Every year on the second weekend of March, the city of Brooksville transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity for "Art in the Park". Presented by the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, this highly anticipated event stands as Hernando County’s largest art festival. Having recently celebrated its milestone 41st anniversary in March 2026, the tradition has been a cultural cornerstone of Florida's Adventure Coast since its inception in 1984.

The festival takes place within the scenic expanse of Tom Varn Park. The location provides a relaxed backdrop, where shaded paths wind beneath sprawling oak trees, creating an open-air gallery. This natural ambiance draws a diverse crowd of over 6,000 art enthusiasts, collectors, and families from Hernando County and its neighboring communities each spring.

Art in the Park serves as a premier juried art show, featuring more than 100 fine artists and artisans from across the Southeast and the wider United States. To maintain high standards, exhibitors undergo a rigorous selection process, and all displayed pieces must be original works. Visitors can explore an extensive array of mediums, including fine art paintings, sculptures and ceramics, handcrafted jewelry and fiber arts, and photography. Because it is a competitive exhibition, a panel of regional art experts and curators judge the work on the opening Saturday.

Attendees are also encouraged to participate in the festivities by voting for the "You Be the Judge" or People’s Choice awards. Beyond the artist booths, "Art in the Park" is a multi-sensory community festival. Two full days of live entertainment unfold on the main stage, highlighting local musical acts, choirs, and performance groups. Interspersed throughout the park are live art demonstrations and community mural painting, which give visitors a firsthand look at the creative process.

Food trucks and a dedicated lakeside picnic area offer a wide range of dining options, keeping attendees energized as they stroll through the exhibits. A major highlight of the event is its dedication to youth and education. The County-Wide Student Art Show provides elementary, middle, and high school students across Hernando County a platform to publicly exhibit their work, compete for distinct student awards, and win early recognition. Additionally, the Children's Experience Area offers a festival-within-a-festival for younger attendees. Sponsored and run by local nonprofits and civic groups, this space encourages hands-on creativity through interactive art activities that go far beyond basic coloring sheets, allowing kids to create their own masterpieces to take home.

"Art in the Park" is completely free to the public, although the festival asks for a small donation for parking, which directly funds the Hernando County Fine Arts Council. These contributions support year-round grants, public art initiatives, and programs that promote creative arts across the county.
Activities & Facilities

RestaurantPlaygroundPicnic shelterDogs allowedArts/crafts vendorsLive musicShort hiking trails

• Art in the Park official website

Note: The dates of annual events and festivals are subject to change from year to year. Before planning your trip, be sure to check the links above for the actual dates, times, and schedule of activities.