--- title: Mermaid Fest March 27-28, 2027 description: Juried outdoor art & craft fair in Fort Myers Beach, FL, capped at 50 artists; no music, alcohol or food on site. url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/8754ca37-833f-4cfb-94ac-d525a1bad55f type: program status: open createdAt: "2026-09-08" updatedAt: "2026-10-11" programType: Festival/fair organization: Blue Ribbon Events organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/blue-ribbon-events deadline: "2027-03-25" entryFee: 25 USD location: Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, FL, United States isOnline: false --- # Mermaid Fest March 27-28, 2027 **Hosted by:** Blue Ribbon Events **Type:** Festival/fair | **Location:** Times Square, Fort Myers Beach, FL, United States | **Deadline:** March 25, 2027 | **Entry fee:** $25 ## About This Program ### About This Call Mermaid Fest is back on the island after Hurricane issues! This boutique Festival will feature no more than 50 artists allowing for less competition, less crossover booths and more potential opportunities to connect with shoppers. This application is for Fort Myers Beach Festival of the Arts. It is set in iconic Times Square - replacing the island's Invitational at Lover's Key due to damage from hurricanes. There is no music, no booze and no food putting the focus solely on art, craft and unique gifts. - Open Saturday & Sunday 10am to 5pm - Apply early and save $50 - $325 if paid before Jan 27, $325 if paid after - May apply in up to 2 categories Event setup is Saturday morning 6:30am to 9am. There are 3 dates for this location. Additional dates: Holly Jolly Market Dec 19-20, 2026; Fort Myers Festival of the Arts Jan 23-24, 2027. Focus is on handmade & artist designed items but the jury will consider unique/creative gift ideas, authors, inventors and designers for holiday gift giving. Each event juried separate. You may apply to one or all. Participating in one, does not guarantee you will be accepted every month. We love and encourage emerging artists of all levels. ### General information The artists are selected through a review of their work by a panel of experts. We are busting the box open and making changes! The art industry is changing and we are encouraging creatives of all types to apply. For all events, we will accept the following: 1. artist - made by my hands 2. artist - production/studio work - no more than 2 assistants 3. artist - studio work with more than 2 assistants 4. craft - made by my own hands 5. craft - production/studio work - no more than 2 assistants 6. inventor - created an innovative concept that is put into production 7. designer - creates all designs and images that may be utilized in final creation 8. other, describe - this includes fair trade and anything NOT made by your hands 9. sponsor - (start $600) All other service businesses looking to sell a service or product Sponsors are home service repairs, car dealerships, and any large contract type retailer. These spaces are limited to no more than 4-6 at this event. Easy load in and load out next to booth, weather providing. Setup is Saturday 6:30am to 9:30am. All vehicles must be off festival footprint by 9am! There is NO day before setup. - All artist exhibitor tents must be white with the exception of branded sponsor booths. NO exceptions! - No cheap camping tents. If you choose to use an EZ UP or umbrella type pop up tent, a minimum of 40 pounds per leg are required for a minimum of 160 pounds. - Booth spaces are approximately 10' wide by 10' deep with at least 2 foot between booths. Booth and a half and Double booths are also available on a limited basis. - Your displays must be professional and pleasing to the eye. No hand made signs. - You must display within your allocated space and not infringe on your neighbors. - If invited, your booth display should reflect the pictures you sent in for jurying. NO EXCEPTIONS! Vendor Amenities: - Participating artists listed on Facebook event page for each event - Categories capped with no more than 25% jewelry - Designated reserved unloading area - Only 81 booth spaces available - Staff support on location throughout event - Marketing & Advertising - social media ads, posters, rack cards, local tourism websites, local area signs and print ads ### Booth information and fees Jury Fee: early bird $15 before 11/1, $25 after. Booth Fee: $325 if payment received before Jan 27, if paid after booth fee is $375. Corner booth: additional $75. 15' by 10' Booth = $487.50 before Jan 27, after $537.50. 20' by 10' Double Booth $650 if paid before Jan 27, after $750. Please notify show director of trailer size at least 14 days before event for logistics. Regular size vehicles and booths check-in times begin setup at 7am to 9am. All vehicles must be off festival footprint by 9am! ### Refund and cancellation policy There are no rain dates. A $50 non refundable deposit is required for every event you have signed up. There will be no refunds or credits if a show is cancelled due to rain, floods, hurricanes, or any other forces of nature. There will be no refunds on artist cancellations within 70 days of the event. Credit will be issued if Blue Ribbon events, LLC. is notified in writing at least (60) SIXTY days prior to an event. Credit is to be used towards a future event (minus $50 non-refundable booth deposit). Any credit issued must be used within 18 months. ### Jury details Vendors that are excluded/ineligible: flea market, antiques unless repurposed. How images are viewed by jurors: Computer monitor. Jurors score applications using the following scale: 1 - 7. Number of jurors scoring applications: 3. The show organizes the jurors for a single jury panel that scores applications for all medium categories, separately from various locations. Jury process is closed. ## Eligibility & Requirements - **Disciplines:** All disciplines - **Note:** Open to artists, crafters, inventors, designers and non-artist vendors across many categories; emerging artists of all levels are encouraged to apply. Excluded/ineligible: flea market and antiques vendors (unless repurposed). Jewelry of any material must be entered in the jewelry category — no "jewelry creep" into other booths. Pets generally not allowed; exceptions require advance written notice and insurance. ### Additional Requirements - 5 images (a booth shot is required) - Application Jury Fee: $25.00 (early bird $15.00 until 11/1/2026) ## Timeline - **Opens:** September 7, 2026 - **Deadline:** March 25, 2027 - **Program Start:** March 27, 2027 - **Program End:** March 28, 2027 ## How to Apply Apply at: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14552