XO From Arizona: The Art of Arizona — A Journey Through the State’s Most Inspiring Art Shows (2026 Edition)

Hopi Artist Buddy Tubinaghtewa

Arizona is a state where creativity rises straight out of the desert floor. From world-class festivals to intimate studio tours, from mountain towns to historic villages, and from sprawling city expos to arts districts tucked beneath red rocks — Arizona’s art scene is nothing short of extraordinary.

Across the state, artists open their studios, towns fill their streets with color and music, and visitors discover everything from fine art and sculpture to jewelry, pottery, photography, textiles, and handmade treasures. This is cultural tourism at its finest — authentic, local, and filled with the creative spirit of the Southwest.

Below is your XO From Arizona 2026 Art Show Guide — an elevated look at the signature art events happening throughout the year.

Major Art Shows Across Arizona (2026)

Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour

Carefree & Cave Creek

Dates: October 25, 2026

One of Arizona’s most beloved arts events. More than 150 artists open their desert studios for a rare behind-the-scenes look at painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, glass, woodworking, and more. Set in the stunning foothills of Black Mountain, it’s one of the most authentic arts experiences in the state.

Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts

Fountain Hills

Dates: February 20–22, 2026

A massive open-air festival filling Fountain Hills with hundreds of artists, creative demonstrations, live entertainment, and incredible desert views. The iconic fountain becomes the backdrop for one of Arizona’s largest and most prestigious arts weekends.

Tempe Festival of the Arts

Downtown Tempe

Spring: March 13–15, 2026

Fall: December 4–6, 2026

A nationally recognized event that brings more than 300 artists into the streets of downtown Tempe. Filled with live entertainment, artisan foods, a wine & beer garden, and a vibrant urban atmosphere, this show is a centerpiece of Arizona’s cultural calendar.

Arizona Fine Art EXPO

Scottsdale

Dates: (Awaiting official 2026 release — typically mid-January to late March)

A multi-week, immersive fine-art experience featuring painters, sculptors, jew­elers, ceramicists, and mixed-media artists working live. This event blends the intimacy of studio visits with the scale of a major art show.

Tubac Festival of the Arts

Tubac

Dates: February 4–8, 2026

Held in one of Arizona’s oldest artist colonies, Tubac’s beloved festival is a celebration of fine arts, regional culture, live entertainment, and the historic charm that defines this creative village.

Sedona Arts Festival

Sedona

Dates: (Awaiting official 2026 release — typically early October)

Framed by Sedona’s iconic red rocks, this festival brings together fine artists from across the Southwest, along with music, food, and the city’s unmistakable artistic spirit.

Flagstaff Art in the Park

Flagstaff

Dates: (Awaiting 2026 release — typically July 4–6 each year)

Held in the cool pines of Northern Arizona, this juried arts & crafts festival showcases regional makers in a relaxed, mountain-town setting. A summertime favorite.

Kingman Festival of the Arts

Kingman

Dates: (Awaiting 2026 announcement — typically early May)

Set along historic Route 66, this festival blends Western heritage with a growing arts community. Expect live music, artisan booths, and small-town Americana at its best.

Payson Art Shows

Payson

Dates: (Awaiting 2026 release — typically spring and fall)

Nestled beneath the Mogollon Rim, Payson hosts seasonal art shows featuring mountain makers, Native artists, and handcrafted goods rooted in Rim Country culture.

Prescott Fine Art & Wine Festival

Prescott

Dates: August 1–2, 2026

Held on the historic Courthouse Plaza, this juried fine-art event pairs exceptional visual art with regional wineries. It’s a perfect weekend escape in one of Arizona’s most charming and walkable historic districts.

The Art of Arizona: A Statewide Tapestry of Talent

From Carefree’s intimate studio tours to the fountains of Fountain Hills, from the red-rock majesty of Sedona to the mountain breeze of Flagstaff, and from Tubac’s historic streets to Prescott’s beloved Courthouse Square — Arizona’s art shows offer a year-round celebration of creativity.

They uplift small businesses.

They fuel arts districts and historic downtowns.

They bring communities and visitors together.

And they reveal the remarkable talent living throughout our state.

Arizona’s 2026 arts calendar is a beautiful invitation to wander, discover, collect, and connect.