July 29, 2025
While the old familiar expression is “Christmas in July,” the Richmond Art Center (RAC) is ahead of the game by starting to plan its “Holiday Arts Festival” in June. The 63rd incarnation of the beloved local event will take place Sunday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the RAC.
“There are so many great art and craft fairs that happen in the Bay Area around December each year,” said RAC Community Engagement Director Amy Spencer. “And we had started getting questions from vendors about the Holiday Arts Festival this year starting in June. So we thought if folks were already planning their seasonal calendars we would give them as much advance notice as possible.”
The RAC put out an early call for vendors this summer for the annual event that spotlights the works of more than 50 local arts & crafts makers in its galleries and makes for an opportune holiday gift shopping spot. Vendor applications are due September 21 at 11:59 p.m. and vendor notifications will go out October 2. First time vendors are welcome to apply alongside the perennial pros.
“We always feature lots of handmade ceramics, jewelry and prints,” said Spencer about the festival’s artistic treasures for sale. “But there’s a real range of media beyond that too—wood, glass, fiber art, creative edible items, etc.”
The Holiday Arts Festival draws approximately 1,000 visitors annually and is the RAC’s largest event. In addition to the handmade gifts by local artists, Spencer said the RAC’s studios and courtyard will be used for free art activities, a student ceramics sale, raffle and refreshments. Community partner pop-ups will also be part of the mix.
For festival vendors, the RAC provides a table, chair/s, vendor sign (if needed), wall space (as requested/as available), electrical outlet (as requested/as available), set-up time/deinstall and an online vendor listing, according to its website. Vendors can learn more or apply here.
The Holiday Arts Festival takes place at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue in Richmond. Questions? Contact the Richmond Art Center at (510) 620-6772 or info@richmondartcenter.org.
