Artists hoping to exhibit at the 63rd Coconut Grove Arts Festival have until Friday, Sept. 11, to apply for one of 285 spots at the three-day show along the Grove waterfront.
Applications opened Friday, July 10, and Executive Director Camille Marchese said early interest has been strong. "That's a very good sign," Marchese said in the festival's July 22 announcement. The festival typically draws about 1,100 applications each year, with roughly 240 artists chosen through a blind jury and 45 exempt artists invited back.
The festival is set for Feb. 14-16, 2027, on Presidents Day weekend.
Big numbers from 2026
The 2026 edition generated more than $4.4 million in reported sales, according to festival organizers, with individual works priced up to $115,000. The nonprofit also awarded more than $100,000 in total scholarships to Miami-Dade students across its programs. Of that, $75,000 went directly to 15 Miami-Dade County high school seniors, each receiving $5,000 at a private ceremony on Sunday, May 17, at the Courtyard by Marriott Miami Coconut Grove.
Co-Chair-Elect Marshall Steingold said in a June 9 interview that the board increased the scholarship fund specifically to reach more graduating artists. The festival also donated customized sailboat sails to Coconut Grove's Shake-a-Leg program, which serves physically challenged children and adults across Miami-Dade County.
How to apply
Each artist submits a separate online application per medium category with a $40 fee, waived for 2026 award winners. Applications require five images and a 300-character artist statement. Artists may apply in up to three of the festival's 15 categories, which range from claywork and glass to sculpture and digital arts. All work must be original and handcrafted. AI-generated work is not permitted.
Booth fees run $875 to $1,750. Applications are accepted at cgaf.com or through zapplication.org.
Key dates
- Application deadline: Sept. 11, at midnight
- Jury process: Sept. 15-Oct. 12
- Artist notifications: Oct. 14, at noon
- Booth purchase deadline: Nov. 20
- Festival weekend: Feb. 14-16, 2027
Who runs it
The festival is presented by the Coconut Grove Arts and Historical Association, a nonprofit staffed by professionals and supported by more than 600 volunteers. Pamela Mayer serves as chairwoman of the board. The City of Miami supports but does not fund the event; additional backing comes from the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs.
Residents interested in volunteering or attending can find details at cgaf.com.
