Fairs/Festivals
Mainsail Art Festival 2027
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 4, Max: 4
- Total | Max: 4
Opportunity Summary
The Mainsail Art Festival, a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers, celebrates its 52nd year on Saint Petersburg's magnificent and scenic Vinoy Park waterfront. The festival's location is surrounded by upscale residences, unique galleries, charming shops, sidewalk cafes and a nearby entertainment complex. Drawing upwards of 100,000 festivalgoers each year, many savvy art collectors look forward to seeing more than 250 of the most accomplished artists from around the country who exhibit each year. Mainsail is considered one of the top juried art shows in the country, and is consistently ranked by Sunshine Artist Magazine as one of the Top 50 Fine Art & Design Shows in the country. Sunshine Artist Magazine ranked Mainsail Art Festival as #14 of the top 200 fine art festivals in the country based on a 10 year period. Mainsail awards a total of $60,000 in prize money, including an award of $10,000 for Best of Mainsail Gold Award.
General Information
MAINSAIL ART FESTIVAL 2026
April 3rd and 4th, 2026
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Applications available through ZAPP on October 1, 2026.
The 52nd annual Mainsail Art Festival is one of Florida’s most prestigious shows. Sunshine Artist Magazine ranked Mainsail Art Festival as #14 of the top 200 fine art festivals in the country. The ranking was based on a 10 year period of 2010 through 2020.
Saint Petersburg’s downtown renaissance has transformed the city’s bay front into a cultural and entertainment destination. Mainsail’s picturesque home in Vinoy Park is easily one of the most magnificent waterfront art festival venues in the country. Vinoy Park is surrounded by upscale residences, in a city rich in art museums (the Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art), unique galleries and the Warehouse Arts District. Charming shops, casual outdoor dining at sidewalk cafes and the nearby Sundial entertainment complex all beckon savvy and well-versed art collectors who look forward each year to enjoying the best fine arts and fine crafts exhibited by artists from around the country. Delectable food from local restaurateurs, smooth jazz, country and pop entertainment, along with creative art activities for kids, makes this two-day celebration one of the bay area’s most eagerly anticipated events.
Mainsail’s "Young at ARt" continues to grow. Look for the colorful "Young at ARt" banners to find Mainsail’s student exhibition featuring artwork from our Pinellas County public and private schools.
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications available through ZAPP on October 1, 2026.
Applications must be submitted by midnight (P.S.T.) December 1, 2026.
On December 11, 2026, applications will be submitted to a panel of jurors for the juried selection process and acceptance into the festival.
Notifications will be sent by the beginning of January 2027.
February 1, 2026 is the last day for accepted artists to pay for booth space.
February 1, 2026 is also the last day for 2026 juried artists to withdraw and receive a refund of a previously paid booth fee.
Judging for all awards, except Purchase Awards, will be based on the overall quality of all artwork exhibited rather than that of individual pieces. All judging is anticipated to be completed by the end of the day Saturday. In the event of inclement weather, judging may be delayed.
Your exhibit will be viewed initially by the Viewing Committee on Saturday morning prior to the official opening, and at intervals throughout the event. The Viewing Committee shall have the sole discretion to require the removal of artwork which violates any Mainsail rules. In the event of any rule infraction during the two-day show, the Viewing Committee will refer to the artist’s ZAPP images to verify artworks accepted for showing.
$60,000 in Prize Money includes
Each artist is responsible for collecting Florida state sales tax (7%), and remitting it to the Florida Department of Revenue, Tallahassee, Florida. (Call 1-800-352-3671 for additional sales tax information.)
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
COMMITMENT
A completed application is a commitment by the originating artist to show in your accepted category(ies), to remain for the entire two-day event and to abide by festival rules. There will be no exhibitor booth fee refund made for cancellations after February 1, 2025. To be eligible for any award, the artist must exhibit during show hours for the entire festival.
APPLICATION BY CO-ARTISTS
We will consider one artist as single exhibitor UNLESS that artist has a co-artist. A co-artist is someone who works with you to produce a single product. You can have only one co-artist, Those who apply as an artist with a co-artist are required to check-in together with photo IDs and the co-artist must be present at all times during the Mainsail Art Festival 2025. In your booth you can only exhibit pieces produced by your collaboration with your co-artist. We do not put company names on booth signs.
APPLICATION IN TWO CATEGORIES
Artists may apply in a maximum of two categories (one entry per category). If applying in two categories, the work in each must be substantially different in medium and technique. An artist selected in two categories is committed to display in both categories. Two separate adjacent spaces will be assigned - one for each category. Work in each category may not be combined.
FEES
To be paid with a credit card via ZAPPlication.org. No checks or money orders will be accepted.
• $35.00 jury fee – Non refundable
(Submit with application by midnight (E.S.T.) December 1, 2024.)
• $425.00 single exhibition space (booth) fee
(Paid upon acceptance to the show. Non-refundable after midnight February 1, 2025.)
• $950.00 double exhibition (booth) fee
(Confirm early if accepted to the show: We are limiting the number of double booths in the 2026 show.)
April 3rd and 4th, 2026
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Applications available through ZAPP on October 1, 2026.
The 52nd annual Mainsail Art Festival is one of Florida’s most prestigious shows. Sunshine Artist Magazine ranked Mainsail Art Festival as #14 of the top 200 fine art festivals in the country. The ranking was based on a 10 year period of 2010 through 2020.
Saint Petersburg’s downtown renaissance has transformed the city’s bay front into a cultural and entertainment destination. Mainsail’s picturesque home in Vinoy Park is easily one of the most magnificent waterfront art festival venues in the country. Vinoy Park is surrounded by upscale residences, in a city rich in art museums (the Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art), unique galleries and the Warehouse Arts District. Charming shops, casual outdoor dining at sidewalk cafes and the nearby Sundial entertainment complex all beckon savvy and well-versed art collectors who look forward each year to enjoying the best fine arts and fine crafts exhibited by artists from around the country. Delectable food from local restaurateurs, smooth jazz, country and pop entertainment, along with creative art activities for kids, makes this two-day celebration one of the bay area’s most eagerly anticipated events.
Mainsail’s "Young at ARt" continues to grow. Look for the colorful "Young at ARt" banners to find Mainsail’s student exhibition featuring artwork from our Pinellas County public and private schools.
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications available through ZAPP on October 1, 2026.
Applications must be submitted by midnight (P.S.T.) December 1, 2026.
On December 11, 2026, applications will be submitted to a panel of jurors for the juried selection process and acceptance into the festival.
Notifications will be sent by the beginning of January 2027.
February 1, 2026 is the last day for accepted artists to pay for booth space.
February 1, 2026 is also the last day for 2026 juried artists to withdraw and receive a refund of a previously paid booth fee.
Judging for all awards, except Purchase Awards, will be based on the overall quality of all artwork exhibited rather than that of individual pieces. All judging is anticipated to be completed by the end of the day Saturday. In the event of inclement weather, judging may be delayed.
Your exhibit will be viewed initially by the Viewing Committee on Saturday morning prior to the official opening, and at intervals throughout the event. The Viewing Committee shall have the sole discretion to require the removal of artwork which violates any Mainsail rules. In the event of any rule infraction during the two-day show, the Viewing Committee will refer to the artist’s ZAPP images to verify artworks accepted for showing.
$60,000 in Prize Money includes
- Best of Mainsail Gold Award (1) $10,000
- Mainsail Silver Award (1) $5,000
- Mainsail Bronze Awards (2) $2,500
- Awards of Excellence (10) $1,500
- Awards of Distinction (15) $1,000
- Awards of Merit (20) $500
- Purchase Awards (10) $200
Each artist is responsible for collecting Florida state sales tax (7%), and remitting it to the Florida Department of Revenue, Tallahassee, Florida. (Call 1-800-352-3671 for additional sales tax information.)
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
COMMITMENT
A completed application is a commitment by the originating artist to show in your accepted category(ies), to remain for the entire two-day event and to abide by festival rules. There will be no exhibitor booth fee refund made for cancellations after February 1, 2025. To be eligible for any award, the artist must exhibit during show hours for the entire festival.
APPLICATION BY CO-ARTISTS
We will consider one artist as single exhibitor UNLESS that artist has a co-artist. A co-artist is someone who works with you to produce a single product. You can have only one co-artist, Those who apply as an artist with a co-artist are required to check-in together with photo IDs and the co-artist must be present at all times during the Mainsail Art Festival 2025. In your booth you can only exhibit pieces produced by your collaboration with your co-artist. We do not put company names on booth signs.
APPLICATION IN TWO CATEGORIES
Artists may apply in a maximum of two categories (one entry per category). If applying in two categories, the work in each must be substantially different in medium and technique. An artist selected in two categories is committed to display in both categories. Two separate adjacent spaces will be assigned - one for each category. Work in each category may not be combined.
FEES
To be paid with a credit card via ZAPPlication.org. No checks or money orders will be accepted.
• $35.00 jury fee – Non refundable
(Submit with application by midnight (E.S.T.) December 1, 2024.)
• $425.00 single exhibition space (booth) fee
(Paid upon acceptance to the show. Non-refundable after midnight February 1, 2025.)
• $950.00 double exhibition (booth) fee
(Confirm early if accepted to the show: We are limiting the number of double booths in the 2026 show.)
Application Requirements
FESTIVAL RULES
Please read these rules carefully and completely. Any artist violating any Mainsail rule must remove the exhibit immediately; such violation may affect the artist’s eligibility for future Mainsail presentations.
GENERAL
Only those fine craftsmen and artists accepted into the show and displaying their own original work may participate. No proxy exhibitors will be allowed. Photo I.D. for all artists and Co-Artists will be required at check-in. A person listed as an "Associate" in your ZAPP application cannot check in for you. All artwork must be original work done by the artist (and/or Co-Artist) since January 1, 2024. All artwork must be for sale.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Every exhibitor must prominently display a copy of their Artist Statement in their booth, describing the technique, materials and processes used in the creation of their entire body of work. Co-Artists must describe their collaboration.
FINE ART REPRODUCTIONS
Mechanical reproductions of your original artwork (photo offset, letterpress, photocopy, gravure, giclees or inkjet prints) – including those receiving additional modification or enhancement by the artist – must be matted and may not be sold as framed art or hung alongside original works. They must be clearly and individually labeled as "Reproductions." All reproductions must be in signed editions of no more than 750. They must be displayed within the assigned booth space in a browse bin labeled "Reproductions." The Mainsail Committee will be visiting booths on Saturday AND Sunday, if you are found to have framed reproductions hanging in your booth, we will ask you to move them to a browse bin.
Photographic prints must be made from the artist’s original negative or digital files, and processed by the artist or under the artist’s supervision. Prints must be properly signed and numbered in reasonably-sized editions.
Digital art must be original artwork created by the artist on a computer and must be signed. Original, limited edition prints of digital art will be permitted and must be signed and numbered as part of a reasonably-sized edition.
Ceramic, wood, glass and metal artworks must be handmade by the artist. No machine-made or mass produced artwork is allowed. If more than one piece of the same design is displayed, each must be signed.
All original artwork should be appropriately framed or mounted. Unframed watercolors, drawings, graphics and photos must be displayed in a portfolio or browse bin. This show is for artists and craftsmen, and not for commercialism or dealers. Final interpretation of commercial status will be made by the Mainsail Art Festival, Inc. Committee. Exhibitors whose artwork does not correspond to the quality represented in their ZAPP images may be asked to remove their entire exhibit without fee refund.
PROHIBITED
• Artwork created prior to January 1, 2024
• Works created from crocheting, knitting, millinery, picture frames, velvet paintings, kites, dolls, wind chimes, manufactured or kit jewelry, t-shirts, decoupage, candles, soap, manufactured beads, novelty shell craft, hanging glass ornaments, manufactured toys, bonsai or stuffed animals
• Artist postcards, note cards, books and posters, placemats or mugs, mousepad or t-shirts or any article with the artist's images applied by another vendor.
• CDs or other musical recordings
• Buy & sell items
• Active solicitation of the public in any manner
Please read these rules carefully and completely. Any artist violating any Mainsail rule must remove the exhibit immediately; such violation may affect the artist’s eligibility for future Mainsail presentations.
GENERAL
Only those fine craftsmen and artists accepted into the show and displaying their own original work may participate. No proxy exhibitors will be allowed. Photo I.D. for all artists and Co-Artists will be required at check-in. A person listed as an "Associate" in your ZAPP application cannot check in for you. All artwork must be original work done by the artist (and/or Co-Artist) since January 1, 2024. All artwork must be for sale.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Every exhibitor must prominently display a copy of their Artist Statement in their booth, describing the technique, materials and processes used in the creation of their entire body of work. Co-Artists must describe their collaboration.
FINE ART REPRODUCTIONS
Mechanical reproductions of your original artwork (photo offset, letterpress, photocopy, gravure, giclees or inkjet prints) – including those receiving additional modification or enhancement by the artist – must be matted and may not be sold as framed art or hung alongside original works. They must be clearly and individually labeled as "Reproductions." All reproductions must be in signed editions of no more than 750. They must be displayed within the assigned booth space in a browse bin labeled "Reproductions." The Mainsail Committee will be visiting booths on Saturday AND Sunday, if you are found to have framed reproductions hanging in your booth, we will ask you to move them to a browse bin.
Photographic prints must be made from the artist’s original negative or digital files, and processed by the artist or under the artist’s supervision. Prints must be properly signed and numbered in reasonably-sized editions.
Digital art must be original artwork created by the artist on a computer and must be signed. Original, limited edition prints of digital art will be permitted and must be signed and numbered as part of a reasonably-sized edition.
Ceramic, wood, glass and metal artworks must be handmade by the artist. No machine-made or mass produced artwork is allowed. If more than one piece of the same design is displayed, each must be signed.
All original artwork should be appropriately framed or mounted. Unframed watercolors, drawings, graphics and photos must be displayed in a portfolio or browse bin. This show is for artists and craftsmen, and not for commercialism or dealers. Final interpretation of commercial status will be made by the Mainsail Art Festival, Inc. Committee. Exhibitors whose artwork does not correspond to the quality represented in their ZAPP images may be asked to remove their entire exhibit without fee refund.
PROHIBITED
• Artwork created prior to January 1, 2024
• Works created from crocheting, knitting, millinery, picture frames, velvet paintings, kites, dolls, wind chimes, manufactured or kit jewelry, t-shirts, decoupage, candles, soap, manufactured beads, novelty shell craft, hanging glass ornaments, manufactured toys, bonsai or stuffed animals
• Artist postcards, note cards, books and posters, placemats or mugs, mousepad or t-shirts or any article with the artist's images applied by another vendor.
• CDs or other musical recordings
• Buy & sell items
• Active solicitation of the public in any manner
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
800
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
250
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
29
Booth Information
EXHIBIT SPACE
Artists will not be limited to a maximum number of artworks. Exhibit spaces measure approximately 12’x12’, and all spaces are on grass. Spaces may not be shared. Allocation of spaces will be at the discretion of the Mainsail Placement Committee. Each artist must provide an appropriate and substantial display for outdoor exhibition.
Requests for specific locations by artists from the 2026 year's show will be honored whenever possible, if that request is made by answering Question #6 of this application. Absolutely no e-mail or phone requests for booth space will be honored or answered. Work exhibited must be contained in the assigned space, unless the artist has paid for one additional space.
There are a limited number of double booth spaces that may be secured for $950, space permitting.
NO GENERATORS ARE PERMITTED IN OR AROUND ARTISTS' BOOTHS AND ELECTRICITY IS NOT AVAILABLE - EVEN FOR AN EXTRA FEE - TO EXHIBITING ARTISTS IN VINOY PARK. Please refer to Sunshine Artist's Forum topics for suggestions regarding the use of marine batteries for power in your booth.
Mainsail's venue offers easy load and unload for Friday check-in (8:00 am and out of park by 6 pm), Saturday and Sunday morning set-up (6:30 am and out of the park by 8:30am) and Sunday departure - once St. Petersburg Police and Fire Safety personnel ensure that all patrons have left the park, approximately 5:30).
Artists will not be limited to a maximum number of artworks. Exhibit spaces measure approximately 12’x12’, and all spaces are on grass. Spaces may not be shared. Allocation of spaces will be at the discretion of the Mainsail Placement Committee. Each artist must provide an appropriate and substantial display for outdoor exhibition.
Requests for specific locations by artists from the 2026 year's show will be honored whenever possible, if that request is made by answering Question #6 of this application. Absolutely no e-mail or phone requests for booth space will be honored or answered. Work exhibited must be contained in the assigned space, unless the artist has paid for one additional space.
There are a limited number of double booth spaces that may be secured for $950, space permitting.
NO GENERATORS ARE PERMITTED IN OR AROUND ARTISTS' BOOTHS AND ELECTRICITY IS NOT AVAILABLE - EVEN FOR AN EXTRA FEE - TO EXHIBITING ARTISTS IN VINOY PARK. Please refer to Sunshine Artist's Forum topics for suggestions regarding the use of marine batteries for power in your booth.
Mainsail's venue offers easy load and unload for Friday check-in (8:00 am and out of park by 6 pm), Saturday and Sunday morning set-up (6:30 am and out of the park by 8:30am) and Sunday departure - once St. Petersburg Police and Fire Safety personnel ensure that all patrons have left the park, approximately 5:30).
Refund Policy
February 1, 2027 is the last day for 2027 juried artists to withdraw and receive a refund of a previously paid booth fee.