Festivals

 

Festivals Introduction

Attending one of our festivals is more like a Vacation then work! Sturdy White 10×10 popup tents are setup before you arrive and include one wall of white grid wall panels. Most tents are set up next to the beach wall that provides bench seating. We do not supply chairs. 2×4 extendable vendor tables are also available to rent for only $10 each. We offer grid walls, each artist get 2 grid panels. Each additional panel costs $10. We ask that you bring your own table coverings. Our street shows are situated along a walking promenade with beautiful bay views with tranquil ocean breezes. Thousands of visitors come to Catalina each year to enjoy our World Famous Art Festivals.

Upcoming Events

 

 

2026 Catalina Island Arts & Crafts Festival

Mothers Day Weekend, May 8,9,10 2026

1st annual Two Harbors Brew Fest

June 20, 2026

67th Annual Catalina Festival of Art

September 18-20 2026 10am-5pm Fri-Sunday

Kids Art Show Saturday ONLY September 19, 2026  12-3pm PRIZES!

2nd Annual Catalina Island Mermaid Festival

October 24 & 25, 2026

 

 

 

 

Join us for our 2nd Annual Catalina Island Mermaid Festival

 

Exciting News! 🌊

We’re thrilled to announce our 2nd annual Mermaid Festival! This two-day event will be held on Front Street, featuring a variety of mermaid and ocean-themed artists. Here’s what we have in store:

🦆 Rubber Ducky Derby – Saturday at South Beach
🏖️ Mermaid Tail Sand Contest – Also at South Beach🤳 Meet & Swim with Mermaids – Get up close and personal with your favorite mermaids!
📸 Mermaid Photo Ops – Snap some magical photos with real mermaids!
🎨 Mermaid-Themed Art Booths – Explore along Front Street and become a mermaid for the day!
🍻 Beer Garden & Live Music – Enjoy great tunes and drinks throughout the festival.
🎥 The Little Mermaid Movie Night – Saturday evening on South Beach.

This event is all about bringing fun, visitors, and some extra magic to the island during a quiet weekend. We encourage local businesses to get involved by embracing your inner mermaid!

• Retail shops: Display your mermaid-themed merchandise to attract customers.

• Bars & Restaurants: Offer mermaid-inspired drinks or meals to make the experience even more special.

If you know any artists or performers with a mermaid or ocean theme, or have any ideas that would make this festival even better, we’d love to hear from you!

 

 

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About our Festivals

• How long is each festival?

  All Festivals are 3 days. Outdoors, rain or shine. (it’s almost always sunny in Avalon)

• Is there storage?

  Yes. We provide secure storage at night in a safe secure location.

• What is the pricing for a booth to display my art?

  Booths for the Spring Catalina Island Arts & Crafts Festival are $300, and booths for the Fall Catalina Festival of Arts are $360. Please click the link at the bottom of the page, or email catalinaartassociation@gmail.com regarding booth applications. Payments will not be accepted without art association approval.

• What do I get with my booth?

  We provide 1 10’x10′ popup tent and 2  5’x2′ gridwall panels and 2 Vendor Tables *(additions panels and tables are just $10 each for the entire weekend). We do not provide seating but most booths have bench seating. *(we recommend folding beach chairs).

• Can I rent more grid wall panels and tables?

  Yes! Addition panels and 2×4 & 6ft vendor tables are only $10 each.

• How do I hang my art or displays?

  We do not provide zip ties for hanging art & displays. We allow metal clips. Chet”s Hardware will carry the zip ties for you to purchase if you need them when you get here.

• What about Tax?

  You are responsible for your own taxes. The current tax rate in Avalon is 10%. We do not require you to submit sales report but from time to time we might ask how your sales are doing.

• Are there special hotel rates for exhibitors?

  Not always but we can help recommend friendly hotels who cater to visiting artists. Ask us before you book a room. We will be very happy to help!

• Are there special events just for artists?

  Oh yes! For our September show, the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce holds a social mixer and artist reception with the CAA. The mixer is on the Thursday evening before the show. The mixer is catered and includes local dignitaries, presentations and entertainment.

• How do I get to Catalina Island

  There are ferry boats that bring you to the Island from Long Beach and Orange County. Visit CatalinaExpress.com for rates and times.

• How do I get my art to the Island?

  It takes planning. Most of our exhibitors do what is called “Bundling”. Using large suit cases or hand carts, you can easily transport your items on the ferry boats. There are weight, height and length restrictions though. Make sure you ask before you book your trip.

• Where do I park my car?

  There is ample parking at all boat terminals. Check with the boat service on parking rates.

• Should I arrive a day early?

  Yes! If you arrive on the Thursday before the show, you can walk the show area, find your booth, talk with event coordinators and most of all, attend the Artist Reception that evening!

• Where will my booth be?

  As you can see from our event map below, every one of our booths is in a prime location. Click the image to enlarge.

   

  

  view larger map here

  Click on the link below for your application

  2026 festival application