Ankeny Art Center Brings Regional Artists Together for 2026 Arts Festival
The Ankeny Art Center will transform several streets of Historic Uptown into a one-day arts festival on May 16, featuring more than 50 regional artists, live demonstrations, and interactive experiences. The event creates an accessible space for artists to sell their work while inviting the community to connect through creativity.
What is the Ankeny Art Center
The Ankeny Art Center is a nonprofit organization based in Ankeny, Iowa, serving northern Polk County through visual arts education, exhibitions, and community programs. The center provides accessible opportunities for people of all ages to learn, create, and experience art while supporting local artists and strengthening community connection through creativity.
Learn more at www.ankenyartcenter.org
What is the Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival?
The Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival will showcase artists working across a range of mediums, including painting, ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, glass, and mixed media. In addition to artist booths, the festival will include live music, food trucks, and hands-on activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. The event is structured to make art approachable while giving artists a meaningful opportunity to share and sell their work.
“This festival is about more than showcasing art—it’s about creating a space where people feel connected to creativity and to each other,” said Hilary Elizabeth, Executive Director of the Ankeny Art Center. “We want artists to have accessible opportunities to share their work and for our community to experience the value of art in everyday life.”
The Ankeny Art Center Arts Festival reflects the organization’s role as a creative hub for northern Polk County, supporting local artists while strengthening community connection. By partnering with organizations across the region, the Art Center continues to expand access to the arts and create opportunities for residents to engage in creative experiences.
Event Details:
- When: May 16th 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Ankeny’s Historic Uptown District along 3rd and Walnut Streets
- Admission: FREE
- Food Trucks: Loudi’s, Nina’s Tacos, Hey Mister Feast Fare
- Musicians: Will Hatchet & Beggars Bargain
Why You Should Go
- Free activities for kids and adults: There will be three children craft areas, all free to participate in and live demonstrations including pottery wheel and live painting.
- Great Food and Shopping: Over 50 fine artist booths to browse as well as Uptown Ankeny’s Boutiques such as Real Deals and Funky Zebras. Three food trucks will be available as well as Uptown Ankeny Restaurants.
- Free Parking: Street parking is available as well as parking next to the Uptown AMP
- Ankeny Kids K-12 Art Exhibition: Featuring the work of Ankeny School’s k-12 children
- Testimonies from previous community attendees: “This event is one of a kind for our community and helps support, encourage, and promote arts in our community and surrounding areas.” “Holding in old downtown Ankeny is a real asset and benefit. We enjoyed our time at the festival. So many great artists. We like the stores in this area and like to shop there.”
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, your dog if you want, and your love of art!
