About Space Coast Art Festival

The Space Coast Art Festival (SCAF), a cherished community institution, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization managed by a dedicated all-volunteer Board of Directors. Our mission is to annually showcase a fine arts exhibition alongside a student art show, fostering and enhancing the appreciation of fine arts in the Space Coast region.

SCAF owes its existence and continued success to the generous support of our Festival Sponsors, Community Partners, and the countless Volunteers who dedicate their time and effort. Together, they uphold the festival’s legacy of artistic excellence and community involvement.

Our History

• 1963: The journey began with the Cocoa Beach Sidewalk Art Show, established by a group of local artists and community leaders and sponsored by the City of Cocoa Beach.
• 1966: The show combined forces with the October Fair, organized by Kit and Charles Oldag.
• 1968: The Cocoa Beach Woman’s Club, led by President Mary Catherine Jones, took over festival responsibilities, maintaining city sponsorship.
• 1972: We officially became the Space Coast Art Festival, Inc., moving to Thanksgiving weekend. Dick Hansen designed our logo and Ann Brush became the first President of our Corporate Board.
• 1985: We introduced a jurying process for artist selection, with judges from esteemed artistic institutions.
• 1988: Our first Artist Directory/Program was published by Florida Today.
• 1989: We added a Performing Arts Segment to enrich our festival lineup.
• 1996: SCAF achieved 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, further solidifying our commitment to the arts.
• 1998: We established year-round headquarters in downtown Cocoa Beach.
• 2014: The festival found a new venue at Port Canaveral, around the base of the Exploration Tower.
• 2017: We moved to Manatee Park in Cape Canaveral.
• 2018: The festival dates shifted from Thanksgiving to October.
• 2021: We relocated to The Avenue Viera®, where we continue to celebrate and promote fine arts today.