Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd
Since its inception in 1971, this annual festival has steadily grown and now attracts over 25,000 people to Young Park on the first weekend of November — this year on Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd, 2013. 
One of the largest cultural events in Southern New Mexico, this juried art show showcases local and regional artists, crafts-people and entertainers. All proceeds from artist booth fees, food booth fees, non-profit information booth fees and donations at the gates go to support Arts Council programs.
Artist Vendor Information:
Information Brochure Coming Soon
Children’s Realm Booth Information: Local non-profit organizations, public service, church or school groups are eligible to have an activity booth in the Children’s Realm. A few spaces are available to For-profit organizations who meet the criterion, PLEASE CALL THE ARTS COUNCIL OFFICE AT 575-523-6403 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO APPLY AS A FOR-PROFIT VENDOR IN THE CHILDRENS REALM. Young artists can sell thier wares at the Peddler’s Market at no cost to them.
Children’s Realm Vendor Application Info Coming Soon
Food Booth Information: All food booths at the Renaissance ArtsFaire are run by or benefit LOCAL non-profit organizations. Local, non-profit, public service, church or school groups can apply.
Food Vendor Info and Application Coming Soon
Products of New Mexico Vendors – vendors may sell pre-packaged food products such as spices, candy, baked goods etc. that are specific to New Mexico using New Mexico recipes or locally grown ingredients such as pecans or chile.
Products of New Mexico Vendor Application Coming Soon
Not For Profit Information booths: Nonprofit organizations involved with the visual, performing and/or literary arts or cultural activities may apply for information booths. Booths can sell items that are not art, craft or food items.
Non-Profit Vendor Application Coming Soon
Mind & Body Artists : Artist who offer a service/art such as Henna Body Art, Temporary Tatoos, Face Painting, Tarot Card or Psychic readings.
Mind and Body Vendor Application Coming Soon
Scheduled Entertainment This Year: Coming Soon!
Volunteers
As with any large event, the key to success is a corps of dedicated volunteers and the RAF is a prime example. The Faire could not run without its volunteer work force and the Arts Council has a number of opportunities for individuals and organizations to help make the event a success. Since all proceeds go to support arts programs, this is an event worth your time and effort. Set-up and tear-down crews, gatekeepers, booth sitters, trash “trolls” and parking lot attendants are some of the specific needs the Dona Ana Arts Council has in order to keep the Faire operating every year. Contact the Arts Council office at (575) 523-6403 or email us at infodaac@daarts.org for more specific information or complete the form below.
Renaissance ArtsFaire History
The Dona Ana Arts Council’s Renaissance ArtsFaire began in 1971 as the Holy Cross CraftFaire, held annually at the Holy Cross Retreat south of Mesilla Park, NM. The Faire was moved to the Las Cruces Downtown Mall in 1980 and the Arts Council became the organizing entity. Young Park became the Faire’s new home in 1983 and it has been steadily growing and changing ever since. The 35th year (2006) brought a name change – to the Dona Ana Arts Council Renaissance ArtsFaire. This not only connects the Faire to the Arts Council but also better reflects the nature of the artists’ work – it is not so much a “craft” faire as a juried fine arts show.
Host Hotel: Need a place to stay while attending the Renaissance ArtsFaire? Host Hotel information will be coming soon!
Hours: The Faire will be open 10am – 5pm on Saturday and 10am – 4pm on Sunday. Gate admission is $6.00 for adults, while children 12 and under are free. Proceeds from the Faire are designated for art programs and other cultural activities in the community – all sponsored by the Doña Ana Arts Council. For health and safety reasons, faire-goers are advised that no pets, except service animals, will be admitted to the Faire.
Location & Directions: Young Park is located one block south of the intersection of Lohman and Walnut Avenues and is easily accessible from both I-25 (Lohman exit) and I-10 (Amador exit). To avoid parking congestion, attendees are encouraged to ride the FREE yellow-bus-shuttles from the Mesilla Valley Mall, to and from the park. Watch for the signs and the big yellow school buses. The shuttle will run every 10 – 15 minutes beginning at 9am each day.
