The Arts & Design Society of Fort Walton Beach invites artists to apply for the 2027 Emerald Coast Arts Festival, a juried outdoor fine arts festival featuring $5,000 in awards.
The festival will be held April 10-11, 2027, on the landscaped, four-acre grounds of the Freedom Tech Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Located on Beal Parkway, the venue is near hotels, RV parks, restaurants, shopping, a public golf course and the white-sand beaches of the Emerald Coast.
Application and Jury Information
The festival is open to artists age 18 and older. All submitted and exhibited work must be original and created solely by the exhibiting artist.
- Early application period: Aug. 1-Sept. 30, 2026; $35 application fee
- Regular application period: Oct. 1-Nov. 15, 2026; $50 application fee
- Selection notification: Dec. 1, 2026, by email
- Deadline to accept or decline invitation: Dec. 8, 2026
- Booth payment deadline: Dec. 11, 2026
- Application fees are nonrefundable.
- Applicants must submit high-quality digital images of three recently completed works. A booth image is also preferred. A three-member panel of qualified jurors will review all applications.
Eligible Media
Applications are invited in drawing; painting, including acrylic, oil, pastel and watercolor; mixed media; ceramics and pottery; jewelry; wearable art and accessories; fiber; photography; metalwork; sculpture; and wood.
Festival Schedule
Friday, April 9
Artist check-in, booth assignments and setup: Noon-6 p.m.
Welcome reception and artist meet-and-greet: 7-8 p.m.
Saturday, April 10
Festival hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Awards dinner: Saturday evening
Sunday, April 11
Festival hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission is free to the public.
Awards
A total of $5,000 in juried awards will be presented during the Saturday evening awards dinner:
Best in Show: $1,500
First Place: $1,000
Second Place: $800
Third Place
People’s Choice Award
Six Honorable Mention awards of $100 each
Artist Amenities
Participating artists will enjoy volunteer booth sitters, food trucks, live acoustic music, convenient restrooms, 24-hour on-site security and lodging within walking distance.
The Emerald Coast Arts Festival is presented by the Arts & Design Society of Fort Walton Beach, a nonprofit organization that has supported artists and promoted the visual arts throughout Northwest Florida since 1956. Join us for a weekend of art, creativity and community on Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast.
