Festival Information

Gainesville, Florida, the cultural heart of north central Florida, invites you to participate in Florida's premier fall festival of the arts. The 28th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show, recognized as one of the top best fine art shows in the nation, invites the area’s most talented artists to apply. More than 250 of the nation’s finest artists will display original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and vivid photography. Over 100,000 visitors will have the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art work amid the charming, tree-lined streets of historic Downtown Gainesville on Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009.  Artists will compete for $18,000 in cash prizes and purchase awards. Applications for the Downtown Festival & Art Showare available upon request at (352) 393-8536 or by downloading the below link. The application deadline is May 15, 2009.

Downloadable Application
(Requires the free Adobe Acrobat)

Art enthusiasts from around the region travel to Gainesville, the cultural heart of north central Florida, to view and purchase original artwork created by distinguished artists. Indulge in a diverse selection of appetizing foods and enjoy continuous, live music and entertainment on three stages. The Children’s Imagination Station, which offers free, interactive entertainment and creative hands-on art activities for children and families, is always an exciting part of the show.  The Community Information Area presents a venue for non-profit organizations to showcase their services. Come and explore the festival as it winds through the streets of Downtown Gainesville teeming with excitement.

Since 1996, the Downtown Festival & Art Show has consistently been recognized as one of the top 200 shows in the nation.  In 2008, the Festival was ranked No. 23 among the best 200 fine art shows in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine, and chosen as one of the “American Bus Association’s Top 100 Events” in North America for group travel.

Join one of Gainesville’s most beloved events, the 28th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show, the premier fall festival of the arts!

Festival Rules
(click for Festival rules)

• Festival Information
• Press Releases
• Artist Application
• Volunteer Program
• Art Sponsor Program
• Entertainment Schedule
• Festival Artists
• Directions & Hotel Sponsors
• Festival Sponsors
• Email Us

City of Gainesville
Cultural Affairs
302 NE 6th Avenue
(352)393-8536
(352)334-2249-Fax

Mailing address: Station 30
PO Box 490
Gainesville, FL 32602