Bayou City Art Festival Returns to Memorial Park for Three Days of Art, Music and Family Fun
Houston’s iconic outdoor art festival transforms Memorial Park into a vibrant, interactive art experience October 9–11, featuring more than 250 artists, live entertainment, hands-on activities and more.
The Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA), producer of the Bayou City Art Festival, will transform Memorial Park into a lively, open-air art gallery filled Friday through Sunday, October 9–11, 2026. Set along South Picnic Loop on Memorial Drive, the three-day festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., inviting Houstonians of all ages to explore, create, connect and celebrate the arts.
At the heart of the festival is featured artist Aubrey Hogan, a visual artist based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, whose expressive paintings celebrate nature, texture, memory and storytelling. Inspired by the French Impressionist tradition, Hogan uses heavy-body acrylics and bold, richly layered brushstrokes to create captivating works that invite viewers to look closer and experience the movement and texture of each canvas. His work is exhibited at art fairs across the country and collected by art lovers drawn to its distinctive blend of grounded beauty and imagination. To learn more, visit adhoganart.com.
Recognized as one of the nation’s premier outdoor art festivals, Bayou City Art Festival offers a unique opportunity to meet artists, discover original works and bring home something extraordinary. More than 250 artists representing 19 art disciplines will showcase an inspiring collection of paintings, prints, jewelry, sculpture and more, with artwork available at a range of price points to make art accessible to everyone.
Beyond the art-filled walkways, guests can enjoy a full lineup of entertainment, interactive attractions and delicious bites, including:
- Live Entertainment: Catch exciting performances at the Stella Artois Stage.
- Food Truck Park: Savor a variety of delicious eats from the festival’s food truck lineup.
- Craft Beer Garden and Wine Bar: Take a break and raise a glass while soaking up the festival atmosphere.
- Picture-Perfect Moments: Snap fun photos at creative selfie stations throughout the park, including giant ART FEST letters, a musical note, a guitar, an oversized picture frame and more.
- Art on Wheels: Explore a colorful collection of imaginative art cars presented by the Houston Art Car Klub.
- Putt-Putt Mini Golf: Test your putting skills and take a shot at winning prizes from the Bayou City Art Festival Merchandise Tent.
- Be Someone Sculpture: See Houston’s iconic “Be Someone” message come to life in a memorable sculpture installation.
- Sunstop Kiosks: Stay sun-safe with sunscreen stations conveniently located throughout the festival.
- Houston Metal Arts Guild: Watch skilled metalsmiths in action during live demonstrations, discover the art of metalworking and even try your hand at creating your own jewelry.
Let Your Imagination Run Wild
The festival’s Active Imagination Zone invites guests of all ages to roll up their sleeves, get creative and make memories. Play with oversized bubbles, have a one-of-a-kind caricature drawn by artist Bonnie Blue, and create original artwork alongside the festival’s nonprofit partners, including ARTreach, Fresh Arts, The Health Museum, WorldFest – Houston International Film Festival and The Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
Make It a VIP Experience
For those looking to elevate their festival experience, the limited-availability VIP Hospitality Lounge offers a relaxing retreat with complimentary light bites, beer, wine and other refreshments. Guests can unwind amid artistic décor, enjoy roaming musicians and take a break from the festival excitement. VIP access is available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and includes VIP parking.
VIP tickets are available online for $105 per day or $150 for a weekend pass.
Tickets and Festival Information
Online general admission tickets are available at www.bayoucityartfestival.com
Parking and Shuttle Service
There is no on-site parking at the festival. Free general admission parking will be available at Delmar Stadium, located at 2066 Mangum Road, Houston, TX 77007. Shuttle service will run between the stadium parking lot and the festival entrance throughout festival hours, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Round-trip shuttle passes are $12 per person and can be purchased through the festival website. Children ages 17 and younger ride the shuttle free of charge.
About Bayou City Art Festival:
Since the founding of the Westheimer Art Festival, now known as Bayou City Art Festival, the Art Colony Association, Inc. has raised close to $4 million for local nonprofit programs from the proceeds of its festivals. Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park in the fall and Bayou City Art Festival Downtown in the spring has provided a venue for more than 20,000 artists to showcase their work to thousands of art lovers from all over the world. The festivals are funded in part by grants from the City of Houston, corporate sponsorships, private contributions, in-kind support, and volunteer assistance.
For more information, please visit www.bayoucityartfestival.com.
