Arts & Culture
A guide to Artsfest in Harrisburg
This three-day annual festival is open to the public.
The 57th Annual Artsfest will be held in Riverfront Park in Harrisburg from May 24–26, 2025. This vibrant festival will showcase over 170 juried artisans and craftsmen from across the country, offering a variety of hand-crafted works for sale and an impressive lineup of artisans, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and local food and drink.
Artisans
Over 170 artisans will gather in Riverfront Park to display and sell their hand-crafted goods in 16 different categories, including ceramics, drawing, fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and wood. Explore the vendors by category and their offerings!
Entertainment and Live Performances
Artsfest isn’t just about shopping—it’s a feast for the senses with live performances and entertainment throughout the weekend. On the Entertainment Stage, located near State Street, 17 different groups including live bands and dance troupes, will perform daily. Guests can enjoy the sounds of local talent while relaxing in a beer and wine garden featuring craft beverages from Harrisburg’s local breweries and nearby vineyards.
For jazz lovers, the Jazzfest Stage near Walnut Street will feature an array of jazz groups and musicians, offering a diverse mix of smooth, soulful, and upbeat performances throughout the festival.
In addition, the Art Association of Harrisburg will host a concert series presented by The Wednesday Club. This concert series will feature over 35 musicians, including singers, instrumentalists, and ensemble performers from the Young, Collegiate, and Resident Professional Concert Artist memberships, as well as guest musicians from around Central Pennsylvania.
Family Fun at Kidsfest
The whole family can enjoy Artsfest with the Kidsfest, sponsored by Renewal by Andersen. Located in the park near Walnut Street, Kidsfest offers free activities such as face painting, balloon animals, DIY sidewalk chalk creations, crafts, and other art-centric activities. It’s a perfect spot for children to explore their creativity and have fun in a safe, welcoming environment.
Food Trucks and Local Cuisine
Attendees can indulge in a variety of delicious bites with 25 food trucks offering an array of options. Explore savory treats like stuffed soft pretzels, cheesesteaks, gyros, barbecue, fried chicken sandwiches, and crab cakes alogn with sweet festival favorites like funnel cakes and milkshakes. There’s something for every taste at Artsfest!
Convenient Parking and Free Shuttle
For those driving into the event, parking is available on City Island for $5, and at the Market Square Garage for $10, which runs from 9AM to 9PM. On May 24, street parking in downtown Harrisburg is free after 5PM, and on May 25 & 26, metered street parking is free. Visitors can also take advantage of the free 32-passenger ADA-accessible shuttle bus sponsored by PA Lottery, which will loop between City Island and the downtown festival area throughout the event.
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