Last Updated on April 5, 2024
The Cedar Key Spring Arts Festival, a.k.a. Old Florida Celebration of the Arts, returns to the historic small town of Cedar Key, Florida, on April 6-7, 2024.
Considered one of the Top Small Town Arts Festivals in America, this annual Spring arts festival is one you should put on your bucket list.
The Cedar Key Spring Art Festival is a juried art show. It invites only 100 talented and creative artists each year.
Because of its strict selection process, it has drawn a loyal following since 1964.
Juried Fine Arts Festival in Florida
This art festival in Cedar Key is a juried fine arts festival. A select group of incredibly talented artists competes for cash prizes. Its reputation has grown over the years.
It was named one of the Top 5 Small Town Juried Art Festivals in America by ArtFairCalendar.com. Additionally, it has received recognition as one of the Top 10 Fine Art Festivals in the United States.
Jury Selected Artists
Welcoming 100 high-quality, talented, and creative artists, the event radiates a relaxed, friendly, and hometown atmosphere. It’s a true celebration of the arts featuring fine arts and crafts.
An experienced jury selects the artists. The artists are generously spaced along historic 2nd Street, facilitating a relaxed flow. The setting is perfect for engagement between artists and visitors.
The Cedar Key Spring Arts Festival is a free arts and crafts event. It benefits the Cedar Key Arts Center, which aims to nurture and encourage the arts.
Cedar Key Festival Supports Local Non-Profits
Above all, the event supports local non-profit and Cedar Key School groups.
Don’t miss the homemade baked goods, mullet dinners, steamed clams, clam fritters, shrimp sticks, and other treats.
All food is served by local non-profit organizations in beachfront City Park to benefit their local organizations.
It’s two days of wonderful art, fantastic food, and fresh local seafood. Additionally, there is free live music, all presented in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Indeed there’s plenty of room to venture around the beautiful old Florida island of Cedar Key.
Furthermore, all proceeds benefit the Cedar Key Arts Center and local nonprofit organizations.
The island community of Cedar Key is surrounded by the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Cedar Key is a quiet island community. Thus, it has long been admired for its natural beauty, abundant seafood, and old Florida history.
Located 50 miles southwest of Gainesville, the town sits three miles out into the Gulf of Mexico at the western end of State Road 24. This annual art festival is the perfect excuse to check it out.
We’re as happy as a clam whenever we visit Cedar Key. They had a tough 2023 when Hurricane Idalia became an unwelcome visitor. Cedar Key proved to be resilient and bounced back fast!
Authentic Florida Tips
Without a doubt, this two-day event always promises a great time surrounded by small-town flavor.
- Reserve a golf cart in advance or bring your bikes to be able to travel around the island.
- Follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter for more details on the event.
- Don’t miss a walk along Dock Street.
- Reserve a scenic boat tour ride.
- Everything is within walking distance, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Looking for places to stay in Cedar Key? There’s the Island Hotel, the Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast, the Harbour Master Suites on Dock Street, or one of two waterfront condos: Island Place Cedar Keys or Old Fenimore Mills Condos.
We prefer to stay in a vacation rental and recommend checking out Pelican Realty.
For more information on the 2024 art festival, visit the Cedar Key Arts Festival website.
Also, be sure to follow them on their Facebook page.
To learn more about Cedar Key, check out: Old Florida Charm: Authentic Cedar Key or visit the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce website.
Can’t make it to Cedar Key? Experience a taste of Cedar Key home with this delicious recipe: Cedar Key Clam Linguine.
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