The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, better known as Arts Fest, is set to return on Wednesday, July 13, until Sunday, July 17. After a two-year pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival is expected to return to normalcy for its 56th year.

As you get ready for the exciting, long weekend ahead, check out our guide to ensure you’re prepared for the celebration.

Wristbands

For $15 a bracelet, you can gain admission to select performances and shows. Kids 12 years old and younger can get one for free. Wristbands can be purchased at any information and sales booths, indoor performance sites, and several local businesses.

Entertainment

Performances will take place at indoor and outdoor stages, including Festival Shell on Old Main, Allen Street Stage, and The State Theatre. Activities such as yoga classes, improv classes, theater performances, and more will be offered. Dozens of musicians will perform throughout the festival, including OK Otter, Velveeta, My Hero Zero, Anchor&Arrow, and more. A full schedule of performances and locations can be found here.

Sidewalk Sale & Exhibition 

More than 300 exhibitors will offer a variety of goods for sale, including baskets, paintings, photography, and jewelry. The sale hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 14-16 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 17.

You can check out this virtual map to see where your favorite vendors will be located.

This year’s juried fine art exhibition, Images 2022, will be displayed in the Schlow Centre Region Library. Many of the 50 pieces are for sale, and awards will be presented at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 14. The annual street painting and banner competition will return, too.

Festival Poster

Each year, the festival offers a free, collectible poster. This year’s poster is a colorful bouquet that encompasses elements of art and music. It also includes familiar references, such as Old Main.

For the last 40 years, Penn State’s distinguished professor emeritus Lanny Sommese has designed the poster. His daughter, Saige, is the co-designer. Posters can be picked up at the HUB, the Hintz Family Alumni Center, the Downtown State College Improvement District, and many other local businesses.

Food Vendors

The best part of a festival is the food, of course. There will be a food truck court at the Memorial Field parking lot that will feature Bees Knees Coffee, Bonnie Blue’s Smokeys and Sweets, Brazilian Munchies, Everything about Crepes, Funnel Cake Kings, and Hellenic Kouzina Mobile Kitchen.

Other vendors scattered throughout the Borough include Chan’s Golden Gate, Heeter’s Ice Cream Truck, Moody Culture Kombucha, and Maine Bay & Berry, among others. There will be everything from ice cream to lobster rolls, gourmet grilled cheese, egg rolls, and lemonade.

Additionally, six regional vendors will set up shop at the corner of Foster Avenue and South Allen Street between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. July 13-16 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 17. Merchants include TorchBearer Sauces, Bevvy’s Gourmet, Hillbillys Beef Jerkey, Saint Rocco’s Treats, Scentual Aroma Inc., and Seven Barrels.

Craft Beverage Expo

Individuals who are of legal drinking age can check out the Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail Craft Beverage Expo at the Martin Luther King Plaza. Visitors can sample and purchase drinks by the glass between 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. July 14-16. Entry is $10, and there will be limited live entertainment.

Thursday’s exhibitors are Axemann Brewery, Big Spring Spirits, Good Intent Cider, Happy Valley Vineyard, and Mount Nittany Vineyard. Friday’s exhibitors are Elk Creek Cafe, Keewaydin Cider Mill, Otto’s, and Seven Mountains Wine Cellars. Saturday’s exhibitors are 814 Cider Works, Big Spring Spirits, Pisano Winery, Robin Hood Brewery, and University Wine Co.

Parking

Visitors are encouraged to park at the West Parking Deck on Penn State’s campus. Rates are $1/hour for the first two hours and $10 for two to 10 hours. There will be a free bus to the center of the festival on College Avenue and Allen Street. Cash and credit card are accepted. Downtown garages will also be available.

The “no parking 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.” rule will not be enforced beginning at 2 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13. Parking areas for exhibitors will be strictly enforced. Parking meters must be used between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. during the festival.

Other Information

As you gear up for the festival, remember to leave your pets, bikes, and skateboards at home. Water bottles will be sold for $1 at all information booths. A handful of restrooms will be available on campus and downtown, too. Any additional questions can likely be answered on the official Arts Fest website.