Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival 2026

The Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival is an annual two-day outdoor event organized by the Phipps Center for the Arts in partnership with the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. In 2025, the event drew 10,000+ visitors to Hudson’s historic downtown and scenic Lakefront Park on the St. Croix River. This juried art festival is limited to 80 exceptional regional artists with fine art and traditional crafts for sale. The festival includes free, hands-on art activities sponsored by local businesses and community organizations, art demonstrations, live music, food trucks, and a drinks tent.
What our artists are saying:
"Perfect location, loved the quad-style setup, perfect amount of vendors and high quality merchandise for customers to choose from, very relaxed non-herding layout!"
"What a beautiful location. The quality of the work exhibited was strong!"
"Had a wonderful time. Enjoyed the people, music and food!"

Application deadline: May 3, 2026

• The number of accepted artists working in any category is limited to 20% of the total number of artists to maintain a balanced festival. 
• The jury results include acceptance, non-acceptance, and waitlist notifications. Artists will be invited from the waitlist after June 2 by category if spots become available.
• Late applications received after the May 3 deadline will only be considered if spots become available beyond the waitlist by category.

Representatives from the Phipps Visual Arts Council and the Hudson art community will jury submissions with a focus on original fine art and traditional crafts. Misrepresentation of manufactured items may be refused entry or asked to leave. No refund of fees paid will be granted.

This year’s event will be held:
September 26, 2026, Saturday           10:00 am – 5:00 pm 
September 27, 2026, Sunday              10:00 am – 4:00 pm​

Prizes will be awarded to Best of Show ($150), second ($100), and third ($50) place winners. Online voting during the event determines our People's Choice award ($25). Best of Show winner receives free admittance into the following year’s show. 

Set up times are Friday, September 25, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 26, from 7:00 a.m. to 9 a.m. Double booths may be given additional time for set-up upon request. Security will be provided around the clock starting Friday at 7:00 p.m. through Sunday at 4:00 p.m. Event area is fenced. All displays must remain until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Exhibitors will be responsible for cleaning up their exhibit space.

Please note: Vehicles will NOT be allowed on the grass in Lakefront Park. This event is fenced and various access points will be provided from paved paths. Artists will need to plan to transport their booth displays and inventory from their vehicles to their booth spaces.  A limited number of carts will be provided and volunteer help will be available. Each vendor will receive a parking pass for an adjacent lot. Trailers cannot be parked in this lot; trailer parking is available five blocks away.

Exhibit Space

• All exhibit spaces are directly on grass and measure 10' x 10'.
• Exhibitors are responsible for their own tent, display tables, and other needs within their exhibit space.
• Electricity is not available.
• Booth Fee for accepted artists is $200/single booth and $400/double booth to be paid through Zapp after acceptance invitation is received.

Booth Set Up

• Friday, September 25, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 26, from 7:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
• Vehicles are NOT allowed on the grass in Lakefront Park. Volunteers will be available to guide vehicles to unload at a location as close to the artist's assigned space as possible and volunteers may be available to assist with unloading.

Breakdown

• All displays must remain until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27. 
• Volunteers will be available to assist.
• Vehicles may NOT be driven on grass. Artists are asked to pack up their booths as much as possible before moving their vehicles for loading.
• Exhibitors are responsible for cleaning up their exhibit space.

Security
Security will be provided around the clock starting Friday at 7:00 p.m. through Sunday until 4:00 p.m. Please note, this is a deterrent to theft and vandalism. The Phipps, the Chamber, and Security Specialists cannot be held responsible for artists’ property and goods. 

Artists can cancel their participation for any reason and receive a refund, less a $40 administration fee, through August 14, 2026. No refunds will be given after that date.