Mayfaire by-the-Lake is Lakeland's free art festival on Lake Morton every Mother's Day weekend. 2026 ran May 9-10; 2027 dates not yet posted.

Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Dates, parking and visitor details come from Mayfaire by-the-Lake and its visitors guide, parking, Kids Zone and accessibility pages. This page is updated each year at the same address.

Mayfaire by-the-Lake is held every Mother’s Day weekend on the shores of Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland, and it is free. The organizers had not posted 2027 dates when we checked on Oct. 9, 2026. Mother’s Day 2027 is Sunday, May 9, so the festival would fall on Saturday, May 8, and Sunday, May 9, if it keeps its usual weekend. The 2026 festival ran Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We will update this page when the 2027 dates are announced.

Know before you go

  • When: Mother’s Day weekend; 2027 dates not yet announced (2026: May 9-10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • Where: Lake Morton, downtown Lakeland
  • Cost: free
  • Parking: lot at Lime Street and Massachusetts Avenue
  • Questions: Mayfaire office, 863-210-5975, mayfaire@agbmuseum.org
  • Organizer: mayfairebythelake.org

What it is

Mayfaire began in 1971 as a small crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library and has grown into one of Florida’s largest outdoor art festivals, its organizers say. It has more than 150 artist booths: jewelers, clay artists, painters and photographers. The organizers say Sunshine Artist magazine has ranked it among its “200 Best Art Shows” for 10 years in a row.

The festival is presented by the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College, whose office is at 800 E. Palmetto St.

For kids

From the Kids Zone page:

  • Kids Zone: free hands-on art activities for children of all abilities, at the triangle in front of First Methodist Church.
  • Kids Collect: a kids-only tent where young collectors buy artwork donated by the exhibiting artists at a nominal price. Proceeds go to the museum’s summer camp scholarships.
  • Student art: an exhibition from Polk County Public Schools’ Exceptional Student Education program on the library lawn, and Kids Tag Art, license plate designs by Polk County fifth-graders.

Parking and getting there

The festival’s parking page points to a lot at the corner of Lime Street and Massachusetts Avenue, about a block north of the festival:

  • From Tampa: take I-4 Exit 28 (U.S. 92/Memorial Boulevard), turn right onto U.S. 98/Florida Avenue into downtown, then left on Lime Street. The lot is on the left.
  • From Orlando: take I-4 Exit 33 and head south on State Road 33/Lakeland Hills Boulevard into downtown. The lot entrance is on the left, just before Lime Street.

The organizers do not post a road closure list. The festival sets up around Lake Morton, so expect busy streets nearby; park once and walk. Our downtown Lakeland guide lists other garages.

Accessibility

From the accessibility page:

  • Accessible restrooms are inside the museum and the Lakeland library, with accessible portable restrooms around the show.
  • An Adaptive Services tent on the library lawn helps visitors who need accommodation.
  • During the festival, call the accessibility hotline at 863-350-3697. Before the festival, call the Mayfaire office at 863-210-5975.

Frequently asked questions

When is Mayfaire by-the-Lake 2027? The organizers had not posted 2027 dates as of Oct. 9, 2026. Mayfaire is held on Mother’s Day weekend each year, and Mother’s Day 2027 is Sunday, May 9. In 2026 it ran May 9 and 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Is Mayfaire by-the-Lake free? Yes. The organizers say Mayfaire is free to attend.

Where do I park for Mayfaire? The festival’s parking lot is at Lime Street and Massachusetts Avenue, about a block north of the festival on Lake Morton.

Is there anything for kids at Mayfaire? Yes. The Kids Zone at the triangle in front of First Methodist Church has free art activities, and Kids Collect is a kids-only tent selling donated artwork at a nominal price.

Is Mayfaire accessible? Accessible restrooms are inside the museum and the Lakeland library, with accessible portable restrooms around the show. An Adaptive Services tent on the library lawn helps visitors; the festival accessibility hotline is 863-350-3697.

What this means for you

  • Plan for Mother’s Day weekend and check the organizer’s site for the 2027 dates; we will add them here when they are posted.
  • Entry is free, so the Kids Zone makes an easy family morning out.
  • Make a weekend of it; our Mother’s Day page covers brunch and the Mayfaire 5K.

Related: things to do in Lakeland, free things to do and our other annual event pages for the Lake Mirror Classic, Snowfest and SUN ‘n FUN.