Enjoying Arts Fest in State College

Enjoying Arts Fest in State College Pennsylvania

If you’re looking for information about Arts Fest in State College, you’re in the right place!

Unique clothing for sale during Arts Fest in State College.
Artisan sidewalk sale during Arts Fest in State College.

Arts Fest 2023 runs from Wednesday, July 12 to Sunday, July 16 in downtown State College and on Penn State’s campus.

Arts Fest sidewalk sale on the Penn State campus.
Arts Fest sidewalk sale on the Penn State campus.

Arts Fest covers a 1.5 mile loop through downtown State College and across a portion of Penn State’s campus, using portions of South Allen Street, Fairmount Avenue, Fraser Street, West College Avenue, North Burrowes Street, Pollock Road, and Pattee Mall.

Arts Fest route map in State College and on the Penn State campus.
Arts Fest route through downtown State College and across the Penn State campus.

If you’ve never attended an Arts Fest in State College, or if it’s been so long you’ve forgotten what it’s like, here’s a rundown on what to expect at Arts Fest in 2023.

Penn State football players handing out season schedules during Arts Fest in State College.
Penn State football players handing out season schedule posters during Arts Fest in State College.

Wednesday is Kids Day

Kids Day is Wednesday, a chance for children in Centre and neighboring counties to sell their arts and crafts on South Allen Street.

Children's Day at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts in State College PA..
Children’s Day at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.

I’ve been on both sides of the booth on Kids Day, and it’s amazing to see the effort and imagination that goes into the arts and crafts for sale by the area’s youngest artisans.

Selling sea shell jewelry at Kids Day during Arts Fest in State College.
The author (in Hawaiian Punch guy attire) assisting with selling sea shell jewelry at Kids Day.

In fact, I purchased the greatest “Get Well” card ever on Kids Day a few years ago – holding onto it for just the right occasion!

Get Well card purchased during Kids Day at Arts Fest in State College PA
I purchased the greatest “Get Well” card ever on Kids Day.

Expect big crowds and lots of “can we buy this” if you take your own kids.

South Allen Street during Children's Day at Arts Fest in State College. PA.
South Allen Street during Children’s Day at Arts Fest in State College.

South Allen Street between Beaver Avenue and Calder Way is also transformed into a mini-waterpark – this lasts the entire Arts Fest.

The popular water buckets attraction on South Allen Street during Arts Fest.
The popular water buckets attraction on South Allen Street during Arts Fest.

After walking Arts Fest on a July afternoon, the “misting tunnel” feels pretty good.

The "misting tunnel" on South Allen Street during Arts Fest in State College. PA.
The “misting tunnel” on South Allen Street during Arts Fest.

Thursday through Sunday are the Sidewalk Sales

The “pros” take over the sidewalks Thursday through Sunday, selling everything from sculptures, paintings and decorative glass to jewelry, housewares, and one-of-a-kind clothing.

Banners hanging over South Allen Street during Arts Fest in State College Pennsylvania.
Artisan booths along South Allen Street.

Arts Fest is consistently ranked as one of the top outdoor fine art and fine craft shows in the nation.

Arts Fest booths along the Mall at Penn State.
Sidewalk sale booths along the Mall at Penn State.

You’ll find some of the country’s most talented artists in a wide variety of media at Arts Fest.

Arts Fest on campus at Penn State.
Arts Fest on campus at Penn State.

The Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition is open from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 13 through Saturday, July 15, and 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 16.

Arts Fest booths in downtown State College Pennsylvania.
Sidewalk sale booths in downtown State College.

As you walk along the South Allen Street portion of the sidewalk sale, you’ll notice banners everywhere, a tradition since the the first Arts Fest in 1967.

Arts Fest in downtown State College Pennsylvania.
Overhead banners along South Allen Street in downtown State College.

You’ll also encounter several outdoor performance stages along the route of Arts Fest, featuring everything from bluegrass to rock to jazz to gospel music.

Musical performances are one of the highlights of Arts Fest in State College Pennsylvania.
Musical performances are one of the highlights of Arts Fest in State College.

And of course, there are TONS of food booths, selling everything from chicken on a stick to healthy foods I can’t pronounce.

Food stands at Arts Fest in State College Pennsylvania.
Food stands at Arts Fest.

Penn State Creamery ice cream is a particular favorite in my family, available along the campus portion of Arts Fest, near the Obelisk.

Enjoying Penn State Creamery ice cream at Arts Fest in State College.
Enjoying Penn State Creamery ice cream at Arts Fest.

Astrofest

Astrofest is a four-night festival of astronomy activities and stargazing at Penn State’s Davey Laboratory, coinciding with Arts Fest from Wednesday, July 13, through Saturday, July 16.

Painting galaxies and nebulas at Astrofest during Arts Fest in State College.
Painting galaxies and nebulas at Astrofest.

Astrofest runs from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. each night, and weather-permitting, visitors can use the rooftop observatory telescopes to see firsthand views of stars, planets, and the craters on the moon.

Astrofest occurs during Arts Fest on top of Penn State's Davey Lab
Astrofest activities on top of Penn State’s Davey Lab.

Final Thoughts

As a long-time resident of State College, I view Arts Fest as a sort of summer homecoming, when friends I may see only once or twice a year make their way back to town for the festivities.

Arts Fest is a summer tradition in State College PA.
Arts Fest is a summer tradition in State College.

From the art to the bands to the food to the people-watching, Arts Fest in State College is an event well worth checking out!

Sand sculpture at Sidney Friedman Park during Arts Fest in State College.
Sand sculpture at Sidney Friedman Park during a prior Arts Fest.

Nearby Attractions

Centre Furnace Mansion in State College served as the home for a series of “iron masters” in the late 1700s through the mid 1800s.

Touring Centre Furnace Mansion in State College Pennsylvania.
Centre Furnace Mansion in State College, Pennsylvania.

This magnificently restored Victorian-style home is also the birthplace of Farmers High School in 1855, a school that would grow into what is known today as Penn State University.

Dining room at Centre Furnace Mansion in State College Pennsylvania.
Dining room at Centre Furnace Mansion.

The Columbus Chapel in Boalsburg contains the largest and most important collection of Christopher Columbus artifacts and memorabilia on the North American continent!

Facing the altar inside the Columbus Chapel in Boalsburg Pennsylvania.
Priceless artwork and memorabilia inside the Columbus Chapel in Boalsburg.

The Arboretum at Penn State is a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of Penn State’s main campus in State College.

Springtime blooms near the Greenhouse at the Penn State Arboretum.
Springtime blooms near the Greenhouse at the Penn State Arboretum.

The Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg honors the service of Pennsylvanians in all branches of the military, from colonial times to the present day.

The Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, PA.
The Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg.

29 Must-See Attractions in Centre County is your guide to even more great things to see and do when visiting the “Happy Valley” region!

Exploring Woodward Cave in Centre County PA
Woodward Cave in Centre County.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.