Fairs/Festivals
Mayfaire by-the-Lake 2027
Lakeland, Florida
Application Fee/Jury Fee: $40
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply.
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 4, Max: 4
- Total | Max: 4
Opportunity Summary
Mayfaire by-the-Lake is a juried, fine arts festival held on the shores of Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland, Florida. This two-day, free community festival, traditionally held on Mother's Day weekend, is a premier fine arts festival in Florida. Attendance is approximately 10,000 and award money is $17,000. We are celebrating our 55th year and have been voted as one of the Best Fine Art Festivals on the Sunshine Artist 200 List in 2026.
Please be sure to read all information. Please be sure your artwork falls into the appropriate category. We are considered a fine art festival and not a craft show. All artwork must be original (one of a kind) and handmade by the applicant. Buy/Sell work is strictly prohibited and may result in removal from the show.
Please be sure to read all information. Please be sure your artwork falls into the appropriate category. We are considered a fine art festival and not a craft show. All artwork must be original (one of a kind) and handmade by the applicant. Buy/Sell work is strictly prohibited and may result in removal from the show.
General Information
GENERAL INFORMATION
Begun as a crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, Mayfaire by-the-Lake, coordinated by the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum (AGB) at Florida Southern College, has grown into one of Florida’s premier outdoor art festivals. Held on Mother’s Day weekend each year, Mayfaire is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland, Florida. Artists set up on the grass on one side of the lake only. Mayfaire is one of the largest and oldest outdoor art festivals in Central Florida.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Submit your application online at Zapplication.org and pay the non refundable $40 administration fee.
Visit Mayfairebythelake.org for any show information.
Please be sure to enter your name and contact information properly and accurately. The way you enter it into Zapp is the way it will be used throughout Mayfaire (i.e. name tags, articles in the media, online, etc. Information entered in all CAPS or all lowercase is not preferred.
Individuals requesting ADA accommodations must make the request on their application. We will make every reasonable accommodation. Please be aware that all artist's booths are located on the grass within a city park. If you have questions about any accommodations, please contact the Mayfaire Coordinators before you apply.
Booths will be spaced with a 2 ft space between each booth. Mayfaire is an outdoor art festival in Central Florida and we have very limited shade.
Failure to respond by the March 29, 2027 deadline may result in the revocation of the invitation and an immediate invitation to an alternate from the waiting list. Applicants are responsible for keeping Mayfaire Coordinators advised via Zapp of effective mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email changes.
JURY DETAILS
A panel of five experienced jurors selects the artists to be invited to participate in Mayfaire. Jurying is anonymous and based solely on the images submitted. Highest scores are invited to exhibit. Artists with next highest scores are offered the opportunity to be placed on a wait list. Wait list artists will be notified by phone or email if a spot becomes available. We do not take waitlist artists the weekend of the show, even if someone cancels.
Images submitted for jurying must NOT contain any identifying information (such as name or picture of artist in display image, email address, company name, etc.) This includes artists' signature in the images. Any images submitted with this information will be marked INCOMPLETE and must be corrected by March 1st for consideration. Any application not corrected will NOT be sent to the jury and therefore NOT invited to the show. Application fees are non-refundable.
Musicians are juried separately by the Mayfaire Committee by submitting a sample CD and image of their booth.
JUDGING
Award Winners are selected by ONE judge and selections are made without regard to category. Judging for all awards will be based on the overall quality of all work shown rather than that of individual pieces. Only original works are eligible for judging. Original artwork is defined as one-of-a-kind made by the artist/applicant.
Musicians are not eligible for Show Awards.
ARTIST AWARDS
Best of Show $5,000
Awards of Excellence 2 @ $2,000
Awards of Distinction 4 @ $1,000
Merit Awards 6 @ $500
Honorable Mention Awards 5 @ $200
ARTISTS AMENITIES
Free web link at Mayfaire by-the-Lake website with artist gallery
Extensive regional media coverage
Social Media coverage
Drive-thru check-in on Friday
Easy curb-side loading and unloading
Complimentary coffee on Saturday and Sunday
Complimentary breakfast on Saturday morning
Complimentary snacks and beverages provided
Booth sitting available by volunteers
Nighttime security
Discounted hotel stays (while supplies last)
Friendly staff and volunteers
MEDIA CATEGORIES ACCEPTED
Clay
Digital Art
Drawing & Graphics
Fiber
Glass
Jewelry (Jewelry may be sold ONLY by artist juried in the jewelry category).
Mixed Media
Music (Sample CD mailed to Mayfaire Coordinators).
Painting-Oil & Acrylic
Painting-Watercolor
Photography
Sculpture
Wood
(Food products and live plants are not a permitted category and should not apply.)
AWARD WINNERS
If you received an award in the 2026 Mayfaire by-the-Lake, you are automatically accepted into the show under the same category. Award winners should contact the Mayfaire Office to receive the discount code to waive the administration fee. You must, however, submit an application and purchase a booth at the appropriate times. Award winners are encouraged to submit images for marketing purposes.
The Mayfaire Coordinators have the right to invite up to 5 fine artists to participate in the show.
Begun as a crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, Mayfaire by-the-Lake, coordinated by the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum (AGB) at Florida Southern College, has grown into one of Florida’s premier outdoor art festivals. Held on Mother’s Day weekend each year, Mayfaire is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland, Florida. Artists set up on the grass on one side of the lake only. Mayfaire is one of the largest and oldest outdoor art festivals in Central Florida.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Submit your application online at Zapplication.org and pay the non refundable $40 administration fee.
Visit Mayfairebythelake.org for any show information.
Please be sure to enter your name and contact information properly and accurately. The way you enter it into Zapp is the way it will be used throughout Mayfaire (i.e. name tags, articles in the media, online, etc. Information entered in all CAPS or all lowercase is not preferred.
Individuals requesting ADA accommodations must make the request on their application. We will make every reasonable accommodation. Please be aware that all artist's booths are located on the grass within a city park. If you have questions about any accommodations, please contact the Mayfaire Coordinators before you apply.
Booths will be spaced with a 2 ft space between each booth. Mayfaire is an outdoor art festival in Central Florida and we have very limited shade.
Failure to respond by the March 29, 2027 deadline may result in the revocation of the invitation and an immediate invitation to an alternate from the waiting list. Applicants are responsible for keeping Mayfaire Coordinators advised via Zapp of effective mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email changes.
JURY DETAILS
A panel of five experienced jurors selects the artists to be invited to participate in Mayfaire. Jurying is anonymous and based solely on the images submitted. Highest scores are invited to exhibit. Artists with next highest scores are offered the opportunity to be placed on a wait list. Wait list artists will be notified by phone or email if a spot becomes available. We do not take waitlist artists the weekend of the show, even if someone cancels.
Images submitted for jurying must NOT contain any identifying information (such as name or picture of artist in display image, email address, company name, etc.) This includes artists' signature in the images. Any images submitted with this information will be marked INCOMPLETE and must be corrected by March 1st for consideration. Any application not corrected will NOT be sent to the jury and therefore NOT invited to the show. Application fees are non-refundable.
Musicians are juried separately by the Mayfaire Committee by submitting a sample CD and image of their booth.
JUDGING
Award Winners are selected by ONE judge and selections are made without regard to category. Judging for all awards will be based on the overall quality of all work shown rather than that of individual pieces. Only original works are eligible for judging. Original artwork is defined as one-of-a-kind made by the artist/applicant.
Musicians are not eligible for Show Awards.
ARTIST AWARDS
Best of Show $5,000
Awards of Excellence 2 @ $2,000
Awards of Distinction 4 @ $1,000
Merit Awards 6 @ $500
Honorable Mention Awards 5 @ $200
ARTISTS AMENITIES
Free web link at Mayfaire by-the-Lake website with artist gallery
Extensive regional media coverage
Social Media coverage
Drive-thru check-in on Friday
Easy curb-side loading and unloading
Complimentary coffee on Saturday and Sunday
Complimentary breakfast on Saturday morning
Complimentary snacks and beverages provided
Booth sitting available by volunteers
Nighttime security
Discounted hotel stays (while supplies last)
Friendly staff and volunteers
MEDIA CATEGORIES ACCEPTED
Clay
Digital Art
Drawing & Graphics
Fiber
Glass
Jewelry (Jewelry may be sold ONLY by artist juried in the jewelry category).
Mixed Media
Music (Sample CD mailed to Mayfaire Coordinators).
Painting-Oil & Acrylic
Painting-Watercolor
Photography
Sculpture
Wood
(Food products and live plants are not a permitted category and should not apply.)
AWARD WINNERS
If you received an award in the 2026 Mayfaire by-the-Lake, you are automatically accepted into the show under the same category. Award winners should contact the Mayfaire Office to receive the discount code to waive the administration fee. You must, however, submit an application and purchase a booth at the appropriate times. Award winners are encouraged to submit images for marketing purposes.
The Mayfaire Coordinators have the right to invite up to 5 fine artists to participate in the show.
Application Requirements
ARTIST RULES/SHOW POLICIES
Mayfaire is open to fine artists displaying their own original work. No agents or dealers allowed. This show is not for commercial dealers. Final interpretation of commercial status will be made by the Mayfaire Coordinators. Exhibitors' work must correspond to the images submitted for jurying. Only one medium category per booth space is allowed. The coordinators have the right to expel, without refund, any exhibitor who breaks these rules. Buy/sell artwork strictly prohibited.
Artists are permitted to display only their own work in each space. A "two-person team" may share a space if their work is a joint effort. Such work will be judged as a single entry.
Artists may apply for more than one category, but a separate application must be completed for each category. Each application must include an administration fee and its own set of images.
Artists must present a full booth, utilizing all wall space throughout the duration of the festival.
Artwork must be in good taste and mindful of the show's intent and community's standards. Profanity, obscenity, or objectionable material will be removed.
Artists must provide and be responsible for their own tents, equipment, display racks, tables, chairs, etc. Displays must be strong enough to withstand winds, rain and crowds. We suggest at least 40lb weights per leg of the tent. No vehicles of any kind (trailers included) shall be allowed on the grass or used as booth display.
Staking anything into the ground or tying tents to trees, poles, or other City property is not allowed anywhere in Lake Morton Park or on the street. This includes anything that penetrates into the ground such as dog anchors. City employees WILL remove stakes and cut ties to City property. Major utility lines (gas, electric, cable, etc.) run underneath the lakeshore ground, therefore staking is NOT permitted for safety purposes.
Street signs or any city owned property shall NOT be removed from a booth or surrounding area of booth by artists for any reason.
Due to limited staffing and liability, Mayfaire staff cannot assist in the set-up and breakdown of artists' displays.
Artists grant Mayfaire-by-the-Lake the right to use submitted images for publicity purposes.
Artists must be physically present during the entire show and the booth staffed at all times. No proxy or stand-in exhibitors will be permitted. Show times are 9AM - 4PM. Artists are expected to be have their tents open ready for business by 9AM Saturday and Sunday. Streets will open for breakdown at 4:30 p.m. or at the discretion of MayfaireSecurity/Staff when streets are free of patrons. Artists are not allowed to remove barricades on any street.
Barricades located at the end of the streets may not be moved to allow parking for artist vehicles. Artists will be required to submit a license, cell phone number, tag number and vehicle make/model at registration. Vehicles will be towed at owner expense if in violation of this rule.
All artists are responsible for collecting Florida Sales Tax, 7%, on all sales during the festival and must fulfill reporting requirements for the Florida Department of Revenue.
"Sale" signs are prohibited from being displayed.
Jewelry may be sold only by artists juried into the jewelry category. T-shirts, posters, books, notecards/postcards, stickers, or other commercial merchandise may not be sold by any artist. Musicians will provide a relaxing and professional atmosphere and integrate smoothly with the artists and patrons of the show. Musicians may only sell their own CD's.
Any artist or vendor that engages in inappropriate, aggressive, non-compliant, or illegal behavior to a patron, staff member or volunteer, or who violates the rules or policy of Mayfaire by-the-Lake may be expelled or banned from the show and future shows. This behavior also applies to the wildlife (swans, ducks, birds, etc.) that surround Lake Morton.
REPRODUCTIONS POLICY
Only original works are eligible for judging.
All reproductions whether framed or unframed must be clearly and individually labeled "REPRODUCTION" or "LIMITED EDITION REPRODUCTION."
Reproductions must be signed and numbered.
Framed reproductions may be displayed in browse bins and/or hung on ONE wall of the booth, not to exceed 10 linear feet.
Digital artists may only display one image per piece of art on booth walls.
All unframed reproductions must be displayed in bins.
Photographic negatives must be developed by or under the direct supervision of the artist.
Commercial items, "buy/sell," or work from kits are strictly prohibited.
Mayfaire is open to fine artists displaying their own original work. No agents or dealers allowed. This show is not for commercial dealers. Final interpretation of commercial status will be made by the Mayfaire Coordinators. Exhibitors' work must correspond to the images submitted for jurying. Only one medium category per booth space is allowed. The coordinators have the right to expel, without refund, any exhibitor who breaks these rules. Buy/sell artwork strictly prohibited.
Artists are permitted to display only their own work in each space. A "two-person team" may share a space if their work is a joint effort. Such work will be judged as a single entry.
Artists may apply for more than one category, but a separate application must be completed for each category. Each application must include an administration fee and its own set of images.
Artists must present a full booth, utilizing all wall space throughout the duration of the festival.
Artwork must be in good taste and mindful of the show's intent and community's standards. Profanity, obscenity, or objectionable material will be removed.
Artists must provide and be responsible for their own tents, equipment, display racks, tables, chairs, etc. Displays must be strong enough to withstand winds, rain and crowds. We suggest at least 40lb weights per leg of the tent. No vehicles of any kind (trailers included) shall be allowed on the grass or used as booth display.
Staking anything into the ground or tying tents to trees, poles, or other City property is not allowed anywhere in Lake Morton Park or on the street. This includes anything that penetrates into the ground such as dog anchors. City employees WILL remove stakes and cut ties to City property. Major utility lines (gas, electric, cable, etc.) run underneath the lakeshore ground, therefore staking is NOT permitted for safety purposes.
Street signs or any city owned property shall NOT be removed from a booth or surrounding area of booth by artists for any reason.
Due to limited staffing and liability, Mayfaire staff cannot assist in the set-up and breakdown of artists' displays.
Artists grant Mayfaire-by-the-Lake the right to use submitted images for publicity purposes.
Artists must be physically present during the entire show and the booth staffed at all times. No proxy or stand-in exhibitors will be permitted. Show times are 9AM - 4PM. Artists are expected to be have their tents open ready for business by 9AM Saturday and Sunday. Streets will open for breakdown at 4:30 p.m. or at the discretion of MayfaireSecurity/Staff when streets are free of patrons. Artists are not allowed to remove barricades on any street.
Barricades located at the end of the streets may not be moved to allow parking for artist vehicles. Artists will be required to submit a license, cell phone number, tag number and vehicle make/model at registration. Vehicles will be towed at owner expense if in violation of this rule.
All artists are responsible for collecting Florida Sales Tax, 7%, on all sales during the festival and must fulfill reporting requirements for the Florida Department of Revenue.
"Sale" signs are prohibited from being displayed.
Jewelry may be sold only by artists juried into the jewelry category. T-shirts, posters, books, notecards/postcards, stickers, or other commercial merchandise may not be sold by any artist. Musicians will provide a relaxing and professional atmosphere and integrate smoothly with the artists and patrons of the show. Musicians may only sell their own CD's.
Any artist or vendor that engages in inappropriate, aggressive, non-compliant, or illegal behavior to a patron, staff member or volunteer, or who violates the rules or policy of Mayfaire by-the-Lake may be expelled or banned from the show and future shows. This behavior also applies to the wildlife (swans, ducks, birds, etc.) that surround Lake Morton.
REPRODUCTIONS POLICY
Only original works are eligible for judging.
All reproductions whether framed or unframed must be clearly and individually labeled "REPRODUCTION" or "LIMITED EDITION REPRODUCTION."
Reproductions must be signed and numbered.
Framed reproductions may be displayed in browse bins and/or hung on ONE wall of the booth, not to exceed 10 linear feet.
Digital artists may only display one image per piece of art on booth walls.
All unframed reproductions must be displayed in bins.
Photographic negatives must be developed by or under the direct supervision of the artist.
Commercial items, "buy/sell," or work from kits are strictly prohibited.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
250
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
145
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
17
Booth Information
BOOTH FEES
Single booth: $425.00 (minimum size: 12' X 10')
Double booth** (limited availability): $850
Single premium booth: $475.00 (minimum size: 12'x10') These spaces are located in the center of the show (the number of available spots is not yet determined)
**To purchase a double booth space, please indicate quantity (2) at checkout.
Upon acceptance into the show, the booth fee(s) will be due.
*No electricity or water hookup is available.
Any artist requesting ADA accommodation shall make such requests in the application. Mayfaire by-the-Lake is located around the shore of Lake Morton. Artists' booths are located on the lakeshore lining the perimeter of the lake and on a flat, grassy area.
There is drive-thru check-in on Friday and easy curbside loading and unloading. You may not set up your booth any earlier than 11:00 a.m. on Friday.
Staking into the ground or tying tents to trees, poles, or other City property is not allowed anywhere in Lake Morton Park or on the street. City employees WILL remove stakes and cut ties to City property. This include dog anchors or anything that penetrates into the ground. Utility lines (gas, electric, cable, etc.) are located directly underground on the lakeshore. This is for the safety of everyone.
Artists who do not show and do not cancel will not be invited the next year. Failure to be open for the entire show will have the same result. We are unable to issue refunds for applications made in error.
Single booth: $425.00 (minimum size: 12' X 10')
Double booth** (limited availability): $850
Single premium booth: $475.00 (minimum size: 12'x10') These spaces are located in the center of the show (the number of available spots is not yet determined)
**To purchase a double booth space, please indicate quantity (2) at checkout.
Upon acceptance into the show, the booth fee(s) will be due.
*No electricity or water hookup is available.
Any artist requesting ADA accommodation shall make such requests in the application. Mayfaire by-the-Lake is located around the shore of Lake Morton. Artists' booths are located on the lakeshore lining the perimeter of the lake and on a flat, grassy area.
There is drive-thru check-in on Friday and easy curbside loading and unloading. You may not set up your booth any earlier than 11:00 a.m. on Friday.
Staking into the ground or tying tents to trees, poles, or other City property is not allowed anywhere in Lake Morton Park or on the street. City employees WILL remove stakes and cut ties to City property. This include dog anchors or anything that penetrates into the ground. Utility lines (gas, electric, cable, etc.) are located directly underground on the lakeshore. This is for the safety of everyone.
Artists who do not show and do not cancel will not be invited the next year. Failure to be open for the entire show will have the same result. We are unable to issue refunds for applications made in error.
Refund Policy
REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY
There is a strict no refund policy for the administration/application fee.
A $390 Single/$440 Premier refund per space cancellation refund will be given to exhibitors if they can be replaced by an artist on the wait list.
Refund requests must be emailed to mayfaire@agbmuseum.org by April 10, 2027.
Artists who do not show and do not cancel will not be invited the next year. Failure to be open for the entire show will have the same result. We are unable to issue refunds for applications made in error.
There is a strict no refund policy for the administration/application fee.
A $390 Single/$440 Premier refund per space cancellation refund will be given to exhibitors if they can be replaced by an artist on the wait list.
Refund requests must be emailed to mayfaire@agbmuseum.org by April 10, 2027.
Artists who do not show and do not cancel will not be invited the next year. Failure to be open for the entire show will have the same result. We are unable to issue refunds for applications made in error.