July in State College means one thing: The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is finally here!

As you make your way back to State College and reunite with your friends, don’t forget to check out all the art and activities at this year’s Arts Fest.

One of the summer’s most anticipated festivals brings over 125,000 guests each year. The Festival will take place from Wednesday, July 8, through Sunday, July 12. Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re a returning visitor, we’ve created a guide so you know exactly what to check out.

Parking

First things first, you’ve got to park your car somewhere! The Festival encourages visitors to use Penn State’s West Parking Deck on White Course Drive near the IST Building and take the free bus service to and from the event. Parking is $2 for the first hour, $3 for under two hours, and $10 for between two and ten hours. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

There is also downtown parking available at the Beaver Avenue, Fraser Street, McAllister Street, and Pugh Street garages. During the Festival, the hourly rate is $3 per hour, with a maximum daily rate of $50.

Food

Who doesn’t love food while walking around a festival? Luckily, there will be vendors spread throughout State College serving everything from coffee, shaved ice, hot dogs, and so much more. You’ll find food vendors at Allen Street and Calder Way, Allen Street and Nittany Avenue, Highland Alley, and Sidney Friedman Park.

Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition

The Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition is open from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 9 through Saturday, July 11. It will also be open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for art, jewelry, or housewares to shop for, and the best part is that it supports independent artist-entrepreneurs.

Children and Youth Sidewalk Sale

Next up, you have the Children and Youth Sidewalk Sale. This is one of the Festival’s big openers. It’s a chance for kids to show off their artistic style by allowing them to sell original work they’ve created. The Children and Youth Sidewalk Sale runs Wednesday, July 8, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

2026 Banner Competition

This is one of Arts Fest’s classics! The Banner Exhibition and Competition has been taking place since 1967, during the very first festival! During the Festival, banners hang over South Allen Street, attracting attendees while showcasing what Arts Fest is all about.

Entertainment

What’s a festival without some good music? This year’s Arts Fest will offer performances on both outdoor and indoor stages. Performances start at 11:30 a.m. and continue through 11:00 p.m., running Thursday, July 9, through Saturday, July 11. The final show starts on Sunday, July 12, at 2:30 p.m.

Race

Another great way to show your pride and spirit this weekend is in the 48th Annual Sue Crowe Memorial Arts Festival Races, which will take place on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Kids Zone

The Kids Zone is located in MLK Plaza and will be open Thursday and Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This family-friendly event involves games, craft activities, and the opportunity to participate in painting a mural.

Craft Beverage Garden

This activity is for those 21 and up. Located at Sidney Friedman Park, the Tasting Trail will be open Thursday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This year, the Festival will be expanding the space to include all of Sidney Friedman Park. This expansion is not impacting the general public’s access to the park, but it does allow patrons of the Tasting Trail to enjoy all areas of the park while supporting trail members. This is a great way to try some beverages while listening to music.

Be sure to check out all these events, support the art, and stay safe out there, folks! Any other questions can be answered on the Arts Fest Website.