Where to Buy Original Art This Summer: Fairs You Can’t Miss

When the days grow longer and cities buzz with energy, summer is the perfect time to refresh your collection — or to start one — with original hand painted canvas art, unique sculptures, or exquisite drawings that bring daily inspiration. True art lovers know that discovering the right piece is about more than just scrolling through an endless feed. Sometimes, you want to feel the texture, meet the artist, and truly connect with the work. That’s where summer art fairs come in.

In this guide, we’ll uncover some of the most exciting art fairs in the U.S. — the very places where buying and selling artwork feels alive and personal. We’ll also share practical tips on navigating these fairs, what to look for, and how they fit into the modern ecosystem of the best places to sell artwork online and off.

Why Art Fairs Still Matter in the Age of Online Art

Today, countless platforms claim to be the best place to sell artwork online, and collectors can easily buy drawings online, browse sculptures for sale online, or discover original hand painted canvas art from emerging artists worldwide. But for many, an art fair is still irreplaceable.

Why? Because it’s about human connection. When you walk through rows of booths, talk with artists face-to-face, and see the brush strokes up close, you become part of a living, breathing community — an experience that even the best online marketplace can’t fully replicate.

The Top Summer Art Fairs You Shouldn’t Miss

Here’s a selection of the most anticipated fairs this summer — with 2025 dates to help you plan. Whether you’re buying, browsing, or exploring places to sell artwork online, these events are worth marking on your calendar.

1. The Original Miami Beach Antique Show & Art Fair

Dates: May 29 – June 1, 2025
Miami’s vibrant art scene isn’t just about Art Basel. The Original Miami Beach Antique Show & Art Fair blends vintage treasures and contemporary artworks under one sunny roof. Expect timeless finds and conversations with seasoned gallerists and collectors.

Tip: Bring a notebook. Many dealers love to share the fascinating stories behind each piece — turning a simple purchase into a journey through history.

2. Sausalito Art Festival, California

Dates: August 30 – September 1, 2025 (Labor Day Weekend)
This legendary festival by the San Francisco Bay is one of America’s longest-running outdoor art events. It features a carefully curated selection of paintings, jewelry, ceramics, and large-scale sculptures for sale. Thousands of visitors come for the art, music, and waterfront setting.

Tip: If you’re an artist, Sausalito is a masterclass in how to present your work and connect with an audience — skills you can later apply to places to sell artwork online.

3. Lakefront Festival of Art, Milwaukee

Dates: June 20 – 22, 2025
Held on the grounds of the Milwaukee Art Museum, this juried festival brings together over 170 artists from around the country. Expect to find stunning original hand painted canvas art, drawings, prints, and high-quality artisan crafts. All alongside Lake Michigan’s beautiful shoreline.

Tip: Many artists offer smaller works too — perfect if you want to buy drawings online or bring home something unique without stretching your budget.

4. Outsider Art Fair, New York

Dates: July 10 – 13, 2025
This fair is a must for collectors who crave work that breaks boundaries. The Outsider Art Fair is dedicated to self-taught artists and unconventional creators who work beyond the traditional art world. It’s the ideal place to discover fresh, boundary-pushing art and connect directly with dealers.

Tip: Keep an open mind! Many pieces sell quickly — if you feel drawn to something, don’t hesitate.

5. Art Santa Fe, New Mexico

Dates: July 17 – 20, 2025
Santa Fe has long been an art haven, and its namesake fair celebrates that legacy with a blend of contemporary painting, sculptures for sale online, mixed media, and immersive installations. Expect galleries and solo artists from around the world, plus talks, live art, and special exhibits.

Tip: Santa Fe’s summer art scene extends far beyond the fair — plan extra days to explore local studios and Indigenous art markets.

How to Make the Most of an Art Fair

Art fairs can be overwhelming — hundreds of booths, countless choices. Here’s how to enjoy the experience without feeling lost:

Do your homework.
Many fairs post exhibitor lists early. Make a shortlist of artists or styles you love.

Ask questions.
Artists love talking about their process. Understanding a piece’s backstory makes owning it even more special.

Compare prices.
Seeing what similar works sell for in person helps you evaluate prices when browsing places to sell artwork online later.

Stay connected.
If you don’t buy on the spot, grab a card. Many artists run online shops where you can buy drawings online, prints, or commissions later.

When to Buy Online vs. In Person

While fairs offer that magical in-person connection, sometimes the exact piece you want just isn’t there. That’s where online platforms come in — letting you explore thousands of works, commission custom pieces, or discover new artists year-round. Combining fairs with trusted online platforms is often the best strategy for both collectors and artists.

Tips for Artists: Turn Summer Fairs into Long-Term Success

Showing your work at a fair can be thrilling — but the real magic happens afterward.
Collect emails.
Offer a small print or special discount for visitors who join your list.
Promote your online shop.
Make sure your booth clearly points people to your best place to sell artwork online, where they can discover more.
Follow up. After the fair, send thank-you notes, announce new works, and keep building those connections.

Final Thoughts: Your Summer of Art Awaits

Whether you’re wandering through festival tents in Santa Fe, lakeside booths in Milwaukee, or browsing your favorite gallery’s shop late at night, remember — buying art is about more than filling a wall. It’s about finding inspiration, supporting creativity, and telling your story.

So this summer, treat yourself to discovery. Visit a fair, talk to an artist, feel the brushstrokes, and take home a piece of the world’s beauty. And if you can’t make it in person, you always have countless places to sell artwork online where you can buy drawings online, discover original hand painted canvas art, and bring home sculptures for sale that make your space feel uniquely yours.

Whether you are looking to decorate one room or your entire house, or add professional credibility to your work place, you will find the perfect piece of art on Benarto’s Online Art Gallery. Click here to view their work.