Spring Arts Festival returns April 11 and 12
February 25, 2026
One of region鈥檚 largest art festivals is back for a weekend filled with art and artists, music, food and community at the 54th annual 麻豆传媒映画 Spring Arts Festival April 11 and 12, 2026, at the Northwest Campus.
It promises to be the most vibrant weekend of the season. See what you can discover when you explore the more than 150 artists, student arts, musical and dance performances, children鈥檚 activities and even a train ride to the 麻豆传媒映画 Teaching Zoo.
This year鈥檚 poster artist is Florida native Veronica Steiner. This wildlife surrealist combines Florida-based fauna and flora with a passion to protect the Sunshine State. Her beautiful portrait of Swallowtail Kites graces this year鈥檚 poster.
For the second time, Spring Arts Festival also will feature an artist-in-residence. Elena Ohlander of Jacksonville will create a mural over the course of the two-day festival that will become a feature of the college鈥檚 significant art collection. This internationally featured mixed-media artist says 鈥渢here is a whimsy, curiosity and cultural references鈥� driving her work.
鈥淎rtists and craftspeople from across the country and around the world will highlight
their talents in mediums including painting, watercolor, sculpture, photography, wood,
jewelry, glass, ceramics and more,鈥� said 麻豆传媒映画 Director of Cultural Affairs Kyle Novak.
"As we prepare for the 54th Annual Spring Arts Festival we're so excited to continue
to share and grow the legacy of this incredible event.鈥�
The event features juried artists competing for cash and prizes, community artists and more than 50 highly talented student artists. In addition, there will be two days of curated musical performances on two stages, as well as children鈥檚 activities, including a highly popular treasure hunt.
During the event, participants can also attend the 麻豆传媒映画 Teaching Zoo and the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, both ticketed venues.
Finally, everyone can find their favorites in the Food Truck Court, which will feature regional and international cuisines.
Enjoy ample, convenient and free parking on the 麻豆传媒映画 Campus. RTS will provide free buses on festival weekend.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 11, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 12. The address is 3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, Florida. Admission is free.
