Tempe Festival of the Arts - Spring 2027

Overview

The 50th Annual Tempe Festival of the Arts is a three-day juried show on historic Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe, drawing around 50,000 visitors per day from throughout North America. The festival features approximately 325 artists, live and roaming entertainment, wine and spirits tasting, youth programming, artist hospitality, booth sitting assistance, and 24-hour roaming security.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: December 15, 2026
• Festival dates: March 12–14, 2027
• Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Friday & Saturday; 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Sunday
• Cancellation deadline with $75 fee: February 12, 2027

Fees

• Jury/Application Fee: $35 (non-refundable)
• Booth fees: $475–$805 (vary by location and size: 10x10, 10x20, 5x20)
• Corner upgrade available
• Emerging Artist Booth Fee: $275
• No commission charged by the festival

Eligibility

Open to artists from throughout North America. Emerging Artist category is restricted to Arizona-based artists who are new to exhibiting and selling at festivals; eligible for up to two festivals (spring and fall combined).

Application Requirements

All artists must complete the jury process. Submit nine images: six showing the full array of work, two showing tools/equipment/workspace, and one of the booth display. Professionally produced images should focus on individual representative pieces. Applications without required workspace photos will not be reviewed by the jury.

Jury Process

Jurors evaluate applications based on concept, workmanship, originality, design, and presentation, seeking a well-rounded group of artists. The jury does not know artist identities. Three rounds of scoring determine finalists; some artists may be placed on a waitlist. Jury members change for each festival, and prior participation does not guarantee future acceptance.

Discipline Categories

Artists may apply in multiple categories by submitting separate applications and fees for each. Each application requires its own nine images and artist statement. Categories include Ceramics, Cottage Edibles & Crafts, Digital Art, Drawing, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, and others (listing continues). Cottage Edibles & Crafts artists may send product samples to the festival office by December 15, 2026.

Special Notes

Artists may submit up to two applications per festival. You may display and sell only products similar to those submitted in your application and listed in the accompanying inventory. The festival reserves the right to re-categorize artists into a better-fitting discipline.