requirements

Five (5) photos of your work and a booth photo are required. If you have never had a booth in a show before, you must set up a sample booth display and send a photo. FAILURE TO INCLUDE A BOOTH PICTURE WILL AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFY YOU. We expect effort for your booth display—not just a tent and tables. It must be neat and professionally presented.

AI Policy

No 100% AI-created art is allowed. If you use more than 20% AI assistance in your work, you must acknowledge that in your application and label your presented work at the show as having been created with AI assistance.

Fees & Awards

• Application fee: $40
• Booth fees due by January 8, 2027 (payable through ZAPP)
• Prizes total $4,550
• City of Orange Beach taxes collected on-site before load-out

What to Expect

Double booths are available but very limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. No corner booths can be purchased. Tents will be set up on the lawn at the edge of a paved center path. No electricity is available. A light breakfast is served Saturday and Sunday mornings. An Artist Awards Dinner is held Saturday night featuring Gulf Coast seafood at no extra expense (two seats per artist maximum). Top three award winners are automatically invited back the following year and receive a $40 application coupon code.

Exhibition Hours & Breakdown

• Saturday March 13: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
• Sunday March 14: 10:00 am–4:00 pm
• No early booth closings or departures allowed. Breakdown required by 4:00 pm. Vehicle load-out pass issued upon 90% breakdown and proof of city tax payment.

Important Notes

Event is rain or shine. Communication is heavily by email; ensure your profile is up to date with contact info. Load-in requires selecting a specific check-in time (sent only to invited artists in the Invitation Letter). No vehicles on grounds after 8:45 am Saturday. Security is on-site Friday and Saturday nights. Parking locations will be sent in early February. Limited nearby parking for trailers/RVs; shuttle provided if off-site parking becomes necessary.