Did you know California is home to some of the most vibrant and diverse art fairs and festivals in the United States? From small community events to large-scale gatherings, the art scene in California offers many opportunities to explore and appreciate the creative talents of local artists.
California’s art fairs and festivals are a kaleidoscope of culture, offering artists a vibrant stage to showcase their talents. Participating in these events is more than an opportunity to sell art; it’s a chance to immerse oneself in the state’s rich creative community.
Artists can find an event that aligns with their niche, whether avant-garde installations or traditional fine art. The variety of venues – from the sun-drenched beaches to the chic urban centers – allows artists to select the perfect backdrop for their work. These fairs often include additional attractions such as live music and gourmet food, which draw larger crowds, increasing the likelihood of sales and networking opportunities.
Stay tuned as we explore some of California’s most renowned art fairs and festivals, from the prestigious Beverly Hills Art Show to the Bohemian Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach. In this article, we look at some of the more Popular Art Fairs & Festivals in California.
| Art Event | Month |
|---|---|
| Beverly Hills Art Show | May and October |
| Fremont Festival Of The Arts | August |
| La Quinta Art Festival | March and November |
| Sawdust Art Festival | June to August |
| Millbrae Art And Wine Festival | September |
| Mountain View Art And Wine Festival | September |
| Novato Art And Wine Festival | June |
| Palo Alto Art Festival | August |
| Jackalope Art Fair – Burbank | June and December |
| Jackalope Art Fair – Pasadena | April and November |
| San Carlos Art and Wine Festival | October |
| Santa Clara Art And Wine Festival | September |
| Kings Mountain Art Fair | August |
Beverly Hills Art Show
Beverly Hills Art Show
The Beverly Hills Art Show is a renowned event that offers visual artists a prestigious platform to showcase their artwork to a discerning audience. Held in the iconic Beverly Gardens Park, this art festival attracts over 40,000 visitors, giving artists…
The Beverly Hills Art Show is one of the premier art events in California. Held twice a year, in spring and fall, this two-day event showcases the work of over 245 artists from around the country. The show takes place along four blocks of Beverly Gardens Park, creating a picturesque setting for art enthusiasts to discover and purchase unique artworks.
The Beverly Hills Art Show features various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more. In addition to the art, visitors can enjoy live music and food from local vendors. This highly anticipated event attracts art collectors, gallery owners, and visitors from all over the world.
Fremont Festival Of The Arts
Fremont Festival Of The Arts
The Fremont Festival of the Arts is a premier event for artisans looking to showcase their handmade creations in the vibrant California art scene. With over 300 coveted spots available each year, this festival offers a platform for artists to…
The Fremont Festival of the Arts is a two-day celebration of art, culture, and community. This event, held in August, attracts over 400,000 visitors each year. The festival takes place in the heart of Fremont and features over 600 artists showcasing their work. Attendees can browse through various art booths, interact with artists, and purchase artwork directly from the creators.
La Quinta Art Festival
La Quinta Art Festival
In the vibrant art scene of La Quinta, California, artists have a unique opportunity to showcase their work at two premier art festivals that draw top talent and enthusiastic art patrons from around the world. The La Quinta Art Celebration…
The La Quinta Art Festival is an acclaimed art event in the picturesque city of La Quinta. Held annually in March, this five-day festival showcases the work of over 200 contemporary artists worldwide. The festival is known for its high-quality artwork, featuring various mediums such as painting, sculpture, glass, jewelry, and ceramics.
In addition to the artist booths, the festival also features an art market where visitors can purchase miniature artworks, prints, and unique handmade items. With its stunning desert backdrop and vibrant art scene, the La Quinta Art Festival is a must-visit for art lovers and collectors.
Sawdust Art Festival
The Sawdust Art Festival is a highly anticipated event in Laguna Beach, California. There are two festivals held each year. The Sawdust Art Festival Summer Show held annually from late June to early September showcases the creative talent of over 200 local artists in a unique outdoor setting.
The Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy offers a unique experience spanning five weekends from November to December, inviting artists to personally showcase and demonstrate their work from 10 am to 7 pm, regardless of the weather. Unlike other juried events, this inclusive festival has an open policy for artist participation without residency restrictions, emphasizing the importance of direct artist engagement with visitors.
The Sawdust Art Festival is a favorite among art enthusiasts and beachgoers alike. Its bohemian vibe, talented artists, and diverse range of artworks make it a must-visit for anyone seeking an immersive and vibrant arts experience in beautiful Laguna Beach.
Laguna Art A Fair
The Laguna Art-A-Fair is one of the most prestigious art fairs in California. This juried art festival, held annually from late June to early September, showcases the work of over 100 local and international artists.
The festival takes place in a beautiful outdoor garden setting, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in art and nature simultaneously. Visitors can browse various artwork, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and ceramics.
Millbrae Art And Wine Festival
Millbrae Art And Wine Festival
The Millbrae Art and Wine Festival, held annually in Millbrae, California, is a must-attend event for artists looking to showcase their work. With two festivals on Labor Day weekend, this vibrant celebration offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with a…
The Millbrae Art and Wine Festival is a beloved community event in downtown Millbrae. Held annually in September, this two-day festival showcases the work of over 250 artists and craftspeople. Visitors can explore various art mediums, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and more.
The festival also offers a variety of wine-tasting options featuring local wineries and breweries. In addition to the art and wine, visitors can enjoy live music, gourmet food booths, and a family-friendly carnival. The Millbrae Art and Wine Festival highlights the local arts and culture scene with its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings.
Mountain View Art And Wine Festival
Mountain View Art And Wine Festival
At the Mountain View Art and Wine Festival, artists can expect a professionally curated environment that attracts over 150,000 visitors from near and far. This trendy festival is set in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering a prime location to…
The Mountain View Art and Wine Festival is an exciting annual event in the vibrant downtown area of Mountain View, California. This two-day festival is held in September and attracts art and wine enthusiasts from near and far.
Participating in the Mountain View Art and Wine Festival as an artist offers a unique opportunity to showcase your work to over 150,000 visitors, connecting with a large and diverse audience of art enthusiasts and potential buyers. With the festival’s exceptional attendance and potential for significant sales, artists can tap into a lucrative earning potential while gaining exposure in the thriving Bay Area art scene.
Novato Art And Wine Festival 2023
Novato Art And Wine Festival
The Novato Art and Wine Festival is an annual event hosted by the Novato Chamber of Commerce that celebrates Northern California’s vibrant arts and culture scene. With its 25-year legacy, this festival has become a must-attend event for artists looking…
The Novato Art and Wine Festival is a popular community event in downtown Novato. Held annually in June, this two-day festival brings together local artists, wineries, and breweries for a weekend of art and entertainment.
Visitors can explore diverse artwork, including painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and more. The festival also features wine and beer gardens where visitors can sample local wines and craft beers.
Palo Alto Art Festival
Palo Alto Art Festival
The Palo Alto Art Festival is a highly regarded art event that attracts artists from all over the West Coast. Celebrating its 41st anniversary in 2024, this open-air gallery showcases over 250 talented artists and crafters, offering a unique opportunity…
The Palo Alto Art Festival is a long-standing tradition in Palo Alto. Held annually in late August, this two-day festival features over 300 artists showcasing their work in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Visitors can stroll through Artists’ Alley, a highlight of the festival that showcases the work of local and regional artists.
In addition to the art, the festival offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including art workshops, interactive exhibits, and street performances. Food vendors and live music add to the festive atmosphere of the event. With its diverse range of art and engaging activities, the Palo Alto Art Festival is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and families.
Jackalope Art Fair – Burbank
Located in sunny California, Burbank is a vibrant city hosting the twice-yearly Jackalope Art Fair organized by Jackalope Arts. A curated and highly anticipated event, this fair offers a unique and exciting platform for artists and makers to showcase their original artwork and handmade artisan crafts while fostering connections within the community.
Held annually in June and December, the Jackalope Art Fair in Burbank boasts a lineup of over 170 hand-selected artisans. From visionary artists, fashion and jewelry designs to cutting-edge home decor and housewares, attendees can explore various indie goods, each crafted with passion and creativity. This curated shopping experience allows artists and visitors to discover one-of-a-kind treasures and connect with individuals who share a love for the arts.
The fair takes place in the heart of Downtown Burbank along the vibrant San Fernando Boulevard. This lively setting, stretching from Magnolia to Angeleno, is the perfect backdrop for artists to unveil their creations to an eager audience.
Whether you’re an artist seeking a platform to showcase your talent or an art enthusiast searching for unique, handmade pieces, the Jackalope Art Fair in Burbank promises an unforgettable experience where imagination meets craftsmanship. Be sure to check out their website for more information on how to apply and become a part of this event!
Jackalope Art Fair – Pasadena
Jackalope Arts is a company that organizes curated art fairs in multiple cities, including Pasadena and Burbank in California, Minneapolis in Minnesota, and Denver (Arvada) in Colorado. These events provide a platform for artists and makers to showcase their artwork and handmade artisan crafts and connect with the community.
One of their most notable events is the Jackalope Art Fair in Pasadena, California. Held twice a year in April and November, this fair features over 200 hand-selected artisans, making it an ideal platform for artists to showcase their talent and connect with art enthusiasts. From original fashion and jewelry design to innovative home decor and housewares, this fair offers a diverse range of indie goods for shoppers to discover.
The fair takes place in the heart of Old Pasadena’s Central Park, providing a picturesque setting for artists to display their creations. If you’re an artist seeking an art fair that combines a curated shopping experience with the chance to meet fellow artisans and art enthusiasts, Jackalope Arts’ events are not to be missed. You can find information about how to apply here!
San Carlos Art And Wine Festival
San Carlos Art and Wine Festival
The San Carlos Art and Wine Festival presents a unique platform for artists to showcase their creations amidst a lively and appreciative audience. This event not only offers a chance for artists to exhibit their work but also provides a…
The San Carlos Art & Wine Festival marks its 32nd anniversary as one of the Peninsula’s most anticipated fall celebrations. With more than 200 esteemed exhibitors, the festival showcases an eclectic array of handcrafted items, including ceramics, canvas masterpieces, exquisite photography, intricate woodworking, and fashionable wearables.
Artists seeking a vibrant platform to showcase and sell their creations will find the San Carlos Art & Wine Festival an ideal venue, thanks to its wide audience reach, diverse array of quality handcrafted works, and the opportunity to connect with art lovers and collectors in a lively and engaging setting.
Santa Clara Art And Wine Festival
Santa Clara Art And Wine Festival
The Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival is a highly anticipated event in the art community, attracting over 50,000 guests each year. Held in the beautiful Central Park, this two-day festival showcases the work of 170 talented artists and craftspeople.…
The Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival is a popular community event in Central Park, Santa Clara. Held annually in September, this two-day festival features over 175 artist booths showcasing a wide range of art and craft mediums. Visitors can browse the Artist Market, interact with the artists, and purchase unique artworks.
The festival also offers a variety of wine-tasting options, highlighting local wineries and breweries. In addition to the art and wine, there is live entertainment, delicious food, and various activities for all ages. The Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival is a fantastic opportunity to support local artists and enjoy a weekend of art, wine, and community.
Kings Mountain Art Fair
Kings Mountain Art Fair
The Kings Mountain Art Fair is a prestigious event that allows artists to exhibit their work in a beautiful outdoor setting among the redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s known for its rigorous jury selection, emphasizing artistic excellence, and…
Held annually on Labor Day weekend, this three-day fair offers a unique experience set amidst the stunning Santa Cruz Mountains. With over 135 juried artists participating, visitors can explore various art mediums, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and more.
What sets the Kings Mountain Art Fair apart is its community-focused atmosphere. The fair prides itself on showcasing the talents of local and regional artists, creating a supportive environment for creativity and artistic expression.
If you’re looking for an art fair that combines stunning scenery, exceptional art, and a community-focused atmosphere, the Kings Mountain Art Fair is not to be missed. Celebrate Labor Day weekend in the Santa Cruz Mountains and experience the best of California’s mountain art fair scene.
