America's Best Juried Fine Art Fairs

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Looking for quality art fair destinations? Here are "America's best art fairs" as chosen by our readers in our Fall 2019 survey. 

The fine art and craft work exhibited will delight you in its variety, quality and vision. In these days of cookie-cutter chain stores and "all stores look the same," art fairs are undeniably the most compelling shopping venue left in the country.

We invite you to attend a new festival this year and nominate your favorites in the comments below.

America's Best Art Fairs

Top Ten Art Fairs

1. Old Town Art Fair, Chicago - June 13 & 14, 2020
   In the Old Town Triangle neighborhood, Chicago’s favorite art fair. "It's so quaint and welcoming. I love walking and shopping on those streets." "A local art fair that consistently brings in the highest quality and diverse art from around the country." "Located in the midst of a beautiful (old architecture) city neighborhood, good food, good music and lots to see beyond the art, enjoy the energy of a major city and the art at the same time."
   
   
2. Park City Kimball Arts Festival, Park City, Utah -
   July 31 - August 2, 2020
   Takes place on historic Main Street. "Beautiful mountain setting, easy access/transportation." "Superb venue and variety of art." "Beautiful venue, well run and organized - fun!" "Extremely high quality, great variety, wide price range."
   
   
3. American Craft Exposition (ACE), Glencoe, Illinois - October 2 - 4, 2020
   The American Craft Exposition (ACE) is one of the country’s premier fine craft shows, bringing together over 140 superior artisans exhibiting one-of-a-kind pieces, luxury collections and uniquely creative, museum quality artwork. "Amazing art in an amazing location." "Quality of crafts, the setting and the bonus of supporting a good cause." "Only here do you see the best jewelers, ceramicists, wood artists and weavers in the country at one time."
   
   
4. Long's Park Art Festival, Lancaster, Pennsylvania - September 4 - 6, 2020
   Set in an historic tree-lined park. "Wide variety of excellent art and craft presentations in a beautiful outdoor setting. We haven't missed a show in almost 20 years!" "Great art, many different styles represented, huge range of prices, a great mix of functional and decorative art." "Easy access with paved walkways; music, food and drinks offered; clean facilities."
   
   
5. Smithsonian Craft + Design Show, Washington, D.C. - April 22 - 26, 2020
   Held at the beautiful National Building Museum. "Terrific works of art - wonderful ambiance." "Quality of exhibitors, lovely setting, various price points." "Excellent artisan crafts high level skill and beauty."
   
   
6. Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Winter Park, Florida - March 20 - 22, 2020
   All the artists want to be in Florida in the winter, consequently this beautiful show receives a record numbers of applicants. "Over 225 of the top artists in the country are selected, the setting for the art festival is amazing, including the best restaurants and the best musical entertainment anywhere." "The art is incredible. I travel over 1,000 miles for this show." "Excellent quality of art, perfect climate, good mix of activities for every age and budget."
   
   
7. Geneva Arts Fair, Geneva, Illinois - July 25 & 26, 2020
   Located in beautiful historic district Geneva. "High quality art exhibitors, impressive selection of art mediums and styles, awesome location in downtown with many restaurants/cafes/coffee shops in the area, steps from Metra train giving easy access to/from downtown Chicago and Naperville etc." "Artists are willing to discuss and some are working on new pieces so you can get to know them and watch their magic come to life!" "Unique Artists and great small town fun."
   
   
8. St. James Court Art Show, Louisville, Kentucky -
   October 2 - 4, 2020
   Held among the country's largest collection of Victorian homes in the heart of historic Old Louisville. "Great variety of art during the most beautiful time of year in the River City." "Quality of art, exhibitors, venue, food. Everything is perfect." "The number of artists, wide range of prices, all set in a neighborhood of friendly people and beautiful Victorian houses."
   
   
9. Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon, Michigan -
   July 3 & 4, 2020
   Muskegon is located on Lake Michigan with miles of pristine sugar-sand beaches. The art festival is family destination on a holiday weekend. "Cool art, yummy treats, fun downtown atmosphere." "So many offerings- there is something for everyone, with the community spirit woven through!" "Great selection of artists and its a nice town to see while you're there."
   
   
10. Des Moines Arts Festival, Des Moines, Iowa -
    June 27 & 28
    In a beautiful urban street setting surround the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the newly constructed Krause Gateway. "Great vendors, surprising variety of art, wonderful location downtown, friendly people of all walks of life." "Great artists with wide variety of work, nice festive atmosphere." "Quality of exhibitors, variety of art, volunteer involvement, community support."

2018's 50 Best Art Fairs in America:

Click here: www.artfaircalendar.com/art_fair/americas-best

 

Best East Coast Art Fairs

1. Long's Park Art Festival, Lancaster, PA - September 4-6, 2020
   
   
2. Smithsonian Craft Show, Washington, D.C. - April 22-26, 2020
   
   
3. Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia, PA - June 5 - 7, 2020
   
   
4. Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show - November 8-10, 2020
   
   
5. Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, State College, PA - July 8-12, 2020
   
   

Best Midwest Art Fairs

1. American Craft Exposition (ACE), Glencoe, IL - Oct. 2-3, 2020
   
   
2. St. James Court Art Show, Louisville, KY - Oct. 2-4, 2020
   
   
3. Ann Arbor Art Fairs (4 shows in one), Ann Arbor, MI - July 16-19, 2020
   
   
4. Des Moines Arts Festival, Des Moines, IA - June 27 & 28, 2020
   
   
5. Saint Louis Art Fair, St. Louis, MO - Sept. 11-13, 2020
   
   

Best Southern Art Fairs

1. Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Winter Park, FL - March 20-22, 2020
   
   
2. Old Florida Celebration of the Arts, Cedar Key, FL - April 4 & 5, 2020
   
   
3. American Craft Show, Baltimore, MD - Feb. 19-23, 2020
   
   
4. Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, Reston, VA - May 15-17, 2020
   
   
5. Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, Asheville, NC - July 16-19, 2020
6. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA - April 23-May 3, 2020

Best Western Art Fairs

1. Park City Kimball Arts Festival, Park City, UT - July 31-Aug. 2, 2020
   
   
2. Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver, CO - July 5-7, 2019
   
   
3. The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, The Woodlands, TX - April 4 & 5, 2020
   
   
4. Art in the Pearl, Portland, OR - Sept. 5-7, 2020
   
   
5. Crested Butte Arts Festival, Crested Butte, CO - July 31-Aug. 2, 2020
   
   

Favorite Urban Art Fairs

1. Old Town Art Fair, Chicago - June 8 & 9, 2019
   
   
2. One of a Kind Show and Sale, Chicago, IL - April 26-28, 2019
   
   
3. American Craft Show, Baltimore, MD - Feb. 22 -24, 2019
   
   
4. Bayou City Arts Festival Downtown, Houston, TX - October 12 & 13, 2019
   
   
5. St. Louis Art Fair, Clayton, MO - Sept. 6-8, 2019

 

Favorite Small Town Art Fairs

1. Sunriver Art Fair, Sunriver, OR - August 9-11, 2019
   
   
2. Old Florida Celebration of the Arts, Cedar Key, FL - March 30-31, 2019
   
   
3. Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon, MI - July 5 & 6, 2019
   
   
4. Geneva Arts Fair, Geneva, IL - July 27-29, 2019
   
   
5. Waterfront Art Fair, Charlevoix, MI - Aug. 11, 2019

 

Click here for more information about the America's Best Art Fairs survey

Do you agree with this list?
Do you know an art fair that should be listed here?
Please let us know by commenting below.

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Comments

[Jacki Bils]

Hello J, we realize that not everyone's favorites shows land near the top of our America's Best Art Shows list. However, every show on our list was voted for by thousands of artists, art patrons, show directors and whom ever else wanted to fill out our survey. All the shows were totaled up and that is how the best shows were chosen. If you are not happy with our survey results make sure you fill out our survey next year. We would love to have you join the thousands of people who do take the time to help us put this list together.

[Jacki Bils]

Hello dpb, I beg to differ. This is what you may not know about our "America's Best Art Shows Survey":
Our survey is the result of thousands of artists, art patrons, show directors, and who ever wants to take part. We get the word out on our websites that we are looking for the top shows in the country. Anyone can fill out our survey. Anyone!!! And the surveys start rolling in. It was a lot of work. Everyone's votes count. We don't feed the names of the shows that we happen to like to anyone. The surveys do not have show names already on the form for people to pick from. The person filling out the survey must come up with their own show names. Hey, we invite you to take our survey next year and you can vote for your favorite shows. Once you fill out our survey you will realize how fair we are trying to be. If you know of a fairer way to choose the Best Shows in the country please pass your ideas on to us. We want our list to be as fair and accurate as possible.

[J]

I love the Old Town Art Fair and yay for Ann Arbor's special award! But have to comment on this: Cherry Creek was extremely poorly run last year. They tried to expand, to a street with nothing but an under-construction concrete and re-bar parking structure, surrounded by chain link fence. All the unlucky artists who were put in front of it (we were all newbies--I guess they thought just being accepted was an "honor" for us) discussed it afterward and decided we would never go back.

[dpb]

f. cassaday:
The La Quinta Arts Festival has been ranked the number one art fair in the country by Art Fair Sourcebook for the past two or three years. THAT is how they can make that claim. It's a different rating system with a different metric.

Yeah, it's debatable...like the ludicrous idea that Ann Arbor could possibly be deemed number one in THIS listing or that something like Peoria could even come in within the top ten or that Main Street Fort Worth would be way down at number nine.

It's all very subjective...and often wrong.

[Jacki Bils]

Hello F. Cassady, We can not speak for La Quinta on their marketing practices. I think you would need to ask them about that. All I can say is La Quinta was chosen as one of the top five shows in the west in a poll that we did here not too long ago. We solicited for any art patron or artist to take our survey to decide which shows were the best in the country. We had an overwhelming response. The results have been published in our America's Best Juried Fine Art Fairs list. Thanks for your comment F. Cassady.

[f.cassady]

WHY DOES LA QUINTA INSIST ON PUBLISHING THEIR

BANNERS AND PUBLICITY AS BEING THE NO.1 SHOW IN

THE NATION WHEN IT ISN'T TRUE. THEY ARE LISTED

AS ONE OF THE BETTER SHOWS IN THE WESTERN REGION,

BUT THEY INSIST ON TELLING EVERYONE IN THE DESERT

AREA THAT THEY ARE NO. 1. WHAT A JOKE. THE ARE

GOOD, BUT CERTAINLY NOT THE BEST IN THE NATION.

[Sue Panster]

Elida couldn't said it better, the ACC show in Baltimore, MD is hands down the best quality show I've been to. The past few years it has attracted less artists, which is a shame. It shows you how bad our economy has become.

[Brynn Kanikula]

Thank you for this honor! We are so excited to be a part of your selections!

Thank you for all you do for the arts,
Brynn K

Brynn Kanikula
Special Events | Marketing
Peoria Art Guild

[Elida Kauffman]

As a lover of craft shows, the important qualities are quality of crafts, variety of crafts and the size of the show.I have been to a number of shows on the East Coast and the Baltimore craft show exceeds all by far.

[Jacki Bils]

Hello Debbie Marie and thank you for pointing out many of the things that add up to make an art show a great Art Show.

Many people don't understand all the work that went into choosing the Top Art Shows in our Best Art Shows list. Artists made up the bulk of the people who placed votes because they are the ones who are directly affected by everything that goes into putting on a good art show. However, show directors and promoters were also able to place their votes.

We had a tremendous response. This survey took required a large amount of time to go through all of the votes and to compile the list. We wanted this to be as accurate as possible. None of the Art Shows listed in our Best Shows List were put there because they were the Art Fair Calendar's first choice. People submitted their votes and the votes were compiled. If a favorite show did not make this list it was because the show did not have enough votes to put it on the list.

Thanks for submitting your criteria. Your ideas should be helpful in the future when we conduct our next survey.

[Debbie Marie Arambula]

What makes an art show a “Top ART Show”? I believe the only true way one can evaluate the TOP ART SHOWS in the USA is based on statistical analysis. For example: How many people attended, what were the average sales for the artists, what type of show is it? Only fine art originals, is it arts and crafts, is it a mix of “buy and sell” products. . .
The Key to a “Successful Art Show” is twofold:
#1) A Ethical, Good promoter who does an excellent job of promoting to the right public! Think about it. When you apply for a show, you are in fact hiring a promoter to do a good portion of your outside marketing for your art business. Right?
#2) Of course that does not excuse you of also promoting on fb, twitter, your email list of customers, phone calls, postcards . . .
Promoting the art show to the right demographic to pull in the right public for what is being sold at the show is a vital function of this activity, and both you and the promoter are responsible for this activity!
Here is the bottom line: If you do your homework and study the show location, demographics and real statistics of the show (What type of show is it? How many attended last year? What were the average sales and type of art sold (ex: jewelry, photography, paintings)? How does it relate to your art products? How much did the promoter spend on promotion? What type of promotion are they doing, radio, TV, magazines, newspapers? How many people and what type of people are they reaching? Colorful signs & posters all around the town? Reach out to local businesses, event listings, visitor centers (to let them know there’s a show in town)? Do they have videos on YouTube to get a visual on the show itself? Do they have a facebook page? How many followers do they have, and is it artists following them or customers? What do other artists say about the show?
If the promoter is honest and truthful, does a good job and you do your job of promoting well to your existing client base, having a professional booth filled with art that people can and will buy, given the demographics of the show and lastly caring for and SELLING THE ART to the person in front of you, then the show can’t help but be successful.
What makes a show a good show? Look at the numbers. Then, evaluate the numbers. Is it because the roasted nut vendor sold $5.00 bags of nuts to every attendee at a show with 250,000 people? Or are the people at the show there to buy gifts that only cost $99.00 or less?
Just know when you are looking for the “BEST Art Show”, is the vote based on opinions or statistics? Many factors go into my decisions to do a show. Over the past 18 years, I have participated in over 800 art shows of all types, from Farmers Markets to the New York Art Expo, and everything in between. I have been featured at several shows and have received awards. Deciding what show is right for you is important and vital to your success. Know your public, learn how to sell your art, always do shows with ethical promoters who do their job, and by all means, promote like crazy to your people and beyond.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!

[Jacki Bils]

Hello Margo. You need to contact the shows or galleries that you would like to sell your work at. You must contact them individually. Each gallery or art show makes their own selections as to who they want to allow into the gallery or show. Good luck.

[Margo]

Hello,

Is any one know how can I find call for artists for a juried show in galeries and museums? Thanks.

[Jacki Bils]

Broy, thanks for your vote of confidence for the Art Basal Miami Art Show. I am sure it is a great show.

I would like to tell you how the shows made it on our Best American Art Shows list. Late this past summer there was a call out to artists, art patrons, and anyone interested in Art shows to vote for their favorite art shows. Lots and lots of shows were nominated to be on our list. Once all the nominations came in a list was compiled and people voted for the shows. Those votes helped us put together the list of shows that made up America's Best Juried Art Shows. We had a tremendous response. Many people participated in this. The votes were completely used in making up this list of America's Best Art Shows.

I hope this helps to explain how the shows made it to this list and why these shows were chosen. I can assure you, Broy, there was nothing political about putting this list together.

[Broy Kenneth]

Why isn't Art Basel Miami Listed? If this list went by actual attendance, number of artists, number of Galleries, number of pop up galleries (warehouse space, tents, retail locations), number of international artists & international gallery exhibits, and amount of paintings, sculptures, pieces, etc, (number and dollar value$$), Art Basel Miami would easily be at the top of the list. And that's just factual statistics. Winterpark Fl, Coconut Grove, Fl, Etc, etc, Really? Seriously? Have the voters ever been to any REAL Art fairs? I'm not dogging your complete list. I've been to Ann Harbor, & San Fran, and they are nice. But to not mention Art Basel Miami seems...for lack of better words, purposely political...

[Jacki Bils]

Hello Marilyn. We do have lots of wonderful shows in Chicago every year. Maybe it is time for a planned vacation so that you can visit your old stomping grounds and take in an art show. You can't beat Chicago for a great vacation.

[Marilyn Ruben]

Would love to forward this page to my husband, as he was raised in Chicago and I miss it! Would love to go for a visit! - It's been 25 years since we lived there! So many creative people, and so many opportunities! Much better than Southwestern Arizona!! We are only here for the kids and the weather! Old Town Center is my "old stomping ground!" I graduated from DePaul University and loved every moment there!

[Jacki Bils]

Thank you Gayle for letting us know about that show. I am in Rogers Park often. When is that show?
You might also like to write a review up for the Glenwood Arts Fest at www.Artshowreviews.com.

[Gayle Weiss]

As a Chicagoland artist, I am so happy that Chicago has been awarded the #1 spot for best cities! The most wonderful thing about it for me, is that I don't have to travel much to show my work. Year after year, I'm more selective about which venues I work and I have been lucky enough to grow my client base with a lot of repeat customers. One of the shows that I attend didn't get into the top spots however, keep your eye out for the Glenwood Arts Fest in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago on the north side. It's a smaller show than the 57th Street Art Fair on the south side of the city, but the diversity of art and the fun, funky and most excellent attendance rivals other city fairs.

[Connie Mettler]

57th Street is awarded twice -- as one of the great Chicago area shows and #16 in the overall list of the best in the country. That is what the voters told us. Congrats to 57th! We know it is one of the best.

[m]

In Chicago----The 57th St Hyde Park Art Fair should be up there! Oldest juried art fair in the midwest and more than equal to Old Town's