(From left) Allison Rohrbaugh of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Mischelle Moyer, Harrisburg’s director of communications, and Abby Flanders of UPMC announced Harrisburg’s 2025 Kipona Festival at a press conference on Monday.
As summer comes to a close, the city will celebrate the same way it has for decades.
The 109th Kipona Festival will return to Harrisburg for Labor Day weekend, bringing food, family activities, music and cultural experiences.
“Kipona is our end-of-summer tradition and a huge point of pride for the city,” said Mischelle Moyer, the city’s director of communications. “We invite families from every neighborhood—and visitors from across the region—to celebrate along our riverfront with food, music, culture and activities for all ages.”
The festival, which runs from Aug. 30 through Sept. 1, will take place along N. Front Street and Riverfront Park, with activities on City Island as well.
As always, the festival will offer selections from 25 food trucks and a beer and wine garden. Additionally, 15 local bands and musicians will perform on a stage near State Street. Another stage at Market Street will feature multicultural dance groups and bands. Riverfront Park will also host over 70 artisans who will sell their handcrafted items throughout the weekend.
On Sunday, fireworks and a drone show will light up the sky for viewers at 8:10 p.m.
For families, Kipona will offer a giant puppet parade costume contest on Saturday, face painting and balloon animals, carnival games, a giant fun slide and a bubble festival on Monday. The Keystone Dock Dogs will also return to the festival this year, giving pet owners and their pups a chance to get in on the fun.
Unique to Kipona is the Native American Festival, which takes place on City Island on Saturday and Sunday. Attendees can try native foods and experience native crafts, music, dance and more.
“Kipona is a hallmark of Central Pennsylvania’s festival season,” said Allison Rohrbaugh, director of communications for Visit Hershey & Harrisburg. “It highlights not only Harrisburg’s vibrant arts, culture and history, but also the unique experiences that make our region such a welcoming destination for visitors from near and far.”
Metered street parking is free on Sunday and Monday, for the holiday. Additionally, the River Street Garage will offer $5 parking between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (must enter and exit within this time frame) on Saturday. Market Square Garage parking will be discounted to $10 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (must enter and exit within this time frame), courtesy of Park Harrisburg.
Parking is $5 on City Island
N. Front Street, from Forster to Walnut streets, will close to traffic from 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 29 to 10 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1.
For more information, visit the city’s website.
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