Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival - 34th Annual - Winter 2027 - Thunderbird Artists

Overview

The award-winning 34th Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival is one of three official 'Signature Events' of the town of Carefree. Produced by Thunderbird Artists in conjunction with the 501(c)(3) Imprints of Honor, the festival transforms downtown Carefree into a world-class fine art arena for three days. Carefree is nestled in the foothills of the Sonoran desert, bordering Scottsdale to the north. Well established as a collector's show, the festival draws a qualified, knowledgeable and very affluent clientele. The event brings 150 world-class artists to Easy and HoHum Streets of Downtown Carefree.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: July 15, 2026
• Notification date: July 29, 2026
• Accept or decline invitation deadline: August 30, 2026
• Marketing/space fee deadline: October 10, 2026 (at least 1/2 down by this date)
• Refund deadline: December 4, 2026

Eligibility

All work must be original, handcrafted, created and exhibited by the artist. At least 65% of displayed work must be original art. No open-ended edition prints, kits, imports, mass-produced items, clothing, hobby or bazaar-type articles permitted.

Application Requirements

• Emerging artists may apply
• Submit 4 images (min 4, max 4; total max 5 files)
• Submission limit: 2 works per artist
• All categories must be juried prior to acceptance
• Separate images and jury fee required for acceptance of more than one medium
• If two or more persons collaborate, each person must be identified on the application
• Artist must acquire proper state and city/town tax license/permits

Booth Information

• 10' x 10' = $550
• 10' x 10' w/corner = $650
• 10' x 15' = $825
• 10' x 15' w/corner = $925
• 10' x 20' = $1050
• 10' x 20' w/corner = $1150

Display & Setup Rules

• Exhibitor's display must represent artwork submitted for jury; misrepresentation results in expulsion without refund
• Upgrades acceptable with Thunderbird Artists notification and new booth shot
• Handwritten signs and sale signs prohibited
• Tables must be covered to ground; storage and supplies must be neatly covered
• All work, display and storage must stay within designated space

Festival Rules & Conduct

• Occupancy of space required by 9am first day; no-show results in space forfeiture with no refund
• Setup and breakdown times strictly enforced; breakdown will not begin until end of show
• No pets on festival grounds
• Artists must utilize assigned space during published festival hours
• No extending beyond assigned space without specification
• No political or religious solicitation or imposing views on customers or fellow artists
• Recommended attire is business casual
• Festivals close at 5pm; wine tasting begins after 4pm; no drinking before this time
• Failure to comply with rules or unruly behavior results in immediate expulsion and elimination from future events
• All rules strictly enforced; Thunderbird Artists reserves right to make final interpretation

Refund Policy

Refund deadline is December 4, 2026. Before this date, entire booth fee minus $35 cancellation fee is refunded. After this date, no refunds given.