Creativity comes alive at the 2025 Schenectady Kids Arts Festival

Downtown event invites people of all ages to explore hands-on art activities, live performances, and interactive experiences

SCHENECTADY—Downtown will again burst into color, music, and laughter as the 31st Annual Schenectady Kids Arts Festival transforms Jay Street into a vibrant celebration of youth creativity and community spirit 12-4 p.m. Saturday, June 7.

Families are invited to explore over 50 free hands-on art activities, live performances, and interactive experiences! This cherished event offers something for children (and adults!) of all ages; it continues to grow in popularity and impact each year.

For the 31st anniversary of this family favorite, organizers are celebrating equines in several special ways, noting that the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival is happening in Saratoga on the same weekend. “People can help make a collage of a life-size horse, create horsehead ornaments, paint a mural or even engage in some horseplay with the YMCA,” said Betsy Sandberg, chair of the Kids Arts Festival planning committee. “We’ll be horsing around with new activities.”

Expect exciting performances from groups like the Pan African Youth Orchestra, Chris Thomas and the Haudenosaunee Nation Smoke Dancers, and the Oneida Middle School Guitar Club, plus local favorite Benjamin Domask-Ruh. From puppet shows and painting to musical petting zoos and bubble stations, the entire afternoon promises to spark imagination and joy.

The original founders began the festival in June 1994 and deeply valued arts in education. They chose downtown Schenectady because of City Hall’s proximity to many of the city school district’s children. Over three decades later the tradition carries on.

Kids Arts Festival continues to provide hands-on arts education programming, activities and performances that are not only fun, but also promote sound visual education principles for kids of all ages.

The family fun festival is a celebration of collaboration throughout the city – noting the importance of encouraging creativity in the local youth. Community partners like CREATE Community Studios, Hamilton Hill Arts Center, MVP Health Care, and Stewart’s Shops help bring this magical day to life.

Located right in front of Schenectady City Hall on Jay Street, the Kids Arts Festival is an invitation to unplug, get creative, and make lasting memories with your family. Whether your child loves to dance, draw, build, or just explore, there’s a spot waiting for them at this year’s celebration.

For more information, visit kidsartsfestivalschenectady.com.