One of St. Pete’s longest-running and most beloved city events is hitting a huge milestone this year, as the Mainsail Art Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. Hosted in scenic Vinoy Park (701 Bayshore Dr. NE), the sprawling art festival is returning next weekend, Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6.
This highly anticipated event is a highlight of the city’s outdoor calendar, drawing in more than 100,000 visitors each year who come to appreciate and purchase exquisite art while enjoying live musical entertainment. Admission is free and open to all ages, as guests are invited to stroll through the festival grounds while mingling with artists and viewing some of their incredible works.
In honor of their 50th anniversary, Mainsail is hosting its biggest-ever lineup of festivities alongside the 250+ artists:
- 50th Anniversary Mainsail Tent
- JLSP Kids Create Craft Tent
- Young at ARt Student Show
- Performing Arts Live Music
- Culinary Arts Food Court & Beer Garden
- Mainsail Promotions Tent
Enjoy one of America’s best and biggest art festivals
Recently, the Mainsail Art Festival was ranked as one of the top 14 art festivals in the entire country, an honor bestowed upon the nonprofit event by Sunshine Artist Magazine, America’s premier art show and festival guide.
Organized entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers, the Mainsail Art Festival boasts an impressive $65,000 prize money for the participating artists. With over 250 juried fine art and craft exhibitors showcasing their talent across 13 different mediums, there will be something for everyone to admire and appreciate. From stunning paintings to intricate sculptures, this festival promises to be a feast for the senses.
Discover great music, food and drink
But it’s not just about the art – the Mainsail Art Festival also offers a diverse lineup of performing arts to captivate the audience. From mime acts to strolling minstrels, and steel drums to bands on the stage, there will be an eclectic mix of performances to enjoy throughout the weekend. In addition to the entertainment, families can explore the Kids Create Craft Tent, an annual feature brought to Mainsail by the Junior League of St. Petersburg. This offers a variety of hands-on crafts and creative activities, ensuring kids of all ages can get involved and express their artistic side while enjoying the festival.
And let’s not forget about the tasty food and drink – lots of our local favorite food vendors, cafes, and chefs will be serving up their delectable offerings, ensuring that your taste buds are just as satisfied as your eyes and ears. Of note, all food and beverage vendors are cashless for Mainsail.
Mainsail Art Festival takes place Saturday, April 5 from 9 am – 6 pm, and Sunday, April 6 from 10 am – 5 pm. Admission is free, with no registration needed. Paid parking nearby is available at South Core garage, Al Lang surface lot, and along Beach Drive, and there will also be trolleys equipped with a wheelchair lift providing a free shuttle to the festival. Learn more at mainsailart.org.
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