Fairs/Festivals
Holiday Arts Festival 2026
Contact Information
Waterloo Center for the Arts
Contact Email: darrell.taylor@waterloo-ia.org
Contact Phone: 319-291-4490
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
The Waterloo Center for the Arts' Holiday Arts Festival has been happening annually for over 55 years. It is a premier indoor arts festival, kicking off the holiday shopping season.
In order to maintain the highest level of quality and variety of original artwork, all artists must apply annually. Application fee is $15 (non-refundable).
In order to maintain the highest level of quality and variety of original artwork, all artists must apply annually. Application fee is $15 (non-refundable).
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General Information
Holiday Arts Festival
Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday, November 15, 2026 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
Artists are encouraged to use this opportunity to beat the rush and stress of setting up the day of the festival.
Day of Set-Up Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 6:00 - 9:00am
Artists must be ready for business by 9:00am
.
Carts, dollies and personnel will be available to assist with loading and unloading. Festival volunteers will also be available to provide breaks throughout the event.
Artists' Social Hour Saturday, November 14, 2026, 4:30pm
The Friends of the Arts Center will host an artist's social hour for participants Saturday evening.
Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday, November 15, 2026 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
- All mediums welcome.
- Emerging artists are encouraged to apply. Inquire about sponsorships.
- Early setup available.
- Average attendance 2,000-2,500.
- Extra hands for loading, unloading, and booth-sitting.
- Onsite dining options available for purchase.
- Artists are expected to participate both days.
- Overnight security will be provided.
Artists are encouraged to use this opportunity to beat the rush and stress of setting up the day of the festival.
Day of Set-Up Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 6:00 - 9:00am
Artists must be ready for business by 9:00am
.
Carts, dollies and personnel will be available to assist with loading and unloading. Festival volunteers will also be available to provide breaks throughout the event.
Artists' Social Hour Saturday, November 14, 2026, 4:30pm
The Friends of the Arts Center will host an artist's social hour for participants Saturday evening.
Application Requirements
Each artist must submit 6 images (5 images representative of their current work, plus 1 image showing an indoor booth display). The Selection Committee must review all artists. Artists will be notified if they are selected by Friday, September 18, 2026. Selected artists must agree to participate both days of the festival.
There is a $15 non-refundable application fee paid through Zapplication.
All cancellations should be made in writing or by email, and must be received by Friday, October 16, 2026, in order to receive a booth refund. Cancellations received after Friday, October 16, 2026, will not be refunded.
Selected artists must agree to participate both days of the festival and may not tear down or leave prior to the close of the festival.
During the festival reproductions of artwork presented must be clearly marked.
Unless notified ahead of time all Images submitted with application of the invited artists may be used for the sole purpose of promoting this year’s festival and participating artists. If you prefer the Waterloo Center for the Arts not to use any of your images for this purpose please notify the event organizers.
IMPORTANT DATES
September 11, 2026 All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m.
September 18, 2026 Artists notified of jury results.
October 6, 2026 Show acceptance and booth reservation deadline.
October 16, 2026 Artists deadline for cancellation.
There is a $15 non-refundable application fee paid through Zapplication.
All cancellations should be made in writing or by email, and must be received by Friday, October 16, 2026, in order to receive a booth refund. Cancellations received after Friday, October 16, 2026, will not be refunded.
Selected artists must agree to participate both days of the festival and may not tear down or leave prior to the close of the festival.
During the festival reproductions of artwork presented must be clearly marked.
Unless notified ahead of time all Images submitted with application of the invited artists may be used for the sole purpose of promoting this year’s festival and participating artists. If you prefer the Waterloo Center for the Arts not to use any of your images for this purpose please notify the event organizers.
IMPORTANT DATES
September 11, 2026 All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m.
September 18, 2026 Artists notified of jury results.
October 6, 2026 Show acceptance and booth reservation deadline.
October 16, 2026 Artists deadline for cancellation.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
55
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
42
Booth Information
If artists intend to share a booth, both artists must complete the application process.
This is an indoor festival, so space is limited. Please note, 10’x10’ spaces are in limited supply, but spaces 8' X 8' or smaller are available this year. Existing general lighting varies so artists are encouraged to provide additional booth lighting.
One 6’ foot table, chairs, and electrical hook-up will be available by request at no extra cost. Please indicate if you require an electrical hook-up.
Booth sizes:
Small: $50, 8' X 8' or smaller (sponsorships available)
Standard: $100, 10' X 10'
Large: $200, 10" X 20'
This is an indoor festival, so space is limited. Please note, 10’x10’ spaces are in limited supply, but spaces 8' X 8' or smaller are available this year. Existing general lighting varies so artists are encouraged to provide additional booth lighting.
One 6’ foot table, chairs, and electrical hook-up will be available by request at no extra cost. Please indicate if you require an electrical hook-up.
Booth sizes:
Small: $50, 8' X 8' or smaller (sponsorships available)
Standard: $100, 10' X 10'
Large: $200, 10" X 20'
Refund Policy
All cancellations should be made in writing or by email, and must be received by Friday, October 16, 2026, in order to receive a booth refund. Cancellations received after Friday, October 16, 2026 will not be refunded. Application fees are non-refundable.
Additional Fees
Large Booth Deposit: $200
Standard Booth Deposit: $100
Small Booth Deposit: $50
Terms to Apply
Application Fee: $15
