Art Shows
The Mall at UTC Art Festival with Craft Market Place 2026: Sarasota County, October 24–25
Explore The Mall at UTC Art Festival October 24–25, 2026, in Sarasota County. Find free admission, show hours, art media and its separate craft section.
The Mall at UTC Art Festival with Craft Market Place 2026The Mall at University Town Center becomes an outdoor art destination October 24–25, 2026, when Howard Alan Events presents The Mall at UTC Art Festival with Craft Market Place. Listed in the directory under its Lakewood Ranch name, this Sarasota County event combines a juried art festival with a separately identified craft section. Visitors can browse both while keeping the distinction in mind.
Event details
- Dates and hours: Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25, 2026, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, Eastern time.
- Venue: The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243.
- Admission: Free; no admission gate.
- Producer: Howard Alan Events.
Plan with the official The Mall at UTC Art Festival with Craft Market Place information and the magazine’s The Mall at UTC Art Festival with Craft Market Place database profile.
What visitors can expect
The organizer’s 2026 prospectus lists painting, photography, printmaking and drawing, sculpture, glass, clay, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, wood, resin and digital art. Work is selected through an ongoing jury process. The separate craft section broadens the visit without turning the fine-art portion into a general merchandise market.
Look at how a piece changes at close range: a photograph’s print surface, the edges of a ceramic form or a sculpture’s construction can all be easier to understand in person. Ask exhibitors which works are originals and which are editions or reproductions, and discuss display, care and transport before buying.
What makes this festival useful
The shopping-center setting places an art outing alongside established dining and retail options. It offers a practical meeting place for visitors with different interests, while the exhibition provides a reason to spend time with original work rather than move straight through the property.
Planning your visit
Use the mall’s current arrival information and confirm the festival’s exact position on the property before setting out. The exhibition is outdoors; sun protection and comfortable shoes will make a measured walk easier. Check weather notices and ask the organizer about any access arrangements you need. Friday is designated for exhibitor setup, not a public festival day.
Information for exhibiting artists
The current prospectus requires original, handmade work and an approved professional outdoor display. Accepted artists must be present, and invitations include instructions for confirming participation and payment directly with Howard Alan Events. Consult your current show packet for load-in details. Application acceptance alone should not be assumed to reserve a booth.
Before you go
Recheck the organizer’s 2026 listing for schedule changes and contact information. This guide covers the October event, not another UTC festival later in the season.
Explore more destinations in our upcoming shows directory, Weekend Art Show Finder and Show Guides archive.
Organizer information checked October 18, 2026. Featured image is an AI-generated editorial concept, not event photography.
