Festival Runway Fashion Show
August 10, 2025 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Fashion meets philanthropy at the Festival of Arts’ 16th annual Runway Fashion Show, returning to the Festival Green on Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 12noon to 2pm. In partnership with Working Wardrobes, the Festival is offering free admission to guests who donate a gently-used clothing item at the gate the day of the event—one admission per person. It’s a unique opportunity to support a great cause and experience one of the Festival’s most anticipated events.
This year’s Runway Fashion Show promises to be a captivating blend of creativity, sustainability, and high fashion. Festival exhibiting artists are invited to design and construct one-of-a-kind couture garments using only recycled, reclaimed, and repurposed materials. Free with Festival admission, the event offers a visually stunning showcase where artistic innovation meets eco-conscious design.
Each year, a diverse group of artists from various mediums take the stage, translating their creative skills into fashion-forward statements. This year’s lineup includes jewelry artist Linda Potichke, printmaker Anne Moore, ceramicists Mark Hendrickson and Paula Collins, and sculptors Jonathan Boyd and Valerie Killeen, among others.
In an exciting new addition for 2025, the Festival will welcome Junior Artists to participate in the show for the first time. A select few young creatives are set to take the stage with their own sustainable fashion pieces. While the Junior Artists will not compete in the main judging categories, they will be celebrated for their creative contributions in front of the audience.
Also debuting this year, The Fragrance Boutique will offer an interactive pop-up experience where guests can create their own custom signature scent for an additional fee – bringing a new sensory twist to this artistic afternoon.
Returning as host is acclaimed film production designer Nelson Coates, known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians, Flight, Fifty Shades Freed, The Proposal and more recently the Apple TV+ series The Morning Show, which earned him nominations for Emmy® and Art Directors Guild Awards for season three. The judging panel includes Gerard Stripling, Laguna Beach artist and former costume and set designer; and Brad Elsberry, Pageant of the Masters lead scenic artist and former Festival Runway competitor. Awards will be given in four categories, with the audience determining the coveted People’s Choice Award.
Reserve a Seat!
Limited free seating available. For guaranteed seating, purchase a seat in our reserved section. Includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show.