Four times a year, Downtown Palmyra comes alive and draws visitors from around the state to enjoy art and everything that makes Fluvanna a fantastic day trip destination.
The Palmyra Arts Fest is held just four Saturdays a year, during the months of April, June, September and December. This outdoor art market features local artistic creations of multiple varieties. Situated on Stone Jail Street in the heart of the Village of Palmyra, the event is typically held on a second Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. Check our calendar for the next Arts Fest date.
Free to the public, the event includes dozens of artists, food vendors and community partners at each event. At the site of the festival, visitors can also enjoy self-guided walking tours and explore both historic and modern local downtown businesses. Palmyra is in the heart of Fluvanna, and situated near many of its top attractions, including an alpaca farm, orchard, wineries, Pleasant Grove Park and many outdoor activities and local eateries.
Sponsored by Sweet Art Emporium, Fluvanna County Arts Council, the Fluvanna Historical Society and Fluvanna Economic Development, the Arts Fest attracts hundreds of visitors from inside Fluvanna County, its neighboring localities, and around the region.
The Arts Fest began as a result of many of the area’s small businesses temporarily closing down during the pandemic. Organizers began offering the outdoor market in December 2020 so that local artists could continue to sell their wares in an open and safe space. So Erika Mitchell of Sweet Art Emporium paired with two other local businesswomen to expand the art markets into a street festival with hopes of also attracting visitors to Palmyra’s scenic downtown village and its charming shops and area restaurants.
Now people from all over Virginia can enjoy this special event four times a year at no cost.
More information can be found at the Palmyra Arts Fest Facebook page.