Fairs/Festivals
Art Westport 2026 - 46th Annual
Kansas City, Missouri
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply. Emerging Artist Program or Grants exist.
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 6, Max: 6
- Total | Max: 6
Opportunity Summary
Art Westport is Kansas City's only outdoor art show and festival exclusively for LOCAL artists. The historic Westport District provides the perfect backdrop for a high-quality exhibition of painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, pottery and more. The event is in its 46th year and will be on September 11 - 13, 2026. Artists that desire to display must reside within a 80 mile radius of the downtown Kansas City, MO post office to be eligible to apply.
Jump to
General Information
Art Westport, is Kansas City's only outdoor art show and festival exclusively for LOCAL artists. Produced by the Westport Regional Business League, Art Westport celebrates its 46th year on September 11 - 13, 2026. Located in the historic Westport District of Kansas City, the event enjoys an inviting and bustling atmosphere with unique local shops, exceptional local dining, and vivid local nightlife adjoining the colorful and talented local artists in the closed streets. It's a perfect backdrop for the annual exhibition by many of Kansas City's finest artists.
Artists wishing to apply must live within a 80 mile radius of the downtown Kansas City, MO Post Office to be eligible to apply.
150 is the maximum number of visual artists that will participate in Art Westport 2026. However, the number could be smaller based upon the decisions of the jury. The decision of the jury will be final in this regard.
Art Westport Hours
Friday, September 11th from 4pm-9pm
Saturday, September 12th from 10am-9pm
Sunday, September 13th from 11am-5pm
The show will take place rain or shine. Refunds will NOT be given for inclement weather.
Important Dates
January 16, 2026 - Application Opens
May 31, 2026 - Application Deadline
June 1 - 12, 2026 - Jury Deliberations
June 19, 2026 - Artist Notification and/or Invitation
August 3, 2026 - General Release and Booth Fees Due
August 10, 2026 - Refund Request Deadline
September 11, 2026 - Artist Check-In/Set-Up Begins
September 13, 2026 - Load-Out/Takedown
Application Process & Fees
• There is a $35 non-refundable application fee due with each application.
• Please submit five (5) images of your artwork (ONE IMAGE PER SLIDE) and one (1) image of your proposed or past booth with your application. Images of your artwork should represent the type and quality of work you intend to display. Images must be current and no older than three years ago. The quality of the images can impact the scoring from the jury. Crisp, high-resolution and current digital images ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Artists may only show work in categories and bodies of work for which they apply and that were approved by the jury. Please send clear, high-resolution and current images with your application to receive the best scores possible.
• Artists may apply in no more than two categories. However, a separate application and fee is required for each category (one per category, two category limit, and substantially different work required for each category). If both applications are accepted and invited to exhibit during Art Westport, two booth spaces must be purchased - one for each application/category and artists must show and sell the items in separate booths. No artist may show or sell items outside of the category in which they applied and were juried into the show. Violations of this policy will result in removal from the show, forfeiture of all fees, and a one-year ban on future applications.
• Collaborating artists may apply to participate at the event. However, only joint work may be shown and sold. Both names must appear on all application materials and both artists must contribute to the creation of all art pieces displayed and offered for sale. Only artists included on a juried-in application will be allowed to show and sell. No items produced or created by an artist other than the artist(s) who was juried into the show will be allowed to be shown or sold in the assigned booth. Likewise, applying with someone else's art images will ensure immediate disqualification from participation and forfeiture of all fees paid to date.
• All payments are collected through ZAPP.
• A waiting list of artists may also be created to ensure a balanced show. Artists placed on the waiting list, if any, will be notified by email, should a spot become available after initial notifications and/or invitations have been distributed.
Remember, the quality of the images submitted does count! Please submit images that show your current work clearly and to its best advantage. Make sure all of your images are IN FOCUS and no older than three years!
Emerging Artist Program
Designed specifically for artists who have no past experience exhibiting and selling their artwork in commercial or community art shows/festivals. The application procedure and $35 fee are the same as the regular show. However, upon acceptance, emerging artists will be offered mentoring through the 2026 Art Westport community and a tent provided by Westport for the show.
Artists may apply to the Emerging Artist Program OR to the general show, but not both. Artists who are just beginning their careers in the public art world are encouraged to apply. Art Westport reserves the right to pre-screen and research the artists to make sure they are a fit for this one-time category and that they do not have experience exhibiting and selling their work in commercial or community art shows. Emerging Artist applicants will proceed in the same manner as professional artists and submit images of their artwork through the regular application on Zapplication.org. Artists interested in applying to the Emerging Artist Program must submit their application to the Emerging Artist category, rather than the category in which your artwork fits. For example, if you are interested in exhibiting paintings as an Emerging Artist, DO NOT apply to the painting category. Apply to the Emerging Artist category. To fill the booth image requirement, please submit an image of a work in progress or an image of the tools/workspace used to create the art.
24-hour security will be provided. However, Art Westport is not responsible for any loss or damage which may occur to work, equipment or other material due to theft, fire, wind, rain, etc.
For additional questions, please contact the Westport Regional Business League at ArtWestport@evenergy.com.
Thank you! We hope you will consider showing with us in Historic Westport during 2026!
Artists wishing to apply must live within a 80 mile radius of the downtown Kansas City, MO Post Office to be eligible to apply.
150 is the maximum number of visual artists that will participate in Art Westport 2026. However, the number could be smaller based upon the decisions of the jury. The decision of the jury will be final in this regard.
Art Westport Hours
Friday, September 11th from 4pm-9pm
Saturday, September 12th from 10am-9pm
Sunday, September 13th from 11am-5pm
The show will take place rain or shine. Refunds will NOT be given for inclement weather.
Important Dates
January 16, 2026 - Application Opens
May 31, 2026 - Application Deadline
June 1 - 12, 2026 - Jury Deliberations
June 19, 2026 - Artist Notification and/or Invitation
August 3, 2026 - General Release and Booth Fees Due
August 10, 2026 - Refund Request Deadline
September 11, 2026 - Artist Check-In/Set-Up Begins
September 13, 2026 - Load-Out/Takedown
Application Process & Fees
• There is a $35 non-refundable application fee due with each application.
• Please submit five (5) images of your artwork (ONE IMAGE PER SLIDE) and one (1) image of your proposed or past booth with your application. Images of your artwork should represent the type and quality of work you intend to display. Images must be current and no older than three years ago. The quality of the images can impact the scoring from the jury. Crisp, high-resolution and current digital images ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Artists may only show work in categories and bodies of work for which they apply and that were approved by the jury. Please send clear, high-resolution and current images with your application to receive the best scores possible.
• Artists may apply in no more than two categories. However, a separate application and fee is required for each category (one per category, two category limit, and substantially different work required for each category). If both applications are accepted and invited to exhibit during Art Westport, two booth spaces must be purchased - one for each application/category and artists must show and sell the items in separate booths. No artist may show or sell items outside of the category in which they applied and were juried into the show. Violations of this policy will result in removal from the show, forfeiture of all fees, and a one-year ban on future applications.
• Collaborating artists may apply to participate at the event. However, only joint work may be shown and sold. Both names must appear on all application materials and both artists must contribute to the creation of all art pieces displayed and offered for sale. Only artists included on a juried-in application will be allowed to show and sell. No items produced or created by an artist other than the artist(s) who was juried into the show will be allowed to be shown or sold in the assigned booth. Likewise, applying with someone else's art images will ensure immediate disqualification from participation and forfeiture of all fees paid to date.
• All payments are collected through ZAPP.
• A waiting list of artists may also be created to ensure a balanced show. Artists placed on the waiting list, if any, will be notified by email, should a spot become available after initial notifications and/or invitations have been distributed.
Remember, the quality of the images submitted does count! Please submit images that show your current work clearly and to its best advantage. Make sure all of your images are IN FOCUS and no older than three years!
Emerging Artist Program
Designed specifically for artists who have no past experience exhibiting and selling their artwork in commercial or community art shows/festivals. The application procedure and $35 fee are the same as the regular show. However, upon acceptance, emerging artists will be offered mentoring through the 2026 Art Westport community and a tent provided by Westport for the show.
Artists may apply to the Emerging Artist Program OR to the general show, but not both. Artists who are just beginning their careers in the public art world are encouraged to apply. Art Westport reserves the right to pre-screen and research the artists to make sure they are a fit for this one-time category and that they do not have experience exhibiting and selling their work in commercial or community art shows. Emerging Artist applicants will proceed in the same manner as professional artists and submit images of their artwork through the regular application on Zapplication.org. Artists interested in applying to the Emerging Artist Program must submit their application to the Emerging Artist category, rather than the category in which your artwork fits. For example, if you are interested in exhibiting paintings as an Emerging Artist, DO NOT apply to the painting category. Apply to the Emerging Artist category. To fill the booth image requirement, please submit an image of a work in progress or an image of the tools/workspace used to create the art.
24-hour security will be provided. However, Art Westport is not responsible for any loss or damage which may occur to work, equipment or other material due to theft, fire, wind, rain, etc.
For additional questions, please contact the Westport Regional Business League at ArtWestport@evenergy.com.
Thank you! We hope you will consider showing with us in Historic Westport during 2026!
Application Requirements
Festival Eligibility & Rules
1. Booth spaces are assigned by the Art Westport staff and committee and are not interchangeable. Priority for booth assignments is given to re-invited artists that have completed all of their required registration paperwork and paid all fees due for the location they desire (this arrangement does not apply to corner booth purchases). Booths not assigned to re-invited artists are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis depending upon when fees and completed contract paperwork are received.
2. Artists must be present during the entire event and must personally staff their booth space. No agents, dealers or representatives may attend the event in place of the artist.
3. Artists may show only work in categories and bodies of work approved by the jury. Artists may apply in two categories with a separate application and fee for each (one per category, two category limit and substantially different work required for each category). Any artist who did not apply under the Jewelry category is allowed to display no more than 15% of their work, as handmade jewelry from the artist in their applied-for category. The selection committee reserves the right to remove from display, any artwork or items not in keeping with the event standards and/or substantially different from those images submitted to the jury.
4. Artists must define “limited edition” through their Artist Statement and must disclose their process to the buyer. Original art must occupy more than 50% of the applicant’s booth space. Reproductions of 2-D work must clearly be labeled. No kits or mass-manufactured components of artwork will be allowed.
5. All hanging work(s) must be suitably framed. Prints should be displayed in a suitable portfolio or stand.
We ask that all hanging work(s) are displayed in/on items listed below
- Displayed on a mat board
- Displayed in a frame
- Mounted on stretcher bars
- Displayed on a backing board
6. Ceramic works must be handcrafted/made by the artist. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, each must be signed.
7. Artists chosen to participate are responsible for collecting and paying applicable taxes to the state of Missouri for all sales made during the festival.
8. Artists must comply with all staff and uniformed security regarding site safety and regulations. Vehicles must be parked only in designated areas and may not be left in any part of the artist display areas during the published times that the event is open each day. Non-compliance will result in elimination from consideration for any future shows as well as disqualification and removal from the 2026 event.
9. Art Westport is a FAMILY- oriented event. Artwork intended for mature audiences will not be considered. On-site representatives will be enforcing this policy throughout the show.
10. All disputes that result in an artist being disqualified from appearing at the show WILL NOT RESULT IN A REFUND of the booth or jury fee, regardless if the disqualification arises before or after the show opens. The artist will not be permitted recourse.
1. Booth spaces are assigned by the Art Westport staff and committee and are not interchangeable. Priority for booth assignments is given to re-invited artists that have completed all of their required registration paperwork and paid all fees due for the location they desire (this arrangement does not apply to corner booth purchases). Booths not assigned to re-invited artists are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis depending upon when fees and completed contract paperwork are received.
2. Artists must be present during the entire event and must personally staff their booth space. No agents, dealers or representatives may attend the event in place of the artist.
3. Artists may show only work in categories and bodies of work approved by the jury. Artists may apply in two categories with a separate application and fee for each (one per category, two category limit and substantially different work required for each category). Any artist who did not apply under the Jewelry category is allowed to display no more than 15% of their work, as handmade jewelry from the artist in their applied-for category. The selection committee reserves the right to remove from display, any artwork or items not in keeping with the event standards and/or substantially different from those images submitted to the jury.
4. Artists must define “limited edition” through their Artist Statement and must disclose their process to the buyer. Original art must occupy more than 50% of the applicant’s booth space. Reproductions of 2-D work must clearly be labeled. No kits or mass-manufactured components of artwork will be allowed.
5. All hanging work(s) must be suitably framed. Prints should be displayed in a suitable portfolio or stand.
We ask that all hanging work(s) are displayed in/on items listed below
- Displayed on a mat board
- Displayed in a frame
- Mounted on stretcher bars
- Displayed on a backing board
6. Ceramic works must be handcrafted/made by the artist. If multiple pieces of the same design are displayed, each must be signed.
7. Artists chosen to participate are responsible for collecting and paying applicable taxes to the state of Missouri for all sales made during the festival.
8. Artists must comply with all staff and uniformed security regarding site safety and regulations. Vehicles must be parked only in designated areas and may not be left in any part of the artist display areas during the published times that the event is open each day. Non-compliance will result in elimination from consideration for any future shows as well as disqualification and removal from the 2026 event.
9. Art Westport is a FAMILY- oriented event. Artwork intended for mature audiences will not be considered. On-site representatives will be enforcing this policy throughout the show.
10. All disputes that result in an artist being disqualified from appearing at the show WILL NOT RESULT IN A REFUND of the booth or jury fee, regardless if the disqualification arises before or after the show opens. The artist will not be permitted recourse.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
250
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
150
Booth Information
Exhibitor Space & Fees
Full Booth Space - one (1) 10’x 10’ = $480 - does not include a tent
Main Corner booth space at the intersection of Westport Road and Pennsylvania Avenue - one (1) 10' x 10' = $700 - does not include a tent
Corner booth space at an intersection - on (1) 10' x 10' = $600 - does not include a tent
Emerging Artist Booth Space - one 10'x 10' - $250 - includes tent set up & sidewalls
All artists invited to show at Art Westport must provide their own tent except Emerging Artists. Booths and all materials required to exhibit and sell art MUST be provided and set up by the Artist. Electricity is available and is limited to 500 watts of usage per booth. Artists should make sure to bring additional small bungee cords or rope to secure their tent in the event of strong winds or storms. Load-in will begin on Friday, September 11th at approximately 7:00am. Load-out will begin on Sunday, September 13th following the close of the show at 5:00pm.
Full Booth Space - one (1) 10’x 10’ = $480 - does not include a tent
Main Corner booth space at the intersection of Westport Road and Pennsylvania Avenue - one (1) 10' x 10' = $700 - does not include a tent
Corner booth space at an intersection - on (1) 10' x 10' = $600 - does not include a tent
Emerging Artist Booth Space - one 10'x 10' - $250 - includes tent set up & sidewalls
All artists invited to show at Art Westport must provide their own tent except Emerging Artists. Booths and all materials required to exhibit and sell art MUST be provided and set up by the Artist. Electricity is available and is limited to 500 watts of usage per booth. Artists should make sure to bring additional small bungee cords or rope to secure their tent in the event of strong winds or storms. Load-in will begin on Friday, September 11th at approximately 7:00am. Load-out will begin on Sunday, September 13th following the close of the show at 5:00pm.
Refund Policy
Rain or Shine Policy: The show will proceed regardless of weather conditions. In the event of rain or any other weather-related circumstances, the show will go on as scheduled. Attendees are advised to come prepared for varying weather conditions.
Refund Eligibility: Booth rental refunds will only be granted to individuals who are unable to attend the show and submit their refund request prior to the refund deadline, which is August 10, 2026. After this date, no refunds will be processed. Application fees are not refundable.
Refund Deadline: The refund deadline is August 10, 2026. Any refund requests received after this date will not be eligible for a refund.
Additional Fees
Premium Corner Booth - Intersection of Westport Rd & Penn: $700
Standard Corner Booth Fee: $600
Regular Booth Fee: $480
Emerging Artist Booth Fee: $250
Terms to Apply