Summer brings a splash of color attracting everyone outdoors into the sun, including artists. Art fairs, festivals and markets abound in the summertime. It’s a great time to discover that perfect decorative piece that you have been searching for to go into that corner or hang on that wall.
Girls That Roam reviewed hundreds of art festivals in the U.S. and around the world and selected our top five U.S. festivals this summer. We’ve got everything from high brow to fun and creative. There is something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Reno is Artown, Reno, Nevada
July brings the Biggest Little City to life with a burst of artistic creativity with Reno is Artown, July 1 – 31. In its 18th year, the festival attracts more than 300,000 people enjoying the month-long celebration of the arts and to see distinguished artists from around the world promoting cultural diversity and artistic innovation. Artists perform in nearly 500 free and paid events and create new an interesting works of art with participants inside 100 workshops. Reno is Artown also hosts more than 30 ongoing artistic programs supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for six consecutive years. Check website for event locations. For more information, visit www.renoisartown.com.
2. Santa Fe International Folk Art Market – Santa Fe, New Mexico
One of the largest folk art festivals in the world, this four-day extravaganza, July 10 – 13, attracts more than 150 artisans from 57 countries representing six continents to showcase their work to 20,925 prospective buyers and collectors. Now in its 11th year, the Market added new artists from the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Kingdom of Tonga, Macedonia, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste. Hosted at the Cost: $10 – $175 depending on the event. The market takes place on Museum Hill, 710 Camino Lejo. See specific event for location. For more information, visit www.folkartalliance.org.
3. ArtAspen – Aspen, Colorado
The new kid on the canvas is ArtAspen. Celebrating its fifth year, July 31 – August 3, the weekend long celebration of multiple forms of creative expression from 30 artists has attracted nearly 2,500 attendees in just a few short years. For more information, visit www.art-aspen.com.
4. Bodega Bay Seafood Art & Wine Festival – Bodega Bay, California
This festival features California and other artists and more bringing together delicious sea food and microbrews and wine in beautiful Sonoma County, August 23 – 24. Enjoy Wine and Microbrewed Beer Tasting from 30 wineries and 15 breweries along with BBQ oysters, crab cakes, seafood gumbos, key lime calamari, and more culinary delights. Add in a mix of live entertainment blues, folk, jazz and world beats. Located at Watts Ranch, 16855 Bodega Highway, Bodega. Cost: $40 – $50. For more information, visit www.bodegaseafoodfestival.com.
5. Remix Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Let’s make art. The Remix Chicago festival, August 30 – 31, combines work and workshops by recycled artists combined with music and food trucks and restaurants. The festival benefits local school art programs. Located at Logan Square, on Milwaukee Ave. between Fullerton and California. For more information, visit www.ravenswoodremix.com.
Get creative on your next vacation. To book your Summer Art Festival Vacation, contact Heather Cassell at Girls That Roam Travel at Travel Advisors of Los Gatos at 408-354-6531at
To contract an original article, purchase reprints or become a media partner, contact