Summary
We invite you to apply to the 49th Annual Lubbock Arts Festival, April 10-11, 2027. The event has received four consecutive "Best in Texas" awards from the Texas Festivals & Events Association (TFEA) (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) and two "Grand Pinnacle" awards from the International Festivals and Events Association (2021, 2023).
- Thursday & Friday set-up and Sunday tear-down
- Limited to 100 Artists
- Ample storage rooms convenient to your booth location
- Indoor/Air-Conditioned venue with many artist and patron amenities
- Professional staff onsite during entire show
- 24 hour police security
- $50,000+ advertising campaign targeted specifically to art buyers and design firms
- Booth Sitters
- Loyal Patrons - 8,000+ in 2026 (ticketed event)
- Pipe and Drape / Electric Provided
- Free parking for artists and patrons
- Preorder lunch delivered to your booth
- Artist Hospitality Room
- Each exhibiting artist will be given 25 complimentary tickets for their best patrons
General Information
CALENDAR:
August 1, 2026: Application Open $35 Jury Fee
August 31, 2026: Emerging Artist Deadline
September 15, 2026: Early Decision Application Deadline September 17-18, 2026: Early Decision Jury Deliberations September 21, 2026: Early Decision Notification October 31, 2026: Early Decision Booth Fee Due (Save $50 & Guaranteed Booth Placement if purchased at this time)
November 15, 2026: Regular Jury Deadline
November 17-19, 2026: Regular Jury Deliberation
November 20, 2026: Artist Notification for Regular Jury December 15, 2026: Booth Fee Deadline for Regular Jury December 16, 2026: Start of Rolling Jury - submissions are reviewed bi-weekly until show is full April 8, 2027 (Thursday): Set up Noon to 5pm April 9, 2027 (Friday): Set up 10am to 7pm April 10, 2027 (Saturday): Show Hours 10am to 6pm April 11, 2027 (Sunday): Show Hours 11am to 5pm April 11, 2027 (Sunday): Load out 5pm to 8pm
Multiple Applications: If an artist has work in different media categories you may apply with multiple applications (limit 4). You can only showcase work that has been accepted. You must apply separately in the Jewelry category.
Hotel: MCM Elegante Hotel & Suites, located next to the Civic Center, artist rate of $99 per night +tax
Application Requirements
We use ZAPPLICATION for communication and marketing information. Be sure your profile information is current and correct in Zapplication. Please use proper capitalization.
Each Artist must submit a total of five (5) images (four images of work and one booth image), one complete application per entry and $35 (Regular and Rolling).
If an artist has work in different media categories or distinctly separate bodies of work within one category, they may apply with multiple applications (up to four).
All work must be original work made by the applying Artist.
Jury Process
The Lubbock Arts Festival utilizes a jury process to curate a high-quality, balanced show. Please note acceptance does not guarantee a booth space. Once a category is full, any accepted artist who has not paid the booth fee will be automatically moved to the waitlist. After the deadline to purchase has passed, any remaining spaces will be filled through a rolling jury process that meets bi-weekly until the show reaches capacity.
Artist excellence in original work is the sole criteria for selection of exhibitors. Images are reviewed by jurors in a blind jury online process. Artists are assigned a number and judged only on the digital images submitted, not on any other qualifications. The identity of the artist is not disclosed to jurors. The jury is comprised of three art professionals. Artistic excellence and a well-balanced show are the criteria for selection of exhibitors. Scores are averaged together.
Work to be exhibited must be represented in the jury images. For each medium entered, include four (4) images of artwork completed within the last 18 months that accurately represent the current body of work to be exhibited. The booth image must illustrate the Artist's presentation of their work and display.
Note: This is a blind jury process; please do not submit booth images that include identifiable signs or a photo of the Artist.
Emerging Artist Program
"Empowering Visual Artists for Festival Success": The Official Emerging Artist Program of the Lubbock Arts Alliance & Lubbock Arts Festival is an in-person only training opportunity (no virtual option) for visual artists with fewer than five years of professional experience who are not represented by a gallery and earn 50% or less of their income from art sales. Participants must attend expert-led workshops covering essential topics such as identifying and applying for fine art and fine craft festivals, booth setup and display strategies, pricing artwork, managing sales, marketing before and after events, and engaging with festival audiences. Workshop sessions will be held on September 19, 2026; October 24, 2026; November 14, 2026; February 6, 2027; and May 22, 2027. The program includes participation in the 49th Annual Lubbock Arts Festival (April 10-11, 2027), with booth.
Rules and Regulations
All artwork must be the original, handmade work of the Artist and produced within 18 months of the 2027 Festival.
Texas State Sales Tax Certificate will be presented at check-in and displayed prominently in your booth at the show.
Reproduced prints may constitute up to 35% of the displayed work.
Media using endangered animals or plants and t-shirts are specifically excluded.
Works produced from other sources and commercial patterns or kits are ineligible.
All resale items are ineligible for this show.
Food vendors, knife vendors, and soap/bath/body products are ineligible for this show.
No agents, dealers, or representatives may attend the event in place of the Artist.
Booth Information and Fees
10'x10' (includes electric and pipe/drape): $375 early decision 10/31 | $425 11/1-12/15 | $475 12/16 to full 10'x10' Corner: $475 early decision 10/31 | $525 11/1-12/15 | $575 12/16 to full 10'x20' Booth: $700 early decision 10/31 | $750 11/21-12/15 | $800 12/16 to full 10'x20' Demo Booth for 10'x10' price: $375 early decision 10/31 | $425 11/1-12/15 | $475 12/16 to full (Demonstration must occur in the 10'x20' space)
Larger space available on request
Pipe and drape are used only to divide spaces; bring your own display system. Tables must be covered with wrinkle free linens to the floor. Bring lights - electricity is included in your booth fee.