The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and it’s almost time for the biggest event in State College all summer — Arts Fest.

The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, better known and loved as Arts Fest, is back in State College for its 59th year. The festival will kick off on Wednesday, July 9, and end on Sunday, July 13.

The event will bring over 125,000 visitors for one of the biggest weekends in State College, with students, alumni, families, artists, and performers for days of entertainment. To help you keep track of all the events happening, we put together a guide for this year’s Arts Fest.

Entry

All Arts Fest performances will be free again, for the second year. Some performances may have an optional extra fee, according to a press release. Most activities and events will operate on a first-come basis.

Entertainment

The festival will include art, activities, a bookfest, performances, and more.

Performances will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday with the last band kicking off at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Venues include Old Main lawn, the Allen Street Stage, Sidney Friedman Park Stage, and two new stages on campus near Willard. The State Theatre will also host a selection of performances on Thursday and Satuday afternoon, but will remain open as a cooling station between.

Manny’s Live Performance Space will host Arts Fest after Dark for the first time, with world class sounds to keep folks partying late into the night.

This year’s Street Painting Exhibition will see local artists create painting on Foster Avenue to recognize the popularity of street painting. Children will have the opportunity to create their own small street painting for $10.

Food Vendors

It can’t be a festival without food.

Vendors will be set up downtown at intersections of Allen St, as well as Hanson’s Kettle Korn and Maine Bay & Berry set up at Sidney Friedman Park. The Memorial Field parking lot will be turned into a food truck court with eight local vendors.

The Creamery will also be open on campus, along with Real Taste and Tropic-O-Ice: Gourmet Shaved Ice on the corner of Pollock and Burrowes.

Sidewalk Sale & Exhibition

The Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. from Thursday, July 10, through Saturday, July 12, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 13.

Artists from the United States and around the world will have their work on display with over 300 vendors selling pieces of arts, jewelry, houseware, and more.

Parking

The festival is encouraging visitors to use the West Parking Deck and a free bus service to get downtown. Parking is $2 for an hour, $3 for under 2, and then $10 per hour for up to 10 hours.

Parking garages will also be open downtown on Beaver Avenue, Fraser Street, and Pugh Street with a maximum daily rate of $32.

Craft Beverage Expo

The Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail will return to the festival for the eighth year to highlight all the wines, beers, ciders, and spirits made in Centre County. The trail will be open on Thursday, July 10, to Saturday, July 12, from noon to 8 p.m.

Folks will need to verify they are over 21 to enter, and all alcohol must be consumed within the enclosure.

Arts Festival Races

The Arts Festival Races are the oldest races in Central Pennsylvania, and folks can choose between either the 5K race or 10-mile race on Sunday, July 13. Registration, start, and finish of both races will be at the Pennsylvania Military Musuem in Boalsburg.

The 10-mile race will begin at 8 a.m. and cost $35. The 5K will start at 8:45 a.m. and cost $25. The price will increase for both races if folks register the day of the race.

Festival Poster

Festival posters will be available until the end of the festival on Sunday, July 13. Folks can pick up this year’s poster, designed by Saige Sommense, for free at the offices of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, Downtown State College Improvement District, State College Framing Company and Gallery, and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. They will also be on campus at the Hintz Family Alumni Center and the HUB.

Vintage posters are available for $25 through the festival’s online store.

Kids Zone

Arts Fest will host a brand new Kids Zone this year, to make it truly a family friendly event. The Kids Zone will be located in MLK Plaza and open from noon to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. Kids and families can enjoy games, crafts, and help create a mural for the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.

Other Information

Folks are reminded that bicycles, skateboards, and pets are prohibited. Water will be available for purchase for $2 at the festival as well as refill stations. Any other questions can be answered on the Arts Fest website.