Smoky Hill River Festival 2027

Overview

The Smoky Hill River Festival is an annual outdoor event in historic Oakdale Park celebrating original fine arts and crafts. The 51st edition features approximately 130 exhibiting and demonstration artists, three stages for musical performances, roving acts, a children's area, over 30 food vendors, and interactive art activities. Festival attendance draws around 50,000 people over the weekend.

Key Dates

• September 3, 2026: Applications open, Early Bird pricing begins ($35 fee)
• October 7, 2026: Early Bird pricing ends
• October 8, 2026: Regular pricing begins ($45 fee)
• December 13, 2026: Application deadline
• January 14-18, 2027: Blind jury process
• February 11, 2027: Jury notifications sent via ZAPP email
• February 25, 2027: Confirmation and booth fees due
• March 11, 2027: Booth notifications
• March 31, 2027: Booth fee refund deadline
• June 10, 2027: Setup/load-in, 9 am-4 pm
• June 11, 2027: Patron preview (9-10 am), public opening (10 am-7 pm)
• June 12, 2027: Public hours 10 am-7 pm
• June 13, 2027: Artists' breakfast (on-site, no registration needed), public hours 10 am-4 pm

Eligibility & Media

Open to artists in all media, including contemporary fine art, fine craft, traditional craft, and those exploring new technologies and challenging conventional art practices. New and returning applicants welcome.

Application Requirements

Submit minimum 5 images of your work for jury consideration. Blind jury process determines awards and acceptances.

Application Fees

Non-refundable application fees: $35 through October 7, 2026 (Early Bird); $45 from October 8-December 13, 2026 (Regular pricing).

Awards & Recognition

Over $11,000 in cash awards determined by on-site jury. Additionally, the City of Salina commits $2,000 to purchase original artwork for its Community Collection through the Purchase Partner Program. Awardees receive automatic invite to return the following year. Top two namesake award recipients are ineligible for these awards for two following active exhibiting years.

Special Programs

The festival includes exclusive Thursday night party for artists and patrons, private early patron shopping Friday morning, First Treasures program for children ages 4-11 (art priced $1-$5; no child turned away for lack of funds), Patron Program (30+ years supporting festival artists through dedicated purchase pledges), and Purchase Partner Program (city selects works for permanent public collection).

Festival Features

• Approximately $400,000 in artwork purchased each year
• Exclusive Thursday night Artist + Patron party (RSVP required)
• Private Friday morning early patron shopping
• On-site parking and artists' breakfast
• Professional show organization and load-in/load-out assistance
• 24-hour security and weather tracking
• Over $50,000 spent annually on statewide and regional marketing
• Hotel discounts with participating hotels

Weather & Safety

The festival is an outdoor show held rain or shine in Oakdale Park. Safety is a priority; evacuation and weather plans will be provided in artists' packets and available on-site. Artists encouraged to sign up for local alerts.

Contact Information

• Phone: 785-309-5770
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: riverfestival.com
• Address: Smoky Hill River Festival, 211 W. Iron Ave, PO Box 2181, Salina, KS 67401