River Clay Arts Festival in Decatur

The River Clay Fine Arts Festival returns to Downtown Decatur, AL, the fourth weekend in October, this time on Saturday, October 25 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Sunday, October 26 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), with a VIP launch event, River Clay Rendezvous, kicking things off on Friday, October 24, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m..

The festival features juried local, regional, and national artists, plus live music, children’s and student art activities, chalk art, food trucks, and wine and beer. General admission is just $5 for a weekend pass, and kids 12 and under attend free.

The River Clay Fine Arts Festival

If you want to be among the first to explore the artist booths—and maybe snag a one-of-a-kind piece before the crowds roll in—you’ll want to grab a ticket to River Clay Rendezvous.

Stained glass decoration. — Fused glass artwork by Natalie Young of Huntsville (2021)

This arts patron preview party kicks off the festival weekend on Friday, October 24, at 5 p.m. at the City Hall Campus. Guests will get the first look (and first chance to buy!) from the talented artists at the River Clay Artist Market, while enjoying delicious bites from some of the area’s favorite local restaurants.

Dogs sculpted out of metal. — Metal Artwork by Simply Ornamental (2017)

But the evening doesn’t stop there—at 7 p.m., Rendezvous ticket holders head over to the Alabama Center for the Arts for a lively social featuring even more food, entertainment, and a special exhibit in the ACA Gallery. It’s a festive way to kick off a creative weekend in Decatur!

Picture of a hand drawn mechanical bee. — Bee picture by John Elliott of Zendustria Studios, LLC (2017)

Small table with resin center. — Wooden Bench by Audrey Alverson of Riverside, Alabama (2021)

2025 Festival Dates & Schedule

The festival will be held on Saturday, October 25 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) and Sunday, October 26 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), with a preview event, River Clay Rendezvous, on Friday, October 24, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Admission is $5 for a weekend pass (children under 12 are free with a paying adult). The patron preview ticket is $60 and includes access to the full weekend.

Bottle caps painted with various pictures. — Miniature Art (2017)

Shot glasses designed to look like zombies. — Handcrafted Shot Glasses by Carolyn Wass of Birmingham (2017)

Picture of a woman with pink hair and a green shirt. — Underachievement in Fine Art by Scotty White (2017)

Festival Highlights

Juried artist market featuring 75–80 artists in disciplines like ceramics, painting, jewelry, mixed media, sculpture, photography, printmaking, fiber, and more.
Children’s art activities, student art exhibits, chalk art competition, food trucks, live music, and local entertainment. Beer and wine are available on site.

Bottle caps made into a peace sign. — Recycled Artwork by Donna DiGiorgio (2017)

Eight wooden pens on a piece of burlap. — Unique Wood Pens from BourbonPens.com (2017)

Tuscaloosa magnet sets. — Original Linocuts by Katherine Linn of Linn Print Works (2017)

Handcrafted gray and black tea kettle with red accents. — Incredible Pottery by Larry Allen of L A Pottery – Awarded First Place Overall (2017)

📍 Location & Recurrence

Held at Downtown Decatur’s City Hall Campus, the festival runs every year on the fourth weekend in October.

Handcrafted vase with top. — Ceramic Vase by Timothy Weber of Nashville (2021)

Magnets made from a picture of painted copper pots. — Original Artwork by Anita Bice of Moody, Alabama (2017)

Wooden birdhouses. — One-of-a-Kind Birdhouses by Frank Saggus of Wing Ding Constructions (2021)

Children's art on display. — Artwork by local students (2021)

Woman creating design on sidewalk with chalk. — Sidewalk Art by Sonia Summers (2021)

Diners can walk, eat, and shop or opt to dine underneath the trees.

People eating at a table underneath the trees.

Ready to experience art, music, food, and fall vibes in North Alabama?

If you’ve been before, I’d love to hear what you loved most—drop a comment below. And if you found this post helpful, go ahead and share it, pin it, or send it to your favorite art-loving friend. 🎨🍂 Let’s support the artists and makers who make festivals like this so special!