Jubilee Festival of Arts — Daphne
Over 140 artists, live music, local food makers, and free admission at Lott Park in Olde Towne Daphne every October. A worthwhile day trip from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach — about an hour up the coast on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay.
Stay on the Gulf Coast
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach put you about an hour from Daphne — with beach access, resort amenities, and direct booking through Brett/Robinson.
37 years of art, music, and southern charm on the Eastern Shore
The Jubilee Festival of Arts is one of Alabama's longest-running annual arts festivals — presented by the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Daphne. What began as a local tradition on Main Street has grown into a two-day event welcoming over 140 juried artists to Lott Park in Olde Towne Daphne each October.
The festival is set along the oak-lined streets near the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay — a distinctly different setting from the Gulf beaches, and worth the drive for guests looking to explore more of coastal Alabama. Artists travel from across the region to exhibit jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculpture, woodwork, and mixed media. The Jubilee Market adds local food makers, and a full entertainment stage runs both days.
General admission is free. The event runs rain or shine. Parking is available throughout downtown Daphne, with larger lots at Daphne Elementary to the north and Daphne City Hall to the south of the festival grounds.
What to expect at the Jubilee Festival
Two days of art, food, music, and family activities at Lott Park in Daphne. Here's what the festival includes.
140+ Juried Artists
Local and regional artists exhibit jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculpture, wood, mixed media, and functional and decorative items across the festival grounds.
Jubilee Market
Local food makers bring honey, jellies, baked goods, produce, and artisan goods. A distinct section of the festival focused on Alabama-made edibles and provisions.
Live Entertainment
A dedicated entertainment stage features local acts throughout both days of the festival. Check the official entertainment schedule at thejubileefestival.com before your visit.
Free Kids Art Area
Kids Art is a free, hands-on activity area for children of all ages — face painting, creative projects, and interactive art activities. The perennial fence painting project adds artwork to Centennial Park year after year.
High School Art Competition
Student artists compete and exhibit work alongside professional festival artists. Festival judges evaluate both categories, making it a unique showcase of emerging Gulf Coast talent.
Tailgater Area
Live-streamed football games, grill demonstrations, and games run all weekend in the Tailgater Area — a popular stop for guests who want to keep up with fall football while enjoying the festival.
Planning your trip to Daphne
Festival Location
W.O. Lott Park, 2000 Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526. Set in Olde Towne Daphne along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay.
Parking
Free parking is available throughout downtown Daphne. Largest lots are at Daphne Elementary (north end) and Daphne City Hall (south end).
Hours
Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM. The festival runs rain or shine. Confirm current-year hours at thejubileefestival.com.
Distance from Gulf Shores
Approximately 45 to 60 minutes north via I-10. A straightforward drive that makes the Jubilee Festival an easy day trip for guests staying on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Stay on the Gulf Coast with Brett/Robinson
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach give you a full beach vacation as your home base — with Daphne a comfortable day trip away. October is one of the best months to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast: lower rates, warm water, and lighter crowds. Brett/Robinson manages over 1,000 properties available for direct booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Jubilee Festival of Arts in Daphne?
The Jubilee Festival of Arts is held annually on the third weekend of October in Daphne, Alabama. The 2025 event took place October 18 and 19 at W.O. Lott Park. Confirm 2026 dates at thejubileefestival.com as the event approaches.
Where is the Jubilee Festival of Arts held?
The festival is held at W.O. Lott Park, located at 2000 Main Street in Olde Towne Daphne, Alabama. The event permanently relocated to Lott Park, and parking is available throughout downtown Daphne including at Daphne Elementary and Daphne City Hall.
Is the Jubilee Festival of Arts free?
Yes, general admission to the Jubilee Festival of Arts is free. The Kids Art area is also free. Food, vendor purchases, and any special experiences are individually priced. The event runs rain or shine.
What happens at the Jubilee Festival of Arts?
The festival features more than 140 local and regional artists exhibiting jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculpture, wood, mixed media, and functional and decorative items. Additional attractions include the Jubilee Market for local food makers, live entertainment, a Kids Art area with free activities, a High School Art Competition, a Tailgater Area with live-streamed football games, and a full food court.
How far is the Jubilee Festival from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?
Daphne is approximately 45 to 60 minutes north of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach by car via I-10. The Jubilee Festival makes a worthwhile day trip for guests staying on the Alabama Gulf Coast who want to explore the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay.
Where should I stay for the Jubilee Festival of Arts?
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation rentals provide a convenient base for the Jubilee Festival — about 45 to 60 minutes from Daphne — with full beach access before and after the event. Brett/Robinson manages condos and beach houses across both areas available for direct booking at brett-robinson.com.
Make the Gulf Coast your base for October
October is one of the best months on the Alabama Gulf Coast — warm water, lower rates, and quieter beaches. Stay with Brett/Robinson in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach and make the Jubilee Festival of Arts one stop on a full fall getaway.