As an urban community that proudly displays public sculptures and murals, Lake Nona celebrates its art-centric nature at every turn.
That will be especially true this weekend when the Lake Nona Art Festival returns for its second annual event, heralding the talents and creations of 100 fine artists from Florida and beyond. The event lands at Lake Nona Town Center Saturday and Sunday with fine art including ceramics, photography, paintings and jewelry.
Tavistock Development Company, the primary developer behind Lake Nona, approached festival organizers Brian Young and Janet Gamache about organizing an event in Lake Nona after hearing their reputation with events in Orlando, Mount Dora and beyond.
“They said, ‘Why don’t we have an art festival in Lake Nona?’” Young said, noting the company’s owners’ personal interest in collecting fine art. “We wanted to keep it small so that every artist would have a chance to win a prize. They put up $30,000 in prizes for artists to compete for. That made it easier to attract artists.”
Prior to the inaugural event last year, Young and Gamache flew around the country to talk with high-caliber fine artists in the hopes of enticing them to join the brand-new event.
“We invited some really top-notch people, and they came,” Young said.
The Lake Nona Art Festival returns for its second year with 100 artists, including photographers, on Feb. 21-22. (Courtesy Brian Young)
This year, the marketing team at Tavistock has also made a more concerted effort to reach high-dollar collectors in Windermere, Winter Park and beyond.
Event sponsor AdventHealth introduces a new purchase award for the 2026 event. “The Artist of Wholeness Award” will honor an artist whose work reflects “healing, hope and the connection between body, mind and spirit.”
While Lake Nona’s artsy ethos made it a prime candidate to host an art festival, the community also features plenty of parking and ample food options in Lake Nona Town Center.
Visitors can browse tents of artists along Tavistock Lakes Boulevard, perhaps popping into an eatery for refreshments. The festival also features a food court near the Wave Hotel, where art lovers can browse the array of outdoor art in the nearby sculpture garden.
The Lake Nona Art Festival returns for its second year with 100 artists Feb. 21-22. (Courtesy Brian Young)
In addition to art, food and drink, festival patrons can enjoy live entertainment and see a sand sculpture at Boxi Park.
For a second year, Gamache and Young strive to create a high-end event in collaboration with Lake Nona that works for artists and collectors alike.
“When you go to Lake Nona, you feel like you’re in an outdoor art gallery,” Young said.
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Brian Young and Janet Gamache are the primary organizers behind the Lake Nona Art Festival, which returns for its second year with 100 artists Feb. 21-22. (Courtesy Brian Young)
If you go
The Lake Nona Art Festival is from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 21 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 22 at 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. in Lake Nona. The festival is family-friendly and pet-friendly. For more information, including parking details, visit lakenonaartfestival.com.