Mainsail Art Festival 2025

The 50th Annual Mainsail Art Festival is returning to Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg, Florida, on April 5–6, 2025 and brings together top-tier fine art, live music, and a positive community atmosphere. As one of the premier cultural events in Florida, this festival is a must-visit for art lovers, collectors, and families.

With over 250 craft exhibitors, artists will show a wide range of works, from mixed media and digital art to sculpture, jewelry, photography, and glass. If you're searching for that one-of-a-kind fine art piece, Mainsail 2025 is the place to be!

History of Mainsail Art Festival

First held in 1976, the Mainsail Art Festival was created to celebrate the nation's bicentennial and has since evolved into one of Petersburg’s most highly anticipated outdoor events. Organized by the Mainsail Committee, this non-profit, all-volunteer event consistently ranks among the top design shows in the U.S., earning recognition in publications like Sunshine Artist Magazine.

Beyond its artistic prestige, Mainsail is known for its strong community engagement. Each year, the festival attracts over 100,000 visitors, supports emerging artists through the Art Student Show, and distributes $60,000 in cash awards, including the prestigious Mainsail Gold Award and a $10,000 Best of Show prize.

What to Expect at Mainsail 2025

This milestone 50th edition of Mainsail Art Festival promises two full days of art, entertainment, and creative expression.

Featured Events

• Juried Fine Art Exhibitions – Browse paintings, photography, sculpture, digital art, and jewelry from award-winning artists.
• Live Musical Entertainment – Enjoy performances from local and national artists on the festival’s main stage.
• Art Student Show – Discover emerging talent in an exhibition featuring art students from local schools.
• Kids Create Art Tent – A hands-on creative space for young artists to express themselves.
• Culinary Arts Food Court – Savor many different delicious eats from food vendors throughout the festival.

Mainsail 2025 Awards and Cash Prizes

One of the festival’s highlights is the awards ceremony, where artists compete for top honors and prize money across multiple categories. In addition to the coveted Mainsail Gold Award, winners can take home:

• Best of Show – $10,000
• Award of Excellence – $5,000
• Multiple Awards of Merit – $2,000 each
• Honorable Mentions – $1,000 each

How to Get to Mainsail Art Festival 2025

The Mainsail Art Festival 2025 takes place at Vinoy Park, 701 Bay Shore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Expect large crowds and heavy traffic during the weekend, so plan ahead for a smooth arrival.

• By car – Limited on-site parking is available near Vinoy Park, but it fills up quickly. Additional parking garages and public lots can be found in downtown St. Pete, just a short walk from the festival. Free shuttle services will run between designated parking areas and the festival site for added convenience.
• By public transit – The PSTA SunRunner bus connects St. Pete Beach and downtown St. Petersburg, providing a quick and easy way to reach the festival. Several PSTA bus routes also stop near the festival grounds.
• By bike or walking – If you're staying nearby, consider walking along the waterfront or biking to the event. Bike racks are available near Vinoy Park for secure storage.
• By air – Tampa International Airport (TPA) is about 30–40 minutes away, while St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is 20–30 minutes away. Both airports offer rental cars and rideshare services for easy transportation.
• Accessibility – The festival provides ADA-accessible parking, wheelchair lifts, and designated viewing areas to make sure all guests can enjoy the event comfortably.

For real-time parking updates, transit routes, and shuttle schedules, check St. Petersburg’s official website before heading out.

Mainsail 2025 Bag Policy

Know what you can (and can’t) bring inside before you arrive:

Prohibited Items:

• Large backpacks, coolers, and oversized bags
• Outside food, alcohol, and glass containers
• Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards inside the festival grounds

Allowed Items:

• Small purses and clear bags
• Factory-sealed water bottles
• Service animals (no pets allowed)

For updated festival policies, check the Mainsail Art Festival’s official website before attending.

Mainsail 2025 Bag Storage

Keep Your Hands Free with Bounce

You don't have to carry everything around if you're exploring downtown St. Pete before or after the festival. Bounce offers secure bag storage locations near Vinoy Park, so you can enjoy the event hands-free.

• Affordable rates – Store your bags for as little as $4.10 per day.
• Safe and secure – Every item is protected with $10,000 in coverage.
• 24/7 support – Got a question? Our team is always available.
• Free cancellation – Plans changed? Cancel anytime at no extra cost.

How to Use Bounce Near Mainsail Art Festival

1. Find a storage spot – Use the Bounce app or website to book a nearby location.
2. Drop off your bags – Check in your belongings at a secure partner location.
3. Enjoy the festival hands-free!

Tips to Make the Most of Mainsail 2025

• Arrive early – The festival gets crowded, and prime parking spots go fast.
• Explore beyond the art – Take a walk along St. Pete’s waterfront, grab a drink at a downtown café, or visit The Dalí Museum nearby.
• Bring cash and card – While most vendors accept cards, some craft exhibitors may prefer cash transactions.
• Check the weather – April in Florida can be warm and sunny, so dress comfortably and stay hydrated.

Mainsail 2025 is an event you don’t want to miss. With award-winning artists, live musical entertainment, and the stunning backdrop of Vinoy Park, it’s a celebration of art, culture, and community in the heart of St. Petersburg. Mark your calendars for April 5–6 and get ready to experience one of Florida’s best art festivals!