One of the Gulf Coast’s most anticipated spring traditions returns this week as the 74th-annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival takes place March 20-22 in downtown Fairhope.

The three-day event will feature more than 200 artists from across the country along the streets of the coastal community, offering visitors a wide variety of fine art and handmade crafts alongside live entertainment and family-friendly activities.

Admission is free and festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The annual festival, widely regarded as one of the region’s premier outdoor art shows, draws thousands of visitors to Fairhope each spring and has long served as a showcase for both established and emerging artists.

This year’s festival theme is reflected in the official artwork created by 2026 Featured Artist Natalie Catar. According to information provided by festival organizers, her striking heron design will appear on festival merchandise and promotional materials. Visitors will be able to purchase official festival posters, T-shirts, notecards and prints featuring Catar’s artwork at the official festival booth throughout the weekend.

The festival’s popular Children’s Art Tent will also return to Church Street, offering free hands-on activities throughout the weekend to provide creative experiences designed for young artists and families.

Among the highlights is painting with Fairhope’s beloved blind artist Mr. Ricky Trione. Children will also be able to participate in oyster painting with Mobile Baykeeper and a variety of additional art projects. Nature Connect will also be on site offering interactive nature-based activities for kids during the festival.

Live entertainment will take place throughout downtown Fairhope during the event, featuring music, community performances and longstanding festival traditions.

One of the weekend’s signature moments will occur Saturday at noon with the introduction of the 2026 Dogwood Trail Maids, a time-honored part of the festival. Additional performances by local and regional musicians and community groups will take place across the weekend.

To help visitors navigate the busy festival weekend, organizers have arranged shuttle service through Hot Wheels of Daphne. The shuttle will operate Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will cost $5 for a round trip.

This year, two shuttle pickup locations will be available: Plantation Pointe Shopping Center, home of Piggly Wiggly, and Baldwin Square Shopping Center, the former Winn-Dixie location. Festival organizers said the additional pickup location was added to better accommodate the growing number of visitors attending the event each year.

“The Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival is a treasured tradition for our community, and we’re excited to welcome artists and visitors back for the 74th year," Festival Chairman Shannon Gandy said. "From beautiful artwork and live entertainment to hands-on activities for children and expanded shuttle service, this year’s festival offers something for everyone. We’re especially pleased to add a second shuttle pickup location this year to make the weekend even more convenient for our guests. We can’t wait to see all of our artists, locals and visitors this weekend!”

For more information about the 74th-annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival, visit fairhopeartsandcraftsfestival.com.