Artsfest

VIEW THE STAGE SCHEDULES

UPMC ENTERTAINMENT STAGE

17 entertainment groups, including live bands and dance groups, will perform throughout the event each day at the UPMC 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.

WEDNESDAY CLUB CONCERT SERIES

The Art Association will host a concert series presented by The Wednesday Club. This concert series will feature more than 30 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.

2026 Project - Community Mural

Grab a brush and join in with assisting artist, Katie Trainer, to paint a parachute cloth Mural.  This mural will feature community events and local imagery around Harrisburg. All skill sets are welcome to join in this community collaboration. The only way to mess up is to get it on yourself so be careful, have fun, and enjoy the process of painting with others! This mural process is called parachute cloth and will be directly adhered to the outside wall of a building in Downtown Harrisburg with a UV resistant glue.

2025 Project - Block Print Planter Art

Learn the art of block printing! Attendees will be able to carve their own rubber stamp design during the event. The designs will be stamped onto a sheet of mural cloth which will later be adhered to a series of large planters that will be placed along 2nd Street in the Downtown area. We look forward to inviting the community to contribute to adding some greenery and artwork to the city!

4 local artisans will also paint a planter beside the community art project tent during the event. The artists were chosen from the submissions received during the "Paint the Planters" contest announced in April. Congratulations to Dionn Renee (Harrisburg), Gloriajean Martin (Carlisle), Eric Tonzola (Columbia), and Robert & Caroline (Carlisle) for winning the contest and $400 prize. 

2024 Project – Fish of City Island

• A colorful school of 450 fish sculptures are displayed on City Island. Attendees ages 10 and older painted their own fish sculpture during the 2024 Artsfest and they are now permanently on display. The fish sculptures were modeled after the Rock Bass, a fish species found in the Susquehanna River along with other waterways throughout the State. Thanks to Green Mountain Energy for your support of this project!
• This project was inspired by the “One Fish, Two Fish” art installation in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. 

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.

VIEW THE KIDSFEST SCHEDULE
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, cratfts, and more art-centric kids activities each day of the festival.

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.

Businesses throughout the City will offer a variety of colorful drink and dessert specials throughout the weekend.

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.

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. 

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN 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.

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN MORE

All items must be handcrafted to be considered. Buy-sell and imported items are not permitted. The deadline to apply is January 16, 2026. This is a competitive event so we recommend applying by the deadline for best consideration on acceptance.

For the online application, click here.

For the PDF application, click here.

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.

Application Deadline: Friday, February 6

Food Safety Info

Food Operations & Best Practices

A specialty food vendor requires little or no preparation on-site and sells pre-packaged items. Demonstrations are permitted.

Application Deadline: Friday, February 6

Breweries must be based within the City of Harrisburg. Wineries, vineyards, and cideries located within Dauphin County will receive preference but others are encouraged to apply. 

Application Deadline: Friday, February 6