The 56th annual Artsfest will feature 150+ juried artisans and craftsmen from across the country on May 25-27, 2024 in Riverfront Park, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Hand-crafted works will be available for sale in sixteen different categories, including ceramics, digital, drawing, fiber (decorative and wearable), furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, miscellaneous, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood. The festival also features live entertainment, Jazzfest, a community art project, Kidsfest, HBGFest powered by the HBG Flea, 25 food trucks and more.
While visiting, we encourage everyone to explore the City’s vibrant art scene. The Harrisburg Arts District is a walkable area encompassing parts of the Capitol City’s downtown, midtown, and riverfront areas. It features art museums and galleries, theatre, 40+ murals, concert and entertainment venues, historical markers and monuments, and more.
PARKING: $5 parking on City Island and $10 parking at the Market Square Garage from 8am-9pm courtesy of Park Harrisburg. Street parking is free on May 26 & 27. On May 25, street parking in the Downtown area (see map here) is free after 5pm and you can get 4 hours of free Downtown street parking before that using the code LUVHBG in the Parkmobile app. Handicapped parking spaces will be available on State Street near Front Street.
LODGING: The Harrisburg & Hershey area offers many great accomodations including hotels, bnbs, campgrounds, and more. See all accomodations in the region here.
SPONSORS: Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Explore HBG, UPMC, Green Mountain Energy, Leaf Filter, Sundance Vacations, Renewal By Andersen, PA Lottery, and Park Harrisburg
VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers are essential to the success Artsfest. Those interested in volunteering at the festival information tent, the community art project, or as a food runner for the artisans for 1 or more hours during the event can click the button below to sign up. Email [email protected] with any questions. We appreciate any help you can offer!
ARTISANS
Over 150 artisans will be on-site selling their handcrafted wares in 16 categories. Click the images below to view a list of the 2024 artisans in each category. Some artisans have included links to their online stores as well.
LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Check back in April for more information on the entertainment stage schedules for 2024.
UPMC ENTERTAINMENT STAGE
17 entertainment groups, including live bands and dance groups, will perform throughout the event each day at the stage near State Street. There will also be a beer and wine garden featuring the City’s craft breweries and local vineyards. 
JAZZFEST STAGE
A variety of Jazz groups and musicians will perform throughout the event at the stage near Walnut Street.
ART ASSOCIATION OF HARRISBURG
The Art Association will host a concert series presented by The Wednesday Club. This concert series will feature more than 35 musicians, including singers, instrumentalists, and ensemble performers in the Young, Collegiate, Resident Professional Concert Artist memberships, as well as guest musicians from throughout Central PA.
COMMUNITY ART PROJECT
Attendees of all ages and artistic abilities are invited to participate in a community art project during the festival. Stay tuned for more details on the 2024 project!
2023 Project – Ceramic Mosaic
- Attendees created their own clay tile under the direction of artist Jessica Gorlin Liddell/Bella Mosaic Art. Jessica fired and glazed all the tiles made during the event to create a large mosaic that is permanently installed at the new Chutes & Ladders Playground in Reservoir Park. The design features the name of the playground and several nature and play themed images in bright colors. The project was sponsored by Xfinity.
2022 Project – Glass Tile Mosaic
- Attendees created their own glass tile under the direction of artist Linda Billet. Linda fired all the tiles made during the event to create a large mosaic that is permanently installed inside John Harris High School. The design features colorful circles to show the connection between everyone in the community.
KIDSFEST
Kidsfest sponsored by Renewal By Andersen will provide fun for the whole family during the festival in the park near Walnut Street. Enjoy free activities such as face painting, balloon animals, DIY sidewalk chalk creations, and more art-centric kids activities each day of the festival.
Check back in April for more information on the 2024 Kidsfest!
FOOD & DRINK
FESTIVAL OPTIONS
25 food trucks will offer a variety of delicious bites, including stuffed soft pretzels, dumplings, cheesesteaks, gyros, bbq, fried chicken sandwiches, crab cakes and more. Festival favorites such as funnel cakes, sausages, and milkshakes will also be available.
Local breweries and vineyards will also be on-site by the stage near State Street.
COLORFUL COCKTAILS & MORE
Businesses throughout the City will offer a variety of colorful drink and dessert specials throughout the weekend.
CITY DINING
The City of Harrisburg is home to many fantastic dining options. Whether you are looking for a nice sit down meal, something to-go or just a quick drink, there is something for everyone. Explore all dining and drink options at https://www.explorehbg.com/restaurants-nightlife/
Also be sure to check out the Brew Barons Beer Trail and Sweet Treat Trail to explore the areas best breweries and dessert shops while earning prizes.
HARRISBURG ARTS DISTRICT
The Harrisburg Arts District is a walkable area encompassing parts of the Capital City’s downtown, midtown, and riverfront. Don’t miss all that our creative community has to offer!
ART MUSEUMS & GALLERIES
Enjoy roating art exhibits curated to showcase the works of talented local, national, and international artists. Venues include the Art Association of Harrisburg, Nyeusi Gallery, Susquehanna Art Museum, and The Millworks. The rich history and architectural beauty of the Keystone State can be explored at the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex and The State Museum of PA.
THEATRE
A wide variety of theatre options are available, including Shakespere, children’s performances, musicals and plays, improv and more. Catch a show from Gamut Theatre Group, Narcisse Theatre Company, Open Stage, and Theatre Harrisburg.
CONCERTS & ENTERTAINMENT VENUES
Harrisburg is home to several entertainment venues that attract popular bands and musicians. Harrisburg University Concert Series hosts concerts regularly at XL Live and Riverfront Park in Downtown Harrisburg. HMAC also hosts concerts and events regularly at their Midtown location. The Forum Auditorium is a beautiful venue on the Capitol grounds that hosts the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and other performances. The Sunoco Perfformance Theater at the Whitaker Center hosts a wide variety of performances including dance recitals, theater, live music, and more.
MURALS & MORE
Art is everywhere in the City of Harrisburg and we encourage you to get out and enjoy it while visiting. Visit Hershey & Harrisburg has created two suggested trails for viewing murals and art museums that cover about 1-mile of flat, easy to navigate pathways near the festival area. Complete 14 check-ins during your self-guided tours to earn an art-centric prize.
SHOPPING & DINING
Locally owned shops and restaurants showcase the City’s sprawling creative community. Explore all the local businesses to find handmade gifts and creative, diverse cuisine.
HISTORICAL MARKERS & ART INSTALLATIONS
The City of Harrisburg is home to many one-of-a-kind monuments, art installations, sculptures, memorials, and historical markers paying tribute to the rich history of our City.
SPONSORS
The City of Harrisburg relies on community partners to produce Artsfest. Sponsors receive extensive media coverage, on-site promotion, promotional listings on billboards and marketing materials, guest speaker opportunities and much more. Please contact Cortney Ranck-Cameron at [email protected] or 717-255-3033 for more information.
PRESENTING Sponsor: VISIT HERSHEY & HARRISBURG
MARKETING Sponsor: explore HARRISBURG
State Street Stage Sponsor: UPMC
EVENT Sponsor: LEAF FILTER
EVENT Sponsor: PARK HARRISBURG
EVENT Sponsor: Sundance Vacations
KIDSFEST Sponsor: RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN
COMMUNITY Sponsor: PA LOTTERY
PARKING Sponsor: PARK HARRISBURG
VENDORS
The 56th annual Artsfest will feature juried artisans and craftsmen from across the United States on May 27-29, 2023 in Riverfront Park. Hand-crafted works will be available for sale in sixteen different categories, including ceramics, digital, drawing, fiber (decorative and wearable), furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood. The festival also features live entertainment, food trucks, kids activities and more.
All items must be handcrafted to be considered. Buy-sell and imported items are not permitted. The deadline to apply was January 19. There is currently a waitlist but you can complete the application to be added to be evaluated by our jurors should a space become available.
A food vendor has a food truck, concessions trailer or tent set-up and/or prepares food on-site that is meant to be consumed at the festival. The deadline to apply was February 23, 2024.
A specialty food vendor requires little or no preparation on-site and sells pre-packaged items. Demonstrations are permitted. the deadline to apply was February 23, 2024.
EVENT IMAGES
Jeffrey Heilman Brooms
Kidsfest
Artsfest Crowd
Festival Crowd
Jazzfest
Riverbottom Pottery
HBG Flea
