2-Day Arts And Crafts Festival Kicks Off Fall Season In New Hope

NEW HOPE, PA – One of the region's largest arts and crafts festivals of the fall season is coming to Bucks County this weekend.

The Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce presents its 32nd Annual New Hope Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27 at New Hope–Solebury High School, 180 W. Bridge Street, in New Hope.

More than 160 juried fine artists and craftspeople will exhibit works across media including oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, sculpture, fine and fun jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, fiber, wearable art, glass, photography, outsider art, mixed media, and more.

The weekend will also feature food trucks, live music throughout both days, activities for the kids, and hands-on demonstrations. Musical entertainment will set the soundtrack for a weekend filled with creativity and community spirit.

Food vendors will include Aroi Mango, Coastal Flavors, Viva Mexico, Justin's Joint, Nessie Tea, and Traveling Tom's Coffee. Admission is a $5 donation. Hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

The festival takes place at the New Hope–Solebury High School parking lot, just a short walk from New Hope’s vibrant business district. A complimentary shuttle bus will run from the festival parking lots to South Main Street at the Bucks County Playhouse, making it easier for visitors to explore the nearby shops, galleries, and restaurants in town.

(Photo by Khristina Gibb)

(New Hope Arts Festival)

(New Hope Arts Festival)

(New Hope Arts Festival)

“New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival really represents what makes New Hope special. We have this incredible history as an arts community, and for 32 years this festival has brought artists, residents and visitors together to celebrate that,” said Michael Sklar, president of the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce. “It’s also a great opportunity to spend the day in New Hope, discover incredible original art, enjoy live music and food, and then explore everything our downtown businesses have to offer.”

Nestled in the heart of historic New Hope, the festival promises to dazzle and inspire. Known for its rich tradition, the festival continues to highlight the enduring spirit of creativity and community that defines the town and the region.

Participating artists are selected by a jury of arts and crafts professionals. Artists, craftspeople and makers will exhibit in the following categories: crafts, fiber, fine arts, jewelry, marketplace, mixed media, and photography.

On Saturday, a separate panel of judges will award ribbons to three artists in each of eight categories, along with the festival’s prestigious Best in Show honor. Other prizes include: crafts, fiber, fine art, jewelry, mixed media and photography.

Music, Food, And Festival Fun

The festival offers a full weekend experience for visitors of all ages, with live music, food and drinks, children’s art activities, hands-on demonstrations and more throughout the weekend.

This year’s musical lineup includes: Eli Lev, Jeff Penque, Barry Peterson, Tobias Richardson, Brandon Warwick, and Andy Vitucci.

Festival-goers can also enjoy food and drinks from a diverse lineup of vendors, including Aroi Mango (Thai sticky rice),
Coastal Flavors (Lobster rolls and crab cake sandwiches),
Viva Mexico (gourmet tacos and burritos), Justin’s Joint (Portuguese-style barbecue), Nessie Tea (fruity tea drinks),
and Traveling Tom’s Coffee (coffee, tea and energizing drinks).

Parking And Shuttles

Parking is available behind the high school and Upper Elementary School for a $5 donation, which supports school activities. Enter on Bridge Street at the parking sign or at the school entrance at Hardy Bush Way at the 202 Spur-Lower York Road near the granite statue for the Upper Elementary School lot.

Handicapped parking is limited due to high attendance. Leave your cell phone number on the dashboard and move your vehicle when leaving the festival.

More parking is available at Union Square, at the railroad station, and at meters and parking lots downtown with a complimentary shuttle to the festival and parking from South Main Street near the Bucks County Playhouse. Drivers will need $5 in cash for the school lots, quarters or a credit card at Union Square, and three quarters per hour at most meters or you can use the ParkMobile or PayByPhone App on your smartphone in many areas. Complimentary shuttle buses run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday to and from South Main Street Bus Stops.

Admission

Admission to the festival is a $5 donation. For updates, schedules, and the full list of artists and exhibitors, visit VisitNewHope dot com/new-hope-arts-crafts and follow the New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival on Facebook.