Applications
Artist Applications
The Iowa Arts Festival features a juried art fair where over 100 artists can present and display their work.
Please note that this is a juried fine art show. There is no Arts and Crafts category to which to apply.
The 2026 Art Fair application is now open.
ELIGIBILITY AND REGULATIONS: All artists age 18 and above are eligible. Artists may only display and sell original artwork in the category in which they are accepted and must be present for the duration of the event. An artist may sell prints of original artwork, but those prints may not comprise more than 50% of the work displayed for sale. Commercially manufactured items, import items, food, commercially cast jewelry, or works of art from molds and kits are not acceptable.
Timeline
- Application opens: December 11, 2025
- Deadline to apply: March 1, 2026
- Application fee: $35.00; booth fee if accepted: $240 for a 10’x10′ space
- Jury dates: March 2-18, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: by March 25, 2026
- Deadline to pay: April 10, 2026; no refund after May 1, 2026
The Emerging Artist Area at the Iowa Arts Festival showcases students from Iowa colleges, universities and high schools AND young people between the ages of 16-25 who are not enrolled in high school or college.
The 2026 Emerging Artist Area application is now open.
Timeline
- Deadline to apply: April 1, 2026
- Notification of acceptance by: April 11, 2026
- Booth fee: $35.00
- Deadline to pay: April 25, 2026
A limited number of Artist Vendor Booths are available for the Iowa City Jazz Festival each year.
The 2026 Iowa City Jazz Festival Artist Application is now open.
To read the 2026 Rules and Regulations, click HERE.
Timeline
- Deadline to apply: April 1, 2026
- Notification of acceptance by: April 11, 2026
- Booth fee for a 10′ x 10′ space: $200
- Deadline to pay: April 25, 2026
Holiday Thieves Market – December 5-6, 2026
Performers Applications
Festival Performers
- Friday Night Concert Series
- Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings
- Iowa Arts Festival
- Iowa City Jazz Festival
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2026 season.
The deadline has passed.
Summer of the Arts festivals feature a variety of opportunities for musical performers and entertainers.
Please review the information for each series and festival below, then fill out the Musician/Entertainer form.
The form is shared with the respective music selection committees. If they are interested in booking you, they will reach out to you. If they are not interested, they will not reach out.
PLEASE NOTE: We receive a high volume of inquiries and are not able to respond to everyone. If the festival committee is interested in booking your act, they will contact you. If they are not interested at this time, they will not contact you.
Friday Night Concert Series
This weekly event primarily books area bands up to 100 miles from Iowa City, and bands with ties to Eastern Iowa. Bands play on the Ped Mall Stage.
Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings
This event books Midwest regional bands and bands with ties to Eastern Iowa. Bands play on a mobile stage in Riverfront Crossings Park.
Iowa Arts Festival
The Main Stage typically features local openers and national or international headliners working in many genres. This festival historically featured rock, folk, bluegrass, and Americana/roots music.
The Ped Mall Stage primarily features local entertainment suitable for children and families including solo acts, acoustic performances, world music, and dance.
Street Entertainment primarily features local entertainment suitable for children and families including solo acts, acoustic performances, and small groups.
Iowa City Jazz Festival
The Main Stage features well-known national and international acts.
The Side Stage features state, local, college, and youth performers.
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Performers
- Market Music
- Party in the Park
- Other Parks & Rec opportunities as available
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2026 season.
The deadline to apply has passed.
The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department contracts with Summer of the Arts to book Market Music, Party in the Park, and other events as needed.
Please review the information for each event below. Please fill out the Musician/Entertainer form.
- Performers are required to provide their own sound equipment.
- Pay for Market Music is $400.
- Pay for Party in the Park is $300.
Booking info:
- If you are selected as a potential performer, you will receive an email asking for your availability for the appropriate event.
- Once availability is confirmed, you will be notified of the date you are scheduled to perform at which time you’ll need to complete the contract and W-9 form for the City.
- You will be required to provide a short bio and photo for promotional purposes.
- If you are NOT selected this year, please feel free to apply again next year. We will only contact those selected to perform.
Market Music
Individuals and small groups perform Saturday mornings 9 AM-12 PM at the Iowa City Farmer’s Market, in the Chauncey Swan Park.
Party in the Park
Party in the Park events are held at a different Iowa City park each week during the summer, Thursday evenings from 6:30-8 PM.
Food Vendor Applications
Ready to be part of something special? The Iowa Arts Festival and Iowa City Jazz Festival attract thousands of visitors to downtown Iowa City each summer, and we want YOUR food to be part of the experience! Set up your booth on Iowa Avenue and showcase your culinary creations to enthusiastic festival-goers looking for delicious eats.
Sustainability Matters: All Summer of the Arts food vendors are required to use biodegradable or compostable foodware. Together, we’re making our festivals greener!
Application Timeline:
- Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Acceptance Notifications: By March 17, 2026
- Payment Due: April 1, 2026
Booth Fees (per event):
- 13′ x 15′ — $650
- 13′ x 20′ — $965
- 13′ x 25′ — $1,275
Ready to Apply? Download 2026 Food Vendor Rules and Regulations (PDF) for all the details you need to know.
Questions? Contact Marigona Gashi by email or call our office at 319-337-7944.
Fun Stops Applications
Fun Stop booths are perfect for nonprofit organizations and community groups to share information about who they are and what they do. These booths must include a hands-on activity for people of all ages and enhance the festival experience for our attendees by providing opportunities to engage in artmaking and/or creative play. Fun Stop organizations must provide their own tent, weights, tables and chairs. No electricity is available.
For more information, or if you have questions about Fun Stops, please contact Andrea Truitt by email or call our office at 319-337-7944.
Businesses: if you are interested in having a booth, please email Eric Johnson, Development Director, to discuss a Sponsor Booth.
Timeline
- Deadline to apply: April 1, 2026
- Notification of acceptance by: April 11, 2026
- Deadline to pay: April 25, 2026
Booth Fees
- 10′ x 10′ space, nonprofit/community group: $50