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

14th Annual Catalina Island Arts & Crafts Festival

Mothers Day Weekend, May 8,9,10 2026

1st annual Two Harbors Beach BBQ and Art 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:

• 

       Surfboard Art Installation and Contest

  The Art Association is having a fundraiser that will help keep THE ARTS ALIVE IN AVALON.

  In years past , Avalon had custom painted Buffalo and Eagles all around town. It was such a unique art installation for everyone to enjoy, with each of them displaying a variety of art styles. The Art Association is selling wooden surfboards that can be personally painted in Mermaid/Ocean themed designs. Our vision is to have businesses purchase our boards , paint them in your individual style and display them at your place of business for the community and our visitors to enjoy ,as we lead up to the Mermaid Festival in October. Each of the surfboards will become an art installation on South Beach during the Rubber Ducky Derby. Each surfboard will be judged and a winner will be chosen. The winning board (and business) will win an incredible prize. Later that day we will have a live Art Auction on the stage and you can donate your board to the auction. The proceeds of each surfboard will given to a local charity/organization of your choice.

  Each wooden surfboard will cost $200.00 to purchase.The surfboards measure 6 feet by 2 feet. Your business will create and paint your individual surfboards. Here’s your opportunity to show off your creative side. Surfboards will be available for delivery on June 1 ,2026. Please display your creative art installation at your business and we encourage to flood your social media platforms as well. The Art Association will also display your business’s surfboards on the Art Association website and social media platforms. Our hope is to have a successful Mermaid Festival and give each of your businesses the opportunity to show off your artwork. Please bring your painted surfboard to South Beach by 10 am on Saturday October 24,2026 to help us create an art installation for the community and visitors to enjoy on the day of the event . Make sure your surfboard is labeled with your business name and include the name of the artist. Again, let us know if you want your surfboard to be auctioned as part of the live auction that will take place on the stage. Remember the proceeds from your individual painted surfboard will be donated to the local charity/organization of your choice.

  The Art Association is hoping to continue to bring events like this to our community for all to enjoy.

  We are honored to collaborate with our local businesses to help keep the ARTS ALIVE in our community.

  Thank you for all your continued support.

  If you have any questions please call, text, or email.

  Catalina Art Association

  310-510-2788

  Catalinaartassociation@gmail.com

  Respectfully,

  Lola Laura DiMiele

  Catalina Art Association

  President

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!

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

  Copy of sept 2026