Virtu Art Festival 2026 Westerly
Virtu Art Festival 2026 Westerly on May 23 and 24, transforming downtown Westerly into a massive outdoor celebration of fine art, music, creativity, and springtime energy. Now celebrating its 30th year, the festival has grown into one of Southern New England’s premier outdoor arts events, drawing more than 20,000 visitors annually to wander beneath the trees of Wilcox Park while exploring work from artists across the country.
Virtu Art Festival 2026 blends the atmosphere of an upscale outdoor gallery with the relaxed charm of a community festival. More than 100 artists and makers are expected to showcase paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, woodworking, ceramics, textiles, and handcrafted fine art throughout the park. Live entertainment and music performances add to the experience while nearby downtown restaurants, cafés, and shops keep the streets buzzing all weekend long. Organizers from the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce describe the event as a celebration of artistic diversity and cultural vitality for the Westerly-Pawcatuck region.
Part of what makes Virtu stand out is its setting. Wilcox Park in late May feels almost tailor-made for an arts festival, with blooming trees, winding walkways, and open green spaces creating a backdrop that feels far more intimate and scenic than a typical street fair. Visitors can spend hours drifting from booth to booth, talking directly with artists, listening to live music near the gazebo, and discovering unexpected pieces ranging from traditional fine art to modern craftwork. The result is the kind of slow-moving, walkable spring weekend event that attracts serious collectors, casual browsers, and families simply looking for a beautiful day outdoors.
Festival Hours
- Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday, May 24, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
