The 53rd Kimball Arts Festival takes center stage along Park City’s historic Main Street starting this Friday, Aug. 5, and brings with it another weekend-long opportunity to explore creativity, food, drink, live music and more. Once again, the Kimball Art Center has curated a diverse collection of artists showcasing their work in more than a dozen disciplines, and it turns up the volume this year with a new, after-hours music component that’s sure to elevate the entire experience.
This year’s festival will feature nearly 200 jury-selected artists from more than 30 states as well as several international participants. Approximately 30 percent of the 2022 artists are first-time artists are first-time participants, and nearly 10 percent are local artists from Summit County and Wasatch County, giving the festival a mix of fresh blood and beloved community artists.
The festivals roots date back to 1969, when a group of “vagabond artists” organized to display their art outside of the gallery scene, explained festival director Hillary Gilson via TownLift.com: “It started as a community-driven event that celebrated art outside of environments like galleries or museums, where some people didn’t feel comfortable,” she said. “The Arts Festival continues in trying to break down those barriers around art accessibility and be inclusive.”
New to the artists’ booths this year will be ribbons inspired by the ones that adorn Park City’s historic homes. Ribbons will indicate first-time artists, emerging artists, local artists, etc., “to help attendees navigate their way through the festival with instant information.”
Ticket info: Sign up now for Locals’ Night!
The festival weekend kicks of Friday with “Locals’ Night,” from 5-9 p.m., where Summit County residents can enjoy free admission with proof of residence (license, utility bill, etc.). Locals must register online in advance.
Friday evening will feature Young Artists’ Academy members in live art-making event, and their products will be available for purchase through a weekend-long silent auction at the information booth.
Tickets are available in advance online for $10; tickets are available to purchase in person at entry gates along Main Street, however, day-of pricing increases from advance purchase pricing.
Also available are specialty VIP passes, which cost $225 and include:
- Unlimited weekend access to the festival;
- Guided spirit, beer, and wine tastings, which are scheduled throughout the weekend;
- Skybox seating and views the bustling Main Street action, including access to an air-conditioned lounge;
- And an annual Red level membership to the Kimball Art Center, listing the passholder’s name as a KAC donor.
‘Arts After Dark’ turns up the volume on the VIP experience
New for this year’s festival VIP passholders is “Arts After Dark,” produced by the Park City Song Summit. The After Dark experience including an after-hours dance party on Friday night and an exclusive Wyatt Pike performance and interview from PCSS executive director Ben Anderson on Saturday evening.
VIP passes include unlimited access to the festival and VIP Lounge, located at Kimball Terrace overlooking Main Street. The VIP lounge will be stocked with light bites from culinary partners and complimentary craft cocktails from High West Distillery.
Get in on the action: Art making, live music and more!
Interactive art-making stations, like clay throwing and drawing, will be sprinkled throughout the festival, with ties to KAC exhibitions including current show “More Than A Thousand Words,” future exhibit “Wonderland” and artist-in-residence Nancy E. Rivera. The Creation Station, located at the Town Lift Plaza (suggested donation: $5), encourages youth of all ages and abilities to join in the art-making process, too.
Mountain Town Music and Vacasa will provide live entertainment throughout the weekend at two different stages, one at the Food Truck Roundup at the top of Main Street and at the Spirit Garden area on Heber Avenue. Acts include Ballet West, Michelle Moonshine and rumba Libra. Check out the full schedule online.
Opportunity drawings are available all weekend long at the information booth. Tickets are one for $5, or five for $20 (in-person or online).
Getting there: Bike valet, parking and bringing your furry friends
Park City’s free Park City transit is always a great option, as parking is limited. Free parking is available at Park City High School or Park City Mountain Resort, with regular shuttle access to Main Street. Note: Limited parking is also available at Deer Valley Resort. Festival attendees are not allowed to park at Deer Valley Resort on Friday, Aug. 5, or after 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6.
Consider using the Summit County bike share, which offers e-bike kiosks throughout town with a docking station at the Swede Alley transit station. Or, ride your own and valet your bike at the complementary bike valet located on 7th Street and hosted by Bahnhof Sport. Space is limited.
Leashed dogs are allowed, and the festival will provide dog bowls at both free water stations at the base of Town Lift and Miner’s Park. Note: Park City Transit does not allow dogs on buses unless they are registered service animals.
