ARToberfest Celebrates Local Artists in Valdosta Saturday

VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Turner Center for the Arts invites the public to participate in the 9th Annual ARToberfest on Saturday, October 24th, at the Turner Center Art Park. ARToberfest 2026 celebrates the talent of local and regional artists and their contributions to our culture and community.

ARToberfest will feature dozens of fine arts vendors offering original artwork for sale, several live art demonstrations, live music, free youth activities, professional face painting, trackless train rides, the Fifth Day Farm Petting Zoo, pumpkin painting, and food and beverage vendors. The Children’s Imagination Station will be open from 10am-3pm with free entry. Pre-registration is required and includes a waiver for each member entering the facility. The process also includes signing up for scheduled time slots to ensure that all interested parties have an opportunity to enter the Station for fun.

Artists ages 18 and older are invited to compete in the annual Plein Air painting contest for cash prizes. Awards include $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. Plein Air Check-in begins at 9 a.m. at the Annette and Derry Crosby Art Annex and winners will be announced at 1:30 p.m. inside the Turner Center main galleries.

ARToberfest takes place from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24th at Turner Center for the Arts, located at 605 North Patterson Street in Valdosta. For more information about ARToberfest 2026, call 229-247-2787 or email info@turnercenter.org.