Saturday, May 16, 2026

10:00am - 4:00pm

Mark your calendars for May 16, 2026, and get ready to experience the 21st Annual Saluda Arts Festival—a milestone celebration set against the breathtaking backdrop of springtime in the Blue Ridge Mountains! As the crisp mountain air fills with the scent of blooming wildflowers and fresh greenery, historic Main Street will come alive with the colors, sounds, and energy of this beloved event. From Nostalgia Courtyard to the Bridge, talented artists from across Western NC and the Upstate of SC will transform our charming downtown into a spectacular outdoor gallery from 10 AM to 4 PM. For two decades, the Saluda Arts Festival has been a vibrant showcase of creativity, drawing thousands of visitors to reconnect with their favorite artists and discover new talent. Many returning artists have been part of this tradition for years, making it the perfect opportunity to celebrate their work while embracing the magic of Saluda’s artistic spirit.

A Celebration of Art & Community

Wander through booths filled with one-of-a-kind paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, fiber arts, and more, all handcrafted with passion and skill. Feel the pulse of the festival as live performances fill the air with contemporary folk, traditional, and bluegrass music at Saluda’s amphitheater. Families can delight in the Children’s Art Activity Tent—a creative space made possible by the generous support of the Saluda Community Fund of the Polk County Community Foundation Grant.

Parking & Shuttle Service

This year’s festival features event parking in the field next to Saluda Cemetery, courtesy of Clark, Pam, and Jonathan Thompson. Shuttles will run all day to and from the lot. Parking also is available in the municipal lot on East Main Street, Saluda Elementary School, and anywhere else parking is permitted. (NOTE: Our Police Department, as well as our neighbors, ask everyone not to block private streets, lots, or driveways.) Signs will show the way to parking areas and shuttle stops.

Unforgettable Live Music

The festival wouldn’t be complete without an incredible lineup of local musicians playing throughout the day. Enjoy the toe-tapping rhythms and soulful melodies that make the mountains come alive! All live music will be performed on the Ella Grace Mintz stage in McCreery Park. Thanks to Peter Eisenbrown for coordinating the music at this year’s festival.

Whether you’re an art lover, a music enthusiast, or simply looking for a perfect spring day in the mountains, the 21st Annual Saluda Arts Festival promises a day of beauty, creativity, and community spirit. Join us for this unforgettable celebration and help us make history! 

Lineup Coming Soon

Pet Policy

We love our furry friends, but for their comfort and safety, we recommend leaving them at home. Leashed pets are welcome at the festival if you choose to bring them along.

Family Fun & Children’s Tent

Get ready for a day packed with excitement for the whole family! This year’s festival brings even more fun for kids with mind-blowing magic acts, balloon artistry, thrilling juggling performances, and colorful face painting—all happening from 10 AM to 4 PM at the McCreery Park Pavilion. Thanks to the generosity of the Saluda Community Fund of the Polk County Community Foundation, all this entertainment is made possible to the Saluda community and visitors.

Experience the Charm of Saluda

Make the most of your visit to the Saluda Arts Festival by exploring the beauty and hospitality of Saluda. Whether you’re seeking a cozy bed-and-breakfast, a scenic mountain retreat, or a charming inn, you’ll find a variety of places to stay, all offering the perfect base for a relaxing getaway. After a day of art and festivities, savor a delicious meal at one of the town’s unique restaurants, where you can indulge in everything from Southern BBQ to gourmet fare. Don’t forget to explore the local shops along Main Street, where you’ll find handmade crafts, antiques, and unique treasures to take home. For more information on accommodations, dining options, and shopping, visit Places to Stay, Places to Eat, and Shop Saluda to plan your perfect festival weekend.

Sponsorships

The financial support from the community makes this a stellar event allowing volunteers to decorate the downtown with flower baskets, offer music in McCreery Park, and provide logistical services such as signage, porta johns, shuttles and golf carts to make the event one Saluda is proud of every year. The sponsorship levels are as follows: Silver – $100, Gold – $250, Platinum – $500 and underwriting the festival – $1,000 or more.

Here’s how to financially support the festival (1) send a check made out to the Saluda Community Alliance, PO Box 601, Saluda, NC 28773 with Saluda Arts Festival on the memo line; or (2) pay online with a credit card at the following link: https://form.jotform.com/260084301366147 and check the box for Saluda Arts Festival.

2025 Saluda Arts Festival Sponsors

Thank you to this year’s sponsors of the 20th anniversary of the Saluda Arts Festival. Business Sponsorship categories are: Silver-$100.00, Gold-$250.00, Platinum-$500.00, and Underwriters-$1000.00 and up. Sponsors are also recognized in our media releases and announcements.

Underwriters: Allen Tate/Beverly Hanks Realty, John Case, Looking Glass Realty (Official sponsor of golf carts), RiverStreet Networks

Platinum: Autumn Care of Saluda, Back Alley Boutique and Bud Bar, Fishtop Properties, In Honor of Barbara and Robert Seiler by Martha Seiler Wynn

Gold: Barbara & Scott Cardais, Jim Carson Studio/Gallery, Kelly & Brett Brannon, Rush Dixon Architects, LLC, Gaile & Jerry Greenhoot, Green River BBQ, Mary Jane & David LaFave, Don Mintz Builders, LLC, Purple Onion, Spring Creek Interiors, Pam, Clark, and Jonathan Thompson

Silver: Lynn & Mike Cass, Charles Street Garden, Edward Jones-Stephanie Winterrowd, Hendersonville Board of Realtors, Preserving A Picturesque America, River Dog Run, Roger O’Connell Insurance Agency, Saluda Depot, Saluda Outfitters, Saluda Studio, LLC, The Saluda Inn, VisitSaludaNC.com, Wakey Monkey Saluda

For more information on 2026 Sponsorship, please contact Beth Carson at bethcarson151@gmail.com  

Volunteers

Call for Volunteers-Shifts Being Assigned-Sign Up Now!

The festival would not happen without its wonderful, dedicated volunteers. The Saluda Arts Festival needs volunteers to work one of four three-shifts the day of the event. Shifts are assigned and volunteer orientation occur prior to the event. Tasks include section leaders, section assistants, SAF information tent, parking supervisors at three lots, golf cart drivers and clean up. If you are interested in being part of the Saluda Arts Festival, please contact Linda Bailey at boblindabailey@hotmail.com with any questions you may have.

The Saluda Arts Festival is organized and sponsored by the Saluda Downtown Foundation, doing business as the Saluda Community Alliance and funded through this organization and its sponsors. Because of the love and support from many individual donors and business sponsors, the Saluda Downtown Foundation is able to keep this popular festival running year after year.  Organization and execution of the event is done entirely by Saluda volunteers who graciously and lovingly provide the workforce to make this happen each year.

Click here to be a Volunteer.

The Saluda Arts Festival is organized and sponsored by the Saluda Community Alliance and funded through this organization and its sponsors. Because of the love and support from many individual donors and business sponsors, the Saluda Community Alliance is able to keep this popular festival running year after year.  Organization and execution of the event is done entirely by Saluda volunteers who graciously and lovingly provide the workforce to make this happen each year.

More detailed information with maps will be updated on saluda.com and click on the Saluda Arts Festival link. Check Facebook for updates about the festival.

 

List of Artists

Coming soon!

Map

Coming soon!

Volunteers

The arts festival could not be successful without a fantastic group of volunteers and is always looking for help. Consider signing up for this year’s event!

Volunteers will  work one of four shifts – 7 to 10 am, 10 am to 12 pm, 12 to 2 pm, and 2 to 4 pm. Jobs include section leaders, section assistants, SAF information tent, parking supervisors and golf cart drivers.

Click Here to Sign Up