Fort Myers Beach Festival of the Arts Jan 23-24, 2027

Overview

This boutique art and craft show features no more than 50 artists in an outdoor setting at iconic Times Square, Fort Myers Beach (replacing the island's Invitational at Lover's Key due to hurricane damage). Focus is on handmade and artist-designed items, with jury consideration also given to unique/creative gift ideas, authors, inventors, and designers. There is no music, alcohol, or food—putting the focus solely on art, craft, and unique gifts.

Event Details

• Saturday & Sunday, January 23-24, 2027, 10am to 5pm
• Location: Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, Florida (downtown, North side of island)
• Outdoor setting
• Setup: Saturday 6:30am to 9am (all vehicles must be off festival footprint by 9am)
• 81 booth spaces available

Who Can Apply

Open to emerging artists of all levels. Each event is juried separately. The jury accepts the following categories: artist—made by my hands; artist—production/studio work with no more than 2 assistants; artist—studio work with more than 2 assistants; craft—made by my own hands; craft—production/studio work with no more than 2 assistants; inventor—created an innovative concept in production; designer—creates all designs/images utilized in final creation; other (including fair trade and items not made by your hands); sponsor (service businesses, home repairs, car dealerships, contract retailers; limited to 4-6 spaces at $600+). Categories are capped with no more than 25% jewelry.

Application Requirements

Submit a minimum of 4 images for jury review. Artists are selected through review of their work by a panel of experts. Booth display must reflect the images submitted for jurying—updated photos required if display changes. Each event is juried separately; participating in one does not guarantee acceptance at every event. You may apply to one or all three events.

Fees

• Application Jury Fee: $15 (Early Bird, if paid before November 23, 2026)
• Application Jury Fee: $25 (regular, if paid after November 23, 2026)
• Early application saves $50 on booth fee

Booth Requirements

Booth spaces are approximately 10' wide by 10' deep with at least 2 feet between booths. Booth and a half and double booths available on limited basis. All artist exhibitor tents must be white (except branded sponsor booths—no exceptions). No cheap camping tents; pop-up tents not recommended due to wind/rain issues. If using EZ UP or umbrella-type pop-up tent, minimum 40 pounds per leg (160 pounds total) required. Displays must be professional and pleasing to the eye—no handmade signs. Booth space should reflect your creativity. You must display within your allocated space and not infringe on neighbors without show director approval. No chairs in walkways or obstructing neighbors/art show flow. Booth checks will be conducted Friday morning.

Load-In/Load-Out

Easy load-in and load-out next to booth (weather permitting). Setup Saturday 6:30am to 9:30am. All vehicles must be off festival footprint by 9am. There is no day-before setup. Setup email will be sent approximately 30 days before the event. Booth numbers assigned at check-in.

Vendor Amenities

• Participating artists listed on Facebook event page for each event
• Designated reserved unloading area
• Staff support on location throughout event
• Marketing & advertising: social media ads, posters, rack cards, local tourism websites, local area signs and print ads

Additional Opportunities

Two additional events at the same location: Holly Jolly Market (December 19-20, 2026) and Mermaid Fest (March 27-28, 2027). Each event is juried separately; you may apply to one or all three. The organizers encourage emerging artists of all levels and welcome inquiries about application or booth setup assistance.