Forget the ghosts and goblins for a moment. Downtown Venice has a different kind of Halloween weekend attraction in store.
Nearly 150 national and local fine artists will gather along West Venice Avenue for the 38th Annual Downtown Venice Art Festival, taking place Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
The festival is free to attend, and visitors can browse an impressive range of original work while enjoying one of Southwest Florida's most inviting downtowns.
Art You Can Take Home
The festival presents original artwork handmade in America and selected by an independent panel of expert judges from hundreds of applicants, according to organizers.
Howard Alan Events says its careful vetting process ensures a wide variety of artistic mediums and price ranges.
Visitors will find wearable fiber art, glassworks, jewelry, hand-tooled leatherwork, coastal and contemporary mixed media, paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery and more.
The artists will be on-site throughout the weekend. That means you can ask about a technique, learn what inspired a piece or even discuss commissioning something made just for you.
You don't have to arrive knowing exactly what you're looking for. Half the fun of an art festival is discovering something you never expected to love.
Make a Day of It
Part of the appeal is the setting. The festival takes place on West Venice Avenue near City Hall, giving visitors an easy excuse to explore downtown before or after browsing the booths. Stop for lunch, linger over coffee or return to a favorite shop.
Bringing your dog? The festival is pet-friendly. Organizers also say parking is available, though arriving early is always a smart idea for a popular weekend event.
The event benefits the Venice Main Street Association and is presented by Howard Alan Events.
Whether you're shopping seriously or simply enjoying an afternoon surrounded by art, it's a lovely way to spend part of Halloween weekend.
Plan Your Visit
What: 38th Annual Downtown Venice Art Festival
When: Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, 2026, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
Where: West Venice Avenue near City Hall
Address for navigation: 401 W. Venice Avenue, Venice, FL 34285
Cost: Free admission
More information: www.artfestival.com