Press Release

Set beneath the ancient coastal redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the 63rd annual Kings Mountain Art Fair returns Labor Day weekend, September 5th through September 7th, 2026. This year’s juried fair welcomes 23 first-time exhibitors among its 125+ participating artists, continuing a decades-long tradition as one of the most respected fine art events on the West Coast.

“What makes this fair remarkable is the depth of commitment behind it, from both the artists who jury in each year to the volunteers who make it all possible,” said Mike Lampell, Executive Director. “We’re proud to celebrate over six decades of bringing world-class art into the heart of the redwoods while giving back to the community.”

Powered by over 400 community volunteers and guided by a commitment to environmental stewardship, the fair has been entirely community-run since its founding in 1963 — when it was established as a fundraiser to build a firehouse for the Kings Mountain community. That founding purpose remains central today: the fair continues to provide vital funding to the Kings Mountain Volunteer Fire Brigade, which responds to more than 300 emergency calls annually and serves as a critical resource for residents and the many visitors who come to hike, bike, and explore the surrounding forest. Proceeds also support Kings Mountain Elementary School, a Cabrillo Unified School District campus serving approximately sixty students. The fair is actively working toward becoming a fully zero-waste event, in keeping with the values of the mountain community it calls home.

Alongside original works across a wide range of media, visitors can enjoy excellent on-site food throughout the day: breakfast, a full lunch menu, beer and wine, and Grandma Jenny’s beloved giant cookies. Families enjoy old-fashioned children’s games and crafts in Kiddie Hollow.

Admission is free. To protect displayed artwork, pets are not permitted on the fairgrounds. Visitors may arrive on foot, by bicycle, or by car. Bicycle racks are available for cyclists, and a shuttle runs from parking areas along Skyline Boulevard. Situated at 2,050 feet elevation in a coastal redwood forest, the site experiences shifting temperatures throughout the day, and layered clothing is advised. Browse and purchase artists’ work online before, during, and after the fair at kingsmountainartfair.org.