Artsfest 2025
One of the most anticipated festivals of the year is set to return to Harrisburg, according to Mayor Wanda Williams.
Artsfest will take place this Memorial Day weekend, with vendors, food, music and more, Williams and city officials shared at a press conference Friday.
“For 58 years, this event has brought life, color, music and creativity to our riverfront, and each year, it reminds us just how special this city truly is,” Williams said.
On May 23 to 25, over 170 juried artists will set up along Riverfront Park and N. Front Street, selling paintings, ceramics, furniture, jewelry, photography and more.
The event will also include live music and dance, with a special JazzFest stage and The Wednesday Club concert series.
Event attendees can experience art hands-on by participating in a mural painting with artist Katie Trainer. The mural, which will feature Harrisburg scenery, will be painted on parachute cloth and later hung in downtown Harrisburg.
Families can enjoy special KidsFest activities, including free face painting, balloon animals, DIY sidewalk chalk creations, crafts and more.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a riverfront festival without the food. There will be 25 food trucks on site offering cheesesteaks, dumplings, gyros, milkshakes and plenty of other options. Adults can also enjoy beverages in the beer and wine gardens.
The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
Mayor Wanda Williams shared details of the 2026 Artsfest at a press conference in city hall.
“As mayor, I often speak about the importance of investing in community, supporting local business, and creating opportunities for residents and visitors to experience all that Harrisburg has to offer,” Williams said. “Artsfest has all of that in one incredible weekend.”
Front Street will be closed to traffic between Forster & Walnut Street from 9 a.m. on Friday, May 22, until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 25.
Downtown metered street parking is free on Sunday and Monday, for the holiday. Street parking on Saturday is free after 5 p.m. The River Street Garage will offer $5 parking on May 24 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (must enter & exit within this time frame for discounted rate). Parking on City Island is $5, and the Market Square Garage will have $10 parking from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., courtesy of Park Harrisburg.
For more information about Artsfest, visit Harrisburg’s website.
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