Main Street shuts down at 3 a.m. Friday for the 57th annual Park City Kimball Arts Festival, and Summit County residents can walk in free that evening.

The three-day festival runs Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9, on Historic Main Street. Locals' Night on Friday from 5–9 p.m. is free for Summit County residents who register in advance at kimballartsfestival.org. Children ages 5 and younger get in free all weekend.

"It's the most fun night of the year, and there is such a great vibe and energy on the street," event director Hillary Gilson told the Park Record on Tuesday. "Some of the best and biggest pieces are sold Friday night."

This year's lineup features 195 registered artists across 13 mediums, including painting, sculpture, jewelry, textiles and glass. About 20% are new to the festival. The event was pushed back one week from its usual slot to accommodate the Park City Extreme Cup soccer tournament.

What's new: Après Alley

A parking lot at the top of Main Street has been transformed into Après Alley, a wine-festival-style gathering space with one large shade tent and five smaller tents. Sponsors High West Distillery, Ketel One, Moab Brewery, Old Town Cellars and Proverbial Spirits will offer one-on-one immersive beverage experiences for guests 21 and older, operated by Top Shelf. Six food trucks round out the space: Istanbul Bistro, Sobe Eats, La Casa de la Empanada, Freshies Lobster Co., Vessel Kitchen and Piroshky & Co. Live music plays on the Wasatch Stage nearby.

As we reported July 25, Après Alley is separate from the spirit garden elsewhere on the festival grounds.

Main Street closure and access

The street closes to all traffic and parking starting at 3 a.m. Friday and reopens late Sunday night after the 6 p.m. close. Old Town residents who need vehicle access must contact Chris Phinney at Park City Municipal's special events department for a permit. Employees of Main Street shops, restaurants and galleries receive access passes to bypass entry gates for work only; they still need a wristband to enjoy the festival itself.

Parking near Main Street is extremely limited. Organizers encourage residents to ride the free Park City Transit bus, walk or bike. Visitors from outside town can park at the Kimball Junction Transit Center and take the Express bus. A bike valet, run by the Park City High School mountain bike team, will be available on 7th Avenue off Park Avenue.

Kids, nonprofits and volunteers

The Creating Station on Heber Avenue ties into the Kimball Art Center's current "(Re)sounding" exhibit. Two exhibition artists will lead a hands-on project with kids and parents from 6–8 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, a "Wheel Try It" pottery experience lets attendees try a potter's wheel. Young Artists' Academy teens will showcase work at Miners Park's Studio on Main.

Two nonprofit partners join the festival: the Wasatch Immigration Project on Friday and Live Like Sam, a Park City nonprofit honoring the legacy of Sam Jackenthal that provides free wellness programming to more than 5,000 local youth annually, on Sunday.

Volunteer coordinator Natalie Hall told the Park Record that more than 200 people have signed up for nearly 500 shifts, but the festival still needs help. Shifts run three to four hours, and volunteers receive free weekend access, a T-shirt, snacks at the air-conditioned volunteer lounge in the Gateway Center at 136 Heber Ave., and free lunches from the Clockwork Cafe on Saturday and Sunday. Those who log 20 or more hours in a calendar year earn a complimentary Kimball Art Center membership worth $55. Sign up at kimballartsfestival.org/volunteer or email [email protected].

The festival, founded by local artists in 1969, ranked eighth nationally in USA Today's 10Best Arts Festivals for 2026.

Festival hours

  • Friday, Aug. 7: 5–9 p.m. (Locals' Night, free for Summit County residents with registration)
  • Saturday, Aug. 8: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 9: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Tickets and Locals' Night registration: kimballartsfestival.org.