Heavy rainfall has delayed festival setup and artist load-in; Sunday expected to operate on normal schedule.
(Richardson, Texas) – The City of Richardson is delaying Saturday’s opening of the Fall 2026 Cottonwood Art Festival until 12 p.m. due to weather-related impacts at Cottonwood Park. The festival was originally scheduled to open at 10 a.m. Saturday. Sunday’s festival hours are expected to remain unchanged from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Weather Impacts
Festival setup began Monday and has been significantly impacted by repeated rainfall throughout the week. Approximately three inches of rain fell Thursday, leaving the festival grounds saturated and delaying preparation of artist areas, music stages, food vendor spaces, and children’s art areas.
Weather conditions also delayed artist load-in by approximately half a day. The delayed Saturday opening will provide additional time for artists, vendors and festival crews to complete preparations before welcoming visitors.
What To Expect
Anyone planning to attend this weekend should prepare for soggy ground conditions and the possibility of additional precipitation. Weather-appropriate footwear and clothing are encouraged.
Cottonwood Art Festival is a rain-or-shine event; however, operations may be temporarily paused if lightning or other dangerous conditions develop. Richardson High School serves as the festival’s designated severe-weather shelter if an evacuation becomes necessary.
Event Information
Cottonwood Art Festival
1321 W. Belt Line Rd.
Saturday
- Noon – 7 p.m. (DELAYED OPENING DUE TO WEATHER)
Sunday
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Normal Schedule)
For the latest festival information and weather-related updates, visit www.CottonwoodArtFestival.com.
