Congratulations to the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival on being July’s Non-Profit of the Month!
For more than five decades, the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival has been one of southwestern Pennsylvania’s premier summer traditions, bringing together art, culture, music, food, and family-friendly entertainment in a celebration of community. Held annually over the Independence Day holiday at Twin Lakes Park, the free four-day festival welcomes more than 100,000 visitors each year, making it one of the region’s largest and most anticipated cultural events. The event is dedicated to enriching the community through exceptional visual and performing arts while preserving Pennsylvania’s rich cultural heritage.
The Festival’s mission is to present outstanding visual arts, traditional crafts, educational activities, and live performances that enlighten, entertain, and inspire audiences of all ages. Visitors can explore an expansive Artist Market featuring more than 200 professional artists and craftspeople from across the United States, showcasing everything from fine art and handcrafted jewelry to pottery, woodworking, textiles, glasswork, and metal art. The Festival also highlights local and regional talent while creating opportunities for artists to connect directly with thousands of attendees.
Entertainment is at the heart of the Festival experience. Throughout the four-day event, multiple stages feature continuous performances spanning a wide variety of musical genres, including rock, country, folk, bluegrass, jazz, classical, and polka, along with dance performances, theater, literary readings, and cultural presentations. Families can enjoy interactive children’s programming, hands-on art activities, historical demonstrations, poetry and short story competitions, and educational exhibits designed to inspire creativity and lifelong learning.
Food is another hallmark of the Festival, with dozens of vendors offering a diverse selection of ethnic cuisine, regional favorites, and specialty treats that reflect the area’s cultural traditions. Combined with artisan demonstrations, community exhibits, and opportunities to engage with local organizations, the Festival creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages visitors to spend the day exploring everything the event has to offer. Admission remains free, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to making arts and cultural experiences accessible to everyone.
Over the years, the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival has earned numerous state and national accolades for its quality programming and community impact. Recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s premier festivals, it has received honors from organizations including the American Bus Association, Sunshine Artist Magazine, the Pennsylvania Travel Council, and the National Association of Recreation and Park Resources. These recognitions reflect the Festival’s longstanding reputation for excellence and its continued role as a cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape. The festival holds the #11 festival ranking nationally and is #1 ranked festival in Pennsylvania!
As the festival continues to strive towards excellence preparing for the 53rd consecutive year, there are many ways our communities can help their efforts. Donations and sponsors are always welcome, and with a staff of only two people, volunteers are needed throughout the course of the event. 200 total volunteer shifts are needed and all are welcome!
Today, the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival continues to celebrate creativity, heritage, and community by bringing together artists, performers, volunteers, businesses, and visitors from across the country. As both a cultural destination and an economic driver for the region, the Festival showcases the very best of Westmoreland County while creating lasting memories for generations of families who return year after year to experience this beloved summer tradition.
We are proud to recognize the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival as July’s Non-Profit of the Month for putting on a fantastic event year after year and bringing an exceptional economic impact to Westmoreland County.
