RiverArtsFest

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RiverArtsFest

Returning to Riverside Drive in Downtown Memphis, October 17 & 18, 2026. Celebrating 20 Years!

RiverArtsFest Features:
- A Juried Artist Market featuring original works from local artists and artists from across the nation and Canada
- Live entertainment
- Artists at Work demonstrating new and innovative artistic techniques
- Hands-On Art activity center for kids of all ages

06/01/2026

Recognize the Artists.

They draw new lines, shape bold visions, and paint wonders onto blank canvases and young minds. Through our annual fine arts festival and year-round free community and arts education programming, we recognize Memphis artists who share their gifts and ignite the artists in all of us.

We're honored to be among the grantees of ARTSmemphis .

05/30/2026

📢 Last call, artists!

The deadline to submit your artist market application is almost here, and we don't want you to miss it.

Whether you're a seasoned exhibitor or an artist who's just getting started, there's still time to submit your work for consideration to participate at one of the top-rated fine arts festivals in the nation.

🗓 Deadline: Sunday, May 31
🔗 https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14135

05/18/2026

We love fall, but it’s time to soak up Memphis’ hottest season and throw a party for festival friends and art lovers. ☀️

We're celebrating our 20th anniversary in style with Summer Social, presented by RiverArtsFest. A night of art, music, good food, and even better people.

📅 June 25 | 6–9 PM
📍 Ugly Art Co., 635 Madison Ave.

Experience a silent auction with original works of fine art, creative bites & drinks inspired by select festival posters, live music in an open courtyard, and an Artist in Action doing what they do best. Thursday night done right.

Every ticket purchased supports RiverArtsFest's year-round arts education, free workshops, school partnerships, and accessible art experiences across Memphis and Shelby County.

A party for a cause and a darn good time. Come kick off year 20 with us. 🥂

🎟 Get your tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/summer-social-presented-by-riverartsfest

05/12/2026

This weekend was full of creativity, connection, and hands‑on art making at the Art for All Festival. 🎨

Our aluminum‑foil printing activity with TAC Artist in Action Darlene Newman was a hit with artists of every age, and every single print was a masterpiece in its own way. Huge thanks to everyone who stopped by our table, and to Art for All for celebrating the creativity that lives in every corner of Memphis.

05/05/2026

Are you a Mid-South artist who's just getting started? Have your first festival experience at one of the top-rated fine arts festivals in the nation.

Our Emerging Artist Program is designed for local, early-career artists who are new to selling their work, and offers dedicated booth space, real learning opportunities, and connections that go beyond the festival weekend.

🗓 Applications close May 31

🔗 Learn more: riverartsmemphis.org/emerging-artist

Know someone who should apply? Tag them below or send them this post. 👇

03/13/2026

🎨 ART EDUCATORS: Join us at the TAEA West Regional Spring Conference for two FREE, hands-on workshops and a guided tour that pairs studio making with behind-the-scenes learning.

📍 Metal Museum (374 Metal Museum Dr.) | Saturday, March 28 | 12:30–4:30 pm

Beginner Enameling Workshop, 1 pm: Explore multiple enameling techniques on copper and learn how glass powder is fused to metal through high heat to create a glossy, decorative surface.

Cast Art Tile Workshop, 3 pm: Design a small relief tile by drawing within a 4-inch square and carving into resin-bonded sand; the foundry team will cast into an aluminum art tile.

Register for one or both workshops. Workshops are capped at 10 participants each. Workshop participation not limited to conference attendees.

Workshops are generously funded by RiverArtsFest with additional support from the Tennessee Art Education Association and the Metal Museum.

🔗 Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbx7IhY-ar2mW6wfuE34ce3lf0I0SYlt4145ehiFT8VRRFIA/viewform

02/04/2026

Artist applications for the 2026 RiverArtsFest Artist Market are now open.

Submit your work and help us make our 20th anniversary one to remember.

Each year, we welcome 150+ juried artists and thousands of festival-goers for a celebration of creativity along Riverside Drive in Downtown Memphis. Join us this October at Memphis’ premier fine arts festival, ranked among the top in the nation.

🗓 Apply by May 31 to be part of this unforgettable experience.
🔗 Visit riverartsmemphis.org/apply-artist for details

12/12/2025

🖼 Own the Original, Support the Arts: Hillary Butler's 2025 Poster Artwork

Hillary Butler's original artwork for the 2025 RiverArtsFest Fine Arts Poster is on view through the end of the year in the Gift Shop at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art .

When purchased before December 31st, a portion of the sale benefits RiverArtsFest, Inc.—supporting the arts in our community!

Stop by the Brooks Museum Gift Shop to see it in person, or contact Hillary directly to purchase: hillarybutler.com

Learn more about our poster artist: riverartsmemphis.org/poster-artist

12/09/2025

WE MAKE THE ART — and ARTSmemphis makes it bigger and bolder 🎨

Thank you ARTSmemphis for helping us share creativity across the Mid-South — not just at the festival, but all year long.

12/07/2025

ARTSweek Day 2 is a celebration of the memories made and goals reached together. 💫

This year we reached thousands of festival-goers, hundreds of students and teachers, provided opportunities for local artists, and showed up across Memphis with hands-on art experiences to bring art to all.

RiverArtsFest, presented in collaboration with Memphis Art Museum (Memphis Brooks Museum of Art), brought together over 160 fine artists from across the nation this year. Our festival climbed to #15 nationally in the Fine Art & Design category on Sunshine Artist Magazine’s 2025 200 Best List, moving up from #19 last year! A testament to all the artists who make this festival shine.

Thank you to our artists, community, and supporters for making every moment meaningful, and for keeping the creativity flowing all year long.

Swipe to see some of our favorite moments from 2025. 📸

ARTSmemphis

Address

47 Riverside Drive
Memphis, TN
38103

Website

http://www.riverartsmemphis.org/

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