Solivita Celebrates 25 Years of the Fall Arts and Crafts Festival

Solivita’s Fall Arts and Crafts Festival reaches its 25th year on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The rain-or-shine event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Art Garden and is open to the public. It offers residents and visitors a full day to browse art and handmade work while supporting a long-running community tradition.

A Quarter-Century Community Tradition

The festival has grown around a simple purpose: promoting art and fine crafts in Solivita and nearby communities. Previous festivals have combined vendor displays with resident artwork, performances, and volunteer support. The 2026 edition keeps that community focus while marking the event’s 25th anniversary.

What Visitors Can Expect

The September issue of Solivita Reflections identifies the event as an arts and crafts festival and lists the Art Garden as the location. Visitors can plan to spend time viewing creative work, talking with participating makers, and exploring the resident art display. Because vendor selections and the day’s program can change, check the latest Solivita event information before traveling for a specific artist, product or performance.

Residents Can Enter the Art Contest

Solivita residents may submit a photograph or printed copy of one original work for the resident art contest. Eligible work may include painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, needlework, fiber art, sculpture, and other original art. The festival provides the display frame, and attendees vote for first, second, and third place. The work is displayed for voting rather than offered for sale, so contest entries should not be confused with vendor merchandise.

The Art Contest Deadline Is October 16

Each resident may submit one entry, and all skill levels are welcome. Reflections lists Friday, October 16, as the deadline and instructs residents to submit a copy rather than the original artwork to the Activities Office. Winners receive gift cards and are scheduled to be featured in the December issue of Reflections. Entry forms and instructions are listed on SolivitaHOA.com under Lifestyles, Docs and Forms, in the 2026 Art Contest section for the Fall Arts and Crafts Festival.

Volunteer for a Two-Hour Shift

The festival also needs resident volunteers. Published roles include helping with merchandise sales, the voting booth, vendor booth sitting, photography, attendance counting, balloon setup, children’s crafts, golf cart shuttles, and light loading or unloading. Most assignments count as two hours of community service. A volunteer orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at 3 p.m. in the Ballroom. Residents can contact the Solivita Activities Office at 863-427-7125 for current openings and instructions.

Festival Fundraising Supports Dream Village

The 2026 festival’s fund drive benefits Sunshine Foundation Dream Village in Davenport. Sunshine Foundation describes the village as a place where eligible children and their families can stay during Central Florida dream trips. The connection gives festival visitors an additional way to support a nearby nonprofit while enjoying the day’s art and craft displays.

Before You Go

Save November 7 and plan for a 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. outdoor event that will proceed rain or shine. The 2026 vendor application period is already closed, but prospective vendors may contact the Activities Office about the mailing list for a future festival. Shortly before the event, confirm the date, hours, location, parking or shuttle arrangements, accessibility information, and any weather-related guidance through current Solivita communications.