Arts, Beats & Eats 2026

Celebrating our 29th year, Arts, Beats & Eats Juried Fine Art Show continues to bring a steady supply of art patrons to the downtown streets of Royal Oak, Michigan.  Nestled at the south-end of a mile-long event which draws over 300,000 people each year, Arts, Beats and Eats features the best of art, music and food from around the state and country. Our art show has been consistently ranked in the top 100 shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine!

We strive to make our artists feel welcomed and valued, our dedicated staff works hard to provide an enjoyable weekend of sales and networking.  A staggered load in allows you to drive directly to your booth space for set-up.  We offer free artist parking, lunch, beverages, booth sitters, discounted rates at our host hotel, an artists’ award cocktail reception, and much more!

LOCATION
Downtown streets of Royal Oak, Michigan.  Nowhere else in metro Detroit will you find a greater concentration of award winning boutiques, restaurants, salons, galleries and theaters.
 
DATES AND TIMES
LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2026
ATTENDANCE
More than 300,000 people projected over the 4-day weekend, based on past attendance, promotional media, event programming, reasonably good weather, and our wonderful location.
 
ADVERTISING
More than 1.5 million dollars in promotional advertising on radio, television, digital and print medium.  In addition, the event will be promoted on posters, flyers and in the newsletters of participating charities. 
 
ARTIST AMENITIES

• Free artist parking
• Hot Coffee, Tea, Water provided for artists
• Lunch provided dailly
• 24 hour security
• Vehicle loading and unloading at booth space
• Artist lounge with restroom facilities
• Electricity included in booth fee
• Artist award cocktail reception, with $7000 in prize money. Awards include: Best of Show, 2nd, 3rd Place and Awards of Excellence in each discipline
• Discounted rate at a nearby host hotel

ONLINE JURY PROCESS

• On average 20 artists are invited to return, including award winners and special invitations.
• In 2026 we have approximately 100 open artist spaces to be filled by jury scores.
• Artist identity remains anonymous during jurying
• Five images (4 pieces of work and 1 booth shot) are viewed simultaneously in a preview, round 1
• Artist’s description including size, materials and technique are available to jurors during scoring, round 2
• Scoring is 1 (low) to 7 (high), at the jurors’ pace, allowing them to critique individual images
• Scoring is based on originality and creativity, design, technique, craftsmanship, display and production method

IMAGES
All work to be exhibited must be represented in your images. Submit a total of five (5) images: four (4) of individual pieces which accurately represent the body of work to be exhibited, and one (1) of the booth display containing artwork. Detail images are acceptable.
 
MEDIUM CATEGORIES

• CERAMICS: Original work in which the primary material is clay.
• DIGITAL/GRAPHIC ART: Includes any original work in which the original image, or the manipulation of other source material, was executed by the artist using the computer. Work must be editions, signed and numbered, on archival papers, inks, and emulsions.
• DRAWING/PASTELS: Original works made with pen, pencil, charcoal, pastel or chalk.
• FABRIC/FIBER/LEATHER: Work of primarily fiber, including clothing, quilts, rugs, dolls, soft sculpture, baskets, brooms, etc., made by the artists. No ready-made clothing will be permitted.
• GLASS: Original works in which the primarily used material is glass. Including stained, leaded and blown glass.
• JEWELRY PRECIOUS: Jewelry made from precious metals and gemstones.
• JEWELRY NON-PRECIOUS: Jewelry made from non-precious elements, i.e. enamel, glass, clay, fiber, paper, wood or other materials. 
• METAL: Functional metalwork.
• MIXED MEDIA 2-D: work incorporating more than one material where the end product is flat and may be hung on a wall.  This category includes Printmaking.
• MIXED MEDIA 3-D: work incorporating more than one material where the end product is free-standing.
• PAINTING: Painted works made with oil, acrylic, watercolor or other pigments.
• PHOTOGRAPHY: Photographers are encouraged to do their own printing. Their printing process must be disclosed. The category includes hand-colored, Polaroid transfers, emulsion transfers, etc., these works are not to be included in Mixed Media.
• SCULPTURE: Non-functional, 3-dimensional works in any medium.
• WOOD: Original work, hand-tooled, carved or machine-worked of primarily wood. The use of automatic machines is NOT acceptable.
• EMERGING ARTISTS: Artists of any discipline starting their professional journey with art fairs.  Emerging Artists booths will be located in a designated area near the main art fair.

STANDARDS AND RULES

• We are looking for true, hands-on fine art, in which the artist is the originator of the work submitted and exhibited.  AI GENERATED ART IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
• Any reproductions must be signed and numbered limited editions, and must be limited to 25% of work shown.  All reproductions, whether framed or unframed, must be clearly and individually labeled “reproduction” or “limited editions reproduction”. This will be strictly enforced.
• Artists must be present with their work for the entire 4 days of the event.  If the work is collaborative, each collaborator must be present and both artists must be listed in the applicaiton and on all event materials. 
• A collaborator is an artist who is an equal partner in the process of the submitted work. Anything other than a true, 4 hands on 1 piece is not considered a collaboration.
• Artists' work, signage, supplies, displays, furniture, and all belongings must be contained inside the 10' by 10' booth space.  
• Pricing and discounts are at the discretion of the artist but "sales" and "deals" may not be displayed on any signage in or around the booth.
• Artists must refrain from setting their displays in such a way that interferes with neighboring booths or festival operations.
• No commercial agents, dealers or manufacturers may attend in place of the artist. 
• All artists must check in at registration upon arrival.  Photo ID is required.
• Unacceptable Practices:  Kits, molds, dried or silk flowers, green-ware, embellished objects (such as flatware with wire) and ready-made clothing will not be accepted for exhibition.
• All work displayed must be consistent with images submitted.  Any work that is not consistent with the jury images, or does not comply with the standards outlined above may not be exhibited.

Each artist is provided a 10’ x 10’ exhibition space, including electricity.  Booths are assigned by the Art Director.  Participants are expected to bring their own canopy, display racks, lights, extension cords and any booth support materials.  Prices are as follows:

• $600 per 10’x10’ booth space
• $1200 for double booths 10’x20’-double booth spaces are limited
• $1400 Open Air Booths are 10'x20' in size, down the center of Washington.  There are 3 offered for 2026.  To qualify for an "Open Air" booth, your work must be displayed without walls or a canopy.  The concept allows patrons to walk freely among the pieces.  The artist may use an umbrella to protect themselves from the sun, with a chair and table/stand for personal use.  DO NOT PAY FOR AN OPEN AIR BOOTH if you have not already been approved by ABE.
• $300 premium corner space requests. These 4 booths are located at the Washtington & 7th intersection at the north entrance of the art fair.  These booths will first be offered to 2024 Award Winners. If a premium corner is not granted, artists will be considered for regular corner.  Premium corner fees will be refunded if not assigned.
• $200 corner space requests.  Corners are assigned ONLY if available, and will be confirmed when the layout is finalized in late July/early August.  If a corner is not granted, corner fees will be refunded. 
• $175 Emerging Artist Booth located adjacent to the Fine Art Show, these booths are reserved for Fine Artists beginning their professional journey at fine art shows.
• If you were a 2025 Exhibitor with Arts, Beats & Eats, you will receive a code for a $25 discount off of your total booth fee.
• Booth fees include ELECTRICITY and ONE FREE PARKING PASS for the duration of the show.
• If booth fees are not received by June 15^th, or within 30 days of notification of acceptance, the Festival will consider the Exhibitor’s acceptance to be forfeited and proceed to the next highest score in the Alternates category.