Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts

06/26/2026

Find out how kids can get creative at this State College summer festival celebrating 60 years of history!

06/24/2026

New year. New experiences. Same magic.

We're bringing even more creativity to the 60th anniversary of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts with exciting additions you won't want to miss...

🎤 Kidz Karaoke at the Allen Street Stage: our youngest festivalgoers can take the mic and get their first taste of singing on an Arts Festival stage https://bit.ly/4vv4npr
🎨 Live Mural Exhibition: watch artists bring bold, large-scale works to life right before your eyes https://bit.ly/4vyV9bQ

Come discover something new this July 9-12! Children & Youth Day is July 8.

06/24/2026

There's a lot of history packed into this logo 🇺🇸

This year, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts marks its 60th anniversary — and the logo we created to celebrate carries three layers of meaning.

It's a tribute to our humble beginnings in 1967, when the State College Chamber of Commerce and Penn State's College of Arts and Architecture came together to build something the community has never stopped showing up for.

It's a nod to the original posters of the festival — vibrant, handcrafted, unmistakably Arts Fest.

And it honors , the nation's 250th birthday. Because this summer, as the country marks a quarter millennium of history, Arts Fest will do what it has always done: bring people together around creativity, community, and the enduring belief that art matters.

60 years. 250 years. One very good summer 🎉

🗓️ July 9-12 | | Children & Youth Day July 8

06/23/2026

Thank you to our Silver Sponsors: Geisinger, Groundworks, The Halberstadt Family, HigherEdJobs.com, Investment Research Partners, and Kish Bank.

Your support helps create the vibrant atmosphere that has brought people together through the arts for six decades.

The 60th anniversary of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is July 8-12, 2026, in State College.

06/23/2026

Did you know that the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is able to remain free and open to the public through the generous donations from local businesses, sponsors and community partners?

Did you also know that YOU can make a difference in providing free, accessible art to the masses by making your own in-kind donation?

If has ever inspired you, introduced you to a favorite artist, filled your weekend with music, or created a memory you return to year after year, we invite you to give back.

Make your gift today and be part of this milestone year and the future of the festival!

Your support brings the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and First Night State College to life. Please donate now. Even a small gift can help make a big difference!

06/22/2026

Arts Fest weekend will be here before you know it! Make it easy with a stay at Sleep Inn near Penn State - State College, PA. It's a comfortable, convenient home base just minutes away from all the action.

After a full day of art, music, and exploring , relax, recharge, and get ready to do it all again the next day.

The best way to experience the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is to stay close to it July 8-12 📍

Start planning: https://bit.ly/4kuPDkP

06/22/2026

Bring home a piece of Arts Fest history.

The official 2026 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts poster, designed by Saige Sommese, celebrates our 60th anniversary by honoring the Festival's past while welcoming a new generation of art lovers.

Whether you're continuing a collection, remembering a favorite Festival, or marking this milestone year, now is the perfect time to add the 2026 poster to your wall.

✨ Learn more and get yours: https://bit.ly/3Sd5F9W

The 60th anniversary of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is July 8-12, 2026, in State College.

06/21/2026

Before you head downtown, take a swipe through our essentials 👉

From parking and transportation to accessibility services and visitor resources, we've gathered everything you need to make the most of your Festival experience.

A little planning means more time for art, music, food, and fun.

See you July 9-12! Children and Youth Day is July 8.

06/20/2026

For a lot of people, Arts Fest isn't just a festival. It's the reason they come back 🏠🎨

The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is one of the biggest non-football alumni weekends of the year for Penn Staters and Happy Valley natives — a time to walk familiar streets, reconnect with the community, and experience something that has been a part of this place since 1967.

Whether you grew up here, went to school here, or just fell in love with this town one July weekend, Arts Fest has a way of pulling people home. We'll see you this summer.

Plan your visit at arts-festival.com.

🗓️ July 9-12 | Children and Youth Day is on July 8 |

06/19/2026

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, visitPA: Pennsylvania's Great American Getaway!

As Pennsylvania and our nation celebrate America250, we're proud to welcome visitors from near and far to experience the creativity, culture, and community that define Arts Fest. 🇺🇸

The 60th anniversary of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is July 8-12, 2026, in State College.