The Columbus Arts Festival, a nationally recognized event, has officially opened the application process for artists and vendors for its 2026 iteration. The festival, organized by the Greater Columbus Arts Council and presented by the American Electric Power Foundation, will be held from June 12-14, 2026, along the downtown Columbus riverfront. This marks the 64th year for the festival, which has been consistently ranked among the nation’s top art festivals by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

Visual artists are invited to apply in 16 distinct categories, ranging from painting and sculpture to ceramics and digital art. The selection process for the approximately 230 available booth spaces will involve a blind jury in early 2026. Special consideration is given to emerging artists from Central Ohio through the Emerging Festival Artist Program, designed to support artists with little to no prior exhibition experience. This program is specifically available to qualifying artists in Franklin County and its surrounding areas.

In addition to visual artists, applications are also open for performing artists and food vendors. Informational meetings for local artists interested in applying will be held on multiple dates throughout the fall.

Source: https://www.columbusartsfestival.org/press-room/applications-open-for-2026-columbus-arts-festival-on-september-8