Harrisburg is gearing up for an exciting spring and summer full of fantastic outdoor events. From arts and culture festivals to outdoor celebrations and family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Festivals
Wetland's Festival (April 26)
Explore Wildwood Park’s treasured wetlands for Dauphin County's 24th Annual Wetlands Festival! Come out for a day of free, fun, and educational activities with special musical guests and food trucks. Enjoy wildlife exhibits, walks, and a wide variety of local and regional environmental organizations. Interact with live animals and make crafts to take home! There is something for everyone! More information can be found here.
Artsfest (May 24-26)
Join the City of Harrisburg for the 57th annual Artsfest! The 3-day event will feature over 150 juried artisans and craftsmen from across the country selling handcrafted works in sixteen different categories, including ceramics, digital, drawing, fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, miscellaneous, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood. The festival will also feature Jazzfest, UPMC live entertainment stage, a community ceramic mosaic project, Kidsfest, food trucks, beer & wine garden, the HBG Flea's HBGFEST, and more. The event is held along Riverfront Park overlooking the beautiful Susquehanna River. It runs from 10am-7pm on May 24 & 25 and 10am-5pm on May 26.
More information available at https://harrisburgpa.gov/artsfest
July 4th Food Truck Festival (July 4)
Rather than heating up the grill this Independence Day, head to Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park for the annual July 4th Food Truck Festival. This free event runs from 12-7pm and will feature 50+ food trucks, live music, free kids activities, and more! Street parking is free on July 4th and additional parking will be available on City Island. Learn more at harrisburgpa.gov/special-events/july4th.
Summer Music Festivals in Harrisburg (July & August)
Harrisburg’s summer music scene is alive with festivals that bring world-class entertainment, community vibes, and unforgettable moments to the city’s parks and riverfront. Start with the July Music Series at Reservoir Park, a free, family-friendly celebration of music and culture presented by the City of Harrisburg and Pop’s House. Every weekend in July features a new experience—from classical with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra to gospel, Latin/AfroSoul, jazz under the stars, and a youth talent showcase.
In August, things heat up along the Susquehanna River. The all-new Summer LIVE! Music Festival welcomes headliner Musiq Soulchild for a day of soulful performances, food vendors, wellness offerings, and community connections—creating an energetic, feel-good atmosphere for music lovers of all kinds. Just days later, the Dauphin County Live Concert Series presented by Coors Light takes over with a one-week music marathon featuring a diverse lineup of national acts like Russell Dickerson, The Head and The Heart, and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley.
Cultural Fest (August 16)
Celebrate Dauphin County’s diversity at this year’s Cultural Fest on August 19. This free festival will feature live music, ethnic food trucks, craft vendors, games, a children’s corner and more! Held at Riverfront Park, this one-day festival will have activities for all ages, and has become a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and come early for a great seat by the live music stage. For a complete schedule of events visit their website.
Kipona (Aug 30-Sep 1)
One of Central PA’s largest end of summer traditions returns to Riverfront Park and City Island with the 107th annual Kipona Festival. Held along the banks of the Susquehanna River over Labor Day Weekend, this 3-day festival first began in 1916 when Harrisburg’s iconic river steps were created and was a themed water carnival. Years later, the festival grew to include the famous City Island Native American Pow-Wow and was re-branded “Kipona,” a North American Indian term meaning “on sparkling water.”
Today the festival is one of the largest in the region, attracting over 50,000 visitors each year to enjoy the wide variety of fun and free activities Kipona offers including: 3-days of live music, a massive food truck festival, a biergarten, a wine garden, the Kipona artist’s market, and more. Kipona’s Family Fun Zone is a favorite among the youngest visitors. Featuring carnival games, magic shows, free face painting, kids crafts, and more.
Hispanic Heritage Festival (September 13)
Celebrate culture, community, and tradition at the 15th Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, September 13 from 10am to 3pm. Hosted by LHACC, this free, family-friendly event is a lively celebration of Hispanic heritage featuring music, dance, food, and activities for all ages. Whether you're coming to enjoy the entertainment or connect with local vendors, the festival offers a welcoming space to honor the richness and diversity of Hispanic cultures right here in Harrisburg.
WoofStock (September 28)
Join Central PA Animal Alliance for the largest festival on the east coast for dogs and their humans! This free festival offers a full day of music, shopping, food vendors, canine contests and more. Come down to Riverfront Park and meet hundreds of dogs looking for their forever home, and talk with experts about spay/neutering, fostering, and pet nutrition. Visit cpaawoofstock.com/ for details.
Other Events to Consider
Juneteenth Celebrations
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom, reflect on history, and recognize the achievements of African Americans. It is a day of learning, unity, and progress—an opportunity to honor the past while striving for a better future. Harrisburg’s Juneteenth celebrations highlight this spirit with a week of exciting events. Festivities begin on June 14 with a parade hosted by the City of Harrisburg and the mayor, filling the streets with music, dance, and community pride. Throughout the week, expect educational programs, cultural showcases, and family-friendly activities that highlight the significance of this historic day. The celebrations end on June 21 with the Juneteenth concert, bringing powerful performances and uplifting music at HMAC.
Photo by Michael Yatsko Photography
SoMa Block Parties
Join us monthly, on S. 3rd St. between Market & Chestnut Streets for the best block party in town! This event kicks off on May 29 from 6 pm - 10 pm. and goes through the end of summer. Each events includes a variety of vendors, food trucks, live band, breweries/wineries, games and more! This event is family and dog friendly! Get more information on all of the fun here
