An Alabama art festival was named the best in the country by USA Today
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There are plenty of arts + crafts festivals to love around the state of Alabama but one in particular always draws some national attention.
The annual USA Today 10Best readers’ choice awards have selected the Orange Beach Festival of Art as the best art festival in the country.
Keep reading to learn more about the coastal festival + why it was chosen as the best art fest in the country.
Orange Beach Festival of Art
Earlier this month, the festival celebrated its 51st annual event with thousands of residents and visitors flocking to see vendors from around the country.
The event is free, providing a celebration of visual, literary, performing, musical and culinary arts. There is also live music on two stages throughout the weekend.
“Featuring both local and regional artists, this waterfront festival highlights diverse media, including painting, pottery, glasswork, and woodcraft. Attendees can enjoy live music, interactive demonstrations, and even a culinary arts section, blending creativity with coastal flavors. The festival also offers family-friendly activities, making it a perfect outing for all ages.”
USA Today 10Best
The festival’s dates are already set for next year. Here’s what you need to know:
- What: 52nd Orange Beach Festival of Art
- When: March 14-15, 2026
- Where: Orange Beach Waterfront Park | 26389 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- Vendor applications
- Facebook | Instagram | Website
USA Today 10Best Art Festivals 2025
This year, USA Today’s panel nominated 20 of the best art festivals around the country before allowing readers to vote in a top 10 over the last month.
“Art festivals are a great way to discover new artists, enjoy live performances, and immerse yourself in creative works. Millions of people attend art festivals across the U.S. every year, with each event offering its own unique appeal. But which ones are the best?”
USA Today10Best
While we think you should start with Orange Beach, you probably can’t go wrong visiting any of the festivals nominated by USA Today. The rest of the top 10 included:
- Belle Isle Art Fair | Detroit, Michigan
- Dogwood Arts Festival | Knoxville, Tennessee
- Ann Arbor Art Fair | Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Des Moines Arts Festival | Des Moines, Iowa
- Double Decker Arts Festival | Oxford, Mississippi
- Artisphere | Greenville, South Carolina
- The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival | The Woodlands, Texas
- Old Town Art Fair | Chicago, Illinois
- Columbus Arts Festival | Columbus, Ohio
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