Chain of Parks Art Festival 2027

Overview

The Chain of Parks Art Festival is an annual two-day outdoor fine art exhibition and sale ranked in the top 100 fine art festivals by Sunshine Artist Magazine for 12 consecutive years. The festival attracts 45,000+ visitors and benefits LeMoyne Arts, a non-profit community art center.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: October 31, 2026
• Jury Notification: Mid-November, 2026
• Booth Fee Due: January 8, 2027
• Event Setup: April 16, 2027 (parks 8am–noon, streets 12 noon–9pm)
• Show Dates: April 17–18, 2027 (Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 10am–4pm)
• Event Breakdown: April 18, 2027 (after 4pm)

Eligibility

Open to artists who create and execute original, professional quality art for sale. All work must be produced by the exhibiting artist or approved two-person team collaboration; proxy or sales representatives are not allowed.

Media & Categories

• Painting: Still life, portrait, landscape, abstract, or other image using paint or paint combinations on flat surfaces
• Two-Dimensional Mixed Media: Work incorporating more than one medium category (not two of the same medium style, e.g., not oil & acrylic together)
• Drawing, Graphics, Printmaking, Photography, Computer-Generated Work: Hand-created drawing, printmaking (multiple originals), photography (artist's original source material), or computer-generated art; combinations accepted
• Jewelry: Designed, created, and executed by the artist

Jury Process

A blind jury of 3–5 people reviews submissions based on artist ID only (no artist name visible). Jurors evaluate originality, concepts, execution, consistency of style and presentation, and artist pricing. Artists should submit three high-quality images, a booth display photo, and a 500-character artist process statement describing techniques and hand-crafted details. Image #1 will typically be used in the printed program.

Fees

• Application Fee: $35.00 (non-refundable)
• Juried Artist Booth Fee: 10×10 standard booth $375.00
• Limited double, corner, and priority placement booths available at additional cost on first-come basis

Awards

• Best of Show: $2,000.00
• Award of Excellence: $1,000.00
• Additional Awards: Distributed by weighted category system up to total prize money
• Recycle Content Art Award: $300 (voluntary, open to all mediums)
• Total cash awards: $10,000+
• Artists retain 100% of sales

Artist Amenities

• Awards totaling $10,000+
• Complimentary quality event T-shirt (XL sizes included; 2XL & 3XL add $10)
• Artist hospitality area with complimentary refreshments and reserved portable toilets
• Welcome reception for attending artists
• Onsite badge for artist and up to one collaborator/associate (2 badges max per booth)
• Volunteer booth sitters
• 24-hour on-site security provided by Tallahassee Police Department
• Complimentary reserved parking and limited first-come RV parking
• Festival website with artist image and live link to artist's website
• High-quality printed program with sample images and website information
• Social media sharing available for $15 (limited, first-come; posts typically January–March)
• Friday setup beginning as early as 8:00am
• Top award winners automatically juried into next year's festival
• Cover artists selected from participating festival artists

Festival Highlights

• Ranked in top 100 fine art festivals for 12 years running
• Estimated 45,000 visitors and patrons
• Over $55K in marketing and PR throughout North Florida, South Georgia, and Alabama
• Thursday evening opening performance (ticketed, public invited) through partnership with Florida State University's Opening Nights program
• Award announcements via social media prior to Sunday show opening
• Free live music and theatrical performances
• Children's Park with local heritage booths and free crafts
• Community Corner with non-profit partners and brand ambassadors
• Chalk Art Oasis with live professional street art and upcycled sculpture exhibit & auction