The Friends Fair in Austin has announced its second edition, scheduled for May 7–9, 2026, at the Loren Hotel Austin. Following a successful debut that drew over 2,000 visitors, the boutique fair is expanding its roster from 10 to 17 exhibitors, occupying an entire floor of the hotel. The lineup features a mix of returning local staples like Martha’s and McLennon Pen Co. alongside new additions from major art hubs including Los Angeles, Miami, and New York, plus non-commercial presentations by Co-Lab Projects and UT Austin MFA students.
This expansion signals the growing viability of Austin as a regional art market hub and highlights a collaborative, gallery-led model for boutique fairs. By curating a mix of commercial galleries and non-profit or academic spaces, the organizers aim to strengthen the local ecosystem while attracting national interest. The fair’s growth reflects a broader trend of decentralized art markets gaining traction outside of traditional centers like New York or London.