The 57th annual Kimball Arts Festival returns to Park City's Main Street this weekend, August 7-9, 2026, featuring approximately 195 juried artists selected from a pool of more than 1,200 applicants. Organizers announced Tuesday that the three-day event relies heavily on a community workforce of about 250 volunteers to manage approximately 500 shifts throughout the festival.
### Competitive Artist Selection
Festival director Hillary Gilson said on KPCW's "Local News Hour" on August 5, 2026, that the selection process is highly competitive. Of the more than 1,200 applicants who applied for a spot on Main Street, only about 16% were accepted, Gilson said.
This year's curated selection features artists showcasing work across 13 different mediums. The diverse lineup includes jewelry, sculpture, wood, photography, painting, ceramics, digital art, drawing, fiber, glass, metalwork, mixed media, and printmaking. The festival's primary goal is to showcase these creators to visitors from across the country.
### Volunteer Requirements and Benefits
Volunteer manager Natalie Hall stated August 5, 2026, that the festival would not be able to function without the work of the community's volunteers. Hall noted that while many shifts are filled, there are still opportunities for involvement, with the most significant need currently at the 12 points of entry into the festival.
Volunteers receive several incentives for their time, including a weekend pass to access the festival, a 2026 volunteer t-shirt, and a volunteer appreciation bag. They also gain access to a dedicated Volunteer Lounge stocked with food and refreshments. Participants are also entered into a volunteer appreciation drawing for prizes from local businesses.
For those who demonstrate significant commitment, the Kimball Art Center offers a complimentary 'Red' Individual Membership, valued at $55, to individuals who volunteer 20 hours or more annually. Volunteers are required to wear their provided t-shirt and credential lanyard during their shifts and are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
### Festival Schedule and Local Access
The festival kicks off Friday, August 7, with a
### Festival Schedule and Local Access
### Programming and Experiences
Visitors can engage with art through various interactive experiences, including the Creation Station, which offers hands-on activities like building a collaborative community mural or designing custom buttons and bracelets. The Creation Station is located near the East Heber Avenue entrance.
Other scheduled activities include the 'Fest Quest' scavenger hunt, where participants can collect clues to win prizes, and 'Coffee with Kimball,' a Sunday morning event at the Brass Bear Gate offering complimentary coffee and bagels. For those interested in technical demonstrations, the Kimball Art Center hosts 'Wheel Try It' pottery demonstrations in Miner's Park on Saturday.
Music will be featured on two outdoor stages through a partnership with Mountain Town Music. The Friday night lineup includes Love & Chaos and Cosmic Possum on the Main Stage, while Saturday and Sunday feature a variety of performers including Alicia Stockman, The Fox Brothers, and the Michael Cartwright Band.
### Food, Drink, and Amenities
In addition to the more than 50 bars and restaurants in Historic Park City, the festival features food trucks and local beverage partners. A new addition for this year is 'Aprés Alley' located at the Top of Main Street, which offers exclusive tastings, chef-driven food, and live music on the Wasatch Stage throughout the weekend.
To ease the logistical challenges of the event, the festival organizers recommend using public transportation, such as the free public bus or the Express bus from the Kimball Junction Transit Center, due to limited and expensive parking options. A Bike Valet service, presented by the PC High School MTB Team, will be available on 7th Avenue, accessible via Park Avenue.
The Kimball Arts Festival has long served as a signature event for Park City. Historically, the festival has focused on connecting the community through art and supporting the Kimball Art Center's educational mission. The 2026 iteration continues this tradition by bringing together a national pool of artists and a massive volunteer workforce to celebrate the arts in an open-air setting.
