Local Event

32nd Annual Fall Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival

Fri, November 7, 2025 to Sun, November 9, 2025 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Cost: $5 Admission

Thunderbird Artists Festivals are multisensory delights. Beyond the stunning artwork, attendees can indulge in fine wines and spirits from local wineries and distilleries, expertly paired with the art. Enjoy live music and soak up the natural beauty of the Carefree Cactus Gardens, perfectly complementing the creativity on display.

 Art:

Step into a Collectors' Paradise, with Thunderbird Artists Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival - presenting an extraordinary collection of art from over 150 top artists nationwide. Discover a vast array of artistic mediums, including:

Vibrant paintings in oils, acrylics, pastels, watercolors, and exquisite drawings in ink, pencil, and charcoal. Breathtaking photography, captivating sculptures in stone, bronze, metal, glass, wood, clay, and gourds, along with unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your art collection, this festival has something for everyone. This year’s featured artist is ceramic sculptor, Fred Stodder.                                     

 Wine and Spirits: A Perfect Pairing Indulge in the best of both worlds as you stroll through the festival, exploring the artistic talents of juried artists while savoring the flavors of exceptional wines. This year’s participating wineries include crowd favorite, Schlossadler International out of Oceanside California, King Frosch (the no headache wine) and Wilson Creek, famous for their Almond Champagne, to name a few. For the Arizona wine lovers, Sunbeat Cellars, Desert Blossom and Celestial Artisan Meadery provide samples of wines made here in AZ. For an additional $30 fee, patrons receive an engraved souvenir glass with tasting tickets.  Extra tickets can be purchased for $1 each.

 About Thunderbird Artists:

Thunderbird Artists stands out with its commitment to blending established talent with fresh perspectives, creating a vibrant and eclectic showcase. A stringent jury process ensures only top-tier artwork makes the cut, offering collectors a meticulously curated selection of outstanding pieces.

Thunderbird Artists offers an immersive experience that goes beyond visual art. Meet the artists, learn about their creative journeys, and uncover the inspirations behind their masterpieces. Take a leisurely stroll through the stunning indigenous cactus gardens, surrounded by natural beauty. The experience is further enhanced by live music, savory food and sweet treats, engaging all your senses and leaving a lasting impression.

                                           

Thunderbird Artists’ Festival’s Featured Artist for Fall Carefree: Fred Stodder

Fred Stodder, a celebrated artist known for his innovative and vibrant ceramic sculptures, is making waves in the art world with his unique blend of modernist and abstract forms. Stodder's artistic vision is characterized by architectural, anthropomorphic, and figurative shapes that seem to dance with movement and energy.

Stodder's sculptures are crafted from white earthenware clay and fired to perfection, showcasing his mastery of ceramic techniques. His glazing process involves meticulous layering of multiple colors, often using four to six different hues to achieve a gradation effect. This attention to detail brings his pieces to life, imbuing them with a sense of dynamism and spontaneity.

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• event
• art
• wine
• spirits
• microbrews
• music
• festival
• fine art
• Things to do in Carefree, AZ
• Arizona Wine & Food Events
• Carefree Wine & Food Events