Established in 1971, the Inverness Festival of the Arts is the longest-running
juried fine art festival in Citrus County, Florida. Held annually over a weekend
in mid-November, this signature event transforms the historic Courthouse Square
in downtown Inverness into a vibrant, open-air gallery.
For over five decades, it
has served as a cultural beacon for Central Florida, drawing thousands of art
enthusiasts, collectors, and holiday shoppers from across the region and beyond.
The heart of the festival is its highly competitive, juried art show. The event
accommodates nearly 100 booth spaces where talented artists and craftspeople
from across the nation showcase their work. To maintain strict standards of
artistic excellence and innovation, all exhibited pieces must be original
designs produced by the artists themselves. Commercial "buy-and-sell"
merchandise is strictly forbidden.
While historically rooted in the fine arts—such as painting, sculpture,
photography, and digital media—the festival has continuously evolved. It has
expanded its footprint to feature high-quality fine crafts, providing a dynamic
and diverse sensory experience for attendees.
Beyond acting as a massive marketplace for unique holiday shopping, the
Inverness Festival of the Arts is a community-wide celebration. The historical
downtown backdrop creates an inviting, family-friendly atmosphere that blends
culture with entertainment. Visitors can wander through rows of pristine white
tents to enjoy live artist demonstrations, which bring the intricate creative
process to life. The weekend is also packed with interactive exhibits designed
for both children and adults, alongside scheduled live musical and theatrical
performances that fill the autumn air with energy.
Local food and beverage vendors are scattered throughout the venue, offering a
taste of regional flavors that round out the festival experience. For the
participating artists, the event is highly regarded not just for its affluent
target demographic, but also for its substantial financial incentives. The
festival features a prestigious awards program that historically gives out
thousands of dollars in prizes, including a coveted "Best in Show" title,
several "Awards of Distinction," and dedicated recognitions for military
veterans and emerging young artists. Winners are honored at an artist reception,
earning ribbons to proudly display at their booths.
Organized by a dedicated, nonprofit planning committee alongside city officials,
the festival is a true labor of love that highlights the community's commitment
to public art. By combining rigorous artistic standards with a festive,
accessible street-fair vibe, the Inverness Festival of the Arts continues to
thrive as an essential cultural institution, seamlessly connecting the creative
community with passionate art lovers year after year.
Activities & Facilities
Restaurant
Dogs allowed
Arts/crafts vendors
Live music
Short hiking trails