Fairs/Festivals
Wild about Art 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
Join us for Wild about Art at the Toledo Zoo!
This uniquely wild, two-day art fair takes place throughout our beautiful Zoo grounds. We feature local and regional artists with various mediums for sale to our thousands of visitors. This event will include entertainment, hands-on activities and of course animals!
This uniquely wild, two-day art fair takes place throughout our beautiful Zoo grounds. We feature local and regional artists with various mediums for sale to our thousands of visitors. This event will include entertainment, hands-on activities and of course animals!
General Information
Wild about Art is a two-day art fair taking place Saturday, August 8, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, August 9, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., for artists to display and sell their work.
The show will be held on Zoo grounds and visitors are required to pay Zoo admission to enter. Members recieve free admission.
Mediums permitted: Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Metal Working, Photography, Printmaking/Graphics, Sculpture, Textiles and Wood. Work does not have to be animal related.
The Zoo is a family-friendly environment and certain subject matters, including but not limited to nudity and offensive language and symbols, will not be accepted. The Zoo reserves the right to exclude and/or remove pieces at their sole discretion.
Application Process: (4) images of your medium and (1) image of your booth area. If you have never participated in a show, please send a proposed image of your booth.
Application Fee: $25 Non-refundable. Must be processed through ZAPP.
Application Deadline: Friday, April 24
Notification of Invitation to Artist: Monday, May 18
Artist deadline to accept invitation and pay booth fee. Monday, June 8
Payments can be made via ZAPP or send checks to:
The Toledo Zoo
attn: Art Fair
PO Box 140130
Toledo, OH 43614
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations made prior to July 6 will be refunded 75% of their booth fee. Cancellations made on or after July 6 will NOT be issued refunds.
No Show Policy: Artists who have not checked-in and/or called the Zoo's main number (419-385-5721) by Saturday, August 8 by 8 a.m., will be considered a "no show." Those artists will not be eligible for refunds and will be ineligible for participation in future shows.
The show will be held on Zoo grounds and visitors are required to pay Zoo admission to enter. Members recieve free admission.
Mediums permitted: Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Metal Working, Photography, Printmaking/Graphics, Sculpture, Textiles and Wood. Work does not have to be animal related.
The Zoo is a family-friendly environment and certain subject matters, including but not limited to nudity and offensive language and symbols, will not be accepted. The Zoo reserves the right to exclude and/or remove pieces at their sole discretion.
Application Process: (4) images of your medium and (1) image of your booth area. If you have never participated in a show, please send a proposed image of your booth.
Application Fee: $25 Non-refundable. Must be processed through ZAPP.
Application Deadline: Friday, April 24
Notification of Invitation to Artist: Monday, May 18
Artist deadline to accept invitation and pay booth fee. Monday, June 8
Payments can be made via ZAPP or send checks to:
The Toledo Zoo
attn: Art Fair
PO Box 140130
Toledo, OH 43614
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Cancellations made prior to July 6 will be refunded 75% of their booth fee. Cancellations made on or after July 6 will NOT be issued refunds.
No Show Policy: Artists who have not checked-in and/or called the Zoo's main number (419-385-5721) by Saturday, August 8 by 8 a.m., will be considered a "no show." Those artists will not be eligible for refunds and will be ineligible for participation in future shows.
Application Requirements
We want you to have a safe and successful experience at the Toledo Zoo’s Wild about Art. To help accomplish this, and for the safety of our visitors and animals, we ask that you observe the below rules and guidelines. For the latest on the Zoo's protocals and important information visit https://www.toledozoo.org.
RAIN OR SHINE EVENT: Exhibitors are expected to secure their items and tent in the event of inclement weather. The Zoo is not responsible for securing and weighting your tent set up. Please use professional heavy-duty tents, with proper weights. Exhibitor assumes full responsibility for loss or damage to his/her person or property during the entirety of the Wild about Art.
Applicants must create all work displayed and all pieces must be for sale. Prints on original works are permitted to sell. This includes postcards, T-shirts, totebags, etc.
No resale items allowed.
In accordance with the Toledo Zoo's policies, selling photos taken of the Toledo Zoo's animals, facilities and staff are not permitted.
Artwork directly derived from the original imagery owned by the Toledo Zoo is prohibited.
Click here to view the Zoo's photo & video policies.
Artists not complying with policies may be expelled and will be ineligible for future shows.
RAIN OR SHINE EVENT: Exhibitors are expected to secure their items and tent in the event of inclement weather. The Zoo is not responsible for securing and weighting your tent set up. Please use professional heavy-duty tents, with proper weights. Exhibitor assumes full responsibility for loss or damage to his/her person or property during the entirety of the Wild about Art.
- No outside food & beverages are permitted. Individual diet restrictions will be taked under consideration if we're notified prior to the event.
- Alcohol is not permitted in the picnic areas or parking lot, but is available for purchase on Zoo grounds.
- The Zoo is a smoke-free facility and the use of any and all smoking materials (including e-cigarettes) is limited to designated areas outside Zoo gates and in personal vehicles in parking lots.
- Artists must be 18 or older and an adult chaperone must accompany children inside the Zoo. Unchaperoned children will not be allowed inside the Zoo.
- All vendor booths need to be manned throughout the entirety of the art fair.
- Post any signs in the Zoo or along the entrance road.
- Tape, nail, thumbtack or use any other fastening device to attach signs or decorations to the walkways, railings, trees or shrubs throughout the Zoo or parking lot.
- Dig holes anyhwere in vendor area.
- Bring balloons, roller skates, roller blades, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, laser pointers, frisbees, balls, toy guns, squirt guns, whistles or generators.
- Bring carnival attractions, rides, or concessions onto Zoo grounds.
- Park or drive on the grass. Parking or driving are permitted on paved areas only.
- Due to the Zoo's concession policies, sales of prepared food is not permitted.
- Pets are not allowed inside the Zoo. Service dogs are permitted.
Applicants must create all work displayed and all pieces must be for sale. Prints on original works are permitted to sell. This includes postcards, T-shirts, totebags, etc.
No resale items allowed.
In accordance with the Toledo Zoo's policies, selling photos taken of the Toledo Zoo's animals, facilities and staff are not permitted.
Artwork directly derived from the original imagery owned by the Toledo Zoo is prohibited.
Click here to view the Zoo's photo & video policies.
Artists not complying with policies may be expelled and will be ineligible for future shows.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
150
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
85
Booth Information
Vendor Space: All vendors will receive one 10’ x 10’ exterior booth space.
Set up: Available times: Fri 5 – 9 p.m.; Sat – 7 – 8:30 a.m.; Sun – 7 - 8:30 a.m. Electricity is available- please note need on application. Vendor must provide own heavy-duty outdoor extension cords. RAIN OR SHINE EVENT.
Vehicles are allowed on Zoo grounds for unloading/loading. We will do our best to get you in the vacinity of your assigned spot, but due to high traffic, cannot guarantee it will be directly near it. Please reach out if you have mobility issues so we can do our best to make accomodations for ease of setup/tear down vehicle proximately when developing the layout of booth locations. All vehicles must be unloaded and then moved before set-up can begin. Do not start to set up your booth or art until your vehicle has been moved. There are opportunities each morning to bring a vehicle on grounds if you wish to tweak your set up, such as removing bins that you might not want to leave behind your tent, restocking, etc. Vehicles just need to be off grounds before the Zoo opens.
The Zoo opens at 9 a.m. to members on Saturday & Sunday (opening to the general public at 10 a.m.), so we'd like all booths ready by 9 a.m. All vehicles must be off grounds before 9 a.m. No vehicles are permitted on grounds during Zoo hours.
Tear down: Tear down begins at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Vehicles will not be permitted on grounds until approximately 5 p.m. Please have your booth packed up and ready to load before bringing your vehicle on grounds.
Admission: Artists and up to three assistants will be admitted to the Zoo for free. Names and number of assistants will need to be provided to event organizers by July 6. All other guests will need to pay Zoo admission.
Parking: Artists may park in the main Anthony Wayne Trail parking lot free of charge, with up to 3 additional spaces for helpers. There will be staff directing vendors to the correct parking area/entry points, especially for larger vehicles.
There will be limited parking available in the Broadway lot. Artists should be in contact with the Zoo prior for permissions.
Admission and parking passes will be provided in the packet the first day of set up.
Insurance: All vendors are required to have liability insurance to cover any damages to your booth/merchandise and/or damage to any neighboring booths in the event of inclement weather, acts of god or other unforseen circumstances. Toledo Zoo is not responsible or liable. Your completed application signifies that you and your employees/assistants waive all rights to make any claims against Toledo Zoo.
Security: The park entrance gates are locked at the end of business each day. The Zoo is under 24-hour on-site security and video surveillance. Please do not leave cash boxes or valuables in your booth overnight. Toledo Zoo is not responsible for any lost or stolen merchandise, displays or personal affects.
Please be aware our Zoo photographer will be present at the event, taking photos of the show, booths, artists and demos for promotional purposes.
Also, the Zoo does not have public Wi-Fi, so please plan accordingly.
Concerns/Issues: Zoo personnel will be on hand to resolve issues during Wild about Art. The Zoo’s guest services are open during Zoo hours of operation.
The Zoo is located close to several hotels and camp sites. Camping overnight in the Zoo's parking lot is not permitted.
Artist Amenities:
Email: artfair@toledozoo.org
www.toledozoo.org/wildaboutart
- Non-Toledo Zoo Members: $150
- Toledo Zoo Members: $130
- We offer a $20 discount for artists that are Toledo Zoo members. If you are invited to participate, you will just need to email your active member number to artfair@toledozoo.org.
Set up: Available times: Fri 5 – 9 p.m.; Sat – 7 – 8:30 a.m.; Sun – 7 - 8:30 a.m. Electricity is available- please note need on application. Vendor must provide own heavy-duty outdoor extension cords. RAIN OR SHINE EVENT.
Vehicles are allowed on Zoo grounds for unloading/loading. We will do our best to get you in the vacinity of your assigned spot, but due to high traffic, cannot guarantee it will be directly near it. Please reach out if you have mobility issues so we can do our best to make accomodations for ease of setup/tear down vehicle proximately when developing the layout of booth locations. All vehicles must be unloaded and then moved before set-up can begin. Do not start to set up your booth or art until your vehicle has been moved. There are opportunities each morning to bring a vehicle on grounds if you wish to tweak your set up, such as removing bins that you might not want to leave behind your tent, restocking, etc. Vehicles just need to be off grounds before the Zoo opens.
The Zoo opens at 9 a.m. to members on Saturday & Sunday (opening to the general public at 10 a.m.), so we'd like all booths ready by 9 a.m. All vehicles must be off grounds before 9 a.m. No vehicles are permitted on grounds during Zoo hours.
Tear down: Tear down begins at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Vehicles will not be permitted on grounds until approximately 5 p.m. Please have your booth packed up and ready to load before bringing your vehicle on grounds.
Admission: Artists and up to three assistants will be admitted to the Zoo for free. Names and number of assistants will need to be provided to event organizers by July 6. All other guests will need to pay Zoo admission.
Parking: Artists may park in the main Anthony Wayne Trail parking lot free of charge, with up to 3 additional spaces for helpers. There will be staff directing vendors to the correct parking area/entry points, especially for larger vehicles.
There will be limited parking available in the Broadway lot. Artists should be in contact with the Zoo prior for permissions.
Admission and parking passes will be provided in the packet the first day of set up.
Insurance: All vendors are required to have liability insurance to cover any damages to your booth/merchandise and/or damage to any neighboring booths in the event of inclement weather, acts of god or other unforseen circumstances. Toledo Zoo is not responsible or liable. Your completed application signifies that you and your employees/assistants waive all rights to make any claims against Toledo Zoo.
Security: The park entrance gates are locked at the end of business each day. The Zoo is under 24-hour on-site security and video surveillance. Please do not leave cash boxes or valuables in your booth overnight. Toledo Zoo is not responsible for any lost or stolen merchandise, displays or personal affects.
Please be aware our Zoo photographer will be present at the event, taking photos of the show, booths, artists and demos for promotional purposes.
Also, the Zoo does not have public Wi-Fi, so please plan accordingly.
Concerns/Issues: Zoo personnel will be on hand to resolve issues during Wild about Art. The Zoo’s guest services are open during Zoo hours of operation.
The Zoo is located close to several hotels and camp sites. Camping overnight in the Zoo's parking lot is not permitted.
Artist Amenities:
- Artists & a certain number of helpers are treated to free Zoo admission and parking.
- Free electricity, if requested.
- Air-conditioned artist lounge with complimentary beverages & snacks.
- Box lunches will be available for purchase through ZAPP checkout.
Price is $14 (tax included).- Choose from:
- Turkey + Cheddar Cheese
- Ham + Swiss Cheese
- Grilled Veggie Wrap
Lunches are served with lettuce, tomato, condiments, potato chips, apple, gourmet cookie and beverage. - Lunches will need to be purchased by July 6. They will not be available for purchase during the event, but we do have plenty of concession stands open throughout the Zoo.
- Choose from:
- Volunteer booth sitters available up to 15 minutes per sitting.
- Volunteers on hand to assist with set up & tear down
- 24-hour security.
- Estimated over 10,000 Zoo visitors for the weekend.
Email: artfair@toledozoo.org
www.toledozoo.org/wildaboutart
Refund Policy
The application fee is non-refundable.
Booth cancellations made prior to July 6, 2026 will be refunded 75% of their booth fee. Cancellations made on or after July 6 will NOT be issued refunds.
No Show Policy: Artists who have not checked-in and/or called the Zoo's main number (419-385-5721) by Saturday, August 8 by 8 a.m., will be considered a "no show." Those artists will not be eligible for refunds and will be ineligible for participation in future shows.
Booth cancellations made prior to July 6, 2026 will be refunded 75% of their booth fee. Cancellations made on or after July 6 will NOT be issued refunds.
No Show Policy: Artists who have not checked-in and/or called the Zoo's main number (419-385-5721) by Saturday, August 8 by 8 a.m., will be considered a "no show." Those artists will not be eligible for refunds and will be ineligible for participation in future shows.
Terms to Apply
