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Apply to sell your art at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar.

Thank you for your interest in participating in the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar.

Founded in 1976, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a curated and juried fine art and music festival held each December in Austin, Texas. The event brings together fine artists, live music, and holiday shopping in a festive indoor environment that has become a beloved seasonal tradition for both artists and collectors.

While we are a fine art show, the Bazaar also functions as a holiday gift market, where attendees come specifically to purchase original work from the artists they meet.

Please review all of the information below before submitting your application. Applications remain open year-round however, the best time to apply is January-March.

Application Timeline

• March: Primary application review 
• March–August: Rolling review until the show is full
• August–December: Applications held for the following year

From application through participation, we are happy to provide guidance and mentorship throughout the process.

Before reaching out with questions, please review the FAQ section below. If you still have questions feel free to email us at: 

Thank you!

What We’re Looking For

• Art that expands the variety of the show while avoiding heavy product overlap
• Work that appeals to a range of tastes and budgets for our holiday buying audience
• High standards of craftsmanship, professionalism, and booth presentation
• Unique or unusual offerings that bring something distinctive to the show
• Artists who show passion for their work and commitment to improving their craft
• Artists who collaborate well with others and contribute positively to the show environment
• Artists interested in building a sphere of prosperity around the event—when the show thrives, artists thrive

Category Availability

• Jewelry openings are extremely limited and qualified applicants are often placed on a waitlist
• 2-D artwork is also highly competitive and frequently waitlisted
• Even when work is a strong fit, it may take multiple years before an opening becomes available in these categories

What We Are NOT Looking For

• Importers or buy/sell vendors
• Commercial product distributors
• Mass-produced or factory-manufactured merchandise
• Work where the artist is not the primary creator
• AI-Generated Artwork: The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is committed to showcasing human-created artwork and craft; work generated primarily through artificial intelligence platforms is not eligible.

Because we receive hundreds of applications each month, submissions that clearly fall into these categories may not receive a response. Our time is best spent reviewing and supporting artists who create their own original work.

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No. There is no fee to submit an application.

There is no deadline. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed beginning each March until the show is full. Best time to apply is January-March.

No, if you have filled out an application in the last 3 years you do not need to reapply. Instead, send an email to info@armadillobazaar.com with your name, business name, any changes to your business since your application, a list of upcoming shows and new images.

Artists must provide their own booth walls. Pop-up tents are not allowed. Most artists use custom-built wooden walls, ProPanels, or pipe and drape. Other wall systems may be considered with approval.

Yes. Artists are required and responsible for providing their own booth lighting. We have high lighting standards and can provide guidance and resources to help you meet them. Artists should expect to invest in appropriate lighting materials.

Booth sizes vary depending on location and layout within the venue. Booth options and configurations are discussed during the interview process. Currently our smallest is 4×10 and one of the largest is 20X20.

Yes, but artists must arrange the partnership themselves. We do not facilitate shared booths. Each artist must apply through our website and be approved to participate.

Booth fees are based on square footage and frontage. Final pricing and payment details are discussed with artists during the interview process. Current booths range from about $1,500 to over $5,000. The average booth is a little over $2,000.

Booth payments are typically accepted by check or electronic payment. Details will be provided during registration.

Yes. You or your sales help must be present and open for business during our open hours, everyday of the show.

Load-in typically begins the day before opening by scheduled appointment. Load-out begins after the final show day. Specific schedules are provided to participating artists.

Yes. Artists are responsible for collecting and reporting Texas sales tax on their sales. Texas Comptroller: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/permit/

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a highly curated show and many of our artists return year after year. After the significant investment artists make in building their booths, lighting, and customer relationships, we prioritize giving them the opportunity to continue growing their collector base at the show.

Even when we feel an artist’s work is a strong fit, we may be waiting for the right booth location or category opening to become available. Our goal is to place artists where they have the best chance of success within the show.

We encourage artists to stay in touch and to let us know if they will be exhibiting at other shows we may be attending.

TESTIMONIALS

“Well run event in every way. The staff did a perfect job of making me feel like I was an important part of the event. I have done shows for 20+ years, and I have developed a personal system to not rely on show management for anything, as many show’s management provide very little support for the artists. The Armadillo Bazaar provides a ton of support and perks, and I wish it could be a model for events around the country. Great event.”
–Michael Schwegmann

“I met someone with National Geographic in 2009 at the Armadillo Bazaar while exhibiting my work. I received a contract 6 months later. The show has helped me in many ways, one in particular is to be keenly aware of merchandising, placement and lighting. It all matters. Detail details details.”
–Greg Davis

“I have met some of my biggest collectors at the Armadillo. Incredible exposure that brings me clients all year!!”
–Rita Marie Ross

“We love the energy and Christmas spirit at the Armadillo. Since everyone involved is either selling their own artwork or buying from a small artist it is calmer more pleasant shopping experience for everyone. The shoppers are able to buy unique gifts for their loved ones while being able to connect with the artists first hand, which is an incredible thing!”
–Mick Whitcomb

“I believe my confidence definitely increased after selling out during my first show. People didn’t bat an eyelash at spending $1200 for one of my sculptures, proving to me I was worthy to be in this business.”
–Sandy Ball Muckelroy

“Complements on the essential strategic decision to vet each of the vendors on the basis of personality as well as product. Brilliant! It created a room full of solutions and ‘ease’, and for such a long show, comfort and friendships. I liked participating in a show that was mature and well practiced so that systems worked well if you followed the system”
–Michael Terra

“Being part of the Armadillo family has helped fine tune and elevate our brand. There’s a positive camaraderie—artists helping artists without pretense or gatekeeping.”
– Jason Wallerstein

“Armadillo is the pinnacle of fine art shows, especially in the Austin area. It offers one-of-a-kind treasures in price ranges for every budget.”
— Holly Glenn

“The old Austin feel, the beautifully curated atmosphere, and the live music truly set a festive tone for the holidays.”
— Saira Holland

“It gave me a much-needed sales boost. The exposure was great.”
— Ryan Doolittle