It’s Art Extravaganza

Since its inception in 1967, the Festival of the Arts has undergone significant growth encompassing a sidewalk sale and exhibition, diverse performances, a banner competition, Children & Youth Day, a juried gallery exhibition, street painting, and much more.

The staff also assists the Nittany Valley Running Club in organizing the Sue Crowe Memorial Arts Festival Races and collaborates with numerous venues to showcase activities happening “Beyond the Festival,” such as the Schlow Library, 3-Dots, Tempest Productions, the Central PA Tasting Trail, and Downtown State College.

These partnerships contribute to enhancing the experience for the more than 125,000 annual visitors. The festival begins with the Children and Youth Day, a special day dedicated to young artists, performers, and the young at heart. The Children and Youth Sidewalk Sale provides a platform for artists aged 8 to 18 to showcase and sell their creations. Throughout the day, young musicians, dancers, and comics entertain the crowd on stages like the Allen Street Stage and the Festival Shell on Old Main Lawn. Additionally, families can enjoy new attractions such as the Baby Rave hosted in partnership with 3-Dots and an interactive Alice in Wonderland Adven- ture presented in collaboration with Tempest Productions.

Young visitors can engage in free creative activities and the day culminates in the Children & Youth Day Grand Procession. Enjoy the procession alongside giant papier-mâché puppets from Old Main Lawn to Sidney Friedman Park, accompanied by drummers and a pep band from State College Area High School. The kids are sure to have fun at the Festival’s dumping buckets water sculpture.

The following day, the Annual Juried Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition takes place, serving a perfect shopping opportunity. Find art, jewelry, housewares, and other unique items for various tastes. The sale lasts from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Entertainment may be viewed on indoor and outdoor stages. Most shows will require a festival wristband for admission. An enticing array of food options will also be available at downtown restaurants and food trucks stationed throughout the festival.

The success and growth of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Centre County communities, Penn State University, the Borough of State College, a dedicated volunteer board, over 600 committed volunteers, and a passionate staff. The organizers eagerly anticipate the presence of all attendees at this year’s festival, ready to provide an exceptional experience at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts!

For more information, visit https://arts-festival.com/