The Susquehanna River from City Island.
Haley O'Brien / WITF
Kipona is back: Here’s what to know about Harrisburg’s Labor Day festival
Harrisburg’s Kipona Festival is a multicultural celebration along the Susquehanna River.
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Haley O'Brien/WITF
Haley O'Brien / WITF
The Susquehanna River from City Island.
Harrisburg’s long-running Labor Day festival will return this weekend, celebrating the city’s cultural diversity along the Susquehanna River.
Mayor Wanda Williams and other city officials announced details of the 110th annual Kipona Festival on Monday, while urging attendees to enjoy the festivities responsibly.
What’s happening at Kipona
The event at Riverfront Park and City Island will include a Native American festival Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
The festival’s name translates to “on sparking water.”
“It was the celebration of the city’s connection to the Susquehanna River after the iconic river water steps were built,” Williams said during Monday’s news conference.
Indigenous traditions will be celebrated on City Island while many other cultures will be on display around the river.
The International Service Center will offer information about foreign countries and entertainment will include Latin, reggae, Hawaiian and Irish music and dance.
Haley O'Brien / WITF
Mayor Wanda Williams and city officials announced details of the 2026 Kipona Festival during a news conference Monday.
Kids’ activities will include a puppet parade, visits with superheroes and princesses, face painting and balloon animals.
Dozens of vendors will sell items at Art in the Park and fireworks will begin at 8 p.m. Sunday.
Saturday – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kipona Festival:
A free shuttle bus will run between city island and the festival downtown. Parking on city island will cost $5. Parking at the Market Square parking garage is $10 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Safety emphasized
Officials are focusing on safety after a series of incidents at other community events in the city, including a vehicle that drove through barricades at Kipona 2025 injuring three people.
“We’re going to have different things up,” said Police Commissioner Thomas Carter. “Barricades and things to stop cars from flying down Front Street.”
He and Williams made a plea with parents to ensure that young people behave.
“Please tell your children and young people to enjoy our events responsibly and be mindful of others,” Williams said. “If your children come down here with hoodies on and masks, we are asking them to leave.”
Carter said Harrisburg Police is collaborating with other departments to make sure plenty of officers will be on site.
“We will take the necessary actions that we need to make sure everyone is safe,” Williams said. “We will not tolerate any chaos.”
- Sources:
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