On October 17 and 18, the Jubilee Festival of Arts returns to Lott Park for its 38th year, bringing together more than 140 artists and vendors, live entertainment, local food, and family-friendly activities. In Daphne, the word “jubilee” carries a unique story.
Known as “The Jubilee City,” Daphne sits along the shores of Mobile Bay, one of only two places in the world where the unusual natural phenomenon known as a jubilee occurs. The other is Tokyo Bay in Japan.
For generations, residents along Mobile Bay have watched for this rare event. Accounts of the phenomenon date back to at least the 1860s.
A natural jubilee typically occurs during the hot, humid days of summer. As marine life moves into the shallows, people gather along the shore, sometimes alerted by neighbors, ready to collect fish and seafood by hand, with nets or with traditional gigs. What begins as a curious natural event quickly becomes a communal experience—a gathering that connects neighbors to one another and to the waters that have shaped life along the Eastern Shore.
In 1989, Daphne created a different kind of jubilee. That year, the Jubilee Festival of Arts began in Lott Park in Olde Towne Daphne.
While the original jubilee brings marine life into the shallows of Mobile Bay, the festival brings people into the heart of the community. Today, between 12,000 and 15,000 visitors attend over the two-day celebration, drawn by the art, music, food and unmistakable spirit of the Gulf Coast.
Hosted by the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, this year’s festival continues that tradition with more than 140 vendors. Artists are carefully selected through a jury process designed to showcase some of the best work from returning favorites as well as new talent.
“What is so great about this festival is that it’s never the same every single year,” says Amanda Patterson, communications director for the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. “We look for exciting new artists to have in the festival. We have a jury that reviews all applicants to accept the best of the best.”
The featured artist for Jubilee 2026 is Virginia Nelson, a Birmingham native whose work reflects her deep connection to the Southern landscape. The Gulf Coast, where she spent much of her childhood, has been a particular source of inspiration. Its wildlife, waterways and ever-changing palette of blues, greens and coastal hues frequently make their way onto her canvases. Nelson also created the artwork featured on this year’s Jubilee Festival poster.
For Patterson, the festival’s appeal goes well beyond the art.
“What makes Jubilee special is that it’s rooted in the unique culture of the Eastern Shore,” she says.
Set against Mobile Bay, the festival combines high-quality art with live entertainment, local traditions and the laid-back coastal character that defines the area. Its connection to the natural jubilee gives it a sense of place that is uniquely Daphne.
There is something for every generation. Children can explore their creativity in the kids’ art area, while sports fans can head to the tailgater area, where a large screen will show college games alongside local performances throughout the weekend. A separate marketplace will feature handmade goods, adding another dimension to the festival’s celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.
