With deep regret, the Board of Directors of the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts announces the cancellation of its July 2020 event due to public health concerns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The board made the decision after consultation with officials at the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Borough of State College, and Penn State.

This is the first time in its 54-year history that the Festival will not take place in July.   

Founded in 1967 by the State College Chamber of Commerce and Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture, the Festival attracts approximately 125,000 visitors to the Centre Region each summer. It is regarded as one of the nation’s premier events of its kind.

Festival staff will turn its attention to presenting artists and musicians in a “virtual festival” in early July. As any events for the “virtual festival” are scheduled, they will be listed on the Festival’s website.

We’re a resilient organization and community,” said CPFA Board President Renata Engel. “While this is a disappointment at the moment, the Arts Festival team is already turning its focus toward engaging artists, entertainers, and volunteers in new ways during this unprecedented time. We look forward to using our creativity and collaboration to design and deliver memorable and engaging experiences for our audience this year, while continuing to support the safety and health of our community.”

Engel also serves as Penn State’s Vice Provost for Online Education.

The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and the Centre County Commissioners provide additional grant funding for the event.