Top Summer 2014 Craft Fairs Near Philadelphia
Summertime is a great time to get out in the fresh air and take a leisurely stroll through some of the state's best arts and craft fairs. There are numerous festivals all summer long, and you can explore what you wish depending on your travel desires. Perhaps you want to take in all Center City has to offer, or you want to spend sometime in Manayunk or State College. You can find a nice family-friendly festival to enjoy this summer as a participant, vendor or artist.
Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts
Downtown
State College, PA 16804
(814) 237-3682
www.arts-festival.com
Date: July 10-13, 2014
One of the largest festivals in the area and considered "The Grand Daddy" of craft fairs, this festival will celebrate all areas of art, from fine to performing. Over 300 artists will display their work, and performers will take to the stages. The Festival of the Arts will also provide plenty of activities for children and adults alike. Professional street painters will take part in this festival in celebration of 16th century Italian Street painting, which involves the use of special chalk.
Kutztown Folk Festival
Kutztown Fairgrounds
225 N. Whiteoak St.
Kutztown, PA 19530
(610) 683-7696
www.kutztownfestival.com
Date: June 28 - July 6, 2014
If you live out near Kutztown or wish to take a short scenic drive, this festival may be for you. You can find good old-fashioned family fun at this nine-day festival and fair centered on Pennsylvania Dutch culture. Kutztown Folk Festival is dubbed one of America's Top Celebrations and is packed with entertainment and fun. Some of the activities include a petting zoo, quilts to purchase or enjoy, food to eat and numerous other hand-crafted items from crafters and artists from all over the country. Parking is free and pets are welcome on a leash.
Manayunk Arts Festival
Main St. and Levering St. between Green & Shurs Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(215) 482-9565
www.manayunk.com
Date: June 21-22, 2014
Head just outside the city to Manayunk for one of the largest outdoor art festivals, now in its 25th year. Over 200,000 people visit and more than 300 artists participate. Awards are given out to crafters for their contributions to the festival. Visitors can enjoy the shops and restaurants on Manayunk's historic Main Street, too. The festival will be held rain or shine.
New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival
New Hope Solebury High School
182 W. Bridge St.
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-9990
www.visitnewhope.com/arts-crafts-festival
Date: Sept. 27-28, 2014
New Hope is an eclectic and artsy area of Bucks County, and every year, it offers an outdoor juried arts and crafts show featuring more than 200 artists. Come out in late September for wine tasting, food and (of course) arts and crafts. The festival includes free admission and is held rain or shine. The show begins at Solebury High School and a free shuttle runs to downtown New Hope. Art includes fine art such as paintings, oils or watercolors, sculptures, glass art, ceramics, wood art and photography. There will also be wearable items, including jewelry, and live music. Downtown New Hope is full of shops, theater and horse carriage rides and museums. The festival takes place throughout New Hope.
Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Spring Show
18th St. & Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(610) 299-1343
www.rittenhousesquareart.com
Date: June 6-8, 2014
For those who live near Center City Philadelphia or need an excuse to come visit, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Fair may be the ticket. Rittenhouse Square is a beautiful area of the city with numerous shops and eateries, and it's very close to many museums. The Fine Art Show, now in its 83rd year, showcases a lot of local talent and is now the nation's oldest running outdoor art show. You can come out to enjoy a day of art, whether you browse or buy.
Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.