Dragon on the Lake Festival 2026

The Orion Art Center proudly presents the 17th Annual Dragon on the Lake Festival (DOTL).  Held annually on the last weekend in August in Downton Lake Orion. Legend of the Lake Orion Dragon dates back to sightings in the mid 1800s. What was ultimately discovered to be a childish prank is now a beloved mascot of this beautiful lake community.  Please join us as we celebrate the Dragon! 

DOTL serves as the nonprofit Orion Art Center's largest fundraiser.  The  Orion Art Center works to nurture artistic spirit, with classes, camps, scholarships, exhibits and special events. There are two things we love: infusing art into the community and connecting people with each other.  DOTL does both!

The festival brings together dozens of organizations, hundreds of volunteers, and thousands of participants. From Lighted Boat Parade, Dragon Boat Races on Lake Orion, Artist Market, Little Dragon Den, Chalk Art Contest, Tiki Tent, Dragon Pub, live music and entertainment, there’s something for everyone.
 

DOTL Artist Market
100 Juried booth spaces available in 3 categories:

1) Art + Craft Fair 

• Only original work handmade by the displaying artist(s) is eligible for sale, including authors. The exhibitor must be the designer and creator of the art. Mediums include: ceramics, digital media, drawing, fiber, folk/traditional arts, glass, jewelry, leather, metalwork, mixed media, other, painting, papermaking/book arts, photography, printmaking, sculpture and woodwork.
• NO items contracted out and/or made by someone else and/or resale items. Items must be at least 60% made by the vendor (e.g., clothing with added handiwork).

2) Vendor Marketplace

• Applications for non-art booths will be juried for a separate part of the festival in our Vendor Marketplac

3) Non-profit Organizations

• Non-profit organizations are able to apply for booth space at the festival and will be placed within the festival in spaces determined appropriate by the Orion Art Center Board and Staff.

Jury: DOTL will be juried by a committee with the purpose of creating a quality, inclusive and balanced show. We are a non-profit art organization and this event is an opportunity for artists, crafters and handmade artisans to sell their wares. 

Jury notification: Applicants will be notified of jury selection no later than 30 days before the event.

Application Fee:
$25 non-refundable application fee due with application. Due to the costs associated with preparing to run the show, the application fee will not be able to be refunded under any circumstances.
 
Booth Fee:
Upon acceptance, the booth fee is $225 when paid by April 1, 2026 and $250 after April 1, 2026 with all fees being due by August 10, 2026 for the Art & Craft Fair, Vendor Marketplace and Non-profit Organizations.. Please note that acceptance into the festival is not guaranteed until booth fees have been paid in full.

No refunds will be issued after full payment and application are received and processed. No refunds will be given due to cancellation of the event by local authorities or due to weather or force majeure.