We are so glad you're interested in applying! Please read the following information carefully before filling out the form below.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Charles City Art-a-Fest is a juried festival for up to 50 local and regional artists, as well as food and service vendors, and non-profit organizations that support the arts or align with the mission of Art-a-Fest. This festival fulfills an important role in the community and surrounding areas by supporting and celebrating local and regional artists. Our goal is to make the arts accessible to all members of our community during this one-day, free event. With interactive arts activities for children, live performing artists, and delicious food from a variety of local and regional vendors, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
The 52nd annual Art-a-Fest will be held Saturday, August 16 from 10 AM - 4 PM in Central Park, Charles City, IA. There will be a dedicated "Artists' Hour" from 9 AM-10AM when participating artists, non-profit groups, and vendors can mingle and shop from each other, before the festival opens for the general public. Note- event sponsors / donors will also be invited to shop early during that time, in thanks for their contribution toward making Art-a-Fest possible.
Deadline to apply: May 31, 2025
Application fee: $55
Jury date: June 1-14, 2025
Notification of acceptance: by June 15, 2025
APPLICATION FEE
An entry fee of $55 is required upon submission of the application and includes reservation of a 10’x10’ booth space for accepted participants. Additional booth space may be available upon request for an additional fee. The entry fee will be fully refunded to any group not accepted, so long as the application was submitted by the May 31 deadline. Late entries may be accepted with a late fee for a short duration after the deadline if space is available. Accepted non-profit groups’ fees are non-refundable. Payment will not be refunded in the rare event Art-a-Fest is canceled due to extreme weather.
JURY DETAILS
At least 3 quality images that represent the group or organization are required upon submission of the application. The images will serve as part of the criteria used for selection by jurors, and may include the organization/group logo, an example of a booth setup, and/or items on display/for sale during Art-a-Fest. A panel of 4-5 jurors, comprised of local and regional members of the art community, will review images and information submitted with the application to determine how well the group’s mission fits with the festival/event theme.
All decisions of the jury are final. The jury process is closed. All images submitted may be used for purposes of advertising the event and participating artists.
FESTIVAL SETUP & PARTICIPATION
If accepted, organizations will receive a map of the festival with an assigned booth location. It is essential that groups include any special requests with the application, including specific locations for loading/unloading requirements, previous booth number, etc. The layout of Art-a-Fest changes from year to year, so we will do our best to honor requests, but no placement or location is guaranteed.
Event check in starts at 7am, but participants can begin setting up anytime Friday night or Saturday morning. There is no park security. All booth spaces are approximately 10’ x 10’ (unless arrangements are made for additional space prior to the event) in an open outdoor area. Organizations must furnish tables, chairs, and any other setup items. Electricity is not available unless specially arranged. As this event is outdoors, please be prepared for adverse weather (including wind). Exhibitors may rent a canopy tent for $50, if desired (while supplies last). Rentals will be provided for setup the morning of Art-a-Fest, through arrangement with the Charles City Arts Center. Non-profit groups are expected to stay for the duration of the event. Tear down occurs immediately following the conclusion of Art-a-Fest. Late arrival or early departure may affect whether an invitation is extended for future participation.
*Add charlescityartafest@gmail.com to your trusted email contacts, so confirmation emails and other notifications don't end up in your spam folder!*
If selected to participate, will you be working alone and/or need any assistance? Volunteers will be available to help with setup in the morning, and booth coverage for short periods throughout the day, should you need a short break. Please let us know, and we'll be happy to help!
