The fifth annual Tyler Arts Festival drew approximately 40 artists and vendors to Caldwell field on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Hosted by the City of Tyler in partnership with Tyler Art Lift, the event was held at the Caldwell field as a temporary venue, necessitated by ongoing downtown construction. Next year, the festival is expected to return to its long-term home at the new Downtown Square.
Festival visitors explored a diverse range of artistic creations and goods, including traditional paintings, pottery, handmade stuffed animals, various forms of jewelry, beadwork, and earrings. Children’s activities, such as face painting, also proved to be a popular draw for families. Haleigh Frank, the city’s arts and culture supervisor, highlighted the festival’s vital role in connecting local artists with the community. Frank noted that the event offers artists a platform to share their work while providing residents with an opportunity to experience the wide variety of art being created within Tyler. She emphasized the importance of supporting the arts and artists, stating that "Art is the foundation of who we are."
Despite recent shifts in location due to downtown development, Frank observed that the festival consistently attracts visitors each year. This year’s attendance continued to demonstrate that "people want more art," she said, reflecting the community’s desire to engage with, appreciate, and get to know local artists. The supervisor also pointed out the festival’s growing diversity in artists and mediums each year, with some vendors returning from its inaugural year alongside new participants.
Rick Cade, a Tyler painter who works primarily in acrylics and also uses spray paint, expressed his enjoyment in participating in local art festivals and having the opportunity to showcase his work. Tyler resident Emma Molina, a first-time attendee, found the children’s activities to be a significant draw; her two-year-old daughter, Evelena Rose, enjoyed getting her face painted, and a friend’s son had a booth selling Squishies. Molina described the event as "very nice, everybody bringing out their arts and stuff, showing it off."
Visitors also traveled from outside the Tyler area to attend. Ryan Ruhge and his family, who were in the Tyler area from Houston for a birthday party, decided to visit the festival. Ruhge’s daughters, four-year-old Lucia and nine-year-old Paloma, enjoyed painting, while the family explored the various exhibits and vendors. Ruhge praised his family’s experience in Tyler, noting that everyone they encountered had been exceptionally kind.
The City of Tyler’s commitment to the arts extends beyond this annual festival. On the same Saturday, the city opened the third iteration of Art Alley. Frank, who also oversees arts programming at Liberty Hall and Gallery Main Street, confirmed that additional exhibitions and performances are planned throughout the year. She noted that "there’s always something going on downtown, especially in the arts." The festival’s scheduled return to the Downtown Square next year is expected to establish that location as its permanent home base following its recent moves.
