2nd Annual Port Chester Arts Festival Is Ready To Enchant

PORT CHESTER, NY — Port Chester quietly draws artists from across the region and around the globe to express themselves and hone their crafts. Some of the reasons why the Sound Shore village has become a Mecca for creativity will be apparent this weekend and you don't have to be an artist to appreciate the vibe.

The Clay Art Center and Neptune In June (formerly Ice Cream Social) will be presenting the Second Annual Port Chester Arts Festival, "a celebration of makers, designers, doers, and dreamers who call Port Chester home," at several locations throughout the village on Saturday, June 1.

Organizers say that all are invited to join in the day of creativity and inspiration for all ages at the festival that celebrates the arts groups and artists that make Port Chester a creative hub, from long-standing spaces like The Capitol Theatre, Clay Art Center and Crawford Park, to new additions like Neptune In June.

You can discover Port Chester's talent with events happening throughout the village, starting at 11 a.m. All events will be free and open to the public. Grab a festival map and explore exhibitions, open studios, musical performances, pop-up installations, and workshops in art, theater, and dance for adults and families.

In addition to art-making activities, children will be able to enjoy storytime and face painting. Port Chester students will also create a scavenger hunt of artworks hidden across town, in addition to student art on display and student music performances at the Crawford mansion.

In case of rain, outdoor events will be moved indoors or under tent coverage.

Food and craft vendors, in addition to local artist booths, will be featured at select locations.

Visit the festival website for more information, and to see the full schedule of events. You will also be able to find out more about opportunities for artists, volunteers, and sponsors.

List of participating organizations:

• The Capitol Theatre
• Clay Art Center
• Crawford Park
• The Castle
• Eugene’s Learning and Music Studio
• Jete Dance Studio
• LawnChair Theatre
• MAPSpace + The Crit Lab
• Neptune In June (Formerly Ice Cream Social)
• One River Hartsdale
• Port Chester Beautification Commission
• Port Chester Rye-Brook Public Library
• Port Chester-Rye Union Free School District
• Rye Neck High School
• Blind Brook High School

Clay Art Center is a nationally recognized non-profit center for the advancement and practice of ceramic arts offering exhibitions, clay classes for adults and children, studio spaces for clay artists, and outreach programs in the community. It is located in the heart of Port Chester at 40 Beech Street, in Port Chester. Join Clay Art Center classes, and exhibitions, and shop online here.

Neptune in June is an artist-run curatorial and community project based in Port Chester. Its two-fold mission focuses on both supporting emerging artists who are seeking connection to the larger contemporary art dialogue, and bringing meaningful conversations to the Port Chester community that are in tune with local culture. Neptune in June curates exhibitions locally and across the U.S., and offers workshops, performances, and other public events in partnership with fellow art spaces and community service groups. Founded in 2024 by Jenn Cacciola (Co-Founder of former art space, Ice Cream Social), Neptune in June continues the community-focused project begun at ICS. Find more information and subscribe for updates on upcoming events here.