Chesapeake Bay Art Association 62nd Fall Art Festival 2026

Overview

The Chesapeake Bay Art Association (CBAA) is celebrating its 62nd Annual Fall Art Festival at Lakewood Park in Norfolk, VA. This 2-day juried arts festival welcomes artists, artisans, and student artists from across the country. Proceeds benefit the CBAA Scholarship Fund for high school seniors pursuing arts education.

Festival Dates & Times

• Saturday, October 3, 2026: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday, October 4, 2026: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Load-in: Friday, October 2, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (set-up day); additional set-up Saturday/Sunday, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
• Load-out: Sunday, October 4, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM only

Media & Categories

The festival features high-quality fine art in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, drawing, printmaking, fiber, photography, jewelry, glass, wood, pottery, metalwork, sculpture, mixed media and more. Artists in 2D and 3D mediums are judged in separate categories.

Application & Fees

• Applications open February 13, 2026
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 (midnight EST)
• Early Bird fee (through April 1, 2026): $25
• Regular Application/Jury Fee: $35 (nonrefundable)
• Late Application Fee (after June 30): $45; $10 late fee incurred; $20 late fee after July 15
• All booth fees due within 3 days of acceptance letter
• 2025 award winners receive a $35 coupon code toward booth fees; jury fee still required

Awards

• Best in Show: $650
• Marilyn Waide Fentress Memorial Award for Best in Seascape: $300
• Ellen B. McKinnon Award: $100
• Orange Award for the most energy in an art piece: $100
• 2D & 3D Categories (one award each): First Place $500, Second Place $400, Third Place $300, Honorable Mention $100

Jury & Acceptance

Jurying takes place July 1–11, 2026 for the first jury pool. Late entries are juried following the extended deadline if applicable. Artists are notified of acceptance, decline, or waitlist placement. Additional artists may be notified by late August if space allows. A waitlist is available; interested participants may email [email protected] for space availability after the deadline.

Submission Requirements

Artists must submit three digital images of artwork and one booth image showing the outdoor display tent to be used at the show. A booth image is required.

Setup & Security

Vehicles are allowed to drive on grass for setup (weather dependent). Staking is prohibited; ample weights must secure tents and all four tent walls. Tents must close and secure daily at the end of each day. Twenty-four-hour security provided by the Norfolk Sheriff's Office throughout the festival.

Refunds & Cancellations

• Full booth fee refunds available through August 15, 2026 (minus credit card processing fees)
• Application/Jury fees are nonrefundable
• No refunds due to inclement weather; the festival runs rain or shine

Additional Notes

Artists are responsible for all personal sales and collecting Virginia State Sales Tax (currently 6%). Artists must have liability insurance and submit proof prior to the show. CBAA will not be held responsible for damage to personal/business items or the park. Contracts cannot be transferred to another artist. Free parking available on site and nearby. Artists are encouraged to provide social media links and share event-related promotional content.