Octagon Art Festival

Mark your calendar for the 55th Annual Octagon Art Festival!

Sunday, September 27, 2026 in downtown Ames, Iowa.

Applications Are Now Open!

Artist entry deadline for jury review is MAY 1 (11:59 pm).

THE FESTIVAL
The Octagon Art Festival takes place the fourth Sunday of September along Main Street in downtown Ames, IA. The festival is held outdoors on pavement, RAIN OR SHINE. Visual arts, children’s art area, food vendors and performing arts form the foundation of the Octagon Art Festival. Approximately 10,000 people attend the festival.

Maximum # of Artists: 100

THE OCTAGON CENTER FOR THE ARTS MISSION
The Octagon Center for the Arts encourages interaction and creative self-expression by providing inclusive opportunities and spaces that bring people together through art.

BOOTH FEES
Booth Fee: $110 ($95 for Octagon members)
Double Booth Fee: $195 ($175 for Octagon members)
Octagon Artist Membership (optional): $25
Corner location: $50 (3 open sides; extra 5 x 10 feet of space; limited quantity)
Electricity: $20 (limited)
Late Fee for registrations submitted after May 1: $25

ARTIST AMENITIES
• 12 x 12 booths
• 4 feet open buffer space between booths
• 2 feet storage space behind booth
• Curbside loading and unloading
• Free parking
• Complimentary breakfast and coffee/tea
• Booth sitters and friendly volunteers
• Artist’s lounge at the Octagon Center for the Arts with indoor restrooms
• Complimentary water and snacks delivered to your booth
• 4 cash purchase awards (1 Best of Show and 3 Honorable Mentions)

CALENDAR & DEADLINES

Artist deadline for jury submission …………………………………. May 1
Jury Results emailed to artists ………………………………………… May 15
Booth Payment deadline (via electronic invoice) ………. June 15

Artist booth location & info emailed to artists ……………… August 1
Cancellation deadline, refunds denied ………………………….. August 15
55th Octagon Art Festival …………………………………………. Sunday, September 27, 2026 10am – 4 pm

BOOTH AWARDS
A panel of 3 jurors (NOT Octagon staff) will perform an on-site judging for cash purchase awards on the day of the festival between 10 am – 2 pm. Three Honorable Mentions ($100 each) and one Best of Show ($150) will be presented to the winning artists at 2 pm.

Our 2025 Festival Artists