Stockley Gardens Fall Arts Festival 2026

Overview

Hope House Foundation is celebrating its 42nd year hosting the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival, a juried festival in beautiful Stockley Gardens Park in historic Ghent. The weekend event draws thousands of people and features fine art, foods, music, and children's activities. The festival has been called Hampton Roads' best arts festival and was named one of the top two outdoor art events in Eastern Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine six years in a row.

Key dates

• Submission deadline: July 15, 2026
• Notification: Week of August 11, 2026
• Booth fee payment due: August 18, 2026
• Set-up: Friday, October 16th, 1:00 pm–7:00 pm; Saturday, October 17th, 7:30 am–9:30 am
• Festival hours: Saturday, October 17th, 10:00 am–5:00 pm; Sunday, October 18th, 12:00 pm–5:00 pm

Eligibility and submission

Professional artists only; not open to emerging artists. Original work created and executed by the artist's own hand, professional quality. Work limited to single artist or two-person team collaboration.

Media and accepted categories

Accepted media: Drawing, Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Metal, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Pottery, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Wood. Body care items, food items, and clothing are not accepted.

Application requirements

Submit 4 digital images (minimum 4, maximum 4). Maximum 2 entries per artist. If applying in multiple media, submit separate images and jury fees for each medium.

Awards and prizes

• Best in Show (Helen G. Gifford Foundation): $3,500
• 1st Place (Alexis Reass Award): $2,000
• 2nd Place (Melayna Sophia Award): $1,500
• 3rd Place: $1,000
• Award of Merit (1): $150

Booth and display

Standard booth space is 10×10 feet; 10×15 and 10×20 spaces also available. Artists must provide their own display unit(s). Electricity is not provided. Display must be completely contained within purchased space.

Festival policies

No rain date; the festival does not offer refunds due to weather. Artists are encouraged to protect work from rain. No refunds for cancellations. Artists may not pack out early without committee approval; doing so risks not being invited back. The jury selection is final and based solely on images submitted.

Artist reception

Free artists' reception with live music on Saturday evening from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the main stage. Award winners announced during the reception. Food vendors and beverages available.