Fairs/Festivals
Best of the Northwest Fall Show 2026
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
You are invited to apply to the 38th annual Best of the Northwest Fall Show, Seattle's Premier Art & Fine Craft show. This 3-day event will be held in-person at Hangar 30 in Warren G. Magnuson Park, Seattle, November 6 - 8. This is our largest attended show of the year.
The event starts at 11am on Friday morning with a VIP Preview. The preview draws in our most engaged customers year after year. Patrons will purchase higher-priced tickets to be the first to see and buy from the artists. With their ticket price, they can enjoy free baked treats, a custom mocktail, and they are entered to win a prize drawing of $30 gift certificates for artwork. They will enjoy live music while they shop. At 2pm, the doors open to general admission.
The following 2 days, the show will open to the public from 10am until 6pm on Sat and till 5pm on Sun. The general admission prices are $5 advance and $8 at the door. We will be distributing many free passes as well. Seattle food and coffee trucks are on-site during these days.
Our expanded advertisement plan includes Seattle Times digital and print ads, on-air spots on 4 radio stations, poster distribution throughout Seattle, social media ads, direct mailers, and more.
Artists will enjoy easy access to the venue, free parking, free load in night pizza dinner and free snacks in the artist lounge during the event. Please join us in the light-filled, historic airplane hangar with a great community of your fellow artists.
The event starts at 11am on Friday morning with a VIP Preview. The preview draws in our most engaged customers year after year. Patrons will purchase higher-priced tickets to be the first to see and buy from the artists. With their ticket price, they can enjoy free baked treats, a custom mocktail, and they are entered to win a prize drawing of $30 gift certificates for artwork. They will enjoy live music while they shop. At 2pm, the doors open to general admission.
The following 2 days, the show will open to the public from 10am until 6pm on Sat and till 5pm on Sun. The general admission prices are $5 advance and $8 at the door. We will be distributing many free passes as well. Seattle food and coffee trucks are on-site during these days.
Our expanded advertisement plan includes Seattle Times digital and print ads, on-air spots on 4 radio stations, poster distribution throughout Seattle, social media ads, direct mailers, and more.
Artists will enjoy easy access to the venue, free parking, free load in night pizza dinner and free snacks in the artist lounge during the event. Please join us in the light-filled, historic airplane hangar with a great community of your fellow artists.
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General Information
This is a juried event, open to all mediums. A onetime non-refundable jury fee is required to apply for this show. Artists not selected in the first round may be put onto a waitlist with a possibility of being offered a space later in the process.
The jury panel will view 4 artwork images and one booth image. The booth image does affect your jury score if it is missing or incomplete. Try to submit the highest quality images as you can for better chances of being accepted into the show. Please visit our website for more information on jury guidelines and examples of booth images by clicking HERE
Applications close June 30th at midnight.
SHOW DATES
Preview-
Friday, Nov 6th, 11am-2pm
Open to the Public-
Friday, Nov 6th, 2pm-7pm
Saturday, Nov 7th, 10am-6pm
Sunday, Nov 8th, 10am-5pm
Load-in Times-
Thursday, Nov 5th, 12-8pm
Friday, Nov 6th, 8am-9:30am
Saturday, Nov 7th & Sunday, Nov 8th 8am-9:30am
ARTIST AMENITIES -
During the event, two cash awards of $250 each will be given to the two booths that receive the most People's Choice and Juror's choice votes. These artists will also be given a coupon for free application and a guaranteed spot in the next Best of the Northwest show. Two Honorable mentions will also be picked by voted and will receive a coupon for free application and a guaranteed spot in the next Best of the Northwest show.
This event is presented by Northwest Art Alliance (NWAA). We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, dedicated to connecting the power of art, fine craft, and community. We do this by providing artists with essential tools, education and exposure to help them succeed, and provide our area with access to a vibrant community of artists and craftspeople.
The jury panel will view 4 artwork images and one booth image. The booth image does affect your jury score if it is missing or incomplete. Try to submit the highest quality images as you can for better chances of being accepted into the show. Please visit our website for more information on jury guidelines and examples of booth images by clicking HERE
Applications close June 30th at midnight.
SHOW DATES
Preview-
Friday, Nov 6th, 11am-2pm
Open to the Public-
Friday, Nov 6th, 2pm-7pm
Saturday, Nov 7th, 10am-6pm
Sunday, Nov 8th, 10am-5pm
Load-in Times-
Thursday, Nov 5th, 12-8pm
Friday, Nov 6th, 8am-9:30am
Saturday, Nov 7th & Sunday, Nov 8th 8am-9:30am
ARTIST AMENITIES -
- Easy ground floor load-in
- Free Booth Sitting
- Pagliacci pizza and salad dinner for artists Thurs evening
- Artist Lounge with snacks, coffee, tea and water all Saturday and Sunday
- Free Parking
- No commission
- Cash awards for People's and Juror's Choice Booths
- 10 Free Passes for your best customers
- Postcards mailed to you for your show promotion
- A variety of booth sizes to best suit your display
- Free electricity with your booth purchase
- Group hotel rates available
- Full media plan to advertise the event
During the event, two cash awards of $250 each will be given to the two booths that receive the most People's Choice and Juror's choice votes. These artists will also be given a coupon for free application and a guaranteed spot in the next Best of the Northwest show. Two Honorable mentions will also be picked by voted and will receive a coupon for free application and a guaranteed spot in the next Best of the Northwest show.
This event is presented by Northwest Art Alliance (NWAA). We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, dedicated to connecting the power of art, fine craft, and community. We do this by providing artists with essential tools, education and exposure to help them succeed, and provide our area with access to a vibrant community of artists and craftspeople.
Application Requirements
This event is open to all mediums. If you plan to exhibit more than one type of artwork, apply in the Multiple Medium category. Show examples of the different mediums.
Please do not fill out your application in ALL capital or ALL lower case letters. This creates a lot of extra work for our staff to edit. We upload your information onto our website and use it for social media. Please have your content ready for the public to see.
PARTICIPATION RULES: Please note, we will be monitoring during the event to ensure all booths are in compliance with the following. Non-compliant booths may impact your jury score for future events.
Artwork must be original and made by the artist(s) present at the show.
Artists may only show work in the categories in which they were juried and accepted.
Artists may not exhibit or sell the works of other artists.
Artists who work cooperatively on their pieces (like many hot glass artists) may apply under their business name with one artist as the contact person.
Artists must personally attend their booths throughout the show.
Artists agree to occupy the assigned space and be open and staffed during all regular event hours, and may not open late or close early without prior approval from NWAA staff.
Only US or Canadian-made reproductions are allowed in the categories of 2-D and photography; however, such reproductions cannot be more than 60% of the work displayed or offered for sale at the event (photography excluded from the reproduction rule). Otherwise, artwork can be part of a limited run, unless given an exemption by the show.
Artists must have either a Seattle Business License on file with us or purchase a temporary Seattle Business License through the Zapp, no later than one month before the event date. If you are a Seattle resident, you MUST have an annual license. Note that this is NOT the same as the State of Washington UBI Number or the Seattle Booth Fee.
Artists are expected to comply with all applicable regulations and the NWAA artist agreement.
By applying to this event, Artists are agreeing to have their images displayed on the NWAA website, social media and other advertising platforms. Please note that these images may remain on these platforms even after the show is over. If you have questions, please email info@nwartalliance.org.
JEWELRY: Jewelry is an extremely competitive medium. Please note the additional specific standards below.
All jewelry must be both designed and made by the artist (no reproductions).
All jewelry work displayed must be of the same quality shown in the juried images.
Commercial components (beads, stones, pearls, etc.) simply strung/assembled or twisted on wire will not be considered. (Bead weaving will be considered)
No more than 50% of a piece may consist of commercial findings. The major impact of the piece must be the original work of the artist.
BOOTH SHARING:
Artists may share a booth, as long as each artist has applied individually and has been juried and accepted. When sharing a booth, one artist has to be responsible for the fees associated with the booth being shared. Booth subletting is not allowed.
CODE OF CONDUCT:
All attendees are required to follow a code of conduct and the policies of the show. Violations of these policies could affect your future attendance. See NWAA Code of Conduct and Event Policies HERE
FIREPROOFING REQUIREMENTS:
The Seattle Fire Department has become much stricter from past years. YOU ARE NO LONGER ALLOWED TO FIRE-PROOF YOUR FABRICS ON YOUR OWN. You may use commercially fire-retardant fabric or drapes in your booth. You must have a certificate from the manufacturer posted in your booth before the show opens. Hard walls like pro-panels, wood walls of 1/4" or thicker and table clothes are exempt from this requirement. NO TENT CANOPIES ARE ALLOWED. We don't want to have to remove unacceptable items from your booth because the fire marshal won't let us open the doors until your non-compliant materials are gone. Please go to the links below. Call or email us if you have questions.
NWAA Fire Code Handout
http://nwartalliance.org/?p=74
Seattle Fire Department Handout
http://nwartalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Flame-ProofingandStorage.pdf
15/06/Flame-ProofingandStorage.pdf
Please do not fill out your application in ALL capital or ALL lower case letters. This creates a lot of extra work for our staff to edit. We upload your information onto our website and use it for social media. Please have your content ready for the public to see.
PARTICIPATION RULES: Please note, we will be monitoring during the event to ensure all booths are in compliance with the following. Non-compliant booths may impact your jury score for future events.
Artwork must be original and made by the artist(s) present at the show.
Artists may only show work in the categories in which they were juried and accepted.
Artists may not exhibit or sell the works of other artists.
Artists who work cooperatively on their pieces (like many hot glass artists) may apply under their business name with one artist as the contact person.
Artists must personally attend their booths throughout the show.
Artists agree to occupy the assigned space and be open and staffed during all regular event hours, and may not open late or close early without prior approval from NWAA staff.
Only US or Canadian-made reproductions are allowed in the categories of 2-D and photography; however, such reproductions cannot be more than 60% of the work displayed or offered for sale at the event (photography excluded from the reproduction rule). Otherwise, artwork can be part of a limited run, unless given an exemption by the show.
Artists must have either a Seattle Business License on file with us or purchase a temporary Seattle Business License through the Zapp, no later than one month before the event date. If you are a Seattle resident, you MUST have an annual license. Note that this is NOT the same as the State of Washington UBI Number or the Seattle Booth Fee.
Artists are expected to comply with all applicable regulations and the NWAA artist agreement.
By applying to this event, Artists are agreeing to have their images displayed on the NWAA website, social media and other advertising platforms. Please note that these images may remain on these platforms even after the show is over. If you have questions, please email info@nwartalliance.org.
JEWELRY: Jewelry is an extremely competitive medium. Please note the additional specific standards below.
All jewelry must be both designed and made by the artist (no reproductions).
All jewelry work displayed must be of the same quality shown in the juried images.
Commercial components (beads, stones, pearls, etc.) simply strung/assembled or twisted on wire will not be considered. (Bead weaving will be considered)
No more than 50% of a piece may consist of commercial findings. The major impact of the piece must be the original work of the artist.
BOOTH SHARING:
Artists may share a booth, as long as each artist has applied individually and has been juried and accepted. When sharing a booth, one artist has to be responsible for the fees associated with the booth being shared. Booth subletting is not allowed.
CODE OF CONDUCT:
All attendees are required to follow a code of conduct and the policies of the show. Violations of these policies could affect your future attendance. See NWAA Code of Conduct and Event Policies HERE
FIREPROOFING REQUIREMENTS:
The Seattle Fire Department has become much stricter from past years. YOU ARE NO LONGER ALLOWED TO FIRE-PROOF YOUR FABRICS ON YOUR OWN. You may use commercially fire-retardant fabric or drapes in your booth. You must have a certificate from the manufacturer posted in your booth before the show opens. Hard walls like pro-panels, wood walls of 1/4" or thicker and table clothes are exempt from this requirement. NO TENT CANOPIES ARE ALLOWED. We don't want to have to remove unacceptable items from your booth because the fire marshal won't let us open the doors until your non-compliant materials are gone. Please go to the links below. Call or email us if you have questions.
NWAA Fire Code Handout
http://nwartalliance.org/?p=74
Seattle Fire Department Handout
http://nwartalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Flame-ProofingandStorage.pdf
15/06/Flame-ProofingandStorage.pdf
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
170
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
117
Booth Information
STANDARD BOOTH FEES: Our booth pricing includes electricity. Proper lighting enhances your art and increases your sales, as well as improves the overall look of the show and appeal to patrons. We encourage you to utilize it to complement your display. Artists are responsible for their booth display. Only blue painters tape is allowed on the floor of the venue.
Notifications will be sent on Tue, July 21. Booth purchases start Wed, July 22 at 9am and end on Aug 5 at midnight PST. Booths are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Pole & drape and temporary business license purchases will stay open longer.
IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT BOOTH PRICES-
The Seattle Parks Dept have begun enforcing their 10% of an on-site fee for all vendor sales in the venue. NWAA negotiated from their initial request of 10% of total artist sales to 10% of the booth purchase cost (which is much lower). Because of this, we need to add a 10% fee on top of our regular booth fee. Please note, NWAA has not raised our booth prices in years. This increase goes directly to the city of Seattle. See the rates below.
STANDARD SIZE BOOTHS FEES (may use tent frame):
Price include 10% fee to the City of Seattle. Read info above
Note: You may only purchase one booth per accepted artist. Booth appearances may be reviewed during the show and may impact your jury score for future events.
OTHER PRODUCTS AVAILABLE THROUGH ZAPP:
The following will be available on ZAPP upon receipt of an invitation to the event:
TEMPORARY BUSINESS LICENSE - $30
If you do not provide us with a Seattle business license number on your application, you will be required to purchase a temporary business license at $10 per day for this 3-day show. This is not the same as your UBI#. If you are a Seattle resident, you must have an annual license. Please visit this page to apply.
ARTISTS IN ACTION:
We encourage artists to share their process with our patrons. If you are able to demonstrate your art at your booth during the event and interested in participating in this program, there is no cost, just sign up in your Zapp application.
POLE & DRAPE: $80
Pole and drape are not required, but if you don't have booth walls to enhance your booth, it is highly suggested you purchase the pole and drape service. The only booth type where Pole and Drape is included in the price are the Gallery Booths. For all other booths, Pole and drape (available in black only to maintain consistency of appearance throughout the show) must be purchased by the booth purchase deadline in Zapp. Please contact us with any questions about your pole & drape needs.
EXTRA POLE & DRAPE HARDWARE: $10 per piece
This is where you would order an extra crossbar, if needed.
ARTIST LOAD-IN DINNER:
The free pizza dinner with salad, wine, soft drink and cookies is available to the artists and their helpers on load-in day, Thursday evening. There is no cost, but we ask you to list the number of people attending the dinner on your Zapp purchases.
Notifications will be sent on Tue, July 21. Booth purchases start Wed, July 22 at 9am and end on Aug 5 at midnight PST. Booths are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Pole & drape and temporary business license purchases will stay open longer.
IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT BOOTH PRICES-
The Seattle Parks Dept have begun enforcing their 10% of an on-site fee for all vendor sales in the venue. NWAA negotiated from their initial request of 10% of total artist sales to 10% of the booth purchase cost (which is much lower). Because of this, we need to add a 10% fee on top of our regular booth fee. Please note, NWAA has not raised our booth prices in years. This increase goes directly to the city of Seattle. See the rates below.
STANDARD SIZE BOOTHS FEES (may use tent frame):
Price include 10% fee to the City of Seattle. Read info above
- 10x10 In-Line, $715 - ($650 booth plus $65 fee)
- 10x10 Corner, $825 - ($750 booth plus $75 fee)
- 10x15 Corner, $1183 - ($1075 booth plus $108 fee)
- 10x6 In-line, $605 - ($550 booth plus $55 fee) , Rows A and H
- 10x8 In-line, $655 - ($595 booth plus $60 fee), Row D
- 10x6 Non-Premium Corner, $633 - ($575 booth plus $58 fee)
- 10x8 Premium Corner, $715 - ($650 booth plus $65 fee), Row D
- 12x6 Premium Corner, $688 - ($625 booth plus $63)
- 10x6 Gallery in-line, $605 - ($550 booth plus $55 fee) - must use pole & drape - included in booth fee
- 15x6 Gallery in-line, $715 - ($650 booth plus $65) - must use pole & drape - included in booth fee
Note: You may only purchase one booth per accepted artist. Booth appearances may be reviewed during the show and may impact your jury score for future events.
OTHER PRODUCTS AVAILABLE THROUGH ZAPP:
The following will be available on ZAPP upon receipt of an invitation to the event:
TEMPORARY BUSINESS LICENSE - $30
If you do not provide us with a Seattle business license number on your application, you will be required to purchase a temporary business license at $10 per day for this 3-day show. This is not the same as your UBI#. If you are a Seattle resident, you must have an annual license. Please visit this page to apply.
ARTISTS IN ACTION:
We encourage artists to share their process with our patrons. If you are able to demonstrate your art at your booth during the event and interested in participating in this program, there is no cost, just sign up in your Zapp application.
POLE & DRAPE: $80
Pole and drape are not required, but if you don't have booth walls to enhance your booth, it is highly suggested you purchase the pole and drape service. The only booth type where Pole and Drape is included in the price are the Gallery Booths. For all other booths, Pole and drape (available in black only to maintain consistency of appearance throughout the show) must be purchased by the booth purchase deadline in Zapp. Please contact us with any questions about your pole & drape needs.
EXTRA POLE & DRAPE HARDWARE: $10 per piece
This is where you would order an extra crossbar, if needed.
ARTIST LOAD-IN DINNER:
The free pizza dinner with salad, wine, soft drink and cookies is available to the artists and their helpers on load-in day, Thursday evening. There is no cost, but we ask you to list the number of people attending the dinner on your Zapp purchases.
Refund Policy
Artist Cancellation / Refund: Notice of cancellation by the Artist of participation in any event must be provided to NWAA in writing (email acceptable). If the event is cancelled by the organizers, the booth and other fees will be returned. With exception of the application fee that will be credited to apply to a future NWAA show.
Notice of cancellation by the Artist of participation in any event must be provided to NWAA in writing.
Notice of cancellation by the Artist of participation in any event must be provided to NWAA in writing.
- If requested before August 5, 100% of all fees paid to NWAA will be refunded, excluding Application (not refundable).
- If requested before September 15, 70% of all fees paid to NWAA, excluding Application (not refundable).
- If provided by October 15, the Artist shall receive 50% of all fees paid to NWAA, excluding Application and/or Jury fee.
- Notices received after October 15th will not be entitled to a refund.
- Pole & Drape, Temporary Seattle Business License and Seattle Booth fee are 100% refundable, regardless of notice date.
Additional Fees
Pole & Drape - BLACK: $80
Temporary Seattle Business License: $30
Extra pole hardware (pls order number of parts needed): $10
Artists in Action: $0
Thurs night load-in pizza dinner, show how many will join: $0
Terms to Apply
