May 2nd 2026
Rappahannock Art Festival
Rappahannock Art Festival
A community art festival with music, makers, installations, and space to connect.
What to expect
A full-day community art festival with live music, local makers, and space to connect.
Artist Booths
Explore original work from local artists across painting, photography, fiber, sculpture, and more. Meet the creators, learn about their process, and take home something you love.
Live Music
Enjoy live sets from local musicians throughout the day—laid-back, upbeat, and family-friendly. Bring a blanket or chair and hang out near the stage.
Conversation Circles
Join short, guided small-group conversations designed to be welcoming and low-pressure. No debate—just real community dialogue and connection.
Installations
Wander through pop-up outdoor art installations placed around the park and along the walking paths. Some pieces will be interactive, immersive, or made specifically for the festival.
Family-Centered Space
A relaxed area for kids and families to play, create, and take a break between booths and performances. Expect open space, easy activities, and a friendly festival vibe.
Stage Performances
A rotating mix of performances—including music, spoken word, and community features. The schedule is built for movement: watch a set, explore, then come back for the next one.
Apply to showcase your work at the Rappahannock Art Festival—artist booths, outdoor installations along the park walkway, and live performances on our stage.
Artists
Showcase original work in a 10’x10’ booth space.
Installations
Create an outdoor piece along the park walkway.
Performers
Bring music or performance to the main stage.
Deadlines: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. You can submit a rough draft now and update your submission anytime through March 31. Final participation details must be confirmed by April 15.
Please contact events@fredericksburglwv.org with questions or for accessibility concerns.
Booth space is provided at no cost to artists and exhibiters. All participants are responsible for their own tent, table, and display setup. If this presents a barrier to participation, please let us know — limited assistance may be available.
Sponsor the Rappahannock Art Festival
Help bring our region together through original art, live music, and a welcoming community space. Sponsorships fund festival logistics, accessibility, and free participation for artists.
Supporter
$100Help make the festival possible.
Friend
$250Show your support as a local backer.
Community Partner
$500Sponsor community art + public connection.
Festival Partner
$1,000Be recognized as a major supporter.
Presenting Sponsor
$2,500Top-tier recognition and visibility.
Nonprofit & Community Organization Booths
Invite your organization to be part of the festival
We welcome local nonprofits and community organizations to host free informational booths alongside artists and partners. This festival is designed to be a welcoming, nonpartisan public space—participating organizations must align with that environment.
- Booth space is free for eligible nonprofits (space-only; you provide your setup)
- Nonprofits may also sponsor through the donation tiers for added recognition benefits
- Participating organizations must be an official nonprofit and may not use their booth for partisan political activity (candidate/party promotion, campaign materials, or fundraising)
Local Business Booths (For-Profit Vendors)
Promote your business at a high-traffic community event
For-profit businesses are welcome to host booths and connect with attendees. Booth purchases are separate from sponsorships—sponsorships provide recognition benefits, while booth fees cover onsite vendor space.
Booth Fee: $300 per 10’x10’ booth
- Space for business promotion and community engagement
- You provide your tent/table/chairs
- Upgrade options may be available (corner placement, double space) if capacity allows
Important: Booth sales are first-come, first-served and space is limited. *Payment of booth fee is not tax-deductible.
Food Trucks
Serve thousands of attendees at a high-traffic, family-friendly festival featuring art, music, and community programming.
Bring your truck, serve great food, and be part of the festival energy.
Vendor Fee: $300
Note: Vendor fee is not tax-deductible.
Festival Details
The Rappahannock Art Festival will take place at John Lee Pratt Memorial Park on May 2nd 2026 from 11:00am – 6:00pm
A parking plan and event map will be added to the website in mid-March — please check back in for details.
For any questions or inquiries, contact events@fredericksburglwv.org
Artist Appreciations
People’s Choice Award
Vote for your favorite artists and exhibits
Artists can opt in to the People’s Choice Award—participation is completely optional, so exhibitors can choose to display without competition. Festival attendees will be able to vote for their favorites while exploring the event.
- Opt-in artists will be clearly marked on the festival map (online + in the printed program)
- Voting will be quick and mobile-friendly using QR codes at participating booths and in the program
- Winners will be announced after the festival
Silent Auction
Support the festival through original donated work
We’ll be hosting a hybrid silent auction featuring donated artwork and items from participating artists and community supporters.
- Online bidding will open before the festival and continue into the event
- In-person bidding will also be available during the festival
- Auction items will be accessible either at individual booths (via QR codes) or in a dedicated auction display area on-site (final format to be announced)
Who We Are
About the Organizers
The Rappahannock Art Festival is produced by the League of Women Voters of the Fredericksburg Area, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering voters and strengthening democracy through education, civic participation, and community connection.
This festival is a welcoming public space centered on art, creativity, and local culture—while also creating opportunities for conversation circles, civic learning, and voter information throughout the day. Participation by artists, performers, food vendors, and sponsors does not imply endorsement by the organizers.
Learn more about the League: fredericksburglwv.org
Contact Information:
Ashlie Roederer: events@fredericksburglwv.org
Theodore Blackwell: president@fredericksburglwv.org
