Septemberfest 2026

Overview

For over fifty years, Septemberfest has presented an exposition of high quality arts and crafts by national artists and craftspersons on the grounds of the Museum of the Southwest in Midland, Texas.

Key dates

• Load-in: Thursday, September 10th
• Setup deadline: Friday, September 11th, 3:00 pm
• Preview Party: Friday, September 11th, 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
• Festival hours: Saturday, September 12th, 10:00 am–5:00 pm
• Festival hours: Sunday, September 13th, 12:00 pm–5:00 pm
• Pack-out: After 5:00 pm Sunday or Monday morning
• Submission deadline: July 15, 2026
• Notification: By July 10, 2026
• Cancellation deadline for refunds: August 21, 2026

Eligibility

Open to individual artists and craftspersons presenting their own original work. No galleries, studios, agents, or representatives. Work must be handmade or original by the applicant. Selection based on quality of work by a panel of art professionals and board members.

Media & standards

• Ceramics: Wheel-thrown or hand-built only; no molded ceramics
• Jewelry and Metal-Smith: Designed and handmade by applicant only
• Leather: One-of-a-kind items individually created; no machine-tooled, machine-screened, or mass-produced items
• Photography: Digital photography allowed; no mass-produced commercial prints
• Fiber: All clothing, toys, purses, etc. must be handmade; no commercially manufactured goods accepted
• Painting: Original one-of-a-kind, framed or finished works; reproductions/giclees must be clearly labeled and sold with original pieces
• Woodworking: Designed and handmade by applicant only
• Prints: Fine art prints of original work allowed, must be sold with original work inventory

Booth information

• Single booth: $250
• Double booth: $350

Application requirements

• Submit 5 images for jury review
• Maximum 2 works per artist
• Artist must be present to show own work
• No commercially manufactured items, supplies, or kits

Refund policy

Artists who do not show and do not cancel 14 days before the show will not be reinvited or refunded. Written or emailed cancellations must be received by August 21, 2026, to receive refunds.

Preview party

Septemberfest presents a gala Friday night preview for sponsors and patrons. Booth fee includes artists' participation Friday night, as well as Saturday and Sunday.

Contact

• Email: gwashburn@museumsw.org
• Phone: 432-237-9102