This year marks the 50thanniversary of the Kimball Arts Festival! It runs the full length of Historic Main Street on August 2ndthough the 4th, and is promising to be as magnificent as its age. Artists from around the globe set up shop for three mind-blowing days to display, inform, and sell their one-of-a-kind craftsmanship to throngs of eager art fans. White tents fill Main Street from top to bottom while food, music, and entertainment add to this wonderful celebration of human creativity. Ann MacQuoid recalls, “I remember when my husband and I first moved to Park City in the late ‘70’s. Our daughter was just little bit of a thing and, ironically enough, the arts festival was the same – just a little bit of a thing. The festival has grown into this amazing, massive event, but the thing I love most about it is that it still feels like a small-town party.”
How It All Began
Local icon Bill Kimball opened the Kimball Arts Center in 1976. In a letter to the editor published in the Park Record, he officially christened the facility saying, “I hope the Art Center will enable [artists] to fulfill themselves and enrich their lives beyond the necessity to make a living.” During the five decades since then, the Arts Center has done that and far more. Steve Chin credits the Arts Center and its annual festival with making art second only to skiing in establishing Park City’s international renown. “Parkites have always been an eclectic group from all different walks of life. Given that we consistently encourage one another to be outrageously ourselves, it was inevitable that artists would gravitate to us,” smiled Chin.
Only the Best
Park City’s Kimball Arts Festival has become one of the most significant summer art events in the whole country. Every participating artisan must successfully complete a demanding approval process in one of twelve categories: ceramics, drawing, glass, jewelry, metal works, mixed media, fiber, painting, photography, print-making, sculpture, or wood. Acceptance into this elite group is held in high esteem, and guarantees that every booth will offer works that you have never seen before. Coupled with scores of activities for the kids, a beer garden, gourmet food, and non-stop music performances, this festival promises to be one of the most memorable family outings of the summer.
Get Your Tickets Now
Park City’s Kimball Arts Festival opens on Friday, August 2nd: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., runs Saturday, August 3rd: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through Sunday, August 4th: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.At only $12 per person for an online ticketor $15 at the gate, your ticket covers all weekend, making it the most affordable weekend of fun you can have all summer. Parking at the local High School is recommended with free buses transporting art fans to Main Street. We hope to see you there!
