2023 Events

The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is one of the best-regarded, most popular arts festivals in the United States, and 2023 marks the 51st Year of the festival.

The three-day, juried art show draws over 200 of the nation’s best painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, graphic artists, craftsmen, and other artists.

Sunshine Artist magazine ranks the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival as the 9th top art festival in the nation in 2022 based on artists’ evaluations.

Live musicians hit the right notes from the Main Stage with sounds ranging from bluegrass to Cajun and blues to jazz and classical.

Performing companies, dance schools, community groups, and area folk groups have their time to shine.

Heritage Arts demonstrates traditional arts, crafts, and trades, including woodcarving, engraving, spinning, weaving, and other skills in the Heritage Arts Area.

Children become artists at the Children’s Arts Festival with numerous hands-on art activities. All children’s art activities are free, fun, and geared toward children toddler age and older. The Student Art Show showcases the talents of both private and public school students of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. Over 2,000 art pieces from elementary, middle, and high school students will be displayed.

From traditional treats at the Heritage Festival to local favorites and regional festival fare, there are delicious dining and drink choices for every taste at the Festival!