Fairs/Festivals
Crozet Fall Arts and Crafts Festival 2026
Crozet, Virginia
Application Fee: $35
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply.
- Submission Limit: 1
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 5, Max: 5
- Total | Max: 5
Opportunity Summary
The Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival is an award winning event held at and benefiting Claudius Crozet Park, a non-profit, community owned and operated Park in the community of Crozet, just outside of Charlottesville, VA. The Festival has a proud history as the longest running juried Arts Festival in the area - 2026 will be our 46th year. The Festival has a strong reputation locally - with the demographics of the area providing support year after year - and is a draw for out of town visitors, many of whom make Festival weekends their annual visit to the area. Fine Art and Craftwork are the heart of the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival and we are honored to host incredible groups of Artists and Artisans. Together, we continue to improve the entire experience each year. The Crozet Festivals are a tradition for many Artists, patrons, volunteers, and entertainers alike - we hope you will join us!
Please note: This application is for the Fall Festival only. Our Spring Festival in May has a separate application, also here on zapp, with the same application deadline.
General Information
The Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival is run a year-round Festival Director, supported by the Park Board. The Festival weekends are staffed by a large group of dedicated local volunteers and event staff.
The Charlottesville area is vibrant and arts-oriented and is consistently ranked by Money Magazine as one of the 100 Best Places to Live in America. Located just 20 minutes from Charlottesville and the University of Virginia, Crozet is a supportive, growing Designated Growth Community with many new housing developments and businesses. Crozet and the Festival grounds are easily accessible along picturesque country roads from both I64 and I81. Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Crozet is surrounded by vineyards, breweries, orchards, and stunning mountain views.
ARTIST EXHIBITOR APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Read and agree to the Festival Standards and Policies (included in the Rules and Regulations and the Booth Information below, and certified by accepting the Legal Agreement)
- Images: 5 (4 images of work, 1 booth shot with no signage)
- Application Fee: $35 ($45 for paper/email application), nonrefundable
AMENITIES
- Complimentary coffee and pastries Sat & Sun morning
- Your name, medium, work description, and website listed in the Festival program
- Overnight Security on Friday and Saturday nights
- Booth sitters
- Easy check-in
- On-site Exhibitor parking
- Exhibitor badges and booth cards with business name and booth number
- Electricity included with pavilion booth spaces (please visit our website Festival Policies for important information regarding electrical requirements)
ARTIST AWARD PROGRAM
The Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival offers several awards to outstanding Exhibitors each year. Director’s and President’s Choice Awards are honorary.. Best in Show, 2nd Place, and 3rd Place include jury exempt status for Festivals in the following year, as well as free or discounted booth space. All Award winners receive beautiful awards.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION
Our marketing campaign is extensive and covers our local area and appropriate venues throughout the Commonwealth. Festival marketing includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Radio coverage by major networks in both the Charlottesville, Richmond, and Waynesboro/Staunton/Harrisonburg areas
- Welcome Center and Rest Area banners and promo displays
- Social media
- Email blasts
- Newspapers and magazine publications in print and online
- Postcards
- Poster distribution
- Local banners
- Collaboration with local business and organizations
IMPORTANT DATES
PLEASE NOTE: APPLY TO CROZET SPRING AND FALL FESTIVALS BY JANUARY 31!
The Crozet Spring and Fall Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival applications have the same application deadline (but separate applications). We will jury both Festivals during the same period and notify all accepted Exhibitors. If you are accepted to one or both Festivals, you will need to pay a $150 deposit by March 1 – this will be credited towards the last show in which you participate (i.e. if you are at both shows, the $150 will go towards your fall booth fee; if you are only in the spring show, the deposit will be credited to your spring booth fee).
2026 Spring AND Fall Festivals
December 1, 2025 – Application available online at zapplication.org
January 31, 2026 – Application deadline
February 2-16, 2026 — Jury in Process
February 22, 2026 – Artists invitations/rejections/wait-lists released by email
March 1, 2025 – Last day to accept invitation to participate and pay deposit
Fall 2026 – October 10 & 11 (Indigenous Peoples Day / Columbus Day Weekend)
October 9 – Artist check-in and set up, 10am to 6pm
October 10 & 11 – Festival Weekend
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival uses ZAPPlication to administer our application and jury process. Interested artists should complete an online application and submit a non-refundable jury/application fee with five (5) images.*
Artwork Images: Images 1-4 should represent the complete range of work that you intend to display at the Crozet Arts & Crafts festival.
Booth Image: Image number 5 should be an image of your booth display. Please be sure that the image is representative of the booth quality you intend to provide. Do not submit booth images with any identifiable signage or photo of the artist. If a booth shot is not available, you may submit an image taken of a grouping of works showing the full range of the body of work. The purpose of this image is to ensure you do have a complete body of work that is represented in the first 4 images submitted. It also helps us identify the scale of your work. We do not accept Photoshopped or enhanced images (with the exception of editing to block out signage).
Description of Materials and Techniques: This information is included in our jury review of your application and is also reviewed during Festival marketing to identify possible stories for inclusion in press releases and other marketing materials.
Description of what makes your work unique: Included in jury review.
Your background and education: Included in jury review and also reviewed during Festival marketing.
Display/Business name, Collaborator names and responsibilities, Promo Description: Included in jury review, and also for use in your online listing on the Festival website and in the printed Festival program.
*Artists who are not able to submit their application thru ZAPP may submit an electronic application, available upon request by email from festival@crozetfestival.com. An administrative fee of $10 in addition to the Application Fee stated above will be assessed. Printed paper applicants must submit digital images via email or on a CD. Please do not send printed images.
FEES AND PAYMENTS
• Application fee (online) $35 – due with application by January 31
• Application fee (paper/email application) $45 – due with application by January 31
• Booth Deposit $150 – due March 1
• 10×10′ booth $300
• 15×10′ booth $400
• 20×10′ booth $500
• Pavilion space fee $50 - for Exhibitors requesting and assigned a Pavilion space (not guaranteed)
JURY INFORMATION
The Festival jury is made up of at least three members, not including the Festival Director who does not contribute to jury scoring. Jurors are artists, arts professionals, or collectors with experience in a variety of media. Jurors review images and information submitted by each artist using a blind jury process (please be sure your booth shot does not include signage). Applications will be scored from 1 (low) to 10 high). The Festival Director reserves the right to limit any category to provide diversity of arts and crafts throughout the Festival and to give Exhibitors a reasonable chance for successful sales.
A wait-list, by category, will be established based on jury scores. Wait-listed artists will be notified when a space becomes available within their medium.
MEDIA CATEGORIES
• Clay - Art objects, either functional or decorative of clay, made by shaping and then firing. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, the artist must sign each piece.
• Culinary - Artisanal, edible goods
• Culinary - Artisanal, edible goods
• Fiber - Wearable and/or decorative work created from fiber, with the exception of jewelry.
• Glass - Glass works that are functional or decorative by design and are kiln-formed or crafted by glass blowing, molding or casting. Works may be etched or engraved.
• Graphics/Drawing/Printmaking - Works on paper using pencil, crayon, ink, charcoal, pastels and a variety of other marking media. Original works created using traditional printmaking methods including screenpriting, block, lithograph, serigraph, etc.
• Jewelry - All jewelry, produced from metal, glass, clay, fiber, paper, plastic or other materials.
• Leather - Belts, bags, books, etc. made of leather and hand cut, sewn, and tooled.
• Metal – Functional or sculptural metal artwork created by forging, twisting and fabricating of various metals.
• Mixed Media (2D & 3D) – Two or three dimensional works that incorporate more than one type of physical material (paint, pencil, watercolor, photography, printmaking or drawing) in their production.
• Other - Items that do not fit in any other existing category. Please note: if work is created in more than one medium, please choose a category that represents the majority of the medium you use.
• Painting - Creation of a still life, portrait, landscape, abstract or other image on a flat surface, such as canvas, with watercolors, oil, sticks or acrylic paint.
• Personal Care - soaps, lotions, herbal items made and packaged by the artist.
• Photography - Prints created from the artist’s original negative processed by the artist or under direct supervision of the artist.
• Wood - Furniture and art objects, either functional or decorative, that are hand-tooled or machine-worked, turned or carved.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact the festival Director by phone at 434-326-8284 or via e-mail at festival@crozetfestival.com
Application Requirements
ELIGIBILITY/ARTWORK POLICIES
Standards: All work must be original, well conceived, and expertly executed by hand or with appropriate tools by the Exhibiting Artist. All work must be properly identified with no misleading labels. Works from commercial kits or other commercial methods are prohibited. Studios producing works in mass volume are not eligible for entry. At the discretion of the jury and the Festival Director, small organizations producing handcrafted work may be eligible with the required attendance of a member of the production staff who is knowledgeable in all aspects of the craft. No mass produced works are permitted.
Crozet Arts & Crafts will inspect booths onsite to ensure adherence to rules and standards. Individuals selling work that is not their own or otherwise misrepresenting their products or themselves are not welcomed and are requested to refrain applying. Exhibitors found not to be in compliance at the very least will be asked to remove unacceptable items, and risk forfeiture of all rights as an Exhibitor. This includes closure of their booth for the remainder of the Festival with no refund of fees.
Collaborative Work: Collaborating artists are defines as two (2) or more artists who work together on any piece of art. Collaborative work is regarded as one entry and should be submitted as a joint application. If accepted, collaborating artists may only exhibit work that is collaborative.
Category Policies: Artists may only exhibit and sell work in the medium to which they are accepted. Only Exhibitors accepted in the jewelry category, regardless of medium, may exhibit or sell jewelry. Jewelry is not accepted in any other category (exception for management approved displays totaling less than 10% of total merchandise). Re-assignment of categories is at the discretion of the Festival management.
Photographs and Reproductions: Photographic and Digital Art prints must be made from the artist’s original negative or digital file under the artist’s supervision. A reproduction is defined as any existing work of art (such as a painting, watercolor, drawing, photograph, etc.) that is copied by digital or photographic means and printed on an offset press, a serigraph press, or through a computer by means of an ink jet or electrostatic printer. This definition includes giclees and reproductions with additional enhancement by the artist. Exhibitors must disclose the edition numbers for works produced in editions. All prints must be on archival paper, and numbered and signed by the artist on the front of the piece. All two-dimensional artwork must be appropriately framed, matted, or professionally packaged and must be displayed on a suitable panel or in a portfolio or stand.
FESTIVAL POLICIES
Attendance is Required: With the exception of reasonable breaks, Exhibitors are required to be present during the entire Festival and must personally staff their exhibit space (volunteer booth-sitters will be present as available). No agents, dealers, or representatives may attend in place of the Artist. Exhibitors who sell their entire body of work must remain with their booths for the duration of the Festival. Event is rain or shine, no early departures permitted. Exhibitors who break down displays or depart before closing time on any day of the festival will not be allowed to return the following day or to future shows unless proof of an emergency is presented.
Festival Marketing Policies: Images from accepted and wait-listed artists may be used for promotional purposes. Credit will be given wherever possible. Learn more about participating in our advertising campaigns!
Smoking and Pets: There is no smoking at the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festivals. Well-behaved, leashed pets are permitted.
Crozet Arts & Crafts will inspect booths onsite to ensure adherence to rules and standards. Individuals selling work that is not their own or otherwise misrepresenting their products or themselves are not welcomed and are requested to refrain applying. Exhibitors found not to be in compliance at the very least will be asked to remove unacceptable items, and risk forfeiture of all rights as an Exhibitor. This includes closure of their booth for the remainder of the Festival with no refund of fees.
Collaborative Work: Collaborating artists are defines as two (2) or more artists who work together on any piece of art. Collaborative work is regarded as one entry and should be submitted as a joint application. If accepted, collaborating artists may only exhibit work that is collaborative.
Category Policies: Artists may only exhibit and sell work in the medium to which they are accepted. Only Exhibitors accepted in the jewelry category, regardless of medium, may exhibit or sell jewelry. Jewelry is not accepted in any other category (exception for management approved displays totaling less than 10% of total merchandise). Re-assignment of categories is at the discretion of the Festival management.
Photographs and Reproductions: Photographic and Digital Art prints must be made from the artist’s original negative or digital file under the artist’s supervision. A reproduction is defined as any existing work of art (such as a painting, watercolor, drawing, photograph, etc.) that is copied by digital or photographic means and printed on an offset press, a serigraph press, or through a computer by means of an ink jet or electrostatic printer. This definition includes giclees and reproductions with additional enhancement by the artist. Exhibitors must disclose the edition numbers for works produced in editions. All prints must be on archival paper, and numbered and signed by the artist on the front of the piece. All two-dimensional artwork must be appropriately framed, matted, or professionally packaged and must be displayed on a suitable panel or in a portfolio or stand.
FESTIVAL POLICIES
Attendance is Required: With the exception of reasonable breaks, Exhibitors are required to be present during the entire Festival and must personally staff their exhibit space (volunteer booth-sitters will be present as available). No agents, dealers, or representatives may attend in place of the Artist. Exhibitors who sell their entire body of work must remain with their booths for the duration of the Festival. Event is rain or shine, no early departures permitted. Exhibitors who break down displays or depart before closing time on any day of the festival will not be allowed to return the following day or to future shows unless proof of an emergency is presented.
Festival Marketing Policies: Images from accepted and wait-listed artists may be used for promotional purposes. Credit will be given wherever possible. Learn more about participating in our advertising campaigns!
Smoking and Pets: There is no smoking at the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festivals. Well-behaved, leashed pets are permitted.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
200
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
125
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
3
Booth Information
Booth spaces for 2025 are located under Park Pavilions or outdoors with all canopies/tents and protection provided by the Artist. Canopies/tents must be white and weighted down. Each Exhibitor will be provided a space measuring approximately 10×10, 15×10, or 20×10 feet.
The Pavilions do NOT have exterior side-walls. Exhibitors, particularly those with booths along the outer sides of the structures, are encouraged to bring additional protection in case of inclement weather.
Pavilions have cement floors. Outdoor booth spaces are on grass field.
Booth assignments are at the sole discretion of the Festival and are not interchangeable. Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival will attempt to honor specific location requests, but can make no guarantees.
Displays:. Artists are responsible for providing all booth canopies, structures, racks, tables, chairs, display units, and other fixtures suitable for outdoor use and constructed to withstand crowds and wind. Artists are responsible for ensuring that structures are properly secured especially in the case of rain or wind. All structures must be secured by the use of substantial weights. Stakes are allowed as long as they do not damage the field or leave lasting holes.
Artists are responsible for proper insurance and protection of work and structures. The Festival is not responsible for damage to work or structures due to weather or unrelated incidents. Each artist is responsible for his/her own display in case of damage or loss. Artists will be held liable for any damage made by their tents or structures.
All artwork must be set up within the booth space. No art is to be displayed outside the allotted booth space. All aisles must remain free and clear: booth items, furniture, etc. extending into the aisles will be removed. Exhibitors on perimeter locations may not expand sellable wares beyond the tent sides. Neat and organized placement of stock, packaging, etc. outside the tent will be permitted.
Electricity: 300 watts of electricity per 10×10 space is provided to all Pavilion Exhibitors at no extra charge. Two outlets will be allocated per 10×10 booth space. Electrical use will be inspected by the Albemarle County Fire Marshall prior to the show opening. Common household extension cords, relaying multi-outlet converter cords, and tangled cords snaking through the booth are not acceptable and may be subject to removal. Exhibitors must politely adhere to all instruction from the Fire Marshall regarding electrical set up. Visit our website Booth Information page for best practices information regarding electrical set up and usage. Please note: Most outdoor booth spaces do not include electricity.
Demonstrations: Any Exhibitor may – and is encouraged to! – demonstrate their craft in their booth space during the Festival (with the exception of demonstrations involving fire safety violations or other hazards). Featured Demonstrations must be arranged with the Festival Director and may be eligible for reduced booth fees.
Check-In and Unloading: Check-in is 10am-6pm the Friday of the Festival weekend. Exhibitors may arrive at any point during this time and must check-in and receive information and a parking pass. After unloading, vehicles must be removed to designated Exhibitor parking areas. All booths must be set up and ready by 8:30am on Saturday for the Fire Marshall inspection.
Payments and Fees: The $35 ($45 for paper/email applications) application fee is due with the Exhibitor application – applications will not be processed until this fee has been cleared. Upon being accepted to one or both Festivals, a deposit of $150 is due by March 1 and confirms your acceptance to the show/s. This deposit will be applied to your last show of the year: if you are at both shows, the $150 will go towards your fall booth fee; if you are only in the spring show, the deposit will be credited to your spring booth fee. Remaining booth fees will be invoiced. Applications through zapp may pay the application fee via zapplication or send a check. All other fees may be paid via check or money order, or with a credit card through paypal or square. Visit our website and see the Payments page for details and important dates.
Taxes: The Commonwealth of Virginia requires the Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival to provide sales tax forms to all artists and to provide the state with a complete listing of participating Exhibitors. Exhibitors should review the tax information and submit directly to the Department of Taxation.
Refund Policy
Last day to cancel and receive 100% refund for Fall booth fees, August 15
Last day to cancel and receive 50% refund for Fall booth fees, September 15
Terms to Apply
Application Fee: $35