Fairs/Festivals
Grand Haven Art Festival 2027
Contact Information
Chamber of Commerce - Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg
Contact Email: hcrouch@grandhavenchamber.org
Contact Phone: 616-846-3165
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Submission Limit: 1
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 5, Max: 5
- Total | Max: 5
Opportunity Summary
FRIDAY 12pm - 5pm, SATURDAY 10am-5pm, SUNDAY 11am - 4pm
The Grand Haven Art Festival is a community event inviting nearly 95 artists from across the country to transform Washington Avenue into a chic, outdoor art gallery.
Located inside the Grand Haven Social District! *
Ranked in the Top 200 Shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine, this well-attended event boasts free admission, food vendors, and kids’ activities. Residents and visitors from Grand Rapids, Chicago, Detroit, and more visit the Annual Grand Haven Art Festival looking to purchase that perfect piece for their homes, cottages, and offices.
The goal of the Grand Haven Art Festival is to provide the communities and visitors of the West Michigan area with a unique opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art, directly from the artist. The 66th Annual Grand Haven Art Festival is coordinated by The Chamber of Commerce - Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg with the assistance of a local committee. The Chamber of Commerce has been affiliated with the Art Festival since its beginning. Join us as we celebrate the arts in Grand Haven, Michigan!
Stay connected on Facebook!
*Subject to change based on city regulations and policies.
The Grand Haven Art Festival is a community event inviting nearly 95 artists from across the country to transform Washington Avenue into a chic, outdoor art gallery.
Located inside the Grand Haven Social District! *
Ranked in the Top 200 Shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine, this well-attended event boasts free admission, food vendors, and kids’ activities. Residents and visitors from Grand Rapids, Chicago, Detroit, and more visit the Annual Grand Haven Art Festival looking to purchase that perfect piece for their homes, cottages, and offices.
The goal of the Grand Haven Art Festival is to provide the communities and visitors of the West Michigan area with a unique opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art, directly from the artist. The 66th Annual Grand Haven Art Festival is coordinated by The Chamber of Commerce - Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg with the assistance of a local committee. The Chamber of Commerce has been affiliated with the Art Festival since its beginning. Join us as we celebrate the arts in Grand Haven, Michigan!
Stay connected on Facebook!
*Subject to change based on city regulations and policies.
Jump to
General Information
Show Dates & Hours:
Friday, June 25th | 12-5pm
Saturday, June 26th | 10am-5pm | Family Fun Day 10am-2pm
Sunday, June 27th | 11am-4pm
Application:
www.zapplication.org
Dates to Remember:
November 1, 2026: Application Opens
December 17, 2026: Early Bird Discount Ends
February 15, 2027: Application and Jury Fee Deadline
March 19, 2027: Notifications Emailed
April 18, 2027: Booth Fees Due
May 15, 2027: Cancellation for Partial-Refund Deadline
June 25 - 27, 2027: Show Dates - 12pm-5pm Friday, 10am – 5pm, Saturday, 11am-4pm Sunday
Location:
The first three blocks of Washington Avenue in downtown Grand Haven, Michigan. Grand Haven is a popular Lake Michigan beach town that is 35 minutes from Grand Rapids and three hours from Chicago, Traverse City, and Detroit.
Eligibility:
Items sold must be original and handcrafted by the displaying artist(s). The exhibitor must be the designer and creator of the art.
Artist Amenities:
$35 non-refundable jury fee is due with the application. This must be paid with a credit card, online only. Applications will not be processed until payment is received. An Early Bird Discount of $5 off will be available to those who apply before December 18, 2026.
Booth Fee:
Upon acceptance, please complete the booth request and the booth fee will be due April 18, 2027. If the booth fee is not received by April 18, the artist will be removed from the participating list and placed on a waiting list. A limited number of double booths will be available for $600.
INFO FOR APPLYING
Application Process:
The application must be fully completed, and jury fee payment must be received before the application will be processed. The application deadline is February 15, 2027. Four (4) digital images of work, plus one (1) digital image of the outdoor booth display are required. These images are extremely important, as they are one of the only things the jury sees. Making sure that the items displayed in your booth match your additional work shots are vital to getting into the show.
Do not submit an image containing the artist, artist name, other people, or any identifiable signage. Submitting photos with any of these things may result in an automatic denial. It is strongly suggested to use updated photos of your booth and work to help your chances during the jury process. It is required to specifically mention in detail how each component of your work is handmade. Work that contains any componet of buy/sell is NOT allowed to be a part of the GHAF. More information regarding picture formatting may be found here: https://www.zapplication.org/help-center.php?page=image-preparation.
Categories:
Artists will apply in one of the following categories. If more than one category fits, a separate application and jury fee is required for each category. Only one application per category is allowed. Artists may only apply a maximum of one time (once per category). Please read all category descriptions completely.
Collaborators participate in both the creation and the production of the work; they are not assistants, business partners, employees, apprentices or part of the production studio. All work displayed must bear the names of both collaborators. No more than two collaborators will be accepted, and both collaborators must be named on the application. The artist and collaborator(s) must check-in and be present for the entire three-day show.
Reproductions:
A reproduction is defined as any existing work of art (painting, pastel, drawing, etc.) that is copied by digital or photographic means and does not apply in the digital art category. At this time, reproduction pieces will be permitted under these guidelines. If at any time, members of the Art Festival staff feel that artists are taking advantage of these rules, the artist will be required to remove all said work and will not receive a refund. All reproductions must be clearly labeled “reproduction.” They must be signed and numbered editions by the artist of no more than 250 and make up an ancillary part of the artist’s display. We ask that you be truthful and honest about your work and label it as a reproduction if it is not in fact an original so that our customers know what they are buying and will continue to shop our Art Festival.
Jury Process:
The jury panel is comprised of a four to six-person panel with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, including working artists, gallery directors, and members of the arts community at large. The directing organization does not have a representative on the panel of jurors. The 2027 Art Festival will be comprised of approximately 80 artist spaces. The make-up of Artists will be 12 invited Artists from 2026 due to their high scores, and 75-80 artists invited through the jury process in February. An additional group of Artists will be placed on the waitlist.
Acceptance Process:
Those Artists selected to participate by the jury will be notified through Zapplication.org by March 19, 2027. Artists must respond and submit the booth payment no later than April 18, 2027. If an Artist does not submit payment by this date, another Artist will be invited in their place.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations received on or before May 14, 2027 will receive a 50% refund of booth fee only. Cancellations received after May 14th will not receive a refund. Cancellations must be made in writing to hcrouch@grandhavenchamber.org and are not confirmed until the Grand Haven Art Festival Director sends confirmation of receipt.
DURING THE SHOW
Artist Attendance:
The artist(s) must be present for the entirety of the show. Photo ID will be required upon check-in along with vehicle license plate number(s).
***Set Up & Registration:
Artists must register before they will be permitted to set up. Streets will close starting at 3am Friday, June 25th. Artists can begin setting up after they register, and all vehicles have been removed from the street.
Registration/Artist Check-in will open no later than 5am Friday, onsite. Artists who arrive after 10:30am will have to dolly from a nearby parking lot.
Artists must register and set up Friday morning. All artist's vehicles must be removed by 10:30am Friday and all booths must be set up and ready for viewing by 11:45am.
***This set up process is subject to change.
Sales Tax:
Artists are responsible for collecting, reporting, and submitting the sales tax of 6% to the State of Michigan.
Onsite Jury:
A panel of four to six jury members will visit each Artist’s booth starting Friday at noon. Only booths displaying their artist sign, provided by Grand Haven Art Festival, will be juried. After reviewing each booth based on the listed criteria, awards will be presented for the Best in Show, Jury’s Choice, along with a Best of category, and a People's Choice winner. All award winners will automatically be accepted into the 2027 show upon application and will be featured following the show on our Facebook page. Winners will be announced during the show.
Awards
- Best in Show ($500, Certificate, & Artwork used in 2028 Promotional Materials)
- Jury’s Choice ($300 & Certificate)
- Best of Category (Certificate)
- People's Choice (Certificate)
Weather:
Grand Haven Art Festival will take place rain or shine, so artists must be prepared for inclement weather. In the event that severe weather is in the forecast, the Grand Haven Art Festival committee has the right to close the show early. Should this happen, no refund will be given.
Security:
Overnight security will be present Friday and Saturday night as well as throughout the show. It is not recommended that artists leave valuable property in their booth overnight. Artists are responsible for the loss or damage to any property left in the venue. All signage MUST be taken down at the end of each night.
Friday, June 25th | 12-5pm
Saturday, June 26th | 10am-5pm | Family Fun Day 10am-2pm
Sunday, June 27th | 11am-4pm
Application:
www.zapplication.org
Dates to Remember:
November 1, 2026: Application Opens
December 17, 2026: Early Bird Discount Ends
February 15, 2027: Application and Jury Fee Deadline
March 19, 2027: Notifications Emailed
April 18, 2027: Booth Fees Due
May 15, 2027: Cancellation for Partial-Refund Deadline
June 25 - 27, 2027: Show Dates - 12pm-5pm Friday, 10am – 5pm, Saturday, 11am-4pm Sunday
Location:
The first three blocks of Washington Avenue in downtown Grand Haven, Michigan. Grand Haven is a popular Lake Michigan beach town that is 35 minutes from Grand Rapids and three hours from Chicago, Traverse City, and Detroit.
Eligibility:
Items sold must be original and handcrafted by the displaying artist(s). The exhibitor must be the designer and creator of the art.
Artist Amenities:
- Artist Awards
- Artists to win Best in Show and Jury's Choice, all selected by an onsite jury, will be invited to participate in the 2028 Grand Haven Art Festival without jury and application fee (does not include booth fees). These winners also receive cash prizes.
- Best in Category Award in each category and the People's Choice Award will be invited to participate in the 2028 Grand Haven Art Festival without jury and application fee.
- Complimentary morning breakfast and coffee will be handed out Saturday and Sunday.
- Complimentary snacks and water will be brought to the artists throughout each day of the Art Festival.
- Roaming Booth Sitters to allow for artist breaks.
- Artist-only parking is reserved one block from the start of the show.
- Extensive Art Festival marketing and promotion.
- Examples from 2026 include five television appearances, two radio interviews plus radio commercials, two billboards, social media shoutouts to every artist, and many other marketing strategies.
- Artist survey to collect feedback, comments, and suggestions.
- Paid security Friday and Saturday nights throughout the Art Festival.
- Grand Haven Art Festival brochure including the name, booth number, and contact information of all participating artists accepted and paid by April 18th.
- Booth sign with the name, business, booth number, medium, city, and state for easy identification.
- Information packet provided in April including lodging options, area information, event logistics, etc.
- A welcoming and excited community for the 66th Annual Grand Haven Art Festival, a top-rated show!
$35 non-refundable jury fee is due with the application. This must be paid with a credit card, online only. Applications will not be processed until payment is received. An Early Bird Discount of $5 off will be available to those who apply before December 18, 2026.
Booth Fee:
Upon acceptance, please complete the booth request and the booth fee will be due April 18, 2027. If the booth fee is not received by April 18, the artist will be removed from the participating list and placed on a waiting list. A limited number of double booths will be available for $600.
INFO FOR APPLYING
Application Process:
The application must be fully completed, and jury fee payment must be received before the application will be processed. The application deadline is February 15, 2027. Four (4) digital images of work, plus one (1) digital image of the outdoor booth display are required. These images are extremely important, as they are one of the only things the jury sees. Making sure that the items displayed in your booth match your additional work shots are vital to getting into the show.
Do not submit an image containing the artist, artist name, other people, or any identifiable signage. Submitting photos with any of these things may result in an automatic denial. It is strongly suggested to use updated photos of your booth and work to help your chances during the jury process. It is required to specifically mention in detail how each component of your work is handmade. Work that contains any componet of buy/sell is NOT allowed to be a part of the GHAF. More information regarding picture formatting may be found here: https://www.zapplication.org/help-center.php?page=image-preparation.
Categories:
Artists will apply in one of the following categories. If more than one category fits, a separate application and jury fee is required for each category. Only one application per category is allowed. Artists may only apply a maximum of one time (once per category). Please read all category descriptions completely.
- Clay: Functional or sculptural, original clay or porcelain work.
- Digital Art: Digital artwork must be in which the original image, or manipulation of other source material, was executed by the artist using the computer. Work must be in editions, signed, and numbered. Artists using a digital camera to produce work, but who are not altering the image, should apply under Photography.
- Drawing: Must be created using dry media including chalk, charcoal, pastels, pencil, wax, crayons, etc. or from a fluid medium of inks and washes applied by pen or brush.
- Fiber: Wearable or decorative work including basketry, embroidery, weaving, leatherwork, tapestry, papermaking. No forms of mass production are accepted.
- Glass: Works are functional or decorative and are kiln-formed, crafted by glass blowing, molding, or casting.
- Jewelry: All jewelry, no matter the medium, must apply in this category. Only those artists accepted in the jewelry category may display or sell jewelry.
- Metal: Sculptural or functional work using metal as its primary medium.
- Mixed Media: 2D and 3D work which combines materials from two or more mediums in one piece.
- Painting: Acrylic, oil, and watercolors apply to this category.
- Photography: Film and digital files used to create photographs from the artist’s original image. Work must be printed by the artist or under the artist’s direct supervision.
- Printmaking: Hand pulled original prints, and must be in limited editions, signed, and numbered.
- Sculpture: 3D work using additive or subtractive processes in a single medium.
- Wood: Primary material is wood, either functional or decorative.
Collaborators participate in both the creation and the production of the work; they are not assistants, business partners, employees, apprentices or part of the production studio. All work displayed must bear the names of both collaborators. No more than two collaborators will be accepted, and both collaborators must be named on the application. The artist and collaborator(s) must check-in and be present for the entire three-day show.
Reproductions:
A reproduction is defined as any existing work of art (painting, pastel, drawing, etc.) that is copied by digital or photographic means and does not apply in the digital art category. At this time, reproduction pieces will be permitted under these guidelines. If at any time, members of the Art Festival staff feel that artists are taking advantage of these rules, the artist will be required to remove all said work and will not receive a refund. All reproductions must be clearly labeled “reproduction.” They must be signed and numbered editions by the artist of no more than 250 and make up an ancillary part of the artist’s display. We ask that you be truthful and honest about your work and label it as a reproduction if it is not in fact an original so that our customers know what they are buying and will continue to shop our Art Festival.
Jury Process:
The jury panel is comprised of a four to six-person panel with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, including working artists, gallery directors, and members of the arts community at large. The directing organization does not have a representative on the panel of jurors. The 2027 Art Festival will be comprised of approximately 80 artist spaces. The make-up of Artists will be 12 invited Artists from 2026 due to their high scores, and 75-80 artists invited through the jury process in February. An additional group of Artists will be placed on the waitlist.
Acceptance Process:
Those Artists selected to participate by the jury will be notified through Zapplication.org by March 19, 2027. Artists must respond and submit the booth payment no later than April 18, 2027. If an Artist does not submit payment by this date, another Artist will be invited in their place.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations received on or before May 14, 2027 will receive a 50% refund of booth fee only. Cancellations received after May 14th will not receive a refund. Cancellations must be made in writing to hcrouch@grandhavenchamber.org and are not confirmed until the Grand Haven Art Festival Director sends confirmation of receipt.
DURING THE SHOW
Artist Attendance:
The artist(s) must be present for the entirety of the show. Photo ID will be required upon check-in along with vehicle license plate number(s).
***Set Up & Registration:
Artists must register before they will be permitted to set up. Streets will close starting at 3am Friday, June 25th. Artists can begin setting up after they register, and all vehicles have been removed from the street.
Registration/Artist Check-in will open no later than 5am Friday, onsite. Artists who arrive after 10:30am will have to dolly from a nearby parking lot.
Artists must register and set up Friday morning. All artist's vehicles must be removed by 10:30am Friday and all booths must be set up and ready for viewing by 11:45am.
***This set up process is subject to change.
Sales Tax:
Artists are responsible for collecting, reporting, and submitting the sales tax of 6% to the State of Michigan.
Onsite Jury:
A panel of four to six jury members will visit each Artist’s booth starting Friday at noon. Only booths displaying their artist sign, provided by Grand Haven Art Festival, will be juried. After reviewing each booth based on the listed criteria, awards will be presented for the Best in Show, Jury’s Choice, along with a Best of category, and a People's Choice winner. All award winners will automatically be accepted into the 2027 show upon application and will be featured following the show on our Facebook page. Winners will be announced during the show.
Awards
- Best in Show ($500, Certificate, & Artwork used in 2028 Promotional Materials)
- Jury’s Choice ($300 & Certificate)
- Best of Category (Certificate)
- People's Choice (Certificate)
Weather:
Grand Haven Art Festival will take place rain or shine, so artists must be prepared for inclement weather. In the event that severe weather is in the forecast, the Grand Haven Art Festival committee has the right to close the show early. Should this happen, no refund will be given.
Security:
Overnight security will be present Friday and Saturday night as well as throughout the show. It is not recommended that artists leave valuable property in their booth overnight. Artists are responsible for the loss or damage to any property left in the venue. All signage MUST be taken down at the end of each night.
Application Requirements
All artwork must be the original, handcrafted work of the displaying artist.
Buy/Sell vendors are strictly prohibited. Artwork will not be permitted if it is created from non-artist made molds, kits or other commercial methods. Artwork produced in studios involved in volume production will not be permitted, nor will work that is mass-produced or ready-made items (clothing, furniture, etc.) with artistic embellishments.
Photo ID is required for check-in; only the primary Artist may register. A representative of the Artist with the Artist's ID is not acceptable. If a collaborator is listed on the application, they too will be required for check-in and must present a Photo ID.
The displaying Artist must be present for the entirety of the show, with the exception of short, reasonable breaks. No agent or representative may stand in for the Artist.
The work of only one exhibitor may be displayed in each assigned booth space, with the exception of artist collaborators. Please see “Collaborator” section for more information. Both collaborators must be present for the entirety of the show.
Artists may display artwork only in the category in which they were accepted. All artwork displayed in the booth must be comparable to artwork shown in images. Ineligible work will be removed from the Festival.
Booth areas are to look professional at all times. If items sell out, Artists can maintain the booth with one or more of the following: displaying portfolio pictures and/or showroom samples, or retaining sold artwork for delivery after the event.
No ribbons from other events may be displayed.
Artists must comply with all safety requirements, including weighted tents, fire lane provisions, and vehicles must be parked only in designated areas.
Artists closing their booth prior to the end of the show will not be permitted to return.
Each Artist is responsible to collect, report, and pay the State of Michigan sales taxes at 6%.
A booth sign with Artist name, business, booth number, medium, city, and state will be provided at registration. This sign must be prominently displayed on the front of your booth during the entirety of the show. If the sign is not in place, the booth will not be juried onsite.
Four (4) images of the artwork plus one (1) of the booth must be submitted with the application. The show organizers reserve the right to use one or more of these images for marketing purposes, including social media, and for the Grand Haven Art Festival brochure.
Grand Haven Art Festival has a highly competitive jurying process, so it is strongly encouraged to submit high quality, up-to-date photos of your work to stand out amongst our jury.
Any breach of the rules forfeits all rights of the Artist and will result in removal from the show without a refund. A submitted application indicates your agreement that noncompliance may result in removal from the show, jurying process, and future shows.
Buy/Sell vendors are strictly prohibited. Artwork will not be permitted if it is created from non-artist made molds, kits or other commercial methods. Artwork produced in studios involved in volume production will not be permitted, nor will work that is mass-produced or ready-made items (clothing, furniture, etc.) with artistic embellishments.
Photo ID is required for check-in; only the primary Artist may register. A representative of the Artist with the Artist's ID is not acceptable. If a collaborator is listed on the application, they too will be required for check-in and must present a Photo ID.
The displaying Artist must be present for the entirety of the show, with the exception of short, reasonable breaks. No agent or representative may stand in for the Artist.
The work of only one exhibitor may be displayed in each assigned booth space, with the exception of artist collaborators. Please see “Collaborator” section for more information. Both collaborators must be present for the entirety of the show.
Artists may display artwork only in the category in which they were accepted. All artwork displayed in the booth must be comparable to artwork shown in images. Ineligible work will be removed from the Festival.
Booth areas are to look professional at all times. If items sell out, Artists can maintain the booth with one or more of the following: displaying portfolio pictures and/or showroom samples, or retaining sold artwork for delivery after the event.
No ribbons from other events may be displayed.
Artists must comply with all safety requirements, including weighted tents, fire lane provisions, and vehicles must be parked only in designated areas.
Artists closing their booth prior to the end of the show will not be permitted to return.
Each Artist is responsible to collect, report, and pay the State of Michigan sales taxes at 6%.
A booth sign with Artist name, business, booth number, medium, city, and state will be provided at registration. This sign must be prominently displayed on the front of your booth during the entirety of the show. If the sign is not in place, the booth will not be juried onsite.
Four (4) images of the artwork plus one (1) of the booth must be submitted with the application. The show organizers reserve the right to use one or more of these images for marketing purposes, including social media, and for the Grand Haven Art Festival brochure.
Grand Haven Art Festival has a highly competitive jurying process, so it is strongly encouraged to submit high quality, up-to-date photos of your work to stand out amongst our jury.
Any breach of the rules forfeits all rights of the Artist and will result in removal from the show without a refund. A submitted application indicates your agreement that noncompliance may result in removal from the show, jurying process, and future shows.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
250
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
96
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
12
Booth Information
Booth spaces are approximately 11’ wide x 12’ deep on pavement on the sides of Washington Avenue. The booths are set up in straight lines along the sides of Washington Avenue facing away from the sidewalk. A fire lane will be identified - artists are not allowed to have awnings or displays encroach this lane. All storage must be contained immediately behind the artist's booth and not impose on or impede on side walk, traffic or storefronts.
Artists are required to provide their own WHITE tent for set up, as well as the necessary racks, tables, and fixtures for their display. Tents are REQUIRED to be properly weighted on all corners. Weights will not be provided by the Art Festival. Artists are not allowed to stake their tents. Any property damage caused by the Artist's actions, display, tent, or vehicle will be the sole financial responsibility of the Artist.
All trash and debris must be removed from the Artist's area before exiting the Festival grounds. We ask that the Artists leave the area in the same, if not better, condition than when the Artists arrived.
Artists are required to provide their own WHITE tent for set up, as well as the necessary racks, tables, and fixtures for their display. Tents are REQUIRED to be properly weighted on all corners. Weights will not be provided by the Art Festival. Artists are not allowed to stake their tents. Any property damage caused by the Artist's actions, display, tent, or vehicle will be the sole financial responsibility of the Artist.
All trash and debris must be removed from the Artist's area before exiting the Festival grounds. We ask that the Artists leave the area in the same, if not better, condition than when the Artists arrived.
Refund Policy
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations received on or before May 14, 2027 will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations received after May 14th will not receive a refund. Cancellations must be made in writing to hcrouch@grandhavenchamber.org and are not confirmed until the Grand Haven Art Festival Director sends confirmation of receipt.
Weather:
Grand Haven Art Festival will take place rain or shine, artists must be prepared for inclement weather. In the event that severe weather is in the forecast, the Grand Haven Art Festival committee has the right to close the show early. Should this happen, no refund will be given.
Cancellations received on or before May 14, 2027 will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations received after May 14th will not receive a refund. Cancellations must be made in writing to hcrouch@grandhavenchamber.org and are not confirmed until the Grand Haven Art Festival Director sends confirmation of receipt.
Weather:
Grand Haven Art Festival will take place rain or shine, artists must be prepared for inclement weather. In the event that severe weather is in the forecast, the Grand Haven Art Festival committee has the right to close the show early. Should this happen, no refund will be given.
Additional Fees
Early Bird Jury Fee: $30
Double Booth Fee (Limited): $600
Single Booth Fee: $300
Corner Booth Fee (Individual Invite Only): $30
Terms to Apply
Jury Fee: $35
