Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Festival of Art is scheduled to return in less than two weeks from today for its 52nd annual event, showcasing a diverse range of visual, literary, performing, musical, and culinary arts along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The festival has become recognized as the island’s premier springtime event and attracts visitors from throughout the region. Attendees are encouraged to explore the exhibits, enjoy performances, and support artists through purchases and special programs.

The 52nd Annual Orange Beach Festival of Art will take place on March 14 and March 15, 2026. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. There is no entrance fee, and shuttle service will be provided from two local parking lots to help manage traffic and make access easier for families.

For more than 50 years, the festival has grown into one of Alabama’s most recognized arts events. It has been named Best Art Show in Alabama three times in the past five years by the luxury magazine “ALABAMA.” The show is also currently ranked among the top 100 national fine art and design shows, giving residents and visitors a chance to see work that often appears at much larger city events.

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This fine arts festival showcases paintings, sculpture, photography, glasswork, jewelry, and many other art forms. Music and entertainment will be featured on two stages throughout the weekend, providing a constant backdrop for visitors strolling the grounds. Organizers note several parking options, and the shuttle service makes it easier to travel between off-site parking and the festival area.

Fine artist applications for the 2026 festival are accepted through the ZAPPLICATION platform. The application period runs from August 1 to October 31, 2025. All other vendors are by invitation only, which helps the city focus on fine art while still offering a variety of other experiences.

The festival also honors outstanding artists with various awards. For the 2025 event, Best of Show was awarded to folk artist Dustin Headrick. In 2D art, first place went to Richard Franklin for oil and acrylic works, second place to Nick Cantrell for mixed media, and third place to photographer Jeffrey Waldorff.

In the 3D category, first place was awarded to glass artist Justin Straub. Michael Young received second place for wood, and Charles Adams took third place for stained glass. The Artisan Award was given to jewelry artist Busarin Kittichareonsup, recognizing craftsmanship and creativity in wearable art.

Several special awards also recognized artists selected by judges, city leaders, and young visitors. The Exhibitors' Choice award was given to Steve and Dee Burrow for their clay work. The City of Orange Beach Mayor Award was awarded to wood artist Wade Heyl. The Kids' Choice Award went to oil and acrylic artist Kristin Pierre, highlighting the pieces most favored by younger festival-goers.

The city credits a strong community and business support for helping the festival grow. “Thank you to all our 2026 sponsors. We appreciate your support of the arts in our community,” organizers said in a message to supporters. Sponsors for 2026 include The Friends of the Arts Inc., Flora-Bama, the Frank Brown International Songwriters Foundation, Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Sports & Events, Centennial Bank, CMC Gas, CUTCO Cutlery, and DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen.

Festival leaders invite residents and visitors to get involved, whether by attending, volunteering, or supporting artists directly. Community members can also participate through the Patron of the Arts program, which helps fund art purchases and future exhibitions. With its long history and strong local support, the Orange Beach Festival of Art continues to serve as a vital part of the cultural life of the Gulf Coast.

For more information, visit theCity’s Art Festival website.