From January through March the region's parks, closed streets and mall lots fill with white tents. Festivals are the most visible face of art in Southwest Florida and the most misunderstood, both by visitors buying and by artists selling.
The three tiers
- Juried fine art festivals: exhibitors screened by a panel, national touring artists alongside strong locals, higher price points, no buy-sell resale work permitted.
- Art and craft festivals: mixed juried and open, wide quality range, accessible prices, family atmosphere.
- Community and market events: largely local hobbyists and makers, small work, very low prices.
All three call themselves art festivals. Knowing which one you are walking into sets the right expectation.
For buyers
Walk the entire field before buying anything; the booth that impresses you at the entrance is rarely the best one there. Ask directly whether a piece is an original or a reproduction, and expect a print to be priced at a fraction of an original. Ask where the artist works and how the piece was made; anyone dodging that question is telling you something. Prices at festivals are usually firm on the first day and softer on the last afternoon, when packing up is the alternative.
For exhibiting artists
Budget for a jury fee plus a booth fee, and expect no commission taken on sales. You need a professional canopy rated for wind, weights on every leg, walls, lighting, a card reader, change and a plan for rain. Sales cluster in small and mid size work. A weekend is two very long days of standing, and the artists who do well treat the booth as a shop rather than a gallery.
Season and weather
Peak festival weekends run late January through early March, when the visitor population is highest. Cold fronts and coastal wind are the real hazards; a poorly weighted tent becomes a sail. Summer outdoor festivals essentially do not exist here, for good reason.
Practical advice for visiting
- Arrive early for parking and for the best selection.
- Bring cash for small purchases, though nearly everyone takes cards.
- Ask about shipping before buying something large.
- Take a card and a photo rather than deciding on the spot if you are unsure.