Harrisburg, PA – Harrisburg’s unofficial start to summer is right around the corner. Artsfest is back Memorial Day Weekend in Riverfront Park. It will run May 25 to 27.
A complete event schedule, list of artisans, foodie guide and more is available at https://harrisburgpa.gov/artsfest.
This year’s three-day festival will feature more than 150 different artisans and craftsmen from across the country. They plan on selling handcrafted works in various categories. Among them, ceramics, digital, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, other, sculpture, painting, photography, printmaking and wood. The HBG Flea, with local artisans, will also return with nearly 50 local vendors along the festival route.
“These artisans put a lot of work and heart into every single item they create,” said Special Events Manager Cortney Ranck-Cameron. “Come ready to shop and support these incredibly talented small business owners.”
There will be no shortage of entertainment, with over 35 acts performing throughout the weekend. The UPMC Stage will feature 19 local bands, dance groups and more. JazzFest returns with 13 talented groups taking the stage. The Wednesday Club will hold a concert series featuring several talented pianists, vocalists and more at the Art Association of Harrisburg. The Art Association will be celebrating its 142nd anniversary. It will be open to view two exhibitions from 10am-4pm on May 25, 12-5pm on May 26, and 10am-4pm on May 27.
The Renewal by Andersen Kidsfest area will feature several free, art-centric activities throughout the festival. Families will be able to participate in face painting and balloon animals. There is also a Creation Station with the Harrisburg Fringe. DIY bird masks with Coexist Artist Jeff Semmerling are available. Kids can make creations with DIY sidewalk chalk, too. There will also be multiple free kids canvas panting classes. Two will take place Saturday, May 25 at 11am and 12:30pm. Two more will happen the same times Sunday.
New this year is a community art project that will bring a colorful school of 450 fish sculptures to City Island! During the event, attendees ages 10 and older can paint their own fish sculpture with a colorful design. 150 sculptures will be distributed each day while supplies last. The sculptures will later be installed on City Island near the Harbortown Playground to create an eye-catching splash of color and fun photo opp. The fish sculptures were made to resemble a Rock Bass, a fish species native to the Susquehanna River along with other waterways throughout the State. This activity is free to participate in thanks to the support of Green Mountain Energy and other event sponsors.
If you would like to volunteer for one or more hours during the event to help coordinate the project, please email [email protected].
There will be 25 food trucks serving up a variety of unique bites and festival favorites. Dumplings, empanadas, cheesesteaks, Indian cuisine, rice balls, funnel cakes, fresh cut fries, milkshakes, and much more will be available. Several gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options will be available. There will also be a beer and wine garden located beside the entertainment stage near State Street featuring City of Harrisburg based craft breweries, local wineries, and alcohol infused ice cream. Participating City restaurants will join the festivities by offering colorful cocktail and food specials from May 24-27.
Visitors are encouraged to explore beyond the festival path to discover the many art-centric organizations and activities located in the City. “The Harrisburg Arts District is a walkable region of the capital city thriving with diverse arts and cultural experiences” explains Director of Communications and content for Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Allison Rohrbaugh. “Visit Hershey & Harrisburg is proud to lead efforts to promote the Arts District as Harrisburg’s cultural heartbeat and as a destination for all ages and interests.”
Open Stage is currently presenting WHAT THE CONSTITUION MEANS TO ME with evening shows available throughout the event weekend. The Civic Club of Harrisburg will host local artisans at their venue along the festival path on May 25 & 26 from 11am-7pm and May 27 from 11am-5pm.
“We look forward to having thousands of attendees join us for the day or entire weekend for this annual celebration of the arts” said Cameron. “Harrisburg has such a vibrant arts scene and we encourage you to come experience it.”
Artsfest is sponsored by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, ExploreHBG, UPMC, Green Mountain Energy, Leaf Filter, Sundance Vacations, Renewal by Anderson, PA Lottery, and Park Harrisburg.
For More Information
Contact: Matt Maisel, Director of Communications
[email protected]
(717) 255-7295
