The 2026 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is scheduled for June 9–14 in Columbia, South Carolina. The event is co-presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Legion Auxiliary.
According to the VA, the Festival “empowers Veterans to improve their mental and physical health through therapeutic creative arts experiences.” It features national veteran medalists invited for their artistic achievements and therapeutic use of the arts.
The Festival is open to U.S. military veterans who are eligible for VA health care and enrolled in the VA health care system prior to submission of their entry or application.
The VA states that the event “reinforces the VA’s commitment to whole health, recovery-oriented care, and Veteran-centered services by celebrating resilience, achievement, and personal growth.”
The American Legion Auxiliary has co-presented the Festival since 2000, in line with its mission of Service Not Self. Members, units, and departments support local competitions, the Festival itself, and make monetary donations to support the event.
Source: department.va.gov/veteran-sports/national-veterans-creative-arts-festival
