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105th Annual Kipona Festival returns to Riverfront Park & City Island

Published: Aug 11, 2021
Kipona 2021 Logo

One of Central PA’s largest end of summer traditions returns to Riverfront Park and City Island with the 105th annual Kipona Festival. Along the banks of the Susquehanna River on Labor Day Weekend, September 4-6, this 3-day festival features a wide variety of fun & free activities for everyone to enjoy.  


Here are some attractions you won’t want to miss:
 

  1. Live Music is back!
    Three live music stages with nearly 50 acts performing throughout the festival. The T-Mobile Market Street Stage, State Street Stage and Biergarten acoustic stage will offer non-stop live music featuring a wide variety of local entertainers.

  2. Family Fun Zone
    There will be several fun & free activities including face painting, caricatures, kids crafts, character visits and more. The kids stage will feature more than 20 acts including live children’s theatre, educational presentations, a magician, martial arts class, puppet show, youth yoga classes and more.
     
  3. Native American Pow Wow
    Experience authentic Native American music, dancing, food, crafts and more. All Pow Wow activities will be held on City Island.
    Kipona event
     
  4. Artist Market
    More than 40 artisans will sell a variety of handcrafted items such as jewelry, artwork, apparel, pottery, woodworking, bath and body products, glass items and more.
     
  5. Soul Smirk Fitness & Wellness Zone
    New to the festival this year is the Soul Smirk Fitness and Wellness Zone! Stop by to participate in yoga, Zumba, cardio and HIIT workouts throughout the day. There will even be glow and sunrise classes! All classes are available for a $5 donation, take place on City Island beside Café Huey and are appropriate for all fitness levels.
     
  6. Tightwire Walk
    American Tightwire will be returning with dramatic tightwire walks above the Susquehanna River at 12pm & 5pm on Saturday and Sunday and 12pm on Monday. An illuminated night walk will be held at 8:15pm on Saturday, September 4.
    Kipona Wirewalkers
     
  7. Dick Reese Canoe and Kayak Races
    The tradition continues this year along with the new addition of kayak races. There will be 1-mile and 3-mile canoe and kayak distance races starting at 10am on Monday, September 6. These races will be followed by 600-yard sprint races. The races are open to all ages and abilities and will be divided into different classes accordingly. All races will begin along the banks of Riverfront Park near Pine Street. You can sign up online in advance here or during the festival on Saturday, Sunday or 8-10am Sunday.  
     
  8. Biergarten & Wine Garden
    Enjoy a cold beer from Zeroday Brewing Company, The Millworks and Boneshire Brewing along the riverfront during the event. The biergarten will offer acoustic music and plenty of seating throughout the day. The wine garden, featuring J&P Winery, Nissley Vineyards and SpringGate Vineyards, will be held at the Civic Club of Harrisburg.
    Events - Harrisburg Group Toasting Beer Festival
  9. Soccer
    Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer in partnership with the JT Dorsey Foundation will host and run a free pick-up style soccer event. Kids ages 9-16 will play small-sided games on City Island’s Skyline Field on Monday, September 6. Check-in begins at 11:30 AM and game play starts at 12:00 PM. Space is limited so be sure to reserve your FREE spot here.
     
  10. Fireworks
    Enjoy the PHFA fireworks display from the banks of the Susquehanna River along Riverfront Park. Fireworks will begin at 8:15pm on Sunday, September 5 and are launched from the tip of City Island.  
    Fireworks

Parking 

Street parking is FREE on Sunday and Monday and free after 5pm on Saturday in the Downtown area. Attendees can get 4 hours of free street parking on Saturday in the Downtown area using the code “LUVHBG” in the ParkMobile app. For those who prefer covered parking, the Market Square Garage located on Second Street, will offer a $10 special event rate from 10am – 10pm. Parking on City Island will be $5. Free valet bike parking, provided by Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg, will be available at Walnut & Forster Streets. 

Author: Megan Roby

Director of Special Events, City of Harrisburg