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Mayfaire by-the-Lake returns to the banks of Lake Morton this Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year, Lakeland’s annual free arts festival features over 150 artists — painters, photographers, jewelers, fiber artists, ceramicists, glass artists, and more. It is presented by Citizens Bank & Trust and The Ruthvens and organized by The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art.
Mayfaire is free and open to the public. In addition to artwork and the chance to connect with artists themselves, there are food vendors, a DJ outside the library, the MayFerry — a free shuttle within the festival, and activities for kids in front of First Methodist Church.
What: Mayfaire by-the-Lake 2026
When: Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Lake Morton
Parking: Lime Street and Massachusetts Avenue, a short walk from the festival, or Florida Southern College, Frank Lloyd Wright Way and College Avenue, with a shuttle to the festival
Admission: Free
Accessibility Information
The artists
This year, Mayfaire’s Featured Artist is Kate Carney and her work “Art Lovers.” Carney grew up and trained as a painter in England. Today, she lives in Maitland, Fla., and works out of McRae Art Studios in Orlando.
Harrison School for the Arts graduate Alex Lanier will also return to Lakeland for Mayfaire in 2026. His exhibition, “Imaginations: The Adventures of ‘boxboy Jr.’ and the Art of Alex Lanier” delighted visitors to The AGB earlier this year.
A family of artists from Winter Haven — Daphne, Trent, and their daughter Harlow Manning — each earned their own booth in this year’s festival. Daphne and Harlow will share their paintings, and Trent is exhibiting sculpture.
In total this year, there are 50 new artists, who have never been a part of Mayfaire before. A full list, searchable by name, location, and medium, is available online.
$17,000 in prizes
Mayfaire began in 1971 as a small crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library. Now celebrating its 54th year, it has become one of the largest and most celebrated annual outdoor fine arts festivals in Florida. For ten years, it has ranked among Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “200 Best Art Shows.”
During the festival, the artists’ work is judged, and winners take home cash prizes:
- Best of Show – $5,000
- Two Awards of Excellence – $2,000 each
- Four Awards of Distinction – $1,000 each
- Six Merit Awards – $500 each
- Five Honorable Mention Awards – $200 each
This year’s judge, Gabriela Gonzalez Dellosso, is a painter of Cuban and Ecuadorian heritage. Her work has been exhibited in museums throughout the United States and internationally.
Organizers said Dellosso has “a balanced and thoughtful eye, valuing craftsmanship, originality, and a clear artistic voice … She looks for work that demonstrates intention, skill, and a strong sense of visual communication, regardless of medium or style.”
Mayfaire by-the-Lake supports The AGB. Proceeds help fund scholarships for summer programs and free admission for museum visitors.
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