DeForest Dragon Art Fair 2027

Welcome to the 2027 DeForest Dragon Art Fair!

Presented by the Village of DeForest | DeForest, Wisconsin

Celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and community at the 23rd Annual DeForest Dragon Art Fair, a beloved tradition in DeForest, Wisconsin!

Bringing together talented artists, skilled makers, and art enthusiasts from across the region, the Dragon Art Fair transforms our community into a vibrant celebration of artistic expression. Welcoming more than 6,000 visitors, this exciting annual event features an inspiring variety of original artwork and handcrafted creations, live performances, interactive art activities, and delicious food.

The DeForest Dragon Art Fair offers artists an opportunity to showcase their work, connect with art lovers, and share their creativity with thousands of visitors in a lively, welcoming community setting.

Hosted by the Village of DeForest, this longstanding tradition celebrates the power of art to inspire, connect, and bring people together. We are proud to support talented artists and makers while creating a memorable experience for our community and visitors alike.

Whether you are a returning artist or joining us for the first time, we invite you to be part of this special milestone!

Join us in DeForest, Wisconsin, for the 2027 Dragon Art Fair a celebration of art, creativity, and community!

Applicants must provide five images representing the artwork they intend to sell and one image of their booth display. An in-process photo showing the artist creating their work is strongly encouraged to demonstrate that the work is original and handmade.

Images must be high quality, properly oriented, and representative of the work that will be exhibited at the DeForest Dragon Art Fair. Submitted images may also be used to promote participating artists.

All work must be original in design and handcrafted by the exhibiting artist. Applications and submitted materials may be reviewed by event organizers to verify eligibility and ensure compliance with event requirements.

Previous participation does not guarantee acceptance. The Village of DeForest reserves the right to determine eligibility and make participation decisions based on event requirements, available space, and the overall quality and appropriateness of submitted work.

For assistance with uploading images, visit the ZAPP Artist Help Center.

ACCEPTED MEDIA CATEGORIES

The DeForest Dragon Art Fair welcomes artists and craftspeople offering original, artist-created work in the following categories:

• Ceramics

• Digital Art

• Fiber

• Floral Art

• Jewelry

• Leather

• Metal

• Photography

• Two-Dimensional Art, including painting, drawing, printmaking, and mixed media

• Wood

• Other eligible fine art 

Not eligible: Buy/sell merchandise, mass-produced items, consignment merchandise, imported goods, work made from commercial kits or patterns, and items not created by the exhibiting artist. 

ELIGIBILITY & ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS

• The DeForest Dragon Art Fair welcomes artists and craftspeople exhibiting original, handcrafted artwork.

• All work must be original in concept and created by the individual artist exhibiting at the event. Artists are responsible for ensuring that all merchandise accurately reflects the information provided in their application.

• Buy/sell merchandise, imported goods, consignment items, mass-produced products, and work made from commercial kits or prefabricated forms are prohibited.

• Representatives, collectives, and guilds may not exhibit or sell work on behalf of another artist. All exhibited work must be created by the person present at the event.

• The Village of DeForest reserves the right to determine whether artwork meets event requirements. All participation decisions made by event organizers are final.

APPLICATION & REGISTRATION

• All artists must submit a completed online application through ZAPP by the published deadline.

• Applications must include five images of the artwork intended for sale and one photograph of the artist's booth display. An in-process photograph showing the artist creating their work is strongly encouraged.

• Images must be high quality, properly oriented, and representative of the work to be exhibited. Submitted images may be used for event promotion.

• Applicants are responsible for providing accurate application information and ensuring their work meets all eligibility requirements.

• Submission of an application does not guarantee participation. The Village of DeForest reserves the right to manage available booth space and determine eligibility based on event requirements.

• We welcome donations for our online silent auction! Proceeds help fund community art projects throughout DeForest, bringing creativity and artistic opportunities to our community. Your donation helps make these projects possible and supports the growth of local arts and culture.

EVENT HOURS & ARTIST ATTENDANCE

• The DeForest Dragon Art Fair runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

• All booths must be fully set up, staffed, and ready for visitors by 9:00 AM.

• Artists must remain at their booths and open for the entire event.

• Early teardown is strictly prohibited. Displays may not be dismantled, merchandise may not be packed, and booth spaces may not be vacated before 4:00 PM unless event organizers authorize an early closure for safety reasons. Violations may result in ineligibility for future fairs.

• The event will take place rain or shine unless extreme weather or other safety concerns require a delay, cancellation, or early closure. Artists must follow all instructions from event staff.

BOOTH SETUP & DISPLAY REQUIREMENTS

• Artists must provide their own tents or shelters, tables, chairs, display fixtures, tent weights, and other necessary equipment.

• Professional-looking tents of any color are permitted. All tents must be securely anchored with appropriate weights to protect artists, visitors, and neighboring exhibitors.

• Artists must remain within their assigned booth spaces. Displays, merchandise, equipment, and storage may not extend into neighboring booths or public walkways.

• Booth spaces are non-transferable. Artists may not share, assign, or sublet their spaces without prior written approval from the Village of DeForest.

• Booth assignments may be adjusted for safety, accessibility, traffic flow, or event operations. Artists must comply with reasonable relocation requests. Refusal to relocate may affect participation and future eligibility.

• Electricity is not provided at booth locations unless specifically approved by event management. Artists planning to bring a generator must disclose this in the comments section of their application and obtain approval in advance.

• Artists are responsible for setup, teardown after the official closing time, and cleanup. Booth areas must be left clean and free of trash and personal property.

• Driving on park grass or entering restricted areas for loading and unloading is prohibited. Artists must follow all event parking, loading, and unloading instructions.

SALES, TAXES & LICENSING

• All sales are conducted directly between the artist and customer. The Village of DeForest does not collect a commission on artist sales.

• Artists are responsible for complying with all applicable Wisconsin sales tax requirements, including registration, collection, reporting, and payment.

• Artists must obtain all permits, licenses, and registrations required for their businesses and merchandise.

• Artists selling products featuring copyrighted characters, logos, team names, or other protected intellectual property are responsible for obtaining the appropriate permissions and licenses.

• Artists are encouraged to maintain their own business and event liability insurance.

CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS & WEATHER

• All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to the Village of DeForest.

• Booth fees will not be refunded for cancellations received after April 1, 2027.

• The fair is an outdoor event and will take place rain or shine unless organizers determine that extreme weather or other safety concerns require a cancellation, delay, or early closure.

• Artists are responsible for protecting their artwork, displays, equipment, and merchandise from weather and other potential damage.

• Event organizers are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged merchandise, equipment, or personal belongings, subject to applicable law.

• The Village of DeForest reserves the right to adjust event operations or participation arrangements when necessary due to safety concerns, severe weather, rule violations, or other unforeseen circumstances.

PHOTOGRAPHY & PROMOTIONAL USE

By submitting an application, artists grant the Village of DeForest permission to use submitted artwork photographs, booth images, business names, websites, and email addresses for the DeForest Dragon Art Fair website, artist directory, social media, advertising, and other event-related promotional purposes.

Artists are responsible for ensuring they have permission to provide any images or materials submitted for promotional use.

PETS & PARK RULES

Dogs are permitted in the park. All pets must remain under their owner's control and comply with applicable Village park rules. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and ensuring that animals do not interfere with artists, visitors, or event operations.

All artists must comply with applicable Village of DeForest ordinances, park rules, and instructions from event staff.

CORRESPONDENCE & NO-SHOWS

• Unless other arrangements have been confirmed in writing, all official correspondence, application updates, acceptance notifications, and event instructions will be sent to the email address provided in the ZAPP application.

• Artists are responsible for checking their email regularly and keeping their contact information current.

• Artists who are unable to attend must notify the Village of DeForest as soon as possible.

Artists who fail to appear without prior communication may be ineligible to participate in future DeForest Dragon Art Fairs.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF TERMS

By submitting an application and participating in the DeForest Dragon Art Fair, artists acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with these rules and regulations. Failure to comply may result in removal from the event and/or ineligibility for future participation.

Thank you for being part of the DeForest Dragon Art Fair and helping us create a safe, welcoming, and memorable celebration of art, creativity, and community!

The DeForest Dragon Art Fair offers single and double outdoor booth spaces. Please select the booth size and registration category that best fits your needs.

Early-Bird Registration Deadline: January 15, 2027

Booth Type	Returning Artist — Early Bird	Returning Artist — Regular	New Artist — Early Bird	New Artist — Regular
Single Booth (10' × 10')	$105	$115	$130	$140
Double Booth (10' × 20')	$225	$235	$250	$260

Please select one booth size and the appropriate registration rate when completing your application. Early-bird pricing is available through January 15, 2027. Regular registration rates apply after that date.

Multiple booth spaces may be requested, subject to availability. Please indicate your preferred booth size and any additional space requests in your application.
 

The DeForest Dragon Art Fair offers outdoor booth spaces for food vendors. Please review the available booth options and select the registration category that best fits your food vending setup.

Booth Type	For Profit	Non-Profit
Food Vendor Space	$110	$60

BOOTH LOCATION & SITE INFORMATION

• All booths are outdoors and measure either 10' × 10' or 10' × 20', depending on the selected option.

• Booth locations may be on grass or other designated event surfaces. Trees and other natural features may be present throughout the park and may affect individual booth spaces.

• Electricity is not provided at booth locations. Artists must plan to operate without electrical service unless otherwise approved by event management.

• Tables, chairs, tents, displays, and other booth equipment are not provided. Artists are responsible for bringing their own equipment and properly securing their tents with appropriate weights.

• Artists may request a preferred booth number when submitting their application. Every effort will be made to accommodate requests; however, booth assignments depend on availability and event layout.

• Booth assignments are determined by event organizers based on space availability, event logistics, and the overall site layout. A requested booth location is not guaranteed.

• The 2026 booth map may be used as a general reference only. The 2027 layout may change. Accepted artists will receive an updated map and their assigned booth location before the event.

• Artists planning to bring a generator must disclose this in the comments section of their application and receive approval from event management before bringing or operating it.

CHECK-IN & SETUP

All artists must check in with event staff before setting up their booths.

This requirement helps ensure that every artist sets up in the correct assigned location and prevents delays or disruptions for neighboring exhibitors.

• Friday setup: Check-in and setup will be available from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the day before the fair.

• Saturday setup: Check-in will begin at 6:00 AM on the day of the event.

• Artists must check in and confirm their booth assignment before unloading equipment or beginning setup.

• All booths must be fully set up and ready for visitors by 9:00 AM.

• Artists must remain open for the full event, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Early teardown is strictly prohibited.

Additional setup instructions, parking information, and the final booth map will be provided to participating artists before the event.

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to the Village of DeForest. Booth fee refunds are available for cancellations received on or before April 1, 2027. No booth fee refunds will be issued for cancellations received after April 1, 2027. Please plan accordingly before registering for the DeForest Dragon Art Fair.

If the event is canceled or modified by the Village of DeForest due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the Village will determine whether refunds will be issued.