2027 Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Seeks Artists, Crafters and Volunteers: Applications Run Through Jan. 31, With $15,000 in Prizes

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. - The Island Art Association is looking for artists, crafters and volunteers for the 2027 Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, which will be held April 30 through May 2, 2027, in downtown Fernandina Beach. The association administers the festival's Fine Arts and Crafts Show in partnership with the Shrimp Festival Committee. Applications for artists and crafters opened Oct. 1, 2026, and close Jan. 31, 2027, according to the association.

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A festival that began as a blessing of the fleet

The festival was first held in 1964 to celebrate the traditional blessing of the shrimping fleet, according to the Island Art Association. It has since grown into a coastal celebration that fills the historic streets of downtown Fernandina Beach with art, music and food. The association says visitors walk beneath canopies of artist tents, browse handcrafted work, hear live entertainment and smell fresh seafood drifting through the waterfront district.

The Fine Arts and Crafts Show is one of the festival's highlights, the association says. Visitors can see original paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, fiber arts, woodworking and other creative works. The association says the show attracts more than 100,000 visitors over the three-day event.

A juried show with $15,000 in prizes

The show is juried, and the association says Sunshine Artist Magazine has consistently recognized it as one of North America's top 200 art festivals. Thirteen categories of fine art will be accepted, along with crafts. Only fine art entries are eligible for awards, which include Best of Show, overall First, Second and Third places, Judges' Choice Best in Category and Awards of Distinction.

A total of $15,000 in prizes will be awarded, according to the association. Artists apply through ZAPP, an online application system, and the festival's ZAPP listing has the details. The application window closes Jan. 31, 2027, so artists who want to take part have until then to apply.

Volunteers are needed too

The association is also recruiting volunteers. Opportunities include artist check-in, parking assistance, booth sitting, hospitality events, receptions and end-of-festival activities. Volunteers get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Amelia Island's largest annual celebrations, the association says.

Planning for the event starts months in advance, according to the association. Its volunteers work with the Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Committee to coordinate artist services, publicity, judging, hospitality, parking, artist check-in, information booths, school art programs and other activities. Volunteer information is available on the Island Art Association's website, islandart.org.

How to apply

Artists and crafters can apply through the festival's ZAPP listing, according to the association. Volunteers can find information at islandart.org. The festival runs April 30 through May 2, 2027.