Annual Art Festival 2027 in State College, PA

The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts returns to State College and the Penn State University Park campus from July 7 to 11, 2027. Now in its 61st edition, the Festival ranks among the most respected juried art fairs in the United States, bringing together independent artists and craftspeople from across the country for a five-day celebration of visual arts, music, and performance. The Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition anchors the program, with ceramics, jewelry, wood, painting, and mixed media displayed along the streets of downtown State College. Live entertainment runs throughout the day and into the evening on multiple outdoor and indoor stages, while Images — a juried two-dimensional exhibition — showcases work by Pennsylvania artists at Schlow Centre Region Library. Family programming includes the Children and Youth Sidewalk Sale, the Kids Zone, and the Arts Festival Races presented by Mount Nittany Health. Visitors also find BookFestPA, a Craft Beverage Garden, Festival Food vendors, and the Festive Spirits Party. The week after Independence Day makes the Festival one of the biggest non-football alumni weekends for Penn Staters and a summer economic anchor for downtown businesses. With more than 125,000 attendees expected, hotel demand in State College peaks around the Festival dates. Booking accommodation near the Penn State campus or downtown well in advance is strongly recommended to secure the best rates and proximity to the event.