Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams, and other local officials and artists, announced the details of Artsfest at City Hall.
Harrisburg’s big celebration of the arts will return this Memorial Day weekend.
The city announced the details of Artsfest on Wednesday, an art, music and food event that will take over Riverfront Park from May 24 to 26.
“I am proud to say that this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the best ever yet,” said Mayor Wanda Williams.
During the weekend, over 200 artists will set up shop in the park and along N. Front Street, from Forster to Walnut streets. Art will be exhibited from a wide array of mediums, including ceramics, paintings, photography, fiber, sculptures, jewelry, wood and more.
Additionally, the HBG Flea will bring in 40 local vendors of their own, and the Civic Club of Harrisburg will also host up-and-coming local artists at its downtown venue.
Another art form, music and dance, will also take the stage near State Street with bands, musicians and dance groups. Jazzfest will also return with 15 acts, including the Wednesday Club, which will present a classical music series at the Art Association of Harrisburg’s building.
While visitors enjoy the art and music, they can grab a bite to eat. The city will have 25 food trucks on site offering everything from dumplings to empanadas and cheesesteaks.
There will also be a beer and wine garden near the entertainment stage, featuring local breweries and wineries.
For families, KidsFest will offer face painting, balloon animals, puppet making, and other free children’s activities.
Artsfest also typically features a large-scale interactive art piece for the community to contribute to. This year, attendees can carve custom stamps to be printed on cloths and wrapped around planters and placed downtown. As part of that activity, local artists Dionn Renee, Eric Tonzola, Gloriajean Martin and the duo Robert Davis and Caroline Laurent will live-paint additional planters.
New this year, guests can ride a vintage-style trolley on Saturday, May 24, which will travel to city murals, restaurants and breweries. Two themed tours are available, one with food tastings at three restaurants, and another featuring sweets, local brews and public art. Space is limited. To sign up, visit harrisburgpa.gov/artsfest.
Starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 23, Front Street will be closed, from Forster to Walnut streets, until Monday, May 26 at 11 p.m.
Downtown street parking is free on Sunday and Monday, and after 5 p.m. on Saturday. Parking on City Island is $5 per day throughout the weekend. The River Street Garage offers $5 parking from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and the Market Square Garage is $10 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the weekend.
For more information about Artsfest, visit Harrisburg’s website.
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