East Lansing Art Festival 2027

Overview

Established in 1964, the East Lansing Art Festival is an outdoor celebration of fine art and fine craft with artist demonstrations, poetry, and live music. The free festival runs Saturday through Sunday and attracted over 77,000 art patrons in 2026. It is consistently ranked in Sunshine Artist Magazine's annual best 100 shows.

Key Dates

• Jury submission deadline: January 31, 2027 at midnight EST
• Jury process: February 2027
• Artist notifications: First week of March 2027
• Accept & Purchase deadline: April 1, 2027
• Cancellation deadline for full refund (minus $25 processing fee): April 1, 2027 at midnight EST

Eligibility

Artists must be 18 years or older. All work must be original creations of the exhibiting artist—the original concept, design, style, and execution must be attributable solely to the displaying artist(s). All work on display must be consistent with the images submitted.

Jury Fees

• Before and on November 30, 2026: $35.00
• Beginning December 1, 2026: $45.00
• Jury fee is nonrefundable

Booth Space and Fees

• Single (10'W x 10'D) Booth: $400.00
• Single Booth with Corner: $465.00
• Double (20'W x 10'D) Booth: $800.00
• Double Booth with Corner: $855.00
• If the festival moves to a Virtual platform, jury fees will NOT be reimbursed, but booth fees will
• No booth fee refunds for show cancellation due to weather emergencies

How to Apply

All applicants must apply online through Zapplication by midnight Eastern Standard Time on January 31, 2027. Artists wishing to jury in more than one category must complete a separate application for each category. Images submitted should represent work that will be included in your booth display. Do not include your name, photos of yourself or customers, business/studio name, or any identifying information in booth photos to ensure jury anonymity.

Artist Awards and Amenities

• $6,000 in Artist Awards
• Award certificates presented to winners
• Award winners are exempt from jury for the following three consecutive festivals
• Complementary promotional postcards sent to exhibiting artists
• Friday drive-up load-in at booth assignment
• Booth sitters available Saturday and Sunday for artist breaks
• Green room access with snacks, water, and restrooms
• Free artist parking
• Security patrols Friday and Saturday nights

Rules and Restrictions

Representatives, commercial agents, dealers, and salespeople are prohibited from operating an artist's booth. No booth subletting or booth sharing between independent artists permitted. You may not display or advertise work of individuals other than those accepted and specified in your application. Artists are responsible for collection, reporting, and payment of all State of Michigan and City of East Lansing taxes.

Invitational Artists

Artists who have won awards at the ELAF in the past three years are exempt from jury for 2027. Invitational Artists must apply via Zapplication by January 31, 2027 at midnight EST and will receive a coupon code for 100% off jury fee.