NC-based YARN will headline Saturday night’s Main Stage line-up. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival returns to downtown Norwich September 11–13, 2026, with an exciting lineup of nationally and regionally acclaimed musicians, poets, and performers.

Now entering its 32nd year, the festival continues its tradition of bringing together exceptional visual arts, live music, literary arts, family activities, and community experiences in the heart of Chenango County.

This year marks a significant milestone in Colorscape's history: for the first time ever, the festival will feature a dedicated Friday night Main Stage performance, officially launching Colorscape Weekend with a special concert by beloved Hudson Valley roots-rock favorites The Slambovian Circus of Dreams. Longtime festival audiences will recognize the band as a perennial crowd favorite, making their Friday evening appearance a fitting and highly anticipated way to open the weekend's festivities.

"We wanted to create something special that signals the beginning of Colorscape Weekend and gives visitors a reason to come to Norwich a little earlier and stay a little longer," said Nate Gross, who is curating his first Main Stage lineup as Colorscape's Main Stage Music Coordinator. "The Slambovian Circus of Dreams felt like the perfect artist to launch this new tradition. Curating this year's Main Stage has been an opportunity to bring together artists who embody the creativity, connection, and musical excellence that make Colorscape unique. I'm thrilled to share this lineup with our audience and to help create memorable experiences that will resonate long after the festival weekend ends."

Throughout the weekend, the NBT Main Stage in East Park will showcase an eclectic mix of Americana, roots rock, brass, reggae, folk, poetry, and singer-songwriter performances. Featured artists include NC-based YARN, Jamie McLean Band, The Big Takeover, Maddy Walsh & The Blindspots, The Rollin' Rust, Alpha Brass Band, and a closing Sunday performance by the acclaimed Adam Ezra Group.

The festival will also welcome poet Fanta Ballo, whose appearances throughout Saturday will bring the spoken word to the Main Stage, while Sunday's FIRE (Females Inspire Rock Empower) Songwriters Round will spotlight the talents of women artists and songwriters. The weekend will additionally feature the annual Student Art Show Presentation, celebrating the creativity of local youth.

"This year's lineup reflects exactly what makes Colorscape special," said Michele Ericksen, Executive Director of Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival. "You'll hear nationally touring artists alongside regional favorites, experience multiple artistic disciplines, and discover performers you may not have encountered before. We're especially excited to introduce our first Friday night Main Stage concert, which expands the festival experience and creates an exciting new tradition for our community and visitors. Nate has assembled a lineup that honors Colorscape's roots while bringing fresh energy and new voices to the festival."

Beyond the Main Stage, Colorscape's additional performance stages will offer entertainment for audiences of all ages throughout the weekend. Peggy's Stage continues its tradition of showcasing outstanding local and regional talent, with performances by Binghamton’s Angelwood Celtic & Folk, Americana and roots ensemble Simmerin' Stew, and singer-songwriter George Anderson among others. Families will find plenty to enjoy at the Art Zone Stage, where interactive and family-friendly performances will include the Carle School of Irish Dance, the whimsical puppetry of Paper Heart Puppets, children's music with Julie Burns, and crowd-pleasing entertainment from The Skinny German Juggle Boy. Together, these stages help create the vibrant, multi-generational atmosphere that has made Colorscape a beloved community tradition for more than three decades.

As always, festivalgoers can also enjoy more than 120 juried visual artists, literary arts programming, children's activities, interactive art experiences, and more food vendors throughout the weekend.

Performance schedules, artist information, and festival updates are available at colorscape.org.

The Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival was recognized as one of the country's top 200 fine art and design classic and contemporary craft shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine, Colorscape Chenango has celebrated premier artists in downtown Norwich since 1995.

This free, two-day festival in September features over 100 creators displaying and selling their paintings, sculptures, fabric art, fine crafts, photography, and more. Colorscape also offers nationally renowned musical performers, poetry and literary arts, food, and interactive art activities for all ages. The 2026 festival will be held rain or shine September 11–13 in Norwich's East and West Parks.

-Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival