One of St. Pete’s longest-running and most beloved city events is back for 2026, as the 51st annual Mainsail Art Festival brings one of the country’s most celebrated arts experiences to the downtown waterfront. Hosted in scenic Vinoy Park (701 Bayshore Dr. NE), the sprawling art festival is returning next weekend, Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29.
This highly anticipated event is a highlight of the city’s outdoor calendar, drawing in more than 100,000 visitors each year who come to appreciate and purchase exquisite art while enjoying live musical entertainment. Admission is free and open to all ages, as guests are invited to stroll through the festival grounds while mingling with artists and viewing some of their incredible works.
There will be more than 250 juried fine art and craft exhibitors, sprawling throughout the park all weekend. It’s an incredible opportunity to stroll through what amounts to an outdoor arts museum, popping from stall to stall and tent to tent as you see the works of great artists, and often shake the hands that created them. Highlights of the weekend include:
Kids Create Art Activity Tent
Young at ARt Student Show
Performing Arts Live Music
Culinary Arts Food Court & Beer Garden
Mainsail Promotions Tent
Enjoy one of America’s best and biggest art festivals
Recently, the Mainsail Art Festival was ranked as one of the top 14 art festivals in the entire country, an honor bestowed upon the nonprofit event by Sunshine Artist Magazine, America’s premier art show and festival guide.
Organized entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers, the Mainsail Art Festival boasts an impressive $60,000 prize money for the participating artists. With more than 250 juried fine art and craft exhibitors showcasing their talent across 13 different mediums, there will be something for everyone to admire and appreciate. From stunning paintings to intricate sculptures, this festival promises to be a feast for the senses.
Students from the School of Rock in St. Pete perform live for a huge Mainsail crowd
Discover great music, food and drink
But it’s not just about the art – the Mainsail Art Festival also offers a diverse lineup of performing arts to captivate the audience. From mime acts to strolling minstrels, and steel drums to bands on the stage, there will be an eclectic mix of performances to enjoy throughout the weekend. In addition to the entertainment, families can explore the Kids Create Art Activity Tent. This offers a variety of hands-on crafts and creative activities, ensuring kids of all ages can get involved and express their artistic side while enjoying the festival.
And let’s not forget about the tasty food and drink – lots of our local favorite food vendors, cafes, and chefs will be serving up their delectable offerings, ensuring that your taste buds are just as satisfied as your eyes and ears. Of note, all food and beverage vendors are cashless for Mainsail.
Mainsail Art Festival takes place Saturday, March 28 from 9 am – 6 pm, and Sunday, March 29 from 10 am – 5 pm. Admission is free, with no registration needed. Paid parking nearby is available at South Core garage, Al Lang surface lot, and along Beach Drive, and there will also be trolleys equipped with a wheelchair lift providing a free shuttle to the festival. Learn more at mainsailart.org.