Mt. Gretna Outdoor Art Show at Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania Chautauqua 2027

The 53rd annual show will be held "Under the Trees of Old Chautauqua" on August 21 & 22, 2027.

Art Show is the iconic summer event for the Pennsylvania Chautauqua. Art Show serves as a community fundraiser, on the third full weekend in August. It features 200 fine art and craft exhibitors, as well as an “Emerging Artists” section. 

The Art Show features a gourmet food court with outstanding local restaurants. Snitz Creek Brewery will offer craft beer and wine in the Hall of Philosophy during the show. 
The Kids Art Show, created with family in mind, is scheduled for both days, 10 am to 2 pm, at the Chautauqua Playground. Children will be invited to participate in make-and-take art activities and more.

Art Show presents live music throughout the weekend and hosts a Film Festival in the historic open air playhouse.

Parking is adjacent at Soldiers Field on Timber Road, (the fields near the lake) and shuttle service is available from dedicated parking at WellSpan Philhaven hospital.

The Pennsylvania Chautauqua is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.The Pennsylvania Chautauqua is a non-profit organization established in 1892 for the purpose of "the advancement of literary, scientific, intellectual, physical and social welfare and the promotion of cultural and religious activities, recreation and entertainment.”
 

Show Dates:  August 21 & 22, 2027

Show Rating:  Named #8 in the Sunshine Artist "20 Best"
 
Show Hours:  The show hours are 9 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and 9 AM to 5 PM on Sunday.  There is NO rain date.
 
Facilities:  First aid, rest rooms, an information booth and free parking will be provided.  Booth sitting service is also available, free of charge, to all exhibitors.
 
Exhibitor Registration and Set-Up Hours:  All exhibitors are asked to register before setting up their display.  Personal and vehicle identification will be provided at this time.   
                                                             Friday ---------- 9 AM to 8 PM
                                                             Saturday --------  6 AM to 8 AM
 
Security:  Displays may remain standing overnight.  Security guards will patrol the grounds Friday and Saturday nights; however, the Mount Gretna Art Show assumes no responsibility for loss or damage.
 
Entertainment:   Many outstanding local performers provide musical entertainment.  Jazz, Bluegrass, Folk and Pop musicians provide a very pleasing family atmosphere.  Street performers add to the festivities.
 
Entertainment for Young Audiences:   We offer a Kids Art Show on the Basketball Courts.

Pets/Alcohol:  Prefer no pets on show grounds. A biergarden atmosphere is located in a portion of the show. Other alcohol prohibited on show grounds. 

Mount Gretna is a small Victorian community founded in the late 1800s as a summer resort. Initially the only way for residents to reach their cottages in the woods was to travel by train. Gretna was a stop along the Cornwall/Lebanon line. Our streets were footpaths until automobiles became the mode of travel. Many of the original cottages surround an open-air playhouse where numerous cultural events are held. Our quaint atmosphere attracts many visitors every summer for music, theater, a visit to the local ice cream shop, or just a walk in the woods and, of course, to the Art Show!

Mount Gretna is located six miles north of exit #266 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and seven miles south of Lebanon, Pa.


 

Artists who exhibit in our show have repeatedly expressed their approval of the quality of our show.  We appreciate the cooperation and integrity of the artists who abide by the rules. 

Only works consistent with those represented in entry images are to be displayed or offered for sale.  Artists may exhibit and sell works in different categories providing each category was accepted by the Art Show Committee.  
 
Only original paintings, photography and crafts by the accepted artist are eligible.  Commercially mass-produced items including kit assembled or imported jewelry or hobby items of any kind are not eligible. No buy/sell allowed.
 
Artists may not have a display ratio greater than 10 to 1 for offset lithograph reproductions to every original.  The ratio refers to commercial reproductions. Original art must occupy more than 50% of booth display. Limited edition prints – individually labeled as such, may be sold only if signed, numbered, and matted.

Artists must be accepted in the jewelry category to display and sell jewelry.
 
The artist whose work has been accepted must be present for the entire show.

Sharing of a space is not permitted except by "joint exhibitors."  Joint exhibitors are two individuals working on the same body of work.
 
Artists are permitted to request double booth spaces. 
 
Each artist is responsible for collection and payment of Pennsylvania 6% sales tax.
 
Each artist is responsible for assembling, managing, cleaning and removing their exhibit.  

Light-weight accordion-style pop-up tents are discouraged.  Tents must be weighted properly to ensure safety for you the artist, the artists next to you, and our guests.   The artist(s) assumes liability if their tent is not properly weighted. Booths must be white, covered tents. All tents must be appropriately secured by the use of substantial weights (40lbs per leg required).

The Mount Gretna Art Show assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to any artwork or displays. Artists must carry their own liability insurance. Artists must furnish proof of insurance.

The Mount Gretna Art Show hires professional musicians who perform on the main stage to enhance the festival atmosphere. Individual artists are discouraged from playing music in their booths that distract from the performances or impinge on a decibel that can be heard in neighboring artists' booth spaces. 
 
The show committee reserves the right to exclude any artist, without refund, who breaks these rules while the show is in progress.

ART SHOW SEVERE WEATHER STATEMENT
The show is, as always, rain or shine and will only be cancelled if the safety of the artists and patrons is deemed at risk by local, state, or federal governmental agencies. Should that be the case we will do everything in our power to help our artists. Exhibitors are expected to be open during all show hours. Exhibitors should be prepared for inclement weather.  The Art Show Director reserves the right to close the Art Show due to severe weather.  There are no booth fee refunds for show cancellation due to weather emergencies. Artists must make sure their tents are properly weighted down in case of inclement conditions. 

 

Invited artists must register via Zapplication. Credit card payments are made on Zapplication or via checks made payable to the MOUNT GRETNA ART SHOW mailed to the show.   Application fee is non-refundable. Only work of the invited categories may be exhibited.  Booth fees are $450.00 per space (10’ x 12’), double space is $900.00 and are payable upon receipt of invitation to exhibit. Deadline to accept invitation and purchase booth space is June 11, 2027.
Electricity is available on a limited basis - $50.00
 
IMAGES:
Please upload art images for use on our website and for marketing purposes.
 
SHOW QUALITY:
The Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show is proud to be considered as one of the best shows in the country. It has been named to Sunshine Artist "200 Best." It is ranked a top tourist event in Lebanon and Lancaster Counties, Pa.

 

Your booth fee is your commitment to the show. If you withdraw from the show because you have been accepted into another event, your booth fee is forfeited. If you need to withdraw due to life circumstances, any withdrawal (by email) 65 days or more before the event will allow you to use the booth fee towards the next year's show. You will need to apply to the show and be accepted by the jury. Upon acceptance a coupon code will be emailed to you for the booth fee.

There are no rain dates for the show. We do not, at any time, issue refunds unless we have canceled a show with ample time prior to its scheduled date. If a show is canceled AFTER logistical and advertising arrangements have been made, refunds will not be issued under our rain or shine policy nor due to any forces of nature, (i.e., hurricanes, tornados, floods, earthquakes, pandemics, etc.). We understand that there are many unforeseen circumstances that may arise last minute, however, we cannot make exceptions to this policy. 

The Art Show is open rain or shine and exhibitors are expected to be open during all show hours. Exhibitors should be prepared for inclement weather. The Art Show Director reserves the right to close the Art Show due to severe weather or other emergency.  There are no booth fee refunds for show cancellation due to severe weather or other emergencies. 

Jury fees are non-refundable.