What to Expect at Art in the Park 2025: Artists, Music, Food & Fun

Get ready for a weekend full of art, music, food, and community, Art in the Park 2025 is almost here.

Held July 25-26 at Howard Amon Park in Richland, the annual festival is free to attend and expected to draw more than 78,000 visitors from across the Northwest. This year’s event promises a mix of old favorites and exciting new features, all with the same mission: to make art immersive, accessible, and welcoming to everyone.

Here’s what you can expect at this year’s festival

This year’s juried art show features over 294 booths, showcasing local, regional, and national talent. The Allied Arts Association — the nonprofit behind the festival — received more than 1,000 applications from artists across the U.S., and organizers say the quality and diversity of work is unmatched.

Expect everything from fine jewelry and pottery to large-scale sculptures, glasswork, textiles, wood carving, and more. Some booths feature multiple artists sharing space, and several local arts groups will also be on-site with demonstrations and hands-on experiences.

New in 2025: Sculpture Garden & Immersive Art

A major new attraction this year is the Nathan Robles Experience — a large, walk-through sculpture garden by the longtime Tri-Cities sculptor known for emotionally charged metal work. The installation invites visitors to reflect on current cultural themes in a space designed to feel both bold and safe.

“You’re going to see pieces that move people to tears,” festival director Brandie Soden said. “This is about more than art — it’s about creating a space where people feel seen and connected.”

Live Music All Day, Both Days

With support from presenting sponsor STCU, this year’s music lineup blends returning favorites with new, nationally touring acts.

Expect to hear:

• Bran Brata kicking things off with steel drums on Friday morning
• Local favorites Bourbon & Bellows and Lonesome John and the Downwind Drifters
  
  
• Indie sets from Bon Bon Vivant and Hills, two rising acts in the Pacific Northwest underground scene
  
  

Live performances will run from open to close on both days at the Fingernail stage, with a beer garden nearby hosted by Moonshot Brewing.

Interactive Experiences & Demonstrations

Want to watch a medieval combat demo? Learn how to dye your own fabric? Or try traditional woodcarving?

This year’s lineup of live demos includes:

• The Society for Creative Anachronism, offering hands-on history and combat artistry
• A pavilion from the Tri-City Woodcarvers, featuring over 30 local artisans
• Historical arts like calligraphy, cheese-making, and natural dyeing

Families can also enjoy the expanded children’s area — including a sculptural playground with musical elements like the Calypso Music Maker — thanks to upgrades from the City of Richland.

Food Vendors, Treats, and Refreshments

From ice cream to barbecue, expect a wide range of concessions, including:

• 13 Bones Urban BBQ
• Lucky Bao
• Rolling Ice Cream
• Agua frescas from local vendors like Brasado Garcia

You’ll find options for every dietary need and craving, including shaded picnic areas and drink tents to help beat the heat.

A Shark, a Photo Op, and a Mystery

Don’t miss the beloved “Shark in the Park” sculpture near the music stage — a quirky, crowd-favorite photo spot. Organizers are even considering a public poll to finally give it a name.

Tips for Getting There

Parking can be tight, but Ben Franklin Transit will run free shuttles every 15 minutes from:

• Richland High School
• Fran Rish Stadium
• Uptown Shopping Center

Festival hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Early Friday is best for serious shoppers. Evenings offer music, food, and a laid-back, summer-night vibe.

“There’s no wrong way to do Art in the Park,” Soden said. “Whether you’re here for the art, the food, the music, or just to walk the park, we want everyone to feel like they belong.”

Why It’s Free and Why It Matters

Organized by the Allied Arts Association and powered by hundreds of volunteers, Art in the Park remains completely free to attend, something organizers work hard to preserve.

“There’s always pressure to start charging,” Soden said. “But art should be accessible. It should feel like coming home. That’s what this festival is about.”