Scottsdale Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival - 16th Annual 2027

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!!  The 16th Annual Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival will take place just January 29 -31, 2027!

125 juried fine artists will line the banks of Scottsdale Waterfront's pedestrian walkway and Southbridge, along with wineries, chocolate vendors and musicians. The Waterfront is an elegant backdrop for this event, adding romantic reflections across the waters.

Thunderbird Artists Mission is to promote fine arts and fine crafts, paralleled with the ambiance of unique wines and festive music, through a dedicated, extensive advertising campaign.

Deadline: August 5th
Notification date: August 19th
Accept or decline invitation deadline: September 30
October 1st  - removal of any artists who have not accepted or declined an invitation.  If any space remains available and a removed artist wishes to participate, they must reapply with Thunderbird Artists paper application.
Marketing/space fee deadline: September 30  (At least 1/2 down by this date.)
No refunds: December 18, 2026

The Scottsdale Waterfront truly is the most sophisticated and stylish community in Downtown Scottsdale and has become the place to visit, be seen and shop. The waterfront is landscaped with festive palm trees, dramatic flowers, spectacular public art sculptures and fountains, plus open air courtyards that take on a European flair. This event is located just south of Nordstrom's and the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, at the South bridge Pedestrian Walk, and attracts a very affluent clientele.
 

*All work must be original, handcrafted, created and exhibited by the artist.  No open-ended edition prints permitted.  At least 65% of displayed work must be original art.  Kits, imports and mass produced items are prohibited.  No clothing, hobby or bazaar type articles.

*All categories must be juried prior to acceptance.  Any media NOT accepted through the jury process shall be removed.  Separate images and jury fee are required for acceptance of more than one medium.

*If two or more persons collaborate to produce original work, each person must be identified on the application.

*There will be a $35 fee for all bank returned checks, cancellations and foreign funds.

*Artist must acquire proper state and city/town tax license/permits.

*Artist provides own display., which must be weighted, sturdy, safe, clean and tidy.  Artist is responsible for his/her own display in the case of loss or damage.  Tables must be covered to the groundand all storage and supplies must be neatly covered.  All paintings must hang – with consideration for oversized work.

*Staking into the pavement or grass is NOT allowed, unless specific instructions are given.

*Exhibitor’s display at the event must represent artwork submitted for the jury of this event.  Misrepresentation of a display will result in expulsion from the festival without refund.  Upgrades are acceptable, but Thunderbird Artists must be notified of change and receive new booth shot.

*All tents must be solid white and flame retardant. 

*Handwritten signs and sale signs are prohibited.  No soliciting political or religious materials or imposing views on customers or fellow artists.

*All work, display and storage must stay within designated space.  There is no extending, unless specified.

*The exhibitor’s space shall be occupied by 9am the first morning of the show, otherwise the exhibitor will be considered a “NO SHOW” and his/her space may be given away with no possible refund.

*Exhibitors must park in designated artist parking area.

*Set-up and breakdown times will be strictly enforced.  You must arrive within the specified times.  Breakdown will not begin until the end of the show and vehicles will not be permitted into show area until all patrons have left the grounds, usually within 15 minutes.

*Absolutely no pets on festival grounds.  Artists staying in overnight area must clean up after pets in parking area.

*Artists must utilize assigned space during published festival hours and will confine all sales/display activity to assigned space.  All space assignments are final decisions of Thunderbird Artists and Thunderbird Artists reserve the right to change or modify space locations as they may deem necessary.

*All rules will be strictly enforced.  Failure to comply with rules or unruly behavior (including intoxication or verbal abuse) by an exhibitor or assistant(s) will require immediate expulsion from the present event and will eliminate exhibitor from future events.  Thunderbird Artists reserves the right to make final interpretation of all rules.

*Festival closes at 5pm Friday and Saturday and the artists may take part in the wine tasting after 4pm.  No drinking before this time. Festival closes at 4pm on Sunday and all vendors must be off the grounds by 9pm.

*Recommended attire is business casual.  You never get a second chance to make a first impression!

Marketing/space fees are as follows:

10' x 10' = $520
10' x 10' w/corner = $620
10' x 15' = $780
10' x 15' w/corner = $880
10' x 20' = $1000
10' x 20' w/corner = $1100


 

Refund deadline date is December 18, 2026. Before the date, a full refund (minus a $35 cancellation fee) will be returned. After December 19, refunds will not be given.