Held in which is considered to be the most up-and-coming neighborhood in Metro Atlanta, the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival is a two-day celebration of community and tradition presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, for people of all ages, races, customs, and interests. The Festival is a major celebration of the arts while honoring the rich history of our community. At this festival, there is something for everyone: fine arts and crafts, a children's play area, local food and beverage concessions, and live acoustic entertainment. All this is within the environment of Atlanta's most lovely park and is part of the celebration of the Beltline redevelopment. Formerly, this area flanked "City Hall East," which is now under redevelopment as Ponce City Market by Jamestown Properties. This area is targeted as one of the prime examples of urban redevelopment and innovation, benefiting the surrounding communities.
Approximately 100 artists will participate in this annual event.
Festival Hours: Saturday 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
GENERAL INFORMATION
IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES:
Accept applications: September 25, 2025
Application deadline: September 08, 2026
Jury dates: Rolling
Accept invitation & purchase deadline: September 15, 2026
Wait List Released: September 15, 2026 (or as deemed necessary by event/ category by category)
Event Dates: September 26-27, 2026
Load In- Friday, September 26, 2026 (7:30 AM -9:00 AM)
Late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the Director and included on the Wait List.
CATEGORIES
2-D Mixed Media: Includes more than one type of physical material such as collage, papermaking, encaustic, pen and ink, paint, pencil, watercolor, or photography. The finished art is suitable for wall mounting.
3-D Mixed Media: Includes more than one type of physical material such as mosaic, papier mache, clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood, or, any other 3-dimensional objects.
Ceramics: Original shaped and fired clay including earthenware, porcelain, and raku.
Digital Art: Two-dimensional works from which the original image is manipulated by the artist using a computer using programs such as Drawing, Illustrator, Paint, or, other software applications.
Drawing & Printmaking: Original drawings made with pen, pencil, charcoal, pastels, or, chalk. The printmaking process may include pulled plates, linoleum prints, etching, engraving, silkscreen, or, lithography. All prints must be signed and numbered by the artist. Photocopies are not permitted.
Fiber: Works created from fibers including basketry, batik, weaving, papermaking, knitting, and quilting. The embellishment of manufactured materials is not permitted.
Glass: An object made of glass including blown, fused, stained, cast, and molded. The embellishment of manufactured materials is not permitted.
Handicraft: Handmade items made by the artist from manufactured, recycled, or repurposed materials transforming the combined materials into a unique product into a cohesive collection. A complete description of the items is required.
Jewelry: All Jewelry is crafted from metal, glass, stone, clay, or other materials. Commercial molds or casts are not permitted. At least 50% of the organic materials in the finished product used must be produced by the artist.
Metal: Functional and non-sculptural works incorporating metal.
Painting: The use of oils, acrylics, watercolors, and tempera suitable for hanging.
Photography: Prints, transparencies, or digital images made from the artist’s original negative or taken with a digital camera that has been processed by the artist.
Sculpture: Three-dimensional work is done in any individual medium.
Wood & Furniture: Original works in wood that are built, turned, carved, or tooled. Embellished manufactured wood items are not permitted.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- T-shirts and commercial clothing
- Posters
- Manufactured toys
- Commercially manufactured or reproduced items (resale)
- Jewelry is made from more than 50% manufactured components
- Any item that employs the use of commercially available molds or patterns