HARRISBURG, Pa. — A century-old festival will return to Dauphin County this Labor Day weekend.
The annual Kipona Festival will be held Aug. 31 through Sept. 2 at Riverfront Park and City Island in Harrisburg.
“We are excited to continue our annual end-of-summer celebration in the city,” said Mayor Williams, “This festival serves as a celebration of Native American heritage and the diversity of cultures represented in our community and surrounding regions. There will be free fun for the whole family to enjoy.”
Several returning attractions such as the Native American Pow Wow, multicultural celebration, Art in the Park, Family Fun Zone, live music stage, beer & wine garden, food trucks and more will be at the 108th annual festival.
Art in the Park has grown to over 70 artisans selling their handcrafted wares and the Multicultural Celebration will feature even more bands, dance groups, and free activities, such as calligraphy lessons, Pakistani henna, Congolese hair braiding, a passport game, and more.
The UPMC Family Fun Zone will feature free face painting and balloon animals, pay-to-play carnival games and sand art, a pay-to-ride giant fun slide, and a berry-go-round throughout the weekend. There will be free performances and activities on Saturday, a free rock wall and eurobungy on Sunday and a free Bubble Festival on Monday.
One aspect of the event not returning this year is the fireworks and drone show. Mayor Wanda Williams announced the cancelation following "serious incidents" that occurred at two of the city's last three July 4 fireworks displays.
New to this year's festival will be the 3-day Keystone Dock Dogs event where dogs ages six months and older can compete in the long jump, vertical jump and speed retrieve competitions. No experience is needed to participate.
The event will be held on City Island beside the Walnut Street Bridge. Additional information on the competitions can be found here.
Also new to the festival is the inaugural Giant Puppet Parade to be held on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 2:30 p.m. in Riverfront Park. Lead artist Jeff Semmerling created a 15-foot-long Harrisburg River Monster and the Imaginary Friends Puppet Theater created a 15-foot tall shark that will be revealed at the event.
Community members were encouraged to create their own water-themed costumes, giant puppets, decorated wagons and more to join in the fun.
Winners of the best youth, adult and group costumers will earn a $100 prize courtesy of Coexist Gallery.
For the complete event schedule, an event map, foodie guide, and more, check out the event guide posted here.
Street parking is free on Sunday, Sept. 1 and Monday, Sept. 2 and is free in the Downtown area after 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31.
Before 5 p.m. on Saturday, visitors can get four hours of free street parking in the Downtown area using the code “LUVHBG” in the ParkMobile app. Parking on City Island will be $5. Park Harrisburg will provide $10 special event parking in the Market Square Garage from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. each day of the festival.
Front Street will be closed between Forster and Walnut Street starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 30 until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2.