Iowa Arts Festival 2027

Started in 1983, the Iowa Arts Festival attracts around 25,000 people each year to downtown Iowa City. With a backdrop of the historic Old Capitol building, this multi-faceted festival showcases over 100 of the finest artists from around the MidWest (and farther). Artists and residents alike look forward to this "kickoff to summer" each year.

The Iowa Arts Festival is designed as an interactive adventure of the highest quality. This long-running festival also includes local and national performers on a Main Stage like Los Lobos, Indigo Girls, The BoDeans, etc., as well as local and family entertainment on a side stage. Add Fun Stops, Children's Activities, street performers, fabulous Culinary Vendors and an Emerging Artist Area for student artists, and it's a big weekend bringing thousands of people to the HEART of Iowa City adjacent to the University of Iowa campus.

The Iowa Arts Festival showcases over 100 fine artists from throughout the country. Iowa City sizzles with a diversity of quality performers, visual arts, ethnic foods and fun as thousands enjoy a rich cultural collage. 

SCHEDULE: The Art Fair will be open Friday evening from 5 - 8 PM, Saturday from 10 AM - 7 PM and Sunday from 10 AM - 4 PM.

AWARDS: The Art Fair will award cash prizes totaling $1000 on Saturday afternoon. Judges will be visiting all vendors and making recommendations for award winners based on the quality of the artwork, the booth presentation and the salesmanship of the person staffing the booth.

JURORS: Comprised of members of the Iowa Arts Festival committee, instructors and artists.

FEES: The application fee is $35, non-refundable, per category entered. The booth space fee is $240 for each 10'x10' space. If accepted, you will receive an email via Zapplication stating that you've been accepted. You will then need to confirm your participation and pay your booth fee by April 10th.

ART FAIR LAYOUT: If accepted, you will receive a map of the Art Fair with your booth assignment.  It is essential that you include any special requests with your application, including specific street, side of the street, previous booth number, etc. The layout of the festival changes from year to year, so we will do our best to honor requests, but no placement or location is guaranteed. 

 

ELIGIBILITY AND REGULATIONS: All artists age 18 and above are eligible. Artists may only display and sell original artwork in the category in which they are accepted and must be present for the duration of the Iowa Arts Festival. An artist may sell prints of original artwork, but those prints may not comprise more than 50% of the work displayed for sale. Commercially manufactured items, import items, food, commercially cast jewelry, or works of art from molds and kits are not acceptable.

 

ART FAIR: Check-in will take place on Friday, June 4 from 10 AM - 3 PM

Set-up will take place on Friday and all vehicles must be off the streets one hour prior to the show opening each day (4 PM Friday and 9 AM Saturday and Sunday).

Teardown occurs immediately following the conclusion of the Iowa Arts Festival on Sunday, June 6th at 4 PM.  Please note that vehicles will not be allowed onto festival grounds until 4:30 PM.

BOOTH ASSIGNMENT: Booths which have a front awning WILL NOT be placed on Washington Street. The street is very tight and the front awnings make it extremely challenging for vehicles to manuevre on the street.

 

REFUND PROCEDURE: If you withdraw your participation between April 10th and May 5th, you will be refunded the booth fee less a $50 processing fee. Any cancellations after May 5th will not receive a refund.