Fairs/Festivals
Allentown Art Festival 2026
Buffalo, New York
Application fee: $35
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Submission Limit: 3
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 5, Max: 5
- Total | Max: 5
Opportunity Summary
- The Allentown Art Festival takes place in the Allentown Historic Preservation District of Buffalo, New York during the second weekend in June. The festival started in 1958 and is one of the longest running and most respected art shows in the United States. The Allentown Art Festival is a non profit group founded by local shop owners in 1958. Our mission is to support the arts in Buffalo. Each year we award over $25,000.00 in college scholarships to Western New York students who intend to major in art.
Each year, thousands of art patrons visit the festival to enjoy the charm and character of the Allentown neighborhood. Over 350 juried artists set up along the streets surrounded by beautiful, historic architecture. Patrons are treated to seeing beautiful works of art and having the opportunity to meet the artists. We encourage artists to demonstrate their techniques and interact with the public.
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General Information
Artists apply in the following media
Drawing and Graphics Ceramics
Painting Jewelry
Photography Fiber/Leather
Sculpture Wood/Metal
2D Mixed Media Glass
Prizes are awarded in each media.
First prize $1000.00
Scond prize $500.00
Third prize $250.00
Best of Show Prize in the amount of $2500.00 is awarded each year in addition to prizes awarded in the art and craft categories.
A Purchase Award in the amount of $1000.00 chosen by the Allentown Art Festival members is also awarded yearly. Artists must indicate that the piece submitted for judging is to be considered for the Purchase Award
All prizes are awarded at the discretion of the Allentown Art Festival. There is not a guarantee that all media prizes will be awarded.
Artists are invited to attend the award ceremony and reception held Saturday evening at 6:30 PM to enjoy food and drinks with our members. Artist prizes are announced at the reception. Our poster designer and student scholarship prize winners are introduced and presented their awards at the reception.
The Allentown Art Festival has acquired permission for exhibitors to park free of charge. Space is limited and is not guaranteed. Parking is permitted after 5:00 PM. Exhibitors are not allowed to park in spaces reserved for employees or to block other cars or driveways. Place parking permit on dashboard inside windshield. A map of available parking lots will be included with acceptance packets.
Drawing and Graphics Ceramics
Painting Jewelry
Photography Fiber/Leather
Sculpture Wood/Metal
2D Mixed Media Glass
Prizes are awarded in each media.
First prize $1000.00
Scond prize $500.00
Third prize $250.00
Best of Show Prize in the amount of $2500.00 is awarded each year in addition to prizes awarded in the art and craft categories.
A Purchase Award in the amount of $1000.00 chosen by the Allentown Art Festival members is also awarded yearly. Artists must indicate that the piece submitted for judging is to be considered for the Purchase Award
All prizes are awarded at the discretion of the Allentown Art Festival. There is not a guarantee that all media prizes will be awarded.
Artists are invited to attend the award ceremony and reception held Saturday evening at 6:30 PM to enjoy food and drinks with our members. Artist prizes are announced at the reception. Our poster designer and student scholarship prize winners are introduced and presented their awards at the reception.
The Allentown Art Festival has acquired permission for exhibitors to park free of charge. Space is limited and is not guaranteed. Parking is permitted after 5:00 PM. Exhibitors are not allowed to park in spaces reserved for employees or to block other cars or driveways. Place parking permit on dashboard inside windshield. A map of available parking lots will be included with acceptance packets.
Application Requirements
All work must be original, handcrafted, created and exhibited by the accepted artist.The registered exhibitor must be present with his or her display for both days of the show.
No representatives will be permitted.
Only one artist or craftperson is allowed on each application. All work must be attributable solely to the displaying applicant.
Works created through collaborative groups will not be accepted.
Works created by Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not be accepted.
No kits, imports or mass produced items will be accepted.
Artists may exhibit works only in those media selected by the jury and listed on the artist permit. Works displayed must be comparable to works submitted for jurying. No other items will be allowed in the booth.
Any media not approved through the jury process that appears in the booth, will be removed.
The following items are not eligible:
Items made from kits, commercial molds, patterns, logos or trademarked names and designs
Body Art (tattoos)
Magnets
Novelty crafts
Velvet paintings
Decoupage
Plants, dry florals
Rubber stamps
Edible items
Bottle caps
Flattened glass bottles
Painting on premade glass, ceramic, pottery or wooden items
Soap, oils, lotions
The Allentown Art Festival reserves the right to exclude works that are mass produced or do not conform to the festival standards for creativity and originality. Images created through Artificial Intelligence will not be accepted.
All graphic reproductions of original work must be properly registered, signed and numbered.
The originals must be on display and properly noted.
Reproductions must be displayed apart from originals and clearly identified as such with a prominently displayed sign. Reproductions must constitute less than one third of total display.
Browse boxes must be similarly limited.
Approved exhibitors must be in their booth for the duration of the show. No representatives are allowed.
No booth sharing is allowed.
Displays must be professional and aesthetically pleasing.
All tents must be white. Artists are required to secure their tents to ensure that tents are not susceptible to movement in any conditions.
The Allentown Art Festival is not responsible for damage to property caused by weather events.
All work and displays may not extend beyond the assigned space and may not protrude into street. The sidewalk in back of tent may not be used for storage and must remain clear and accessible.
Handwritten and sale signs are strictly prohibited.
An exhibitor permit is provided to accepted artists. The validated permit must be attached to display in full view from the street. This permit will be checked during the show. Displays without a valid exhibitor permit will be deemed unauthorized and will be removed. An exhibitor ribbon will also be provided. The ribbon must be worn or displayed in the booth. Ribbons from other shows are not allowed and may not be displayed.
All vehicles must be removed from show area by 9:00 AM on both Saturday and Sunday. No vehicles may reenter until 7:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday
Images submitted to the Allentown Art Festival may be displayed on Allentown Art Festival web site.
There are no refunds for processing fees
Violation of show rules is a basis for expulsion and forfeiture of all fees including awards and prizes.
There will be no rain date nor will refunds be made due to inclement weather.
No representatives will be permitted.
Only one artist or craftperson is allowed on each application. All work must be attributable solely to the displaying applicant.
Works created through collaborative groups will not be accepted.
Works created by Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not be accepted.
No kits, imports or mass produced items will be accepted.
Artists may exhibit works only in those media selected by the jury and listed on the artist permit. Works displayed must be comparable to works submitted for jurying. No other items will be allowed in the booth.
Any media not approved through the jury process that appears in the booth, will be removed.
The following items are not eligible:
Items made from kits, commercial molds, patterns, logos or trademarked names and designs
Body Art (tattoos)
Magnets
Novelty crafts
Velvet paintings
Decoupage
Plants, dry florals
Rubber stamps
Edible items
Bottle caps
Flattened glass bottles
Painting on premade glass, ceramic, pottery or wooden items
Soap, oils, lotions
The Allentown Art Festival reserves the right to exclude works that are mass produced or do not conform to the festival standards for creativity and originality. Images created through Artificial Intelligence will not be accepted.
All graphic reproductions of original work must be properly registered, signed and numbered.
The originals must be on display and properly noted.
Reproductions must be displayed apart from originals and clearly identified as such with a prominently displayed sign. Reproductions must constitute less than one third of total display.
Browse boxes must be similarly limited.
Approved exhibitors must be in their booth for the duration of the show. No representatives are allowed.
No booth sharing is allowed.
Displays must be professional and aesthetically pleasing.
All tents must be white. Artists are required to secure their tents to ensure that tents are not susceptible to movement in any conditions.
The Allentown Art Festival is not responsible for damage to property caused by weather events.
All work and displays may not extend beyond the assigned space and may not protrude into street. The sidewalk in back of tent may not be used for storage and must remain clear and accessible.
Handwritten and sale signs are strictly prohibited.
An exhibitor permit is provided to accepted artists. The validated permit must be attached to display in full view from the street. This permit will be checked during the show. Displays without a valid exhibitor permit will be deemed unauthorized and will be removed. An exhibitor ribbon will also be provided. The ribbon must be worn or displayed in the booth. Ribbons from other shows are not allowed and may not be displayed.
All vehicles must be removed from show area by 9:00 AM on both Saturday and Sunday. No vehicles may reenter until 7:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday
Images submitted to the Allentown Art Festival may be displayed on Allentown Art Festival web site.
There are no refunds for processing fees
Violation of show rules is a basis for expulsion and forfeiture of all fees including awards and prizes.
There will be no rain date nor will refunds be made due to inclement weather.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
600
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
350
Booth Information
The show is held along the streets of the Allentown community in the City of Buffalo.
Each applicant is assigned one space 13 feet wide by 10 feet deep.
A limited number of double booths will be available. Please be advised that a double booth may be in a different location than any previously assigned space. Artists must indicate which type of booth is required.
Artists may also request a particular spot. We will honor requests if possible.
Fees are as follows: $35.00 non refundable application fee, paid by all applicants
$325.00 single booth fee
$525.00 double booth fee
Artists' assigned spaces are shown on the exhibitor's permit. Space numbers and boundaries are painted on the curbs.
Artists are required to provide their own tent and display materials. Tents must be 10' by 10' white tents. Pop up tents are not adequate and are not allowed.
The placement committee will make every effort to accomodate special requests when possible.
Displays may be set up each day at artists' convenience, not prior to 6:00 PM Friday.
If assigned space is open, exhibitor may begin set up on Friday evening.
A parking ban goes into effect at 12:00 AM Saturday.
Streets within the festival close to general traffic at 8:00 AM Saturday.
Artist displays should be in place by 10:00 AM
Displays left up overnight are at artist's own risk.
The street will be open for exhibitor only traffic at 7:00 PM
The street will be open for all traffic at 8:00 PM
Festival hours are from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday
Each applicant is assigned one space 13 feet wide by 10 feet deep.
A limited number of double booths will be available. Please be advised that a double booth may be in a different location than any previously assigned space. Artists must indicate which type of booth is required.
Artists may also request a particular spot. We will honor requests if possible.
Fees are as follows: $35.00 non refundable application fee, paid by all applicants
$325.00 single booth fee
$525.00 double booth fee
Artists' assigned spaces are shown on the exhibitor's permit. Space numbers and boundaries are painted on the curbs.
Artists are required to provide their own tent and display materials. Tents must be 10' by 10' white tents. Pop up tents are not adequate and are not allowed.
The placement committee will make every effort to accomodate special requests when possible.
Displays may be set up each day at artists' convenience, not prior to 6:00 PM Friday.
If assigned space is open, exhibitor may begin set up on Friday evening.
A parking ban goes into effect at 12:00 AM Saturday.
Streets within the festival close to general traffic at 8:00 AM Saturday.
Artist displays should be in place by 10:00 AM
Displays left up overnight are at artist's own risk.
The street will be open for exhibitor only traffic at 7:00 PM
The street will be open for all traffic at 8:00 PM
Festival hours are from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday
Refund Policy
Refund policy is, as follows.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by mail or email.
Application fees are non refundable.
Refund of booth fee for artist cancellation will be issued if request is made before April 1, 2026.
Refund of booth fee for cancellation received from April 1, 2026 through May 1, 2026 will be issued, less $25.00 administration fee.
No refunds will be issued after May 1,2026.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by mail or email.
Application fees are non refundable.
Refund of booth fee for artist cancellation will be issued if request is made before April 1, 2026.
Refund of booth fee for cancellation received from April 1, 2026 through May 1, 2026 will be issued, less $25.00 administration fee.
No refunds will be issued after May 1,2026.
Additional Fees
Double Booth fee: $525
Booth fee: $325
Terms to Apply
Application fee: $35