Orange Beach Festival of Art Named Best in the Nation

OBA Staff • March 12, 2025

USA Today readers choose Orange Beach as best art fest

Coastal Art Center

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach Festival of Art took top honors in as the nation's Best Art Festival in USA Today's 10Best readers' choice awards. Celebrating its 51st annual event this past weekend, the festival drew thousands of residents and visitors.


For over five decades, the Orange Beach Festival of Art has been a part of the Alabama Gulf Coast’s cultural scene, showcasing fine art, crafts, and musical performances. The waterfront festival on Wolf Bay features both local and regional artists, highlighting diverse media such as painting, pottery, glasswork, and woodcraft.

 

Attendees enjoy live music, interactive demonstrations, and a culinary arts section that blends creativity with coastal flavors. The festival also offers family-friendly activities, making it a perfect outing for all ages. ​


The festival's recognition by USA Today places it at the pinnacle of art festivals nationwide. The top 10 art festivals, as voted by readers, include:​


  1. Orange Beach Festival of Art – Orange Beach, Alabama​
  2. La Quinta Arts Festival – La Quinta, California
  3. Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original – Ann Arbor, Michigan​
  4. Coconut Grove Arts Festival – Miami, Florida
  5. Cherry Creek Arts Festival – Denver, Colorado
  6. Old Town Art Fair – Chicago, Illinois 
  7. Park City Kimball Arts Festival – Park City, Utah​
  8. Saint Louis Art Fair – Clayton, Missouri​
  9. Plaza Art Fair – Kansas City, Missouri​
  10. Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival – Winter Park, Florida


This accolade not only highlights the festival's excellence but also underscores the vibrant arts community in Orange Beach, attracting art enthusiasts from across the country.

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