Harrisburg’s long-standing end-of-summer tradition returns this Labor Day weekend as the 110th annual Kipona Festival prepares to transform Riverfront Park and City Island into a bustling hub of food, music, and riverfront activities.
Taking its name from a Native American term meaning “on sparkling water,” the three-day festival—running Saturday through Monday—remains one of the region’s oldest and largest community celebrations along the Susquehanna River.
Organizers expect tens of thousands of visitors to flock downtown to enjoy a full lineup of family-friendly programming, live music across multiple stages, and endless regional food vendors.
- Saturday, September 5: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday, September 6: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, with a fireworks show right after
- Monday, September 7: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM [1]
Festival Highlights & Attractions
Multicultural Celebration: Dozens of artisan vendors and cultural organizations will offer handcrafted items, traditional art, and authentic cuisine from around the globe.
Family Fun Zone: Set along the greenways of Riverfront Park, kids can participate in hands-on crafts, interactive games, and live performances.
Live Music & Entertainment: Local and regional musicians will take the stage each day, covering genres from rock and blues to acoustic and pop.
Water & River Events: The Susquehanna River takes center stage with canoe races, water demonstrations, and evening light displays along the riverbank.
To accommodate the crowds and set up event infrastructure, city officials announced that Front Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between Forster Street and Walnut Street throughout the holiday weekend, reopening late Monday night. Additional temporary closures along Market Street and Walnut Street will be enforced during peak programming times and evening events. Drivers are encouraged to plan for delays, utilize city parking garages on 2nd and Chestnut Streets, or take advantage of pedestrian access via the Walnut Street Bridge.
Admission to the Kipona Festival is free and open to the public. For event schedules, vendor maps, and parking options, visitors can check the official City of Harrisburg website before heading downtown.
