• The Novelty Collective 2026 Music & Arts Festival — Artist • Maker • Vendor Application

    Thank you for your interest in participating in The Novelty Collective’s Tenth annual Music & Arts Festival! Please read through & consider the following information before you submit the form, & do not hesitate to contact us with any questions that may arise while you are working through it. We will notify you as soon as decisions about applications have been finalized.

  • NoCo Fest 2026 will take place at The COVE Art Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the evening of Friday, November 20, & all-day Saturday, November 21.

    Artist booths at The COVE will be stationed in the atrium & inside our six, ground-level studio spaces. We will have tables, chairs, & other optional display items available for you to use in all locations.

    Attending & vending (or exhibiting) for the entire festival is highly encouraged, not to mention a major consideration in our selection process.

    We are requesting a $30 table donation from all applicants; if you are unable to pay before the start of the festival, consider giving out of your earnings over the course of the weekend.

    If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas to share, please contact us by emailing contact@thenoveltycollective.org. One of our event coordinators will answer your inquiry as soon as possible.

    The application deadline is August 31st, 2026.

  • Creating Space Together

    The Novelty Collective Music & Arts Festival is a celebration of creativity & beauty. When you share your creations at NoCo Fest, you become a part of something bigger than yourself. We are looking for more than mere makers—we are searching for artists who will help us create an atmosphere of genuine warmth & welcome. Your creativity, your wares, your presence, & your personality are all valuable assets that can contribute to this effort.

    The Power of Presence

    Creating a welcoming & supportive environment at our festival requires that we not only stay a while but also engage with other artists & patrons. While a smaller window of availability will not disqualify you, we prioritize applicants who can commit to sticking around for the majority of the event. The COVE isn't your typical venue. It's more of a community center, designed to establish & strengthen lasting relationships in the creative communities we serve from Pennsylvania to California & everywhere in between!

  • All that being said, let's get to know a little more about YOU…

  • Artist Info

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  • Portfolio

  • Which best describes your artwork / wares?

  • Artist Statement

  • Please share your social media profiles, website, & any other web platforms where we can view your work. Use the field multiplier (+) to create additional text boxes. You can also upload any images you would like to share below.

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  • Load-In & Lodging

  • The Novelty Collective Music & Arts Festival has historically featured artists from all over the country, & we recognize that finding a place to stay in Pittsburgh can often be challenging. We offer limited lodging at Home of the Nomad (our artist residence adjacent to The COVE Art Center), & there may be others willing to host our out-of-towners. Please note that free lodging is a possibility but not guaranteed.

  • If you need lodging, please let us know which nights you are plan to stay in Pittsburgh:

  • Stay Connected

  • Check your email regularly for a message regarding your application. While you wait, please check out the NoCo website, subscribe to our newsletter, & follow us on social media (below) for photos, highlight reels, & exciting updates on all things NoCo!

    Again, you can send a message to our team at any time by emailing contact@thenoveltycollective.org. We will be in touch!

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  • Thank you for your time & interest!

    The application deadline is August 31st, 2026.
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