Every September, downtown Bowling Green transforms into a celebration of creativity, community, music, food, and all things art at the Black Swamp Arts Festival. In 2026, the festival celebrates 33 years of bringing artists, musicians, families, and visitors together for a weekend that has become one of Bowling Green's signature events.
And the best part? It's completely FREE to attend.
Whether you're looking to discover your next favorite artist, decorate your house, listen to live music, let the kids get creative, or simply spend a weekend exploring downtown Bowling Green, there's no better place to do so than the Black Swamp Arts Festival.
Art is at the heart of Black Swamp Arts Festival, and there are plenty of ways to experience it throughout the weekend.
Explore hundreds of artists and their work throughout downtown Bowling Green. From paintings and photography to jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, and more, the festival's juried art show lets visitors meet artists, see their work up close, and take home something truly unique. It’s an art gallery in downtown BG!
Watch downtown streets transform into colorful works of art during the Chalk Walk competition. Teen artists create temporary masterpieces right on the pavement, giving visitors the chance to watch the creative process unfold throughout the day and then enjoy them throughout the rest of the festival.
Black Swamp Arts Festival isn't just for adults. Youth Arts allows young visitors to get hands-on and create something of their own. From big cardboard hats to the classic tie-dye stations, It's the perfect way for families to experience the festival together while flexing their creative muscles and creating something memorable and full of meaning.
Each year, the Black Swamp Arts Festival poster becomes a piece of the festival itself. The 2026 poster is, in many ways, the festival's headline piece of art, serving as the most visible and recognizable representation of the festival throughout the year.
This year's design was inspired by and featured native flora and fauna of the Black Swamp. It features a cool color palette with purple and orange flowers behind a stylized striped salamander. It is truly a unique piece of art that perfectly encapsulates the Black Swamp Festival and region of the same name. Grab your very own at Bens, Grounds for Thought, or Juniper Brewing while supplies last.
This year’s poster was designed by Wood County Parks' very own District’s Taylor Vanek. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from BGSU and works as a Community and Communications Assistant at the Wood County Parks District. You can view her portfolio of work on her website, where she also offers commissions.
The Black Swamp Arts Festival is about much more than visual art. Throughout the weekend, downtown Bowling Green becomes a hub for live music, food, drinks, and entertainment.
With multiple stages and a variety of genres, there's always something to hear at the festival. The 2026 lineup includes performances from artists such as The Motet, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Silverada, Magoo, Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves, and more.
The festival features live music across three stages throughout the weekend, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to discover something new.
Looking to grab a drink while you take in the festival? The Black Swamp Arts Festival Beer Garden is the place to enjoy a beverage and soak up the atmosphere.
The Beer Garden is open to all ages, but alcohol is only available to guests who have their ID checked and receive a festival-issued ID bracelet. Once inside, guests can purchase their beverage of choice and enjoy it within the Beer Garden area. Alcohol must remain inside the designated Beer Garden area.
The festival uses a ticket system for beverages, making it easy to grab a drink and get back to enjoying the weekend. Bottled water and Coca-Cola products are also available for those looking for a non-alcoholic option.
Whether you're looking for a cold beer, a glass of wine, a hard seltzer, or a non-alcoholic option, there's something to enjoy while you're taking in the sights and sounds of Black Swamp Arts Festival.
Come hungry because there is no shortage of options at Black Swamp Arts Festival.
The festival's food lineup offers something for just about every craving. Looking for a classic festival treat? Stop by Cindy's Concessions for a funnel cake, elephant ear, or French waffle. Craving something savory? Grab a pretzel calzone from Manny's Munchies, fresh handmade pizza from Pisanello's, or a taco, burrito, or tamale plate from The Tamale Guy.
You can also take your taste buds around the world with options like chicken and falafel from Kabob It!, Pad Thai and Lo Mein from Thai Thai, or fresh seafood from Rusty's Road Trip, including lobster rolls, Lake Erie yellow perch, crab rolls, and fish tacos.
And don't forget dessert. Cool down with a scoop, sundae, milkshake, malt, or float from Eric's Ice Cream, or grab some homemade cookies from The Chubby Batch.
Of course, no Black Swamp Arts Festival food lineup would be complete without the J&K Sirloin Tips, serving up sirloin tips with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. It's a festival favorite and a great option when you're ready for a hearty meal.
With three days of art, music, food, and activities, there's a lot to see and do. Here's a quick look at what you can expect throughout the weekend.
Friday, September 11
Juried Art Show: 5–8 pm
Music: 5–11:30 pm
Food and Festival Merchandise: 5 pm–midnight
Beer Garden: 5 pm–midnight
After Hours Shows: 11:30 pm
Shuttles: 4 pm-12:30 am
Saturday, September 12
Youth Arts: 11 am–5 pm
Juried Art Show: 10 am–6 pm
Chalk Walk Mural Competition: 10 am–2 pm
Beats on the Street: 10 am–noon
Music: 10 am–11:30 pm
Beer Garden: 11 am–midnight
Food and Festival Merchandise: 11 am–midnight
Shuttles: 8:30 am-12:30 am
Sunday, September 13
Youth Arts: 11 am–5 pm
Juried Art Show: 11 am–5 pm
Music: 11 am–4 pm
Beer Garden: 11 am–5 pm
Food and Festival Merchandise: 11 am–5 pm
Shuttles: 10 am-5:30 pm
Schedules are subject to change. Check the official Black Swamp Arts Festival schedule for the latest information, festival map, shuttle route, and more.
Black Swamp Arts Festival is the perfect reason to spend a weekend in Bowling Green. While at the festival, make sure to visit local shops, check out the downtown murals and public art, or enjoy Southern Rock Woodstock at the Wood County Fairgrounds on Saturday. There are no worries; a shuttle route will be running between the fairgrounds, Black Swamp Festival, and Meijer all weekend long for $4 per trip. Travel stress-free and safely!
Whether it's your first Black Swamp Arts Festival or you've been coming for years, there's always something new to discover.
Make your plans for September 11–13 and experience 30+ years of art, music, community, and tradition at the Black Swamp Arts Festival.
Fun Fact: The festival is entirely volunteer-run!
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