Chesapeake Bay Art Association 62nd Fall Art Festival 2026

Overview

The Chesapeake Bay Art Association (CBAA) celebrates 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. The festival features fine art in many styles: oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal, drawing, print making, fiber, photography, jewelry, glass, wood, pottery, metalwork, sculpture, and mixed media.

Festival Dates & Location

• 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, 2026, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM (and additional setup Saturday/Sunday 8:00 AM–9:30 AM)
• Load-out: Sunday, October 4, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM only
• Lakewood Park, Norfolk, Virginia

Eligibility & Applicant Types

• Artists and non-artist vendors eligible
• Emerging artists may apply
• Junior High and High School students eligible

Application Requirements & Deadlines

• Submit 3 digital images of artwork and 1 booth image (of your outdoor display tent)
• Submission limit: 2 entries
• Applications open: February 13, 2026
• Early Bird deadline: April 1, 2026 ($25.00)
• Application deadline: June 30, 2026 (Midnight EST)
• Juried process: July 1–11, 2026
• Applications close June 30, 2026; interested participants may email [email protected] for space availability after this date

Fees

• Application/Jury Fee: $35 (non-refundable); Early Bird rate $25.00 (by April 1)
• Late fee: $10 (standard late); $20 (after July 15)
• Booth fees due within 3 days of Welcome Letter
• Payment deadline: August 1, 2026
• Last day for full refund of booth fees only: August 15, 2026 (Jury/application fees non-refundable; refunds calculated on case-by-case basis minus credit card fees)

Awards

• Best in Show: $650
• Marilyn Waide Fentress Memorial Award for Best in Seascape: $300
• Ellen B. McKinnon: $100
• Orange Award for Most Energy in an Art Piece: $100
• 2D & 3D Mediums judged separately (one award in each category): First Place $500, Second Place $400, Third Place $300, Honorable Mention $100

Waitlist & 2025 Winners

Artists may email [email protected] to inquire about availability and may be placed on a waitlist if full. Waitlisted artists are still juried prior to acceptance and incur a $10 late fee. 2025 award winners receive a coupon code via email when booth purchasing takes place at the cost of the jury fee ($35); winners must still submit an application and pay booth fees minus the coupon code.

Setup & Policies

Vehicles allowed to drive on grass for setup (weather dependent). Staking prohibited; use ample weights to secure tents. All 4 tent walls required to close up and secure tents/art daily. 24-hour security by Norfolk Sheriff's Office on site. Free parking on site; overflow parking within walking distance. Festival is rain or shine; no refunds for inclement weather. Artists responsible for collecting Virginia State Sales Tax (currently 6%). Artists must have their own art show insurance.