Over 200 juried artists, live music, craft beer, kids’ activities, and one of the most beautiful parks in North Texas — the Cottonwood Art Festival turns 57 this spring and it just keeps getting better.
Richardson doesn’t get nearly enough credit for what it produces. Case in point: the Cottonwood Art Festival, one of the most prestigious juried fine art festivals in the United States — free to attend, held in a gorgeous park, and returning this weekend for another unforgettable spring run.
From its humble beginnings in 1969, the Cottonwood Art Festival has grown into a national institution. That first year, local artists laid blankets on the grass at Cottonwood Park and set up easels, hoping to sell a few pieces. More than five decades later, the festival attracts over 200 juried artists from across the country — each one selected by a panel of expert jurors from hundreds of applications — and draws crowds of art lovers who know quality when they see it.
The 2026 Featured Artist
This year’s spring festival shines a spotlight on Julia Gilmore, an acclaimed painter whose bold use of color and palette knife technique creates layered oil works that explore memory, emotion, and the beauty of everyday objects. Gilmore will be on-site both days, engaging with visitors and sharing the story behind her work — a rare chance to meet the artist face to face. Her work appears on the commemorative poster and official festival merchandise, available at the Festival Headquarters and Boutique in the Lakeside Courtyard.
What You’ll Find Inside
The festival floor spans paintings, sculptures, ceramics, mixed media, photography, jewelry, and more — all of it original, all of it hand-selected. Two stages host live music throughout the weekend, a craft beer garden keeps things lively, and food trucks offer everything from gourmet tacos and barbecue to gyros and corn dogs. The ArtStop Children’s Area gives younger visitors their own hands-on creative space with painting, pottery, and activities designed for every age.
The annual Chalk the Walk Sidewalk Art Contest invites artists 12 and up to create chalk masterpieces on-site — and the public gets to vote for their favorite. Cash prizes up to $500 are awarded to winners.
Getting There
Parking is available at Richardson High School football stadium and St. Barnabas Presbyterian Church, both across from the festival grounds, with shuttles running throughout the weekend. The festival also offers complimentary bike valet in partnership with Richardson Bicycle Coalition and BikeDFW — a great way to skip the parking entirely.
Bags, backpacks, and coolers are welcome. Photography of artwork requires the artist’s permission first. All major credit cards accepted.
Event Details
Event: Cottonwood Art Festival — Spring 2026 Dates: Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, 2026 Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. / Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Belt Line Rd., Richardson, TX 75080 Admission: Free Phone: (972) 744-4580 Website: cottonwoodartfestival.com Facebook: Cottonwood Art Festival Instagram: @cottonwoodartfest
