Over the past 59 years, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts has become one of the top-ranked juried art fairs in the country, the highlight of the State College summer, one of the biggest non-football alumni weekends for Penn Staters, the summer’s economic anchor for downtown State College businesses, and the place to be for art, music, and fun the week after Independence Day.

For many of the 125,000+ visitors and hundreds of volunteers each year, the Arts Festival is an enduring tradition, experienced with friends and family, and not to be missed.  Please explore this site to learn more about the many facets of Arts Fest.

Schedule of Events:

10:30am - 12:30pm - Gospel

Join Christ Community Church, Albright-Bethune UMC, Calvary Harvest Field, and Unity Church of Jesus Christ for a time of fellowship and praise.

Location: Festival Shell Stage 100 W. College Avenue, State College

11:00am - 4:00pm - Chip Mock Caricatures

Chip Mock grew up in Johnstown, Pa., admiring and drawing funny likenesses from an early age, inspired by artists John Johns, Norman Rockwell, Mort Drucker, and Al Hirshfield. 

Location: South Allen Street

11:30am - 12:30pm - Keystone Big Band

The Keystone Big Band, formerly known as Keystone Society of Swing, is a classic big band playing an inspiring repertoire from Count Basie to Oliver Nelson to Quincy Jones

Location: Sidney Friedman Park 241 South Fraser Street, State College

12:30pm - 1:30pm - The Rocket Blasters

The Rocket Blasters is a classic/modern Top-40 Rock band that performs your favorite hits from the late 1960s, 70s and 80s to today, all with a power cord driven Rock,...

Location: Allen Street Stage 123 S Allen St, State College

2:00pm - Singer/Songwriter Showcase

The 2025 Singer Songwriter Showcase features a selection of award-winning singer songwriters from throughout Central Pennsylvania. Each artist will perform a half hour set, and come together for one final...

Location: Sidney Friedman Park 241 South Fraser Street, State College

2:30pm - 3:30pm - The Extra Miles

The Extra Miles are an acoustic duo who have played together for over 9 years. They are 2 friends who find immense joy in making music together, and they love...

Location: Allen Street Stage 123 S Allen St, State College