The Avenue of the Arts Festival returns for its fourth year from January 21–25, 2026, transforming Northwest 7th Avenue and surrounding Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods into a vibrant, open-air gallery where public art, education, and community converge. The Avenue of the Arts Festival is a community-centered visual arts festival held annually in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Dedicated to public art, education, and cultural accessibility, AOTA Fest commissions local, national, and international artists to transform urban spaces into shared cultural assets, free and open to the public.
Over five days, residents and visitors will experience live mural painting, immersive fiber art installations, gallery exhibitions, artist meet-and-greets, student field trips, and interactive programming, all free and accessible to the public.
It is rooted in Historic Sistrunk, a corridor rich in cultural history, small businesses, and hand-painted signage. By placing large-scale murals directly where people live, work, and walk, the festival builds on that existing creative language, turning NW 7th Avenue into a walkable, outdoor museum stretching from Broward Boulevard to Sunrise Boulevard. Five new large-scale murals will be added to the Avenue of the Arts corridor, each one an installation that will remain long after the festival ends.
Some participating AOTA Fest 2026 artists include: Max Kolo, CP Won, Nerone, Ales, Zoinky, Michele Del Campo, and Luis Valle.
In addition to watching murals come to life, the public is invited to:
– Take free guided mural tours
– Meet artists at the Artists Appreciation Party at Rhythm & Vine
– Participate in student workshops and interactive art classes
– View fiber art installations at South Side Cultural Arts Center
– Attend the “20/20 Vision” gallery exhibition at Plunge Beach Resort
– Collect artist signatures in the Black Book
– Enjoy custom AOTA beer at the end of guided tours
There are also ongoing opportunities for volunteers, sponsors, and property owners to support the festival, whether by hosting a wall, assisting with tours, or contributing to youth education initiatives.
For more information, full schedules, and artist details, visit: www.aotafest.com
Liked it? Take a second to support The Jitney on Patreon! The Jitney needs gas. Please donate or become a Patron here
