The 109th annual Kipona Festival sponsored by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg will return to Riverfront Park and City Island on August 30-September 1. The festival is bigger than ever this year and truly features something for all ages and interests to enjoy – we’re coining it as the “everything festival”. Read on for an overview of what to expect to plan your visit. All event details and program guide can be found here.
Chili Cook-Off
The much-requested return of the Chili Cook-Off is finally happening! Harrisburg DRINKS is excited to host the event at Sawyer’s on 2nd Street from 12-4pm on Saturday, August 30. More than 20 amateur and professional chefs are bringing their boldest flavors to tickle your taste buds in this fierce competition. Tickets are $10/person and can be purchased on-site. If you think your chili has what it takes to be crowned best of Harrisburg, sign up to participate here.
2nd Annual Giant Puppet Parade
This wacky display of handmade water-themed creations returns to the festival on Saturday, August 30 at 2:45pm in Riverfront Park. Anyone is welcome to join the fun by crafting their own water themed puppets or costumes. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best youth, adult, and group entries. The parade will be anchored by lead artist Nina Amaya who is creating a 15-ft mud puppy puppet and lead artist Olivia Jean who has led a series of community build workshops to create a giant octopus puppet for the event. Returning favorites will also be featured, including the giant hammerhead shark created by the Imaginary Friends Puppet Theater.
Volunteers are needed to assist the giant octopus and mud puppy during the parade. If interested, please sing up here.
Keystone Dock Dogs
If you have a pup that loves to make a splash, you need to check out the Keystone Dock Dogs competition. The event is held at a 40-ft pool on City Island beside the Walnut Street Bridge from August 30-September 1. Dogs of all shapes, sizes, breeds and ages (above 6 months) are welcome to compete in the Big Air Wave (long jump), Extreme Vertical Wave (high jump), and speed retrieve competitions. No experience is necessary and its free to attend as a spectator. For more information on the competition schedule, entry fees and rules, visit https://dockdogs.com/event/kipona-festival-with-keystone-dockdogs-2/.
Art in the Park
Get a head start on your holiday shopping while supported talented local makers. Over 70 artisans and craftsmen from across the region will be selling pottery, jewelry, artwork, woodworking and glass items, apparel, bath and body products, and more throughout Riverfront Park. The Civic Club of Harrisburg will also host local artisans throughout the weekend.
Cultural Celebrations
The diversity of our region takes center stage for a multi-day celebration. The Native American Festival returns to City Island on August 30 and 31 from 12-5pm this year. There will be Native foods, crafts, dances, music and more. There will be Iroquois Dancers, hoop dance, MMIW presentations, performances by the Grey Cloud and Smokey River Singers, storytelling, and more. Along the riverfront, the Multicultural Celebration will feature a wide variety of performances, free activities, and food. Listen to a Balkan jam band, watch a variety of Chinese dances, participate in Salsa dancing lessons, snack on Middle Eastern baked goods, taste teas from around the world, learn Arabic calligraphy, and much more. The celebration takes place in Riverfront Park at Locust Street all 3 days of the festival.
Family Fun Zone
There will be no shortage of entertainment to keep the kiddos entertained, and with new activities each day, you’ll want to keep coming back for more all weekend! The UPMC Family Fun Zone will offer free face painting and balloon animals all weekend, along with small fee activities such as a berry-go-round, giant fun slide, carnival games, and sand art. On Saturday, you can enjoy a puppet show, theater performances, wildlife and insect presentations, a kids comedy show, princess and superhero visits, a kids painting class, and activities with local organizations. There will be a free rock wall and eurobungy on Sunday and the beloved Bubble Festival returns on Monday where you can see giant bubbles up to 50-ft.
Live Music & Beer Garden
Nearly 20 musicians and bands will perform a variety of genres all weekend long from the Capital Blue Cross entertainment stage near State Street. Listen to Folk, Alt-Rock, RnB, Hip Hop, and more with gorgeous riverfront views while sipping on drinks from local craft breweries and wineries. Headliners include Street Beans, Kita P & Black Licorice, and The Whiskey Feathers.
Stop by the info tent by the Walnut St Bridge to grab your ExploreHBG tote* & coloring book (while supplies last)!
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