Watercolor splash background with text promoting the 55th Annual Bloomin' Arts event on March 7 and 8, 2026, in Barton, Florida.

Who We Are

An Amazing Show For Over 55 Years...

For 55 Years we've been Central Florida’s Favorite Fine Art and Fine Craft Show. Our annual festival is an all volunteer show brought to you by The Bartow Art Guild, The Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, and Main Street Bartow. Saturday & Sunday March 7 & 8, 2026. The Bloomin' Arts Festival is a juried show with awards over $15,000. And... don't forget Sunday's Plein Air competition!

Scenic downtown Bartow closes the streets for this festival. The beautiful silver dome of the old courthouse (now museum) is the backdrop for the art show. Surrounding free attractions (antique car show, Bloomin’ Bike Ride, quilt show, student art show, kids art/face painting tent, and food trucks) add to the festivities. Public admission and parking is free.

Outstanding Fine Artists & Fine Craftsmen...

Over $15,000 in awards are available in judging and purchase awards and over 150 artists from near and far, gather in Bartow the first full weekend of March every year. Painters, sculptors, jewelers, wood workers, metal artists, clay artists, mixed media, and fiber are some of the beautiful artwork on hand to view and buy. The event takes place on Main Street and the surrounding area by the Polk Historical Museum. Volunteers from the guild and the community work many months to bring this popular and ever growing event to Bartow.

Entertainment, Food & Fun

The festival weekend is filled with FREE entertainment throughout the day Saturday and Sunday. Along with our wonderful downtown restaurants, food trucks roll in for some great fair food. Our student activity tent is located next to the student art tent and has hands on activities for the little ones. Don’t forget the Bloomin’ Bike Ride Saturday morning. You won’t want to miss all the fun, once a year, in Downtown Bartow.

PRIZE MONEY AND PURCHASE AWARDS: $15,000

 

Awards Include:

  • Best of Show $2,250

  • Second Place $1,500

  • Third Place $1,000

  • Award of Achievement $750

  • 2 Awards of Merit $500

  • 4 Honorable Mentions $350 each

  • 2 Judges’ Awards $250 each

  • Purchase Awards

Fees:

  • Single Booth (12' x 12') – $150

  • Double Booth (12' x 24') - $300

Artist Amenities Include:

  • Artist Check-in on Friday night after 5:00 pm. 

  • Booth sitters available.

  • Easy load-in and load-out- drive right up to your space.

  • Parking is close by and RV parking areas within blocks away.

  • Coffee, muffins, and good conversation available Saturday and Sunday mornings.

  • Show advertisement in local media includes an artist listing with booth numbers customers can readily find you.