Fairs/Festivals
Olathe Arts Festival 2026
Olathe, Kansas
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
The City of Olathe is excited to present the 4th annual Olathe Arts Festival, returning to downtown Olathe on October 9-10, 2026!
The Olathe Arts Festival offers a dynamic blend of fine art, live music, local food trucks, interactive children’s programming, and a fall festival atmosphere. As the event grows, it remains rooted in its mission to highlight original, handcrafted art while creating an approachable and enjoyable experience for a broad audience.
Fine art remains the centerpiece of the festival, with dedicated space for artists to showcase and sell their work. In addition, a curated marketplace of elevated, handcrafted goods adds variety and complements the fine art experience.
This application is for fine arts exhibitors only. Boutique and artisan marketplace vendors are selected through a separate process. We look forward to welcoming artists to downtown Olathe for another inspiring weekend celebrating creativity and community.
Jump to
General Information
About the location:
Downtown Olathe is an emerging destination that blends historic character with new investment and community-focused development. While the area continues to grow, it already serves as a central gathering place for festivals, performances, and other public events. The Olathe Arts Festival takes place at the Johnson County Square, a revitalized public space featuring expansive green lawns, a gracefully arched sidewalk, a versatile multipurpose stage for live performances, a memorial plaza, and a dedicated children’s activity area, making it a natural focal point for arts, entertainment, and community connection.
Show Date and Hours
Friday, October 9, 5:00pm-9:00pm, Saturday, October 10, 11:00am-7:00pm
Media Categories
Fine Art Categories:
Artist Benefits
Artist Schedule
February 2, 2026: Application Opens
May 11, 2026: Application Deadline
June 16, 2026: Artists notified of selection via email
July 1, 2026: Artist invitation acceptance and booth payment deadline
Aug 3, 2026: Last date to cancel and request partial booth refund (50% refund)
Aug 10-14, 2026: Waitlist contacted to fill any vacancies
Sept 25, 2026: Booth assignments finalized
Show Schedule
Jury Process
This show will include approximately 50 fine arts exhibitors. We will begin accepting applications on February 2, 2026. Exhibitors will be chosen by a jury comprised of the Olathe Public Art Committee and City staff. Artists’ submitted images will be viewed along with their brief description of work. The jury will seek a balance of quality art representing the various categories. Artists who are accepted into the show will receive invitations by email. They will have the opportunity at that time to accept or decline the invitation to the show.
For 2026, while the application process will remain juried to ensure a high standard of fine art, there will be no juried competition held during the festival.
Understanding the Festival Audience
The Olathe Arts Festival attracts a broad, community-centered audience, including families, young professionals, and longtime residents. Attendees enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly arts experience—exploring original artwork, participating in children’s activities, sampling food trucks, and discovering unique pieces to take home.
Based on feedback from participating artists and insights from similar regional festivals, artwork offered at a range of price points tends to connect most strongly with this type of audience. While statement pieces and higher-priced works are welcomed and valued, many buyers in this regional market are most likely to purchase items in the $50–$350 range, with smaller pieces often selling more quickly. Exceptional sales of higher-ticket items are possible, though less common. Offering multiple price points can help maximize engagement and overall sales.
There are always exceptions. Artists with unique or highly desirable pieces have achieved significant sales even at higher price points, showing that creativity, presentation, and promotion can make a difference.
As downtown Olathe continues to grow with new retail and restaurants opening in 2026, the festival audience will continue to expand.
We remain committed to supporting fine artists while providing transparent information so artists can make informed decisions about participation, inventory, and display.
Event Marketing & Promotion
Intentional Effort to Drive Festival Attendance & Sales
Our marketing strategy aims to maximizes visibility and reach. We combine high-impact advertising, community engagement, and digital outreach to connect with residents and the greater Kansas City area.
2025 Highlights:
We plan to expand our reach through additional strategies such as targeted neighborhood mailings, geofencing ads, strategically placed yard signs, and exploring new outreach opportunities.
Downtown Olathe is an emerging destination that blends historic character with new investment and community-focused development. While the area continues to grow, it already serves as a central gathering place for festivals, performances, and other public events. The Olathe Arts Festival takes place at the Johnson County Square, a revitalized public space featuring expansive green lawns, a gracefully arched sidewalk, a versatile multipurpose stage for live performances, a memorial plaza, and a dedicated children’s activity area, making it a natural focal point for arts, entertainment, and community connection.
Show Date and Hours
Friday, October 9, 5:00pm-9:00pm, Saturday, October 10, 11:00am-7:00pm
Media Categories
Fine Art Categories:
- 2D: Painting (Watercolor, Oil, Acrylic), Drawing (Charcoal, Pastels, Other) Photography, Mixed-Media, Printmaking, Digital, Other
- 3D: Sculpture, Jewelry, Wood, Metal, Ceramics, Clay, Fiber, Glass, Mixed Media, Stone, Other.
- Emerging Artist- This category is intended for artists who are new to exhibiting and selling their work professionally. Eligible artists generally have five years or fewer of professional experience, minimal juried show history, and have not received major awards, grants, or extensive public recognition. Artists with an established exhibition record or long-term professional practice should apply in the standard medium category.
Artist Benefits
- Security at event
- Rental tent with side walls available
- Free bottled water
- Two free meal vouchers per artist
- Free nearby parking
- Booth sitters to assist during breaks
- Artist list on city website for promotion
- No percentage collected; artists keep sales
- Event advertising and promotion
- Free public admission
Artist Schedule
February 2, 2026: Application Opens
May 11, 2026: Application Deadline
June 16, 2026: Artists notified of selection via email
July 1, 2026: Artist invitation acceptance and booth payment deadline
Aug 3, 2026: Last date to cancel and request partial booth refund (50% refund)
Aug 10-14, 2026: Waitlist contacted to fill any vacancies
Sept 25, 2026: Booth assignments finalized
Show Schedule
- Artist check in and set up: Friday October 9, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
- Festival Begins: Friday October 9, 5:00 pm-9:00 pm
- Festival Resumes: Saturday October 10, 11:00 am-7:00 pm
- Tear down immediately following festival conclusion: October 10, 7:00 pm-9 pm
- Please submit 5 photos (one showing your booth setup) with your application showing the type and quality of the work you intend to display. You may only show work in categories and types of work approved by the jury. Be sure your photos are of quality and clearly represent your work.
- Collaborating artists may apply to participate in the Olathe Arts Festival. Only joint work may be shown and sold. Both artists' names must appear on the application materials, and both artists must contribute to the creation of the art.
- A wait list will be selected to ensure a balanced show. Artists will be notified by email as spaces open.
- Application fee: $25 (non-refundable)
Jury Process
This show will include approximately 50 fine arts exhibitors. We will begin accepting applications on February 2, 2026. Exhibitors will be chosen by a jury comprised of the Olathe Public Art Committee and City staff. Artists’ submitted images will be viewed along with their brief description of work. The jury will seek a balance of quality art representing the various categories. Artists who are accepted into the show will receive invitations by email. They will have the opportunity at that time to accept or decline the invitation to the show.
For 2026, while the application process will remain juried to ensure a high standard of fine art, there will be no juried competition held during the festival.
Understanding the Festival Audience
The Olathe Arts Festival attracts a broad, community-centered audience, including families, young professionals, and longtime residents. Attendees enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly arts experience—exploring original artwork, participating in children’s activities, sampling food trucks, and discovering unique pieces to take home.
Based on feedback from participating artists and insights from similar regional festivals, artwork offered at a range of price points tends to connect most strongly with this type of audience. While statement pieces and higher-priced works are welcomed and valued, many buyers in this regional market are most likely to purchase items in the $50–$350 range, with smaller pieces often selling more quickly. Exceptional sales of higher-ticket items are possible, though less common. Offering multiple price points can help maximize engagement and overall sales.
There are always exceptions. Artists with unique or highly desirable pieces have achieved significant sales even at higher price points, showing that creativity, presentation, and promotion can make a difference.
As downtown Olathe continues to grow with new retail and restaurants opening in 2026, the festival audience will continue to expand.
We remain committed to supporting fine artists while providing transparent information so artists can make informed decisions about participation, inventory, and display.
Event Marketing & Promotion
Intentional Effort to Drive Festival Attendance & Sales
Our marketing strategy aims to maximizes visibility and reach. We combine high-impact advertising, community engagement, and digital outreach to connect with residents and the greater Kansas City area.
2025 Highlights:
- Paid Ads in KC Studio Magazine (Print & Digital): Published by the Arts Engagement Foundation of Kansas City, ~10,800 mailed to opt-in subscribers plus 1,000 distributed in public spaces. About 40% of readers live in and around Olathe. 75% of surveyed readers use KC Studio primarily for arts events and festival information. Digital Top Fall Festivities content reaches 8,300 opt-in readers and is promoted via Facebook, Instagram, and a dedicated landing page.
- Other Print & Digital Ads: Olathe Link (mailed to all residents), Olathe Life Magazine
- Paid Digital Advertising: Facebook & Google ads targeting specific audiences
- High-Visibility Displays: Three 4’ x 8’ sign banners in key traffic areas; rotating digital sign boards at the Olathe Community Center and two libraries
- Posters & Flyers: Distributed downtown and throughout city parking garage; flyers provided for artists/vendors to share
- Social Media: City of Olathe Facebook & Instagram features, artist/vendor spotlights leading up to the festival
- Local Media Coverage: News briefs, live interviews during the festival
- Community Calendars & Tourism: Kansas Tourism listings and multiple local calendars
- Email Updates: Sent to City newsletter subscribers
- Website: Dedicated year-round festival page at olatheks.gov/artsfestival
We plan to expand our reach through additional strategies such as targeted neighborhood mailings, geofencing ads, strategically placed yard signs, and exploring new outreach opportunities.
Application Requirements
- Artists must be present during the entire event and must personally staff their booth space. Volunteer booth sitters will be available to cover for artists during breaks.
- All artwork in every category must be the original, handcrafted creation of the approved artist (no kits, mass-produced or manufactured items accepted). Only original promotional items, including postcards, notecards, posters, etc. may be sold in artists’ booths. Artwork exhibited must match the quality and style of work as represented in the jury process. The jury committee reserves the right to refuse display of work that is not consistent with submitted images and the Olathe Arts Festival rules.
- Artists may show only work in categories as approved by the jury. Only artists accepted in the jewelry category may display or sell jewelry. The jury 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.
- Original work must occupy more than 50% of the artist’s booth space. Reproductions of 2-D pieces must be labeled.
- All hanging work(s) must be framed or have finished edges.
- Photographers must print their own photography or be involved in and oversee the printing process of their work.
- Ceramic works must be handcrafted by the artist.
- Artists chosen to participate are responsible for collecting and paying applicable taxes for all sales made at the event.
- Artists must comply with all staff and security regarding safety and regulations. Vehicles must be parked only in designated areas; non-compliance will result in elimination from consideration for any future shows.
- Booth spaces are assigned by the Olathe Arts Festival staff and are not interchangeable and may not be transferred or traded.
- Artists may not occupy space outside their assigned booth space.
- The Olathe Arts Festival/City of Olathe may use selected artist images for Art Fair advertising.
- This event 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.
- Refunds will not be given to artists in connection with any disputes that result in the artist being disqualified from appearing at the show, regardless of whether the disqualification occurs before or after the show opens.
- The application fee is non-refundable. The last date to cancel and request a partial booth refund (50%) is August 3, 2026. Refunds must be requested in writing via email. No refunds will be provided after this date.
The Olathe Arts Festival does not have an inclement weather makeup date. No refunds will be given due to inclement weather. The event will go on as planned even in rainy or inclement weather conditions. The City of Olathe reserves the right to cancel the event if necessary due to unsafe conditions.
Artists should anticipate inclement weather and bring rain covers, tie-downs and weights.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
100
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
50
Booth Information
Booth Space & Requirements
- Regular booth spaces will be 10x10’ in size and include access to electricity. The booth fee is $200 for artists who bring their own tent and $350 for artists who would like a tent provided.
- Rental tents (with side walls installed) will be provided for artists who select the $350 booth option.
- Artists bringing their own tent must have a white tent with proper weights (no stakes allowed) and set up during the designated Friday set up time.
- 20-amp electricity service will be provided for lighting purposes. The artist is responsible for providing their own lights and fixtures and should be prepared to need at least 100 feet of extension cord. Note that the event runs past sunset; artists are required to light their individual displays.
- Artist must supply all display materials including screens, racks, chairs, tables, electrical cords, etc. Displays must be professional and aesthetically pleasing. Display racks should be presented in a neat manner. Booth risers are not allowed. Handwritten signs and sale signs should be consistent with the overall aesthetic quality of the event.
- Artist booths are located on hard surface. Some changes to the event area/layout may be necessary due to development, weather or other circumstances as we finalize the layout for the show. We will keep artists informed of any changes.
Artist Check-in and Setup
Artist check- in and setup will occur October 9, 2026 between 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Your booth must be fully set up and ready for patrons by 5:00 pm.
Security will be provided 24 hours a day from the beginning of set up on Friday morning, until breakdown is completed on Saturday evening. However, all exhibitors will display their work at their own risk. It is understood that neither The Olathe Arts Festival or City of Olathe, nor the venue, nor our sponsors, shall carry insurance to cover personal property of any exhibitor. Exhibitors are considered to be independent contractors, and it is suggested that exhibitors obtain their own insurance.
Refund Policy
The application fee is non-refundable. The last date to cancel and request a partial booth refund (50%) is August 3, 2026. Refunds must be requested in writing via email. No refunds will be provided after this date.
Additional Fees
Rental Tent Option : $350
Bring Your Own Tent : $200
Terms to Apply