09/25/2026
CONWAY – Due to concerns about the late-September nor'easter that was predicted to be hitting the region this weekend, the scheduled 54th annual Art in the Park Festival slated for Sept. 26-27 in North Conway's Schouler Park has been canceled.
"After closely monitoring the weather forecast and discussing the conditions with our board, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 Art in the Park festival," said Alexis Stefano, executive director of the nonprofit Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association in a press release issued Thursday. on behalf of the MWVAA board of directors
"We know many of you have been preparing your work, making travel arrangements, and looking forward to the weekend, and we are truly sorry that we won’t be able to gather in Schouler Park this year," added Stefano. "This was not a decision we made lightly. With high winds forecast throughout the weekend, we ultimately determined that we could not safely host the festival given the number of canopy tents and displays that could be damaged or become hazardous with little warning."
All artist registration fees will be refunded in full per the show's cancelation policy, according to Stefano, who said the MWVAA will begin processing refunds as soon as possible and will follow up if they need any additional information from artists.
"We thank artists for their understanding, your patience, and for being part of this event. We are genuinely disappointed that we won't be together this weekend, but the safety of our artists, volunteers, staff, and visitors has to come first," she said.
She underscored the importance of Art in the Park to the Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association.
She said while the festival is a standalone event, artist registration fees also help support the MWVAA's year-round operating costs, including maintaining its community gallery and offering affordable arts programming throughout the year.
"If you are in a position to do so," said Stefano, "we would be incredibly grateful if you would consider donating your registration fee, applying it as a credit toward a future Art in the Park, or putting it toward one of our other programs. This is completely optional, and we understand that this is a challenging year for artists and that many of you may need your refund. If you would like to support us in one of these ways, please reply to this email by Tuesday, Sept. 29.
She said the MWVAA is already looking forward to bringing Art in the Park back to Schouler Park in 2027.
"The date has not yet been finalized, but we hope to see many of you there," said Stefano.
For further information, call (603) 356-2787; go to their website at mwvarts.org or find them on Instagram ( or on Facebook at MWVArts.
The gallery is located at 16 Norcross Circle in North Conway.
