About the Festival
The Smoky Hill River Festival is an annual outdoor art show celebrating its 51st year in historical Oakdale Park in Salina, Kansas. The festival draws approximately 50,000 visitors over the weekend and features roving acts, three stages for musical performances, a children's area, over 30 food vendors, interactive art activities, and art installations throughout the park with approximately 130 exhibiting and demonstration artists.
The show presents an exceptional collection of original fine arts and crafts, with an onsite jury determining over $9,000 in cash awards. The festival curates a well-balanced show featuring a diverse range of media, price points, and aesthetic styles, encompassing contemporary fine art, fine craft, and traditional crafts.
Eligibility
All artists' work must be original, designed, and executed by the accepted artist, and artists must participate in person. Work created in production studios is not eligible. Artists may submit up to three separate applications in different media categories: Ceramics, Digital, Drawing, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, and Mixed Media.
Timeline
Applications open September 3, 2026, with early bird pricing ($35 application fee) through October 7, 2026. Regular pricing ($45 application fee) begins October 8, 2026. Applications close December 13, 2026. The blind jury process occurs January 14-18, 2027, with jury notifications sent February 11, 2027. Confirmation and booth fees are due February 25, 2027. The art show runs June 10-13, 2027, with setup on Thursday, June 10, and public hours Friday through Sunday.
What Artists Receive
- Exclusive Thursday night party
- Private early patron shopping on Friday morning
- Onsite parking
- 24-hour security
- Hotel discounts
The City of Salina purchases $2,000 of original art annually for its community collection.
Booth Information
Exhibitors are provided a 10' x 10' ground space. The artist must provide a display system, including a canopy designed for outdoor use. Weights of 50 lb. per tent leg and tie-downs are required. Double booths and electricity may be requested but are extremely limited and require approval before purchase.
Jury Process
A new panel of five professionals juries the show each year. Jurors review applicant work online, with a second round of jurying on-site. Work is juried on quality of craftsmanship and innovation, evidence of personal imagination and originality, and use of quality materials.
Contact: sah@salina.org or 785-309-5770.