Question 1

Why did Art-a-Fest move to a 9 AM–3 PM schedule?

Accepted Answer

We heard from many of you in our 2025 survey that an earlier start & end time would be better — so we listened. In Iowa, the hottest part of a summer day is usually between 3–5 PM, so wrapping up at 3 PM helps keep things more comfortable for attendees, artists, and vendors. The extreme heat we experienced in 2025 was no joke, and everyone's safety is our top priority.

The new 9 AM–3 PM schedule also lines up with the Farmer’s Market (next to Art-a-Fest), making it easy to visit both in one morning.

Question 2

Can I sell retail items at Art-a-Fest?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no. This 1-day event is focused on the fine arts. Retail vendors are encouraged to look into the local Farmer's Market, or apply for craft and vendor shows.

Here are the rules and regulations:
Artists may only display and sell original artwork in the categories in which they are accepted and must be present for the duration of the festival. An artist may also sell print reproductions of original artwork. Please note that this is a juried fine art show. There is no Arts and Crafts category to which to apply.  Commercially manufactured items, import items, food, commercially cast jewelry, or works of art from molds and kits are NOT acceptable. All artwork must be designed and executed by the artist completing the application. The sale of any items not created by the applicant is strictly prohibited. All applicants must submit images and comply with rules and regulations, regardless of past participation.

Question 3

Do I need a sales tax permit/ID in order to participate?

Accepted Answer

All participating artists MUST have an Iowa tax permit. Please visit the Iowa Department of Revenue website to register. Create a login, and then select "Register a New Business" to get started.

If you have registered, and are awaiting your permit/ID number, please contact us at charlescityartafest@gmail.com to inquire about submitting your application. We require proof of registration to allow your application.

Please note- it takes up to 6 weeks to receive your permit number. Only applicants guaranteed to have a permit/ID number in time will be considered for Art-a-Fest.

Question 4

Can I fill out a paper application, instead of using the online form?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no. We stopped accepting paper applications in 2025 for a few reasons, including the following:

-  Digital files are needed for our jury process and event marketing, among other things. Therefore, paper applications have to be uploaded into our computer system manually by staff and volunteers, and images have to be scanned and optimized for resolution. We are a small group with limited resources at our disposal, and this just isn't efficient.

- Sometimes it's hard to decipher information on paper copies because of handwriting or ink smudges- Ilegible names and/or contact info is a logistical nightmare when trying to accurately and respectfully represent our participating artists.

- It's easy to forget a spot on the application when filling it out by hand, or even miss a whole page when squishing it into an envelope! This creates a lot of uneccessesary back and forth. The online application will not allow you to submit until ALL required info is included.

- Sometimes things get lost in the mail 🤷‍♀️

We understand that some artists may have limitations when it comes to computers and/or submitting an application online. If you need help, please contact us to arrange for assistance. We can walk you through it over the phone, or meet with you at the Charles City Arts Center and arrange access to the resources you'll need.

Question 5

Why isn't my application going through? I'm stuck, help!

Accepted Answer

If your application is getting 'stuck' when you hit submit, something might be preventing it from progressing to payment and submission. Here are a few things to check:

1. **Pop-up Blocker:** Ensure your pop-up blocker is turned off in your settings. 
2. **Required Fields:** Make sure all required fields are filled out. Missing fields will be outlined in red. Required fields include: 
   - Full name 
   - Email 
   - Street Address 
   - City 
   - State 
   - ZIP 
   - Category/Medium 
   - Tax ID 
   - Agree to the terms and conditions (checkbox) 
   - Consent to the use of images (checkbox) 
   - Select item and proceed to checkout (checkbox- either entry fee, or entry fee + canopy tent rental) 
3. **Internet Speed:** Slow internet speed can affect the upload of images. Give it some additional time if the connection is slow.

If none of these solutions work, please contact us for further assistance.

Question 6

I'm an artist, and a friend wants me to also sell their artwork in my booth. Is that allowed?

Accepted Answer

All artwork exhibited and for sale during Art-a-Fest must be created by the artist. Selling artwork for others out of your booth is not allowed.

Question 7

Why does it cost $60 to apply?

Accepted Answer

Sadly, we were forced to make the hard decision to increase application fees in 2025 by $10 in order to offset increased operational costs. Our ultimate goal is to support artists, but we also need to ensure we have the proper funds to make Art-a-Fest successful. It's a balancing act....

Charles City Art-a-Fest still boasts one of the lowest application/booth fees in the state of Iowa for a juried fine arts show, even after this increase! We are striving to keep it as low as possible moving forward without compromising event quality.

P.S. Most juried fine arts shows have separate application and booth fees - ours is a flat fee that covers both application and booth real estate for the show.

Question 8

I am a participating artist this year. What information should I be aware of?

Accepted Answer

Welcome to Art-a-Fest! Below is a detailed list of information that is shared with all participating artists via email. If you didn't receive the email, check your junk folder or contact us.IMPORTANT: All artists must have a valid sales tax permit and will need to collect 7% sales tax. The Iowa Department of Revenue has asked for a list of our vendors with their sales tax permit numbers. Please make sure to get us this information as soon as possible if you haven’t already. If you rented a canopy tent from us, a user/rental agreement will be provided with instructions.Booths will be located on the lawns of Central Park in Charles City, directly across from the Arts Center. Numbered booth signs will designate your display area. Your booth number will be assigned and sent to you ahead of time. Please set up behind each number sign, so as not to block the walking areas. Leave the sign in place until a volunteer comes along to collect it.You may begin setting up any time Saturday morning, or after 7:00 p.m. the night before Art-a-Fest. Please note, setting up the night before is at your own risk and no security will be provided, although the local police routinely patrols the area overnight. Volunteers will be available to get you checked in and provide assistance starting at 6:30 a.m Saturday morning at the information booth. Coffee, juice, and breakfast will also be provided Saturday morning, along with your welcome packet and booth sign. We’ve designated 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. as “Artists’ Hour,” a chance to browse and shop from your fellow artists before the general public starts shopping. Event sponsors have also been invited to shop during that time, in thanks to them supporting Art-a-Fest. Therefore, we highly advise having your booth set up by 8:00 a.m. so you don’t miss out on any sales opportunities. Booth judging will also begin at 8:00 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for 1st ($100), 2nd ($75), 3rd ($50), (5x) Honorable Mentions ($25), and 2 special awards ($50) in honor of certain recognized Art-a-Fest supporters. Winners will receive a ribbon to display throughout the event. Payments will be delivered during the event, or mailed out afterward.This event will be held outdoors, rain or shine. Please make sure your booth is securely tied down and weighted. Art-a-Fest will not be liable for any artwork damaged or lost during the event. We will try and keep everyone updated on adverse weather conditions, and will only cancel if severe inclement weather poses a threat to public safety.A few of the streets surrounding Central Park will be closed off for the event (a map will be provided). You may drive on certain roads ONLY to unload equipment/supplies, and must be off the closed roads by 8:00 a.m. No driving is allowed on these closed roads until the event closes at 4pm. There will be no access to Blunt Street, where Farmer’s Market will be setting up immediately adjacent to Central Park.  Also, we close streets off for kids’ activities, including street chalk. Safety of our staff, volunteers, patrons, and all children attending Art-a-Fest is our top priority, and the rules must be adhered to. Failure to follow these rules also risks our ability to request street closure during future events. Therefore, anyone caught violating these rules will not be invited to participate in next year’s event. You may park anywhere on the surrounding streets or in the empty parking lots, but please avoid parking on the Main Street side of Central Park. Additional parking information will be provided ahead of the event.As a reminder, you may only display and sell original artwork in the categories in which you applied for and were accepted. You are expected to be present for the duration of the festival. You may also sell print reproductions of original artwork. Commercially manufactured items, import items, food, commercially cast jewelry, or works of art from molds and kits are NOT acceptable. All artwork must be designed and executed by you- The sale of any items not created by you is strictly prohibited. Any artists caught breaking the rules (i.e. using molds or kits) will be banned from applying to next year’s show.Please remember that you must provide all your own tables, chairs, canopy tents (unless you rented from us), and display props. Electricity is not available. Please maintain a complete exhibit/store (at least 10 items for sale) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will try to monitor the weather and will let everyone know if inclement weather is approaching and early tear down/departure is advised. If something else comes up and you need to leave early, please contact the information booth right away. Early departure without cause/explanation will affect your participation in future Art-a-Fest events. If you indicated in your application that you might need help setting up, or you might need a booth sitter throughout the day, someone will routinely stop by to check on you. Restroom facilities will be available to artists inside the Arts Center. Several portable restrooms will also be available adjacent to Central Park.Lots of Art-a-Fest "Bucks" will be awarded to lucky shoppers again this year, good toward the purchase of artwork during Art-a-Fest. If you are presented with an Art-a-Fest Bucks voucher, please treat it like cash: apply the full value of the voucher toward the purchase, but DO NOT provide any change or cash back. Each voucher may only be redeemed once, in one place. Do not accept any vouchers without a signature, or any printed on white paper. An example of approved "Bucks" will be included in your welcome packet for reference. If you are unsure about a voucher that's been presented, please check with the information booth. When Art-a-Fest is over, turn in all Art-a-Fest Bucks vouchers inside the Arts Center - the full value will be paid to you in the form of cash.

Question 9

Can I share my booth with another artist, so we can both sell our artwork together?

Accepted Answer

This is only allowed when two (or more) artists are filed jointly for a tax permit number, under one business name. Otherwise, each artist needs to apply separately with their own tax permit numbers. That's our policy in order to keep it fair for all applicants, as well as for compliance with state tax laws.

Question 10

I've been accepted as an artist or vendor for Art-a-Fest, but something has come up and I won't be able to make it. Can I get my application fee refunded?

Accepted Answer

The application fee for accepted vendors and artists is non-refundable.

Question 11

How can I help support Art-a-Fest?

Accepted Answer

Donate to Art-a-Fest 
Our annual event flourishes due to the generous financial support from local businesses and individuals. We recognize the current uncertainties in today’s economy, and deeply appreciate every charitable donation that sustains Art-a-Fest - one of the longest running art festivals in Iowa. This invaluable support guarantees the event’s success, attracting large crowds and encouraging artists to return each year. All monetary donations are tax deductible, too!

Become a Volunteer 
Each year we rely on volunteers to help with setup, organization of the kids' activities, interactions with festival goers, and more.  Whether you have a couple hours to spare, or want to spend the whole day with us- we'd LOVE to have you. Simply put, volunteers are the heart of our operation. There's no way we could pull off this event without our amazing volunteers.
P.S. Community service (volunteering) looks great on any resume or application!

Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure the continuity of Art-a-Fest. We couldn't do it without your help!

Question 12

Are there any hotels or other lodging accommodations available in Charles City?

Accepted Answer

There are! Below is a list of several available options.

Airbnb - Studio Apartment 
North Grand Ave, Charles City Iowa
(0.4 Miles from Art-a-Fest)

Sherman House Bed & Breakfast 
800 Gilbert Street, Charles City Iowa
(0.4 Miles from Art-a-Fest)

R Campground 
1910 Clark Street, Charles City Iowa
(1.4 Miles from Art-a-Fest)

Super 8 
1411 South Grand Avenue, Charles City Iowa
(1.7 Miles from Art-a-Fest)

Sleep Inn & Suites  
1416 South Grand Avenue, Charles City Iowa
(1.9 Miles from Art-a-Fest)

Cedar Springs Camp 
1260 River Road, Floyd Iowa
(10.9 Miles from Art-a-Fest)

Frequently Asked Questions