Presented by
An Occasion for All
150+ Artists ✦ 2 Days ✦ Live Performances ✦ Food Vendors ✦ Free Admission
Become an Official Festival Sponsor or a Friend of the Arts at any level!
October 3-4 2026
Williamsburg, VA
Since 1969, artists from across the country — and around the corner — have gathered each October to share their work in Williamsburg’s historic streets, celebrating creativity, curiosity, and community.
Thank you!
Thank you for being part of this year’s festival. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.
A massive thank you to all of the National Artists, Volunteers, Sponsors and Supporters, Friends and Donors, Poets, Local Artists, Performing Artists, Art Teachers, Jurors, W&M Collaborators, Young Artists, Museum Professionals, Food & Beverage Vendors, Community Partners, Past Board Members, Committee Members, In Kind Professionals, our Volunteer Board of Directors, and all those that came to be part of this gathering in support of the arts and community.
We look forward spending time with you again in 2027!
An Occasion for the Arts Presents VA Unlocked
A Sound Walk of Virginia Hip-Hop History
VA Unlocked is an immersive sound walk exploring the voices, stories, places, and people that helped shape Virginia hip-hop culture. Through oral histories and firsthand accounts, experience a history that has lived in our communities long before the world was watching.
Soundbooth
Call 757-561-0632 to share your story with the Sound Booth.
Tell us about a work of art, song, or performance that has stayed with you. What do you remember about it, and why did it matter to you? No name needed.
Untitled: Time
During the 2026 festival, AOFTA hosted Untitled Time, a project bringing together William & Mary and the University of St Andrews to ask:
In the age of AI, what should be preserved until 2126?
The team is imagining a “time vessel” in College Woods, connected across the Atlantic to St Andrews. Before designing it, they invited visitors to share ideas through a short, optional survey or at their festival table.
Plan your visit
Spend a fall weekend
exploring artwork with us.
Parking
Park at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, 101 Visitor Center Drive. Parking is $10/day with complimentary shuttle service to the Historic Area. P3, Prince George Street and Boundary Street are closed for festival activities.
Zones
Areas of the festival.
Location
Williamsburg, Virginia
Dates
October 2-4, 2026
Friday (Kickoff Party: 6pm), Saturday – Sunday (10am – 5pm), the first weekend in October.
Mixed Media & Digital✦Drawing & Pastels✦Painting✦Photography✦Printmaking✦Fiber & Textiles✦Ceramics✦Glass✦Jewelry✦Metal✦Sculpture✦Wood
Mixed Media & Digital✦Drawing & Pastels✦Painting✦Photography✦Printmaking✦Fiber & Textiles✦Ceramics✦Glass✦Jewelry✦Metal✦Sculpture✦Wood
Founded in 1969, An Occasion for the Arts brings artists, performers, and audiences together in Williamsburg for a weekend of creative exchange, cultural experience, and community connection.
What began as a local celebration has grown into one of the region’s leading art and music festivals, presenting work by distinguished artists from across the country each year during the first weekend in October.
Friend of the Arts – Membership
Suggested
Support with a monthly recurring gift.
$25
/month
Benefactor of the Arts
Lead support
Ideal for businesses.
$500+
/year
Supporter of the Arts
One-time Gift
Make an immediate impact.
You decide
/one time
An Occasion for the Arts is Williamsburg’s premier art and music festival,
bringing together artists, performers, and audiences for a vibrant weekend of creativity and community.
Sponsorship offers meaningful visibility and direct engagement with a diverse audience while
demonstrating your commitment to the arts, education, and community life in Williamsburg.
We’re happy to share sponsorship levels, benefits, and partnership options.
