Tephra ICA Arts Festival

May 16-17, 2026 | Reston Town Center

Generously Sponsored by Capital One Hall

The Tephra ICA Arts Festival is celebrating 35 years! Taking place on May 16-17, 2026 at Reston Town Center, over 200 contemporary artists and artisans will travel from across the country to present original artwork to share with Festival audiences. Drawing upon a robust exhibitor and collector base coupled with Tephra ICA’s contemporary art foundation, the Festival has become one of the region’s most anticipated events, attracting tens of thousands of people to the unique, outdoor environment of Reston Town Center. The Festival is comprised of one-on-one experiences, performances, and special events leaving an exciting, thoughtful mark in the region. 

This year we are celebrating 35 years presenting the Festival in Reston Town Center. To mark this milestone, we've added a new People's Choice Award in honor of Festival Founder, Judith Forst, and will also be recognizing American craft traditions as part of the 250th Anniversary of the United States.

Scroll down to learn more about this marquee event.

View the 2025 Festival Guide Here

Artist Applications

The Tephra ICA Arts Festival is a highly selective fine art and fine craft outdoor exhibition. Each year, three top visual arts leaders, artists, and practitioners are identified as jurors to allow a thoughtful and critically engaged review process. 2026 Jurorsa will be anounced soon! Each application will be digitally reviewed by jurors and they will select the most accomplished artists within ten categories from around the nation to present their works at the Festival.

Applications for the 2026 Festival are now OPEN, and must be submitted through Zapplication.

Deadline to apply, January 2, 2026 by midnight EST.

Apply Now