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Site updates are in progress for 2027 — some content may still reflect 2026.

Join the 27th Annual Chain of Parks Art Festival in downtown Tallahassee on April 17 & 18, 2027, and showcase your talent, organization, or business at this premier, nationally ranked event! Recognized as the #5 Fine Art Festival in the Nation, the event draws over 45,000 visitors. We are seeking participants across a variety of categories, including Local Food & Beverage Vendors, Local Entertainers, Community Partners (non-profits), Brand Ambassadors (businesses), Chalk/Street Artists, and groups for the Children’s Park (Pop-Up Studios, Local Culture Tents, and Interactive Art Vendors).

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a beloved regional celebration of art and culture. The application is available from Nov. 1, 2026 to February 1, 2027!

DEADLINES:

Fine & Heritage Visual Artist Apps (Click Here): Aug. 15 – Oct. 31

Garden Guardian Sculpture Proposals: Oct. 1 – Jan. 10

All Other Participant Apps: Nov. 1 – Feb. 1

Follow us at @ChainofParks for application updates and reminders.

2027 Garden Guardians: Upcycled Sculpture Exhibit & Auction

WHAT IS THE PROJECT?

Following the success of the 2026 Garden Guardian exhibit and auction, we are bringing the project back in 2027 to establish it as an annual Festival tradition. A Garden Guardian is more than a sculpture; it’s a whimsical protector of green spaces, a playful sentinel meant to spark joy and curiosity. Your design can be a mythical creature, a beloved animal, an anthropomorphic figure, a pillar, or anything in between.

We will select up to 10 local and regional artists to create eco-friendly garden sculptures from upcycled materials. These sculptures will be displayed at LeMoyne Arts Gardens from March 16 – April 16, 2027. All sculptures will be moved to the Festival for a concluding silent auction on April 17 & 18, 2027, with all proceeds benefiting LeMoyne Arts to support year-round programming and art education.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

The jury is looking for whimsical, creative, and sustainable creations. Your design should be a true example of upcycling, with a focus on utilizing at least 70% upcycled materials to support our Greening efforts. We are seeking well-constructed, artisan pieces that will delight and inspire our viewers.

*This application is for design proposals only. You do not need a finished piece until March 12.

Coming Nov. 1: Street / Chalk Artists:

The Chain of Parks Art Festival showcases over 150 fine artists, live music, food, and activities for all ages. As a special section of the Festival, we invite four nationally recognized street artists to create spectacular “3D” anamorphic masterpieces from temporary chalk and paint. This is a highly visible, live-action project in our “Chalk Art Oasis” area, designed to create excitement and provide interactive social media photo opportunities for attendees.

This program is kindly underwritten by Visit Tallahassee.

Coming Nov. 1: The Children’s Park:

In Partnership with Leon County Schools

The Children’s Park (located in Randolph Park) is one of the most popular, family-friendly sections of the Festival! This interactive area is designed for thousands of kids to run, play, and use their hands to create their own works of art! Our goal is to provide a free and fun area where children can get excited about art, while also helping organizations that focus on the arts and local heritage in our community gain visibility through our 45,000+ visitors.

This decorated area is comprised of Pop-Up Art Studios, Local Culture tents, Entertainers, Interactive Art Vendors, and the historical Jacques Le Moyne Encampment with live historical reenactments! The Children’s Park is a shady, sloped area for families to rest, get creative, enjoy snack foods, sing along to live entertainment, experiment with chalk art, and more!

In fairness to our artists and vendors, we do not allow the selling of any products or charging for any services. Branded decor, free swag, and handout information are all welcome!

Please Note: Additional guidelines, requirements, and key information are available within the application. Please review carefully before applying.

Pop-Up Studios:

Children’s Pop-Up Studios provide a no-charge, kid-friendly art activity for up to 500-800 kids (per day) during the Festival weekend. The Festival encourages organizations to provide eco-friendly art activities using upcycled materials to promote sustainability. The Festival provides a complimentary 10×10 white tent in the park, 2 tables, 6 chairs, and colorful bunting around the tent’s edge so that organizations can focus their efforts on decorating their booth and provide supplies for their make-and-take craft.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Fully refundable $100 security deposit (automatically processed via Eventeny upon acceptance to the Festival; we can no longer receive checks).
Description of your free art-making activity.
Description of your organization/ mission statement.
Contact info for your team.

Local Culture Tents:

We want visitors to learn about the diverse groups who have made an impact on the history and cultural landscape of our beautiful city! This program is focused on showcasing local and regional heritage groups who can provide educational information and activities for people of all ages.

Each tent should be decorated to represent your culture, offer free educational materials, and include an interactive activity of some kind. The more vibrant your presentation is, the more fun and engaging the experience is for everyone! We also welcome participants to read stories and perform cultural dances/ skits on our small Children’s Park stage.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Fully refundable $100 security deposit (automatically processed via Eventeny upon acceptance to the Festival; we can no longer receive checks).
Description of your free interactive activity.
Description of your organization/ mission statement.
Contact info for your team.

Interactive Art Vendors:

This is a limited opportunity for face painters, henna artists, hair weavers, caricature artists, and other kid-friendly interactive art skills to interact with Festival visitors, and be financially compensated for your work.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

$300 booth space fee (automatically processed via Eventeny upon acceptance to the Festival; we can no longer receive checks).
Description of your interactive activity.
Pricing structure.
Contact info for your team.

Coming Nov. 1: The Community Corner:

The Community Corner is all about making community connections! This key entrance of the Festival features our Host Sponsors, Community Partners (local non-profits/ government agencies), and Brand Ambassadors (private businesses) who interact with thousands of visitors through free, educational, and hands-on activities, with a focus on sustainability and arts & culture in our community.

PARTICIPATION BENEFITS:

Outreach opportunities to an estimated 40,000+ visitors.
Listing in the Festival Magazine distributed to hotels, sponsors, on our website, and at the Festival.
Entrance sign listing your organization.
Recognition on social media and ChainofParks.com
One parking pass.
10×10 booth space in a prime location.

In fairness to our artists and vendors, we do not allow the selling of any products or charging for any services (besides memberships). However, branded decor, swag, and handout information are welcome.

Please Note: Additional guidelines, requirements, and key information are available within the application. Please review carefully before applying.

We love our Community Partners!

Community Partners include local non-profits and local government agencies that bring fun educational activities to engage visitors in hands-on interactions to broaden their experiences and knowledge. Community Partners pay $125 to have a 10×10 booth space to share information about their organization and mission.

Be a Brand Ambassador!

Brand Ambassadors include private businesses that engage the public in a visually appealing, interactive booth setup to promote their offerings in a meaningful way. Brand Ambassadors pay $750 for a 10×10 booth space. They may provide hand-outs, free swag, share mailing list information, and set appointments, but are strictly prohibited from selling goods or services.

Coming Nov. 1: Entertainment: Performing Arts

Enhance the Chain of Parks Art Festival’s lively, community atmosphere with your performance! We prioritize local entertainment, especially student groups, to maintain a family-friendly environment. Your music will be a wonderful part of the day’s backdrop as visitors enjoy the art and sunshine.

LeMoyne’s Chain of Parks Art Festival has welcomed a variety of local groups to perform on a volunteer basis to support the Festival for many years, while having a great community experience performing for our 45,000+ visitors throughout the festival weekend! For entertainers on the Mainstage, we are able to offer a $150 performance honorarium (per group) in appreciation for your time and talent.

If you would like to donate your performance instead, please know we are extremely grateful! In thanks for this donation, we can offer complimentary drink tickets to the Main Bar and Fina Italian Ice vouchers.

Children’s Park and Chalk Art Oasis Entertainers will continue to showcase their talent on a volunteer basis.

PARTICIPATION BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Performers receive exposure to thousands of visitors at the Festival.
Listing in the Festival Magazine distributed to hotels, sponsors, on our website, and at the Festival.
Lineup signage on site.
Recognition on social media and ChainofParks.com
A table space by the performance area to promote future performances and to sell CD’s, merch, and sign autographs.
Temporary parking passes for load-in and load-out.
Performance honorarium or refreshing treat vouchers.

Please Note: Additional guidelines, requirements, and key information are available within the application. Please review carefully before applying.

Coming Nov. 1: Local Food & Beverage Vendors:

The Festival strives to have a wide variety of high-quality, wholesome, and delicious food with a preference for local and regional food vendors. We are seeking fresh, grab-and-go meals and snacks for visitors to enjoy throughout the day. We strive to provide a mix of indulgent and healthy options (many visitors request vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options).

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

We accept vendors who create fresh food & beverages on-site; we do not permit the sale of pre-packaged, take-home commercial or artisan retail food items (e.g., hot sauces, jams, dips, candy, branded chips bags, etc.)
As a fine arts festival, we prioritize booths and trucks that have attractive curbside appeal and avoid set-ups that are more appropriate for a carnival/ fair.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Clear photo of your truck/ booth setup.
Menu with accurate pricing.
Copy of Business Tax Certificate, DBPR License, or similar food service license (with your legal business name).
Booth space payment (automatically processed via Eventeny upon acceptance to the Festival; we can no longer receive checks).
SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT: Chain of Parks Art Festival is now in its 10th year of “Greening the Festival”. As a food vendor, you must agree to reduce food waste and packaging waste generated at the Festival. Please see our Greening rules under the Terms & Conditions section of the application.

Please Note: Additional guidelines, requirements, and key information are available within the application. Please review carefully before applying.