Each year, mainsail art festival draws over 100,000 visitors to vinoy park in downtown St. pete | photo provided

One of St. Petersburg’s premier cultural events, the Mainsail Art Festival, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this weekend, drawing over 100,000 visitors and showcasing the city's diverse creative community and passion for the arts.

The 50th Annual Mainsail Art Festival will take place at Vinoy Park on the St. Petersburg waterfront, running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 5th and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 6th.

Each year, a dedicated team of Mainsail volunteers organizes this free-admission event, welcoming thousands of residents and tourists to explore high-quality artwork, participate in family-friendly activities, and enjoy live music and local food vendors.

This year’s festival will feature its largest lineup ever, with over 250 artists showcasing work across 13 mediums: ceramics, digital art, fiber, glass, graphics, jewelry, metal, mixed media, oil/acrylic painting, photography, sculpture, watercolor, and wood.

A variety of kids activities will be offered at the Mainsail Art Festival, including 5 FREE make and take crafts, an interactive play area by Great Explorations, and glass blowing demonstrations by the DMG School Project | photo provided

“As a nonprofit organization with no paid staff, this longevity speaks to the passion and dedication that have defined Mainsail for the past fifty years,” the Mainsail organization shared in a statement.

“We have fostered lasting relationships with artists from across the state and the country—some of whom even relocated to St. Petersburg after experiencing its vibrant arts community through Mainsail.”

The festival is a juried fine arts and crafts competition, with exhibitors competing for over $65,000 in prize money, including a $10,000 Best of Show Award and a $5,000 Mainsail 50th Anniversary Prize.

This year’s judge is Holly Koons, Executive Director of the Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center at Christopher Newport University.

the 2025 Commemorative Poster Titled "Emerging into the Light" by local St. Pete artist Anne Zimmerman Briand | photo provided

Meanwhile, the 2025 Featured Artist is Anne Zimmerman Briand, a local painter known for her evocative landscapes, which blend vibrant contemporary colors with rich oil textures.

Admission is free. Paid parking is available at the SouthCore Parking Garage (101 1st Avenue South), with free trolleys running to the festival every 15 minutes.

For more information, visit the Mainsail Art Festival’s official website.