The Downtown Bangor Sidewalk Art Festival is an all-ages, free, one-day festival featuring Maine-based artists and craft vendors, a College Art Tent, live demonstrations and music, and plenty of food and drink options all on Harlow, Franklin, and Central Streets in Downtown Bangor. This popular annual event is well-attended and promoted by us throughout Maine and other visitor markets with print, digital, social media, and video campaigns.
Read the complete 2026 exhibitor rules before applying, even if you have participated in the past.
Timeline
Artist applications should be submitted by April 11, 2026. You will be contacted by between May 1-30th with more information if you have been chosen. Applicants are selected by a committee of artists and downtown business owners, who review each application to ensure that the Festival features a broad array of skilled, versatile artists, makers, and designers in many different media.
Communication
NOTE: Our primary communication method is through email. DBSAF information will come from Downtown Bangor Partnership staff using an @downtownbangor.com email address. We do not subcontract registration or vendor assignments to outside parties or event organizers. If you are uncertain about something you have seen, especially on social media, please reach out directly to confirm with us.
Application Fees
The application fee is $50 for artists and craft vendors. It is $25 for students displaying as part of the College Art Tent. Food vendors are between $50-$150, depending on footprint. Should an artist or vendor not be selected for the event, their application fee will be refunded in full. There are no additional fees for participating artists and crafters accepted into the DBSAF.
Application Information
The Downtown Bangor Sidewalk Art Festival (DBSAF) is a juried festival. Any Maine artist is welcome to apply. Participating artists and vendors are selected by a committee of artists and downtown business owners who review each application. Applicants are considered based on the following criteria: quality, versatility, skill, and design. The Festival aspires to host artists, makers, and designers in many different media and across a variety of price points.
Important Dates
- Feb 17, 2026 – Returning Artist Application Opens
- March 4, 2026 – Applications for New Artists Open
- April 11, 2026 – Application deadline
- May 1-30, 3036 – We will contact you no later than May 30 with more information.
- June 1-22, 2026 – Artists will be provided with site location information
- July 11, 2026 – Summer Sidewalk Art Festival
- Save the date: October 3, 2026 – Fall Sidewalk Art Festival. Note: We do not open applications for the Fall Sidewalk Art Festival until after the summer event has concluded.
Applications should be submitted by APRIL 11, 2026. All applicants will be contacted by email between May 1-30, 2026. Applicants are selected by a committee of artists and downtown business owners, who review each application to ensure that the Festival features a broad array of skilled, versatile artists, makers, and designers in many different media.
For more about the jurying process, please read below. Application fees are $50 for artist-vendors and $25 for college artists. Food vendors and food trucks are $50 (10×10), $100 (10×10), and $150 (30×10 – required for food trucks.)
Exhibitors may only sell eligible items. Eligible items are Maine-made items that display quality, versatility, skill and design. Artists, makers, and designers in many different media are encouraged to apply. “Brokered” or “Direct Sales” items will not be accepted! Brokered items are products made elsewhere requiring a minimal finishing touch or brokered items requiring only some merchandising/assembly. No flea market, garage sale, generic, mass-produced, vintage clothing, or other “used” items will be accepted. See exhibitor guidelines for details.
NOTE: Our primary communication method is through email. All DBSAF information will come from Downtown Bangor Partnership staff using an @downtownbangor.com email address. We do not subcontract registration or vendor assignments to outside parties or event organizers. If you are uncertain about something you have seen, especially on social media, please reach out directly to confirm with us.