One of Bucks County’s signature cultural weekends is gearing up for a milestone year.
The 35th annual Doylestown Arts Festival will return Sept. 12 and 13, 2026, transforming the historic streets of Doylestown into a two-day outdoor celebration of creativity from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The festival is free to attend and will be held rain or shine.
Organized by Discover Doylestown and presented by The Thompson Organization, the festival is now accepting applications from independent artists, live performers, cultural partners, food vendors, activity hosts and sponsors.
A town-wide celebration of the arts
Founded in 1991 by a small volunteer group of businesses and residents, the festival has grown from a single street fair into a town-wide event drawing an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 attendees each year, weather permitting.
This year’s event will feature more than 160 juried artists, more than 30 live music acts performing across five stages, interactive demonstrations, a food court and dozens of pop-up events, sales and specials organized by local businesses. On Sunday, the Bucks County Classic bike races will again surround town with high-speed competition.
Artists showcased in recent years have included creators working in ceramics, drawing, fiber, glass, painting, jewelry, metal and sculpture, mixed media, paper and printmaking, photography and wood. All invited artists are independent creators crafting original works by hand.
Artist and performer applications
The Doylestown Arts Festival is a juried event. Artist applications require a $32.50 jury fee and must be submitted by the deadline to be considered. Applications are accepted from January through March, with jury results typically shared within three weeks of the closing date.
Booth spaces are $300 and include a 10-by-10-foot working space. Artists provide their own tents and materials, and multiple booths may be purchased. Overnight booth options are available in select areas for an additional $40 following acceptance.
Applications for artists, performers, cultural partners and food vendors are open now, with a March 27 deadline for artists and musicians. Sponsorship applications are open through April 17.
Sponsorship opportunities
Festival sponsors play a central role in sustaining the event and its long-term impact. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels on a first-come basis, with some tiers including a 10-by-10 booth space at the festival. Sponsors receive recognition on the festival website and, depending on level, may be featured on signage, printed materials, merchandise and social media.
Sponsorship of the festival is considered a tax-deductible donation through Discover Doylestown, a 501(c)(3) organization. Proceeds from the event benefit Discover Doylestown’s efforts to enhance the community through events, town improvements, decorations and support for fellow organizations.
Volunteers power the weekend
Behind the scenes, more than 100 volunteers, known as the festival’s “blue shirts,” handle everything from setup and teardown to stage support and parking management. Organizers are encouraging community members who want to get involved to sign up and be part of the tradition.
With its blend of fine art, live music, demonstrations and family-friendly activities, the Doylestown Arts Festival continues to illuminate the region’s commitment to arts and culture — and organizers say the 35th anniversary promises to be one of its most vibrant celebrations yet.
