AddamsFest Seeks Artists and Musicians for 2026 Celebration

AddamsFest organizers announced they are seeking talented artists and musicians for this year's annual town-wide celebration of Addams Family creator Charles Addams. The festival is calling for participants across three key events.

Wicked Windows, an annual tradition since the inaugural AddamsFest in 2018, pairs local artists with downtown businesses to transform storefront windows into spooky works of art. Artists must sign up by September 4, and will be connected with businesses the week of September 7, with work beginning the weekend of September 12.

This year's art exhibit is themed "AddamsFest Americana," inviting artists to celebrate America250 by exploring the American experience through an Addams-inspired perspective. Organizers are seeking original interpretations that reflect unique artistic voices while embracing the wit and offbeat spirit that defines AddamsFest. Organizers emphasized they are not looking for submissions that replicate Charles Addams' artistic style. Each selected artist will receive a $100 stipend, and selected works will be displayed alongside original Charles Addams art in the Rialto Center for Creativity for three weeks in October. Submissions are due by August 21.

Charlie's Ale Garden, one of AddamsFest's most popular events, will return on October 17. Organizers are seeking local bands for 50-minute sets. Bands should send a video featuring three songs (3–5 minutes total) to info@addamsfest.com no later than August 21. Preference will be given to bands that haven't previously performed at the event, and selected bands will receive a small stipend.

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FAQ

Q: What is AddamsFest?
A: AddamsFest is an annual town-wide celebration in Westfield honoring Charles Addams, the creator of the Addams Family. The festival features art exhibits, window displays, music performances, and community events themed around the Addams aesthetic.

Q: What is the Wicked Windows event?
A: Wicked Windows is an annual tradition since 2018 where local artists partner with downtown Westfield businesses to transform storefront windows into spooky works of art. Artists sign up by September 4 and begin work the weekend of September 12.

Q: What is the 2026 art exhibit theme?
A: The 2026 art exhibit is themed "AddamsFest Americana," inviting artists to celebrate America250 by exploring the American experience through an Addams-inspired perspective with original artwork.

Q: Can I submit art that mimics Charles Addams' style?
A: No. Organizers are specifically seeking original interpretations that reflect unique artistic voices while embracing the wit and offbeat spirit of AddamsFest. They are not looking for submissions that replicate Charles Addams' artistic style.

Q: How much are selected artists paid?
A: Each selected artist receives a $100 stipend. Artworks are displayed alongside original Charles Addams art in the Rialto Center for Creativity for three weeks in October.

Q: When is the art submission deadline?
A: Submissions for the art exhibit are due by August 21, 2026.

Q: What is Charlie's Ale Garden?
A: Charlie's Ale Garden is one of AddamsFest's most popular events, featuring local bands performing 50-minute sets on October 17.

Q: How do local bands audition for Charlie's Ale Garden?
A: Bands should send a video featuring three songs (3–5 minutes total) to info@addamsfest.com no later than August 21. Preference is given to bands that haven't previously performed at AddamsFest.

Q: Do selected bands get paid?
A: Yes, selected bands receive a small stipend for their performance.

Q: Where can I find more information about AddamsFest?
A: Union County Life covers Westfield events, arts coverage, and community news. Subscribe to the Westfield newsletter or visit unioncountylife.com for updates. Contact AddamsFest at info@addamsfest.com for more details.