Ontario Arts Festival
Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10 AM - 5 PM
The City of Ontario’s Department of Museum, Arts & Culture and the Chaffey Community Museum of Art are excited to announce the seventh annual Ontario Arts Festival. The Arts Festival averages 2,000 visitors annually and exemplifies the City’s commitment to making Ontario the premier destination for arts and culture in the Inland Empire.
The Ontario Arts Festival is located between the Ontario Museum of History & Art and the Chaffey Community Museum of Art at 217 S. Lemon Avenue, Ontario, CA.
2025 Exhibiting Artists
60+ Artist Booths
Browse and purchase from a wide range of artists and mediums, including but not limited to fine art, textiles, ceramics, digital art, photography, jewelry, metal, wood, and more.
Workshops & Demos
Participate in free hands-on workshops to learn new art skills led by professional artists. View live demonstrations like clay throwing, painting and quilting.
Art Experiences
Interact with and explore temporary arts experiences created especially for the Ontario Arts Festival.
Food & Beverage
Discover delicious and freshly prepared food available for purchase by local eateries. Visit the bar catered by the Ontario Convention Center offering up local brews and wines.
Live Entertainment
Listen and dance to performances by a live band throughout the day.
Exhibitions
Discover exhibitions at two museums: the Chaffey Community Museum of Art and the Ontario Museum of History & Art.
Artist of Distinction Award
The Artist of Distinction Award was first presented in 2023 to one exhibiting artist whose work exemplified excellence in craftsmanship, imagination in subject matter, and overall exemplary festival booth design. In 2025, the Artist of Distinction Award was expended to present cash awards to three winning artists: The Artist of Distinction grand prize of $500 and two Artist of Distinction Runner-Up prizes of $250. All exhibitors are reviewed by a jury made up of local artists, residents, a Public Art Advisory Commissioner, and a City staff member. Jurors consider criteria such as:
- Originality and Creativity
- Skill and Craftsmanship
- Composition and Design
- Visual Impact and Aesthetics
- Understanding of their medium(s)
Additional considerations are taken for success in establishing a visual identity in booth design. These awards are made possible through the generous sponsorships from community partners.
2025 Jurors
Jonas Nakas, Public Art Advisory Commission, City of Ontario
Seth Pringle, Director, Claremont Lewis Museum of Art
Cindy Dillingham, Artist and Community Representative for the Chaffey Community Museum of Art
Jon Pacini, Ceramic Artist
Elly Antuna, Senior Planner, City of Ontario
Featured Artists
Thank you to our sponsors:
The Ontario Arts Festival is produced in partnership between the City of Ontario Museum, Arts & Culture Department and the Chaffey Community Museum of Art.
