Every July, thousands of people gather in downtown State College to experience the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. They come for the art, the music, the food, the children’s activities, and the unmistakable sense of community that fills the streets.
What many people don’t realize is that none of it would be possible without volunteers.
More than 600 volunteers help bring the Arts Festival to life each year, and we’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic people to join the team for our 60th Anniversary Festival, July 8–12, 2026.
Whether you’re a longtime Festival fan or looking for a new way to get involved in the community, there’s a place for you.
Volunteer Opportunities Include:
- Sidewalk Sale Artist Ambassadors – Provide assistance to artists, help answer questions, sit their booth if they need to run an errand, and serve as a friendly face throughout the weekend.
- Green Crew Members – Help keep the Festival clean, sustainable, and beautiful by assisting with recycling, trash collection, and waste-reduction efforts. Email office@arts-festival.com so we can connect you with our Green Crew volunteer coordinator Kim.
- Information Booth Volunteers – Help visitors find events, navigate downtown and campus, and make the most of their Festival experience. Sell water and hand out Festival Guides.
- Ice and Water Crew – Keep visitors hydrated during the Arts Festival by delivering ice and water to food vendors and the Information Booths all around the Festival route.
- Craft Beverage Garden Exit Monitors – Keep an eye on one of the three exits from Sidney Friedman Park to make sure people don’t leave the Craft Beverage Garden with alcohol.
- Office Help – Support Festival operations behind the scenes with administrative tasks and organizational projects. Email Carol at office@arts-festival.com.
- Volunteer Embassy Hosts – Welcome fellow volunteers, assist with check-in, and help ensure everyone has what they need for a successful shift.
- Band Introductions – Introduce yourself to the audience, thank everyone for coming out to support festival, acknowledge the sponsor (if there is one), and introduce the band.
- Sales Booth Volunteers – Sell fun Festival t-shirts, tote bags, water bottles, and the new Festival Fun Book at our Sales Booth or Nostalgia T-shirt booth.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, connect with your community, support the arts, and experience the Festival from a unique perspective. Many of our volunteers return year after year because they enjoy the friendships, camaraderie, and sense of accomplishment that come from being part of something special.
The Festival only happens because people like you step forward to help.
Join us as we celebrate 60 years of art, music, and community. Sign up today and become part of the team that makes the magic happen.
Thank you to our 2026 Volunteer Sponsor, Whiting-Turner!
Learn more about our main volunteering opportunities below.
If you have a question about volunteering, please give us a call at 814-237-3682 or email us at office@arts-festival.com. Thank you!!
