Artist applications are open for The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Woodlands Arts Council has announced that applications are open for The 2027 Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, one of the nation’s top-ranked fine arts festivals that takes place along the Waterway over an entire April weekend.

At the festival, thousands of attendees explore the work of 200 juried fine artists, enjoy live performances, and savor local food, craft beer, and fine wines. Families can delight in hands-on art activities while discovering why this nationally acclaimed festival is a beloved tradition for art lovers of all ages. The festival has been voted #1 Best Event in The Woodlands 15 years in a row by Woodlands Online, #4 Best Art Festival in the Nation by USA Today’s 2025 Readers’ Choice, and #6 in Art Sales by Art Fair Sourcebook.

The application requirements include applying online and submitting images of artwork and booth; 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 two). All work must be original and made by the applying artist.

A jury of judges selected based on their specific interests, professional knowledge, and/or background with the festival will jury the applications. Prior participation in The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival does not guarantee automatic selection to the festival. On November 7, the panel will jury the applications using a scoring system; artists receiving the top scores in twelve media categories will be invited to participate in the event.

The festival uses media categories to organize artists’ images into logical, related groups for the jury's review. Categories include Ceramics; 2D Mixed Media and Digital Art; 3-D Mixed Media; Drawing/Pastels/Printmaking; Emerging Artist; Fiber; Glass; Jewelry; Painting; Photography; Sculpture/Metal Works; and Wood.

On Saturday of the festival, the team of judges will walk the venue to choose 2028’s Featured Artist and the six 2027 Best of Show Artists. The 2028 Featured Artist will receive a complimentary three-night stay at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and a complimentary double booth for the 2028 Festival, and their art will be featured on all promotional materials for 2028. The Best of Show artists receive a free single booth space the following year with priority booth placement and an enhanced presence on the official festival website. All award winners will be jury-exempt for two years: no jury fee or process.

Important Dates concerning the festival are:

• August 1, 2026: Application Opens
• October 12, 2026: Application Deadline
• November 7, 2026: Live Artist Image Jury
• November 23, 2026: Artist Notifications
• December 19, 2026: Invited Artist Payment Deadline
• February 1, 2027: Refund Deadline
• April 7 & 8: Artist Load-In
• April 9, 10 & 11: The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is organized by The Woodlands Arts Council, Inc., a nonprofit organization with a Board of Directors, an Advisory Committee, and over 500 community volunteers. The mission of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council, Inc. is to offer regional cultural enrichment opportunities that encourage, support, and promote the performing and visual arts.

To submit an artist application, visit www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/festival.