20,000 Attendees at The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival Celebrating 20 Years of Making Art Matter

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The 20th Anniversary of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, produced by The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC), drew an enthusiastic crowd of 20,000 attendees over the weekend, making it one of the most successful years for this nationally acclaimed event. Voted #1 Voted Best Event in The Woodlands, 14 years in a row, by Woodlands Online; #4 Voted Best Art Festival in the Nation, by USA Today's Readers' Choice, and ranked #6 in Art Sales, by Art Fair Sourcebook, the festival continues to grow in both prestige and impact. With perfect weather and a vibrant spirit of celebration, the event brought together the community for a truly unforgettable experience.

Festival goers explored art from over 200 juried, talented artists, enjoyed nearly 40 live performances, and engaged with hands-on activities for all ages. More than 500 dedicated volunteers came together to uplift the three-day event, weaving their efforts into a remarkable milestone year. Their collective enthusiasm and commitment greatly contributed to a smooth and joyful event.

“We’re grateful for the artists, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees who made this special anniversary one to remember. An event of this scale and impact would not be possible without their participation and support,” said Jenny Carattini-Wright, TWAC’s Executive Director & CEO. “This year was a true reflection of our mission to Make Art Matter in our community, and we look forward to many more successful events in the future.

As The Woodlands Arts Council looks ahead, planning is already underway for next year’s festival, set for April 10–12, 2026. The 2026 Featured Artist is Taman VanScoy, a California-based painter whose dreamlike landscapes evoke a desired sense of peaceful contemplation and serenity. With over two decades of experience on the national art show circuit, his award-winning paintings have captivated collectors nationwide. His work is sure to engage the festival’s attendees.

Proceeds from the festival directly support The Woodlands Arts Council’s year-round programming, including the Student Art Scholarship and Microgrants Programs, as well as Public Art Initiatives that enrich the cultural landscape of The Woodlands and Montgomery County. In 20 years, TWAC has awarded more than $1.7 million to students, teachers, schools, and organizations.

Generous festival sponsors include: Year-Round Sponsors – The Woodlands Compounding Pharmacy and Woodforest National Bank; Anchor Sponsors – Howard Hughes, Stella Artois, and Visit The Woodlands; Official Festival Sponsors – The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, Haley Garcia Real Estate Group, Republic Grand Ranch, and Ovintiv; Festival Sponsors – The Madeley Fine Art Gallery, The Woodlands Mall, The Woodlands Art Gallery & Studios, Power Home Remodeling, SCAN Health Plan, Fitness Project, Statewide Remodeling, Scott Vann + Mari Graham, and Waste Connections; Program Sponsors – evamor, Market Street, PODS Moving & Storage, Alpha & Omega, Moment Architects, Judith K. Wren Memorial Fund, and Next Level Urgent Care; Media Sponsors – The Woodlands & Conroe City Lifestyle, Woodlands Online, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, Hello Woodlands, Houston Public Media, iHeart, Mauricio Ramirez Photography, and Silver Rock Productions.

For updates on the 2026 festival, the Texas Fine Crafts Show, Young Makers Market, and other programs, visit www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org and follow @TheWoodlandsArtsCouncil on social media.

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