Get ready to immerse yourself in creativity and community spirit at the 29th Annual Orange Street ArtsFest, a highly anticipated event hosted by the Thalian Association Community Theatre (TACT). Mark your calendars for Memorial Day Weekend, May 24th & 25th, 2025, as Orange Street in Wilmington, NC, transforms into a vibrant hub of arts and culture. From 9am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, this beloved festival promises a delightful experience for art enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a weekend filled with unique creations and local talent.
Calling All Artists and Crafters: Application Details
Are you an artist or craft vendor looking for a prime venue to showcase your work? The Orange Street ArtsFest is the perfect opportunity to connect with a passionate audience and sell your creations. The festival is now accepting applications for artists and vendors eager to participate in this celebrated event. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the artistic energy that fills Orange Street each year. You can easily apply online through the Artist/Vendor application form. Early application is highly recommended as spaces are limited and fill up quickly for this popular arts festival on Orange Street.
Volunteer and Be Part of the Orange Street ArtsFest Team
The Orange Street ArtsFest thrives on community involvement, and enthusiastic volunteers are crucial to its success. If you’re looking for a way to give back and be part of a dynamic event, consider volunteering at the 29th Annual ArtsFest. Volunteers play a vital role in various aspects of the festival, from assisting at the TACT information booths and helping with vendor set-up and breakdown, to providing water to vendors and collecting raffle and donation money. It’s a fantastic way to experience the festival from behind the scenes and support the arts in Wilmington. Sign up to volunteer here! and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the Orange Street ArtsFest.
A diagram showcasing the layout of vendor booths at the Orange Street ArtsFest 2025, indicating booth placements and street areas.
Gratitude to Our Orange Street ArtsFest 2025 Sponsors
The Orange Street ArtsFest is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. We extend a huge thank you to our OSAF 2025 Sponsors for their commitment to the arts and community events in Wilmington. Their contributions are essential in bringing this vibrant festival to Orange Street each year.
The "Bring It Downtown Wilmington" logo, another prominent sponsor of the Orange Street ArtsFest, highlighting their dedication to supporting downtown Wilmington initiatives and artistic endeavors.
Dates, Times, and Location Details for Orange Street ArtsFest
Plan your visit to the 29th Annual Orange Street ArtsFest taking place during Memorial Day Weekend:
Location: Hannah Block Historic USO Building/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC. The festival will encompass several key areas:
- Inside the HBHUSO/CAC building (limited indoor spaces available)
- Orange Street, between Front Street and 2nd Street (the heart of the ArtsFest)
- 2nd Street, between Orange Street and Dock Street
Show Hours:
- Saturday, May 24, 2025 – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, May 25, 2025 – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Vendors will have access to the building two hours before the show opens on Saturday for setup. Event personnel will be on-site from 6:30 am to assist with vendor arrival and preparation for the Orange Street ArtsFest.
Vendor Drop-off, Set-Up, and Breakdown Information
Drop Off (6:30-8:00am): To ensure a smooth and organized setup, each vendor booth will be assigned a specific drop-off time. Vendors can begin preparing their booth space on the sidewalk but must keep the street clear of obstructions until 8:00 am.
Set Up (8:00am-9:00am): Orange Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic after 8:00 am. Vendors should not begin setting up their booths in the street before 8:00 am to avoid blocking traffic flow. Staff will be present to guide traffic and provide assistance.
Breakdown (Sunday, 4:01 pm – 6:00 pm): No breakdown is permitted before 4:00 pm on Sunday. All exhibits must be completely removed from Orange Street and surrounding areas by 6:00 pm. Vendors are responsible for ensuring their exhibit space is clean and free of trash after breakdown.
Parking: Parking information will be provided separately to participating vendors and attendees.
Application Process for Artists and Vendors
Online Application: The application process is conveniently online. Prospective artists and vendors can complete the online application form at this link. New applicants are required to submit color photos of their artwork to ensure alignment with the festival’s standards.
Notification: Applicants will be informed of their acceptance status via email by May 1st. Due to the popularity of the Orange Street ArtsFest, early application is strongly encouraged to secure a spot.
Payment: Upon acceptance, booth fees can be paid by check or credit card (credit card payments include a $5 processing fee). Checks should be made payable to Thalian Association Community Theatre and mailed to the provided address (Attn: Stacie Smith- OSAF, 120 South 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC 28401).
Correspondence: All communication regarding the ArtsFest will be conducted via email. Applicants must provide a valid email address on their application form.
Deadline: Ensure your application and payment are submitted by the specified deadlines to be considered for participation in the Orange Street ArtsFest.
Booth Price: $160
Questions: Direct any inquiries to Stacie Smith via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
Booth Fees and Assignments for Orange Street ArtsFest Vendors
Upon Acceptance: Once an application is accepted (notification will be sent via email), payment for the booth space must be completed within 14 business days to guarantee your participation in the Orange Street ArtsFest.
- Booth Price: $160
- Credit Card payments incur an additional $5.00 processing fee.
Booth Size: Outdoor exhibit spaces are approximately 10’ wide by 10’ deep. Indoor spaces vary, measuring approximately 10’ wide by 8’ deep or 8’ wide by 8’ deep. Exhibitors must ensure their display and work remain within their assigned space. Only one exhibitor or a partnership producing a single product is permitted per booth space. Tents are permitted but not provided. Please note that OSAF does not provide electricity, tents, tables, or chairs.
Assignments: Booth space assignments are made in advance based on completed applications and payment receipt. Vendors can refer to the booth chart diagram (link to chart again if available) for reference. Failure to arrive and set up by 9 am on Saturday may result in booth forfeiture without refund.
Show Standards and Acceptable Artwork
Acceptable to Show: The Orange Street ArtsFest welcomes original artwork in a variety of mediums including acrylic, oils, watercolor, sculpture, drawing, graphics, wearable art, leather, jewelry, clay, glass, fiber, metalwork, and mixed media. The festival emphasizes showcasing artists who conceive and execute their finished products. Limited edition, signed, and numbered photographic or commercially reproduced work is also acceptable.
Unacceptable to Show: The festival maintains standards to ensure originality and quality. Non-original work, decoupage and decal crafts, works made from commercial molds, patterns or kits, dried flower arrangements, needlework from commercial patterns, and works using materials from endangered species are not permitted. The organizers reserve the right to decline any artwork deemed not in keeping with the spirit and nature of the show.
Awards and Recognition at the ArtsFest
The Orange Street ArtsFest includes a juried show with awards presented to recognize outstanding artists. Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, along with four Judge’s Awards, all accompanied by cash prizes. Details about the esteemed judge will be announced soon.
Connect on Social Media
Stay updated and spread the word about the Orange Street ArtsFest! Share our Facebook Event (link to Facebook event if available) with your friends, family, and clients. Follow us on Instagram @thalianassociation and @communityartscenterilm and be sure to tag your photos with #OSAF and #orangestreetartsfest to join the online conversation.
Rules and Guidelines for Participants
Participating artists and vendors are required to adhere to all rules and guidelines established by the event organizers and staff. Non-compliance may affect future participation. Key rules include:
- Space assignments are final and will not be changed. Refer to the booth chart for your assigned location.
- Commercially reproduced work must meet limited edition, signed, and numbered criteria. Extra reproductions should be displayed in bins.
- Artists are responsible for collecting and remitting NC 7% sales tax. A valid NC sales tax number is required and must be provided on the application.
- Application deadline is April 1st or when all spaces are filled. Applications must include the NC sales tax number and booth payment.
- All participating artists are eligible for ArtsFest awards.
- All items for sale must be original work by the applicant. Buy/sell items, imports, kits, or commercial products are prohibited. Management reserves the right to remove exhibits/exhibitors without refund for non-compliance.
- Booth space subletting or sharing is not allowed.
- Accepted applications are a commitment to participate. Cancellations must be submitted in writing more than 14 days prior to the event for potential credit or refund. No refunds within 14 days of the show.
- A $25 fee applies to returned checks.
- Exhibits must stay within the allotted booth space.
- While security is provided, Orange Street ArtsFest is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
- Vehicle access onto Orange Street during load-in/load-out is restricted and requires event staff permission.
- Breakdown begins at 4 pm on Sunday and not earlier.
- A pass from event staff is required before bringing vehicles for load-out and will only be issued once the booth is packed and ready on the sidewalk.
- Orange Street ArtsFest reserves the right to final interpretation of all rules.
