ArtFest Fort Myers 2027

Overview

ArtFest Fort Myers is the 27th Annual outdoor fine art festival held in downtown Fort Myers, the largest metro area in Southwest Florida. The festival includes approximately 85 festival artists, a high school art exhibit and competition, sidewalk chalk competition, children's Art Yard, and Community Stage with regional performing arts.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: September 18, 2026
• Jury Days: September 21–25, 2026
• Invitations sent: October 9, 2026
• Acceptance by artist due: November 11, 2026
• Booth fees due: November 11, 2026
• Withdrawal date without forfeiture of booth fee: December 4, 2026
• Artist certificate of insurance due: January 5, 2027
• Artist setup: February 5, 2027 (staggered load-in beginning 7:30 am)
• Opening Night: February 5, 2027, 5–9 p.m. (optional)
• ArtFest Fort Myers: February 6, 2027, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• ArtFest Fort Myers: February 7, 2027, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Media & Categories

ArtFest Fort Myers strives to create a well-balanced show representing diverse styles and techniques in the following categories: Ceramics, Digital, Drawing/Graphics, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media 2-D, Mixed Media 3-D, Painting - oil/acrylic, Painting - watercolor, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Wearable, and Wood.

Jury Process

ArtFest Fort Myers uses Zapplication to administer applications. The jury is blind, meaning jurors do not know artists' names or other information. A five-member jury panel of diverse art professionals (museum curators, gallery owners, Master's-level or higher art instructors, etc.) selects 90% of exhibitor spaces based on quality of artistry, workmanship, originality, and artistic conception. The remaining spaces are reserved for past Best of Show winners, the past year's Poster Artist, current Poster Artist, and artists invited by the Executive Director. A waitlist by category will be established based on jury scores.

Application Requirements

Submit a booth image showing your setup at an outdoor show with work displayed (must not reveal artist name or show people in booth), image description, and Artist Statement. The statement should convey the process used to create your work, not the inspiration. All work must be done solely by the exhibiting artist. Images from accepted artists will be retained to promote and ensure adherence to rules and regulations.

Opening Night (Optional)

Participate in an optional Friday Night Opening on February 5, 2027, from 5–9 p.m. with approximately 85 festival artists. An extra fee applies. Artists must provide their own battery-powered light source; no electricity is provided.

Artist Amenities

• Daily complimentary continental breakfast, water, juice, and coffee
• Private indoor restrooms
• Booth sitters and dedicated Artist Ambassadors
• Drive-up access for unloading and loading
• Professional 24-hour security
• Oversized booth spaces with at least three feet between booths and ample storage
• Reserved artist parking with complimentary trolley service
• Special artist rates at Luminary Hotel & Co. (on-site host hotel with covered parking)
• Special group rates at nearby hotels
• Free and secure parking for artist RVs
• Opportunity to participate in artist-based promotions

Accessibility

ArtFest Fort Myers is accessible to all artists, including those with disabilities. Booths have no physical barrier to entry and same-level storage areas. Parking is on a solid surface with accessible trolleys or special parking accommodation with continual paved path to the artist's booth. Accessible bathrooms and on-site artist support volunteers are available. Indicate any specific accommodations needed in your Zapp application.

Promotion

The marketing plan is valued at $125,000+ and results in over 7.2 million advertising impressions targeted to art buyers throughout South Florida. Promotion includes television, radio, newspaper, magazines, billboards, theater and symphony programs, ArtFestFortMyers.com, e-newsletters, year-round Facebook and Instagram posts (both organic and paid), and online display ads in a 150-mile radius.