Bethel Park Art & Music Festival Saturday, July 26

       Mark your calendars for the Annual “Bethel Park Art & Music Festival” to be held this Saturday (July 26) from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Bethel Park ‘Park Ave. Streetscape’ running from the Schoolhouse Arts & History Center (2600 S Park Rd.) to the Bethel Park Community Center (5151 Park Ave.).

       This FREE event will consist of live music throughout the day along with art from 85 local and regional artists available for purchase. Other activities will include food trucks, raffle baskets ranging in value from $50 - $500, and more! Free shuttle service will also be available.

        “We’re anticipating an even bigger turnout this year thanks to increased publicity from our media partner, Audacy Broadcasting/KDKA, the energy of those who joined us last year, and all the excitement building on social media,” said Andy Amrhein, owner of Evey True Value Hardware. “Everyone’s talking about it - and it’s shaping up to be one of our most vibrant community events yet.” Amrhein also serves as president of the Bethel Park Library Board, vice president of the Bethel Park Community Foundation, and a member of the Bethel Park Education Foundation.

What’s New & How the Event Got Started

        Amrhein said after receiving feedback from last year’s inaugural event, guests can expect more live music, increased food trucks, a large stage area, food tents, more children’s activities, and shaded areas for guests to enjoy at this year’s festival. 

        Bethel Park Library Executive Director Christine McIntosh spoke about the additional kids’ activities.

        “We received requests for more kids’ activities - and we listened! This year, in addition to the playground, families can enjoy games like cornhole and Connect Four, a craft booth hosted by the Library, a face painter, and even short performances from South Park Theatre during the musical breaks,” she said. “We’re also thrilled about the eclectic mix of artists joining us this year. In fact, we have so many that we’re expanding onto Park Avenue! There’s even a waiting list for next year’s event.”

The idea for the Art & Music Festival came from Amrhein.

“I have a lot of musician and artist friends, and I’ve always wanted to do something nice to help them especially after the covid pandemic when many of them struggled to stay afloat. So, I thought of the idea of a festival and after consulting with the Fantastic Four Charities in Bethel Park along with the Municipality and School District, I realized that we could make it happen!” he said.

        Bethel Park’s Fantastic Four Charities benefitting from event proceeds include the Bethel Park Educational Foundation, Bethel Park Community Foundation, Bethel Park Historical Society, and the Bethel Park Public Library. Proceeds will also be shared with Bethel Park Recreation.

        Bethel Park Historical Society President Tim Moury said, “I think this will once again be the event of the year! It’s also a great way to showcase our historic Schoolhouse Arts & History Center which is also home to South Arts Pittsburgh.”

Premier Artists, Bands & Food Trucks

       Four Pittsburgh Premier Artists will be at the festival located in the Community Center – Howard J. Blitchfeldt, Linda Barnicott, Maria DeSimone Prascak,  and Johno Prascak.

       Bands will be on the main stage and include Jessica Lee & Friends (10 a.m.), Steel City Calypso (12 p.m.), Zac Starr’s Synchronize Band (2 p.m.), and The Classic Brew Band (4 p.m.).

       Fourteen food trucks will also be on site including such favorites as Tom’s Diner on Wheels, Vaya, Cilantro & Ajo, Beedle’s Ice Cream, Cousins Maine Lobster, Bethel Bakery, Rowdy BBQ, The Roaming Bean, It’za Cone, and Tall Pines Distillery (full list on event webpage).

Shuttle/Parking Information

       With thousands expected to attend, four shuttle buses (one handicap accessible) will be provided by the Bethel Park School District running from the following lots every 15-20 minutes from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.: 

• Bethel Park High School, 309 Church Rd.
• Port Authority Park and Ride lot, 5081 Brightwood Rd.
• Bethel Park Municipal Building and Library, 5100 W. Library Ave.  

       Guests will be dropped off directly in front of the Bethel Park Community Center. All parking at the Community Center will be reserved for handicap parking.  Park Ave. will be closed at 8 a.m. on July 26 during the festival. 

Event Proceeds

       “Event proceeds will be used by the Community and Educational Foundations to fund grants to give back to the community. And the Library will use their portion for youth and adult classes and programs,” said McIntosh.

        According to Bethel Park Recreation Director Jason Mentel, “The Recreation Department will use its portion to improve equipment for programs and events. We are grateful for being part of such a fantastic event!”

       “We’ll be using our portion for repairs to the Schoolhouse Arts & History Center building and to expand our lecture series,” said Moury.

       “Come enjoy all or part of this special day!” said Amrhein. “It’s a truly a unique opportunity for our community to come together and have fun!”

       For a full list of artists and event details, visit https://BPARTMUSICFESTIVAL.WIXSITE.COM/BPAMHOME/.

The festival will take place rain or shine, so mark your calendar and join the fun! Up next for the Fantastic Four Charities: a Golf Outing on Sept. 22 at Nemacolin Country Club. And looking ahead - stay tuned for the Fantastic Four’s exciting 'America 250 Celebration' activities coming in 2026!