Friends Fair 2026 returns to Austin with expanded footprint and new dates

Friends Fair, the homegrown Austin art fair organized by the Friends of Galleries (FOG) collective, returns for its second edition from May 7-9, 2026 at the Loren Hotel. The fair has expanded to occupy an entire floor with 17 gallery spaces, up from its inaugural year. This year, the fair takes place on consecutive weekends with the Affordable Art Fair (May 14-17 at Palmer Events Center), rather than concurrently as in 2025. FOG gallerists chose the dates to avoid conflict with Frieze New York, allowing international collectors and NYC galleries to attend both. Participating galleries are primarily from Texas, New York City, and Los Angeles, with additions from Santa Fe/Taos, Miami, and Atlanta. Two project spaces return: Co-Lab, an Austin nonprofit with nearly 20 years of history, and a space for graduating MFA candidates from the University of Texas at Austin. The fair was founded in 2025 by Austin gallerists Ivester Contemporary, Martha’s, McLennon Pen Co., and Northern-Southern. FOG member Philip Niemeyer described Austin as an emerging arts scene where 'the rules are being written here,' while Jill McLennon noted the fair's value in drawing major collectors. The Affordable Art Fair, a global brand with editions in 16 cities, cited consistent timing since its 2024 Austin launch as key to building local recognition.