The Park City Kimball Arts Festival on Historic Main Street
By Darren Nelson feature writer for My Local Utah
Each summer, art lovers descend upon Park City for the annual Kimball Arts Festival. This year’s event is Friday through Sunday, August 5 – 7, and takes place on Park City’s historic Main Street. Friday’s festivities begin at 5 pm and go until 9 pm. Saturday’s hours run from 10 am until 8 pm. Sunday hours start at 10 am and wrap up the festival at 6 pm.
One of the top-ranked art festivals in the entire country, the festival showcases the work of artists from Utah and elsewhere, including dozens of states and at least three different countries. Guests attend the three-day event from all around the country. This open-air festival is in its 53rd year and is a can’t-be-missed event.
The festival welcomes approximately 200 juror-selected artists from around the world, working with twelve different art mediums. From sculptures to paintings, and everything in-between, the artwork will be beautiful and inspiring. However, there is more to this festival than looking at and purchasing works of art. There are other experiences taking place during the weekend, which include live music, artist demonstrations, and art classes for children. and craft beer and artisan cuisine.
Many of these art experiences are hands-on and immerse festival goers in the kinds of art offered by the Kimball Art Center year-round. A great place to participate and be inspired by art for adults and children alike. The Creation Station and Studio on Main, for example, provide places for people of all ages to literally engage in making art.
There will not just be art for the eyes, but for the ears as well. The festival has partnered with Mountain Town Music to rock guests with some great music for the entire weekend.
And did we mention food? Aside from the several dozen restaurants and bars that permanently reside along Park City’s Main Street, the festival will also have food trucks, food tasting tents, and outdoor dining decks from local food artisans.
Tickets to the festival are only $10 (kids ages 6-17 are only $5.00), with special VIP tickets also available (for $250) with some special perks including a private lounge, special music events, dance party, guided wine tasting, and more.
Proceeds from the festival support Kimball Art Center’s year-round exhibitions, education, and events. Monies also go toward scholarships for low-income children to participate in art classes and camps as well as hands-on instruction for the study and practice of visual arts.
Considered one of Park City’s signature events, the Kimball Arts Festival is fun for the whole family. It is a great way to spend a summer day in Utah’s mountains. To learn more or buy tickets to the festival, click here.