Stuart area festivals and art shows are in full swing during the "season." All along the Treasure Coast, there's something for every attendee. The beautiful surroundings and weather make for a great day, whether it's jewelry, paintings, woodworking, sculpture, or clothing. Check out these Stuart area festivals and art shows.
Downtown Stuart Art Festival
As a personal favorite, the Annual Downtown Stuart Art Festival offers a large variety of art and attracts artists from all over the country. This February event on East Ocean Blvd typically benefits from beautiful temperatures and sunshine. With Memorial Park and its lovely grounds as a backdrop and free admission, it's an excellent opportunity to see (and perhaps buy) some fantastic art and jewelry. This February event has free access.
Hobe Sound Art Festival
When I moved to Martin County at 20, Hobe Sound was my first choice. It's quieter than Stuart or other cities and towns to the north. It's much less traveled than south of Hobe Sound on the Treasure Coast.
The first home I built was in the Soundings in Hobe Sound. The "wet side" was not entirely built out, so I was fortunate to buy a canal-front lot on Hawksbill Way. We built the house in 1987.
Hobe Sound Art Festival is a top-quality show and runs a quarter mile near the tracks on A1A. Beautiful Jupiter Island is just east of the famous Banyan trees on Bridge Rd, a stone's throw from the festival. After the festival, enjoy a relaxing day at Hobe Sound Beach or a drive along the famous coastline. Home to golfers Tiger Woods and Greg Norman, Jupiter Island's private industry along A1A is breathtaking. Blowing Rocks Preserve is toward the south end and is an excellent place for photos or a walk. It's easy to make a day of it with the festival and a drive. This February event has free admission.
Under The Oaks, Vero Beach
A personal favorite is Under The Oaks in Vero Beach. World-class artists with unique, high-quality pieces among substantial live oak trees in Riverside Park on Vero's barrier island (Orchid Island). This March event is a stage set for success. Advance tickets are $10, $15 at the door. Children under ten enter free.
Sunfest Music Festival, West Palm Beach
Held rain or shine, Sunfest Music Festival along the Intracoastal waterway in West Palm Beach draws 150,000+ people annually. This family-friendly four-day event has tickets for $152 for a single day. Previous performers have included Keith Urban, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Tears For Fears. The schedule is packed with back-to-back performances for hours and days!
Sunfest is typically held in late April. Along Flagler, between Banyan Blvd and Lakeview Ave., you'll enjoy food and wine pairing events, floating bars, the battle of the bands, a 5k event, and plenty of shopping. Fireworks are on the agenda too.
Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival
The Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival has become a local tradition with live entertainment, art, and scheduled events. Named for the pineapple plantations that covered the landscape 100 years ago, there's fun for everyone. This 30+-year-old November event has concerts, arts and crafts, street performers, bands, and a midway. A delegation from the island of Eleuthera, Bahamas, brings the heart-pounding sounds of Junkanoo to the festival.
Several other Stuart area festivals and art shows take place in this idyllic location, including ArtsFest. This festival is located in Memorial Park and boasts culinary delights and beautiful fine art. This well-attended event began in 1988 and has grown each year. Art in the Park, a November event, is another excellent fine art show. Admission for either is $10.
Okeechobee Speckled Perch Festival
The Speckled Perch Festival and Parade is one of my favorites. If you are Southern cooking, this is a fun and delicious way to spend a day. This March event has lots to see, including beautiful beading, leatherwork, and more. The speckled perch is outstanding, and you better get there early because they've been known to run out.
This event dates back to 1965 and honors the fishing industry for the livelihoods it provided. It's in Flagler Park, and you can almost feel the history. Check it out easy day trip from anywhere on the Treasure Coast.
Top of the Lake Art Fest
Top of the Lake Art Fest hosts some fantastic artisans. The quality of the work will keep you craning into each booth. This juried event has some natural talent. Usually, this is a February art festival.
Contact Mona Leonard, your Treasure Coast Insider blogger, to learn about Stuart area festivals and art shows. She can be reached at 772-53-6131.