MAC ArtFest
Three days of fine art, live music and food trucks on the museum's historic campus.
ArtFest is Spokane's juried art and fine craft fair, held on the campus of the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (the MAC) in Browne's Addition. In 2026 it ran May 29 to 31 with 75 booths of ceramics, glass, jewelry, metalwork, painting, photography and sculpture. Most of the artists come from around the Inland Northwest, so this is a good place to buy something that actually says Spokane.
The setting does a lot of the work. The campus has lawns, old trees and the Campbell House, a Tudor Revival mansion from 1898 that anchors the grounds. Live music plays daily in the amphitheater, food trucks line up, there is a beer garden, and a Make-It-Art kids' project center keeps younger visitors busy.
It is a relaxed, walkable afternoon. Pair it with the museum itself (admission is free during ArtFest) and a stroll through Browne's Addition, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods.
What to see and do
Artists are selected by jury, and the range runs from small pieces like jewelry and ceramics to larger works. An Emerging Artists booth showed Eastern Washington University student work in 2026.
Local bands play throughout the weekend, and in 2026 there was also an evening concert on Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Hands-on projects for kids, led by a local artist. A good reason to bring a family without anyone getting bored.
Eat on the lawn. Expect lines at peak lunch hours.
Museum admission was free during ArtFest 2026. Go inside to see the exhibitions and take a break from the sun.
The historic mansion on the campus is the best backdrop for photos, and it tells the story of Spokane's early wealth.
Local tips
- Go Friday or early Saturday for the best selection and smaller crowds. Sunday closes earlier than the other days.
- Bring both cash and a card. Payment options vary by booth, so ask before you commit to a bigger piece.
- Wear sun protection. Much of the fair is outdoors with limited shade, even though the lawns have trees.
- Walk or rideshare if you can. Browne's Addition has on-street parking, but it is limited when the festival is on; check current details.
- Allow time for the museum and the Campbell House while you are there.
- Check ArtFest's own site for the artist list, exact hours and ticket prices before you go; they change each year.
- Plan how you will get fragile purchases, like glass or ceramics, back home before you buy.
A little history
ArtFest began in 1985, and 2026 was its 41st year. It started on the museum campus and has stayed there, growing into one of the larger juried art fairs in the region.
The festival is produced by the museum, and its setting in Browne's Addition, where Spokane's mining-era fortunes built grand houses in the 1890s, gives it more atmosphere than a typical convention-hall craft show.
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Questions visitors ask
When is ArtFest?
It is held in late spring on the museum's campus. In 2026 it ran Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31. Dates for 2027 had not been confirmed when this was written, so check the festival site.
Is ArtFest free?
No. In 2026 admission was $5 per person, with a $20 cap for families of four or more and free entry for children 5 and under. Museum admission was free during the festival.
How many artists are there?
75 art and fine craft booths in 2026.
Is there food?
Yes. Food trucks and a beer garden were on site in 2026.
Is it good with kids?
Yes. There is a Make-It-Art kids' project center, and the campus has lawns for running around.
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