New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival Brings 160+ Artists to Bucks County

nnual New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival
Submitted Image

NEW HOPE, PA — Paintings, pottery, jewelry, live music and plenty of fall flavor will fill New Hope for a full weekend as one of Bucks County’s longest-running creative traditions returns with more than 160 juried artists and craftspeople.

The 32nd Annual New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival will take over the New Hope–Solebury High School grounds Sept. 26 and 27, offering visitors two days of original artwork, handcrafted goods, food trucks, music, children’s activities and demonstrations. Presented by the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce, the rain-or-shine festival has grown into a popular kickoff to the fall season in Bucks County.

Artists are selected by a jury of arts and crafts professionals, with this year’s exhibitors spanning fine art, crafts, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, photography and marketplace offerings. Visitors can browse oil paintings, watercolors, sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, glass, wearable art and other creations while meeting the people who make them.

READ:  Chester Lacrosse Discovery Day Opens the Game to Local Youth

On Saturday, judges will recognize participating artists with ribbons across festival categories and select an overall Best in Show winner.

“New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival really represents what makes New Hope special,” Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce President Michael Sklar said. “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.”

Sklar noted that the weekend also gives visitors an opportunity to spend time beyond the festival grounds, exploring New Hope’s restaurants, galleries, shops and other downtown businesses.

Music, Food and Family Fun

Live music will provide the weekend soundtrack, with performances by Eli Lev, Jeff Penque, Barry Peterson, Tobias Richardson, Brandon Warwick and Andy Vitucci.

Food vendors will add another reason to linger, with Aroi Mango serving Thai sticky rice, Coastal Flavors offering lobster rolls and crab cake sandwiches, Viva Mexico preparing tacos and burritos, and Justin’s Joint bringing Portuguese-style barbecue. Nessie Tea will offer fruity tea drinks, while Traveling Tom’s Coffee will serve coffee, tea and energy drinks.

READ:  Jenner’s Pond Opens Tech Series on AI, Aging and Care

Children’s art activities and hands-on demonstrations will round out the family-friendly programming.

Event Details

  • What: 32nd Annual New Hope Arts & Crafts Festival, featuring more than 160 juried artists and craftspeople, live music, food vendors, children’s activities and demonstrations
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: New Hope–Solebury High School, 180 W. Bridge Street, New Hope, PA
  • Cost/Tickets: $5 donation for admission; event is rain or shine
  • More Info: VisitNewHope.com/new-hope-arts-crafts

Making a Day of New Hope

Festival organizers are making it easier for visitors to combine the arts weekend with a trip into downtown New Hope. Complimentary shuttle buses will operate between the festival area and South Main Street near the Bucks County Playhouse from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

READ:  Dilworth Park Packs Fall With Fitness, Markets and Ballet

Parking is available behind New Hope–Solebury High School and the Upper Elementary School for a $5 cash donation supporting school activities. Additional parking can be found at Union Square, the railroad station and other downtown lots and meters. Accessible parking at the festival is limited.

With thousands of visitors traditionally drawn to the event, the weekend offers more than an opportunity to take home a new piece of art. It connects the region’s artists and makers with a town whose identity has long been intertwined with the arts — while giving visitors an excuse to spend an early fall day discovering New Hope.

Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.