SUMMER FESTIVAL
OF THE ARTS

July 11th
10am - 5pm
July 12th
11am - 4pm

On the Campus of
Youngstown State University
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Join us July 11 and 12 at YSU!

Thank you for being part of one of the region’s most vibrant summer traditions — the Summer Festival of the Arts at Youngstown State University!

This year’s celebration brought together talented artists, inspiring performers, delicious food, and thousands of visitors who made the weekend unforgettable. From browsing unique handmade art to enjoying live music and family activities, we loved seeing our community come together to celebrate creativity.

The 2026 Summer Festival of the Arts will be held at YSU's campus on July 11 from 10am - 5pm and July 12 from 11am - 4pm. Until then, thank you for supporting the arts and helping make this festival such a special part of Youngstown’s story. See you next soon!

WHERE

Youngstown State University

July 11 and 12

%D
%H
%M
%S
  • fire_glass
  • west_side_yo
  • buddies
  • couple
  • necklace_setup
  • rock_plant
  • signs
An abstract design on the back of a jean jacket.
Sassy Sisters – Fran Whitehurst
Nectar of the Vine – Anthony Nastasi
Artistic arrangement of multi-colored flowers within a frame.
H Squared Creative – Debby Virostko
All Things Auto Art – Gary Kleiner
A whale design made of stones and shells on a wooden board.
Wood Meets Water – Heidi Altiere
A wooden cutting board with an abstract design in the center.
Cutting Board Art – Ralph Teets
A handmade birdhouse made from a tree trunk.
Barn Again Birdhouses – Kelley Clark
A rainbow piece of jewelry made of beads and metal wire.
Paper Planet Wearables – Marie McGlathery
A pair of baby's shoes with a bow.
MishMoccs – Micheline Thompson
Meet This Year's Artists

Featuring works across painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, photography, mixed media, and more, this year’s lineup represents a diverse and inspiring collection of artists from across the region and beyond. Their creativity, craftsmanship, and passion help make the festival a vibrant celebration of art, community, and culture in Youngstown.

We invite you to explore the gallery, discover new favorite artists, and continue supporting these incredible creators throughout the year.

Explore More
Harry Smith
Henry Lee
Leila Mason
Larry Sallivan
Bruce Mason
Paolo Vincezzo
Bella Ferdinandes
Rose Charlston
Landon Reid
Morgan Chapman
AJ Minotti
Damian Petrovsky
S
THE BEST IN GROWTH
Many Talent Experts

July 2019 will bring together over 100 founders, start-up enthusiasts, corporates, angel investors, VCs, and media from across the globe.

ALL SPEAKERS
TESTIMONIALS
Landon Mason
CEO of Proximity
Jeffery Berry
Creative Director
Mark Crawford
Security Officer
Donald Simpson
envato.com

“It was really fun getting to know the team during the project. They were all helpful in answering my questions and made me feel at ease. “

“Thanks again for the terrific digital marketing training last month. Hardly a day has gone by where I haven't called upon the knowledge shared.“

“I really want to share our project sponsor’s feedback to you immediately, as I'm so proud of you and it's a pity that I did not join the May session! “

“I'd never seen the evidence for business change presented so clearly. Now I understand what's happening and what we've got to do.“

Summer Festival of the Arts gratefully acknowledges support from the following

Sponsors

Latest Updates

Updates
6 days ago
Meet the Artists of the 2026 Summer Festival of the Arts
Meet the Artists of the 2026 Summer Festival of the Arts

The 2026 Summer Festival of the Arts at Youngstown State University is shaping up to be an incredible celebration of creativity, community, and culture, and we’re excited to officially introduce this year’s featured artists. From stunning paintings and handcrafted jewelry to ceramics, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and more, this year’s artist lineup showcases an inspiring …

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Updates
January 5, 2026
Applications Are Now Open for the 2026 Summer Festival of the Arts
Applications Are Now Open for the 2026 Summer Festival of the Arts

Artist applications for the 2026 Summer Festival of the Arts are officially live. Held on the park-like, urban campus of Youngstown State University, the Summer Festival of the Arts celebrates the diversity of art in the Mahoning Valley through a juried fine art and fine craft festival, live performances, and strong community engagement. The festival …

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Updates
November 19, 2025
Artist Applications for the 2026 Summer Festival of the Arts Open January 1
Artist Applications for the 2026 Summer Festival of the Arts Open January 1

Youngstown State University is excited to share that artist applications for the 2026 Summer Festival of the Arts will open on January 1, 2026. If you’re interested in exhibiting at next year’s festival, simply check back on the SFA website on January 1 for the official application link. We’ll also announce when applications are live …

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Updates
July 10, 2025
Eat Your Way Through the Summer Festival of the Arts!
Eat Your Way Through the Summer Festival of the Arts!

Find all our food vendors at Food Ave., near Maag Library. The Summer Festival of the Arts isn’t just about creativity on canvas or stage—it’s also about amazing food! This year, we’ve gathered a fantastic lineup of food vendors to satisfy every craving, whether you’re in the mood for savory classics, international flavors, or sweet …

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Updates
July 7, 2025
Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go

This weekend, the Summer Festival of the Arts returns to Youngstown State University for a celebration of creativity and community. Here’s your guide to making the most of your visit: ???? Getting There The festival takes place on the YSU campus, right across Fifth Avenue from the main parking areas. Address for GPS:500 5th AveYoungstown, …

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Updates
June 4, 2025
Creative Fun for Kids at the SMARTS Children’s Arts Tent!
Creative Fun for Kids at the SMARTS Children’s Arts Tent!

We’re thrilled to welcome SMARTS (Students Motivated by the Arts) to the 2025 Summer Festival of the Arts at Youngstown State University! As your community art school, SMARTS will host the Children’s Arts Tent, offering hands-on arts activities for children of all ages throughout the weekend. SMARTS, your community art school will be leading hands-on …

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Updates
May 7, 2025
Live Music Lineup Set for the 2025 Summer Festival of the Arts!
Live Music Lineup Set for the 2025 Summer Festival of the Arts!

Get ready to sing, dance, and groove your way through the weekend at the 27th Annual Summer Festival of the Arts at Youngstown State University! Our live music lineup features an incredible mix of local legends, soulful voices, rising talent, and high-energy performers you won’t want to miss. From indie folk to bluesy rock to …

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Updates
May 6, 2025
Get a Sneak Peek – Meet Our Artists!
Get a Sneak Peek – Meet Our Artists!

We’re excited to give you an early look at the incredible talent joining us for the 27th Annual Summer Festival of the Arts at Youngstown State University! Visit our Meet Our Artists page to preview the amazing creators who will be showcasing their work across a variety of mediums—from painting and pottery to jewelry, sculpture, …

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Updates
April 3, 2025
Artist Submissions Are In – Thank You!
Artist Submissions Are In – Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to the nearly 90 incredible artists who submitted applications for the 27th Annual Summer Festival of the Arts at Youngstown State University! We’re thrilled by the creativity, talent, and passion shown across all submissions. We are now officially in the jurying phase of the process. Each application is being carefully reviewed …

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Find Us
1 Tressel Way Youngstown, Ohio 44555