Doylestown Arts Festival delivers a comeback

Clear skies and full hearts were center stage Sept. 11 and 12 in historic Doylestown as the 30th annual Doylestown Arts Festival commenced. An estimated 12,000 people came out to support the local community as the festival returned to the streets for the first time since 2019.
Volunteer organizers worked for over 10 months to carefully plan and execute the annual tradition, which is made free to the public, in partnership with Discover Doylestown, Doylestown Borough, and dozens of local businesses, organizations, and residents.
Throughout the planning of the event, organizers worked hard to strike a balance between public health and sustaining the festival’s mission to support the local art, business, and cultural community.
“We navigated some uncharted waters to make this year’s festival possible and it took a village,” said volunteer Director Paul Boger. “We didn’t know what to expect. We worked through the challenges and counted on everyone to do their part. The turnout and support from every corner of the region was incredible to witness. I’m very proud of what our team and community accomplished here.”
For many of the 125-plus artists and musicians, this was their first return to public events in nearly two years. With the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the local economy, the festival could not have come at a better time. As the streets filled with art and music, people came out in force to show their support. With dozens of artists, small businesses, and restaurants reporting their highest sales weekend in recent memory, in some cases of their careers, the impact of this vibrant weekend was more than substantial.
“Thank you for a great festival,” said artist Dar James. “It exceeded my expectations – put me down for this being my best festival ever, Doylestown or anywhere. People loved being out, they were happy to see us.”

Those who attended were greeted with a scaled-down festival that did not sacrifice on quality. With talent ranging from professionals to students, the works and performances on display brought joy and wonder to many who explored the festival. By bringing the arts to the street, the showcase of regional creativity was accessible to all who sought to enjoy it.
Behind the scenes of the festival, over 150 volunteers worked from before dawn until well after the crowds had gone home to make sure the event ran smoothly. In cooperation with local and regional artists, museums, cultural institutions, musicians, businesses, and the Bucks County Classic, the Doylestown Arts Festival served as a comeback for the community in a time of continued need.
“Honored to be a participant in a festival that brings such positive energy and inspiration to the community,” said Ruth Anderson, president of the Arts & Cultural Council of Bucks County. “Thanks to all the volunteers who worked so hard to make this happen.”
For 30 years, the Doylestown Arts Festival has supported and showcased the local community. This year may have been its most important contribution. To all who made it possible, the volunteers behind the festival extend their sincere thanks.
The Doylestown Arts Festival is made possible by a small volunteer committee of Discover Doylestown and is presented by the Thompson Organization. Plans for the 31st annual festival are already underway. For more information about this year’s festival, sponsors, artists and musicians, visit dtownartsfestival.com.

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