Artists exhibit their work during the 2025 Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival in downtown Norwich. This year’s festival returns Sept. 11-13, with artists, live music and activities throughout the weekend. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The countdown is on! The 32nd annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival returns to downtown Norwich this weekend with three days of art, music, creativity, and community celebration, including a brand-new Friday night kickoff concert.

For the first time ever, Colorscape will begin its weekend celebration with the “Kick Off to Colorscape” concert, presented by Norwich Rehabilitation, on Friday, September 11 at 7 p.m.

The evening will feature a performance by fan-favorite The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, setting the stage for a full weekend of free arts and entertainment. The Friday night concert is a new addition to Colorscape’s programming as the Festival expands its presence and invites the community to start celebrating a night early.

The free Festival continues Saturday, September 12 (10 a.m -6 p.m.) and Sunday, September 13 (11 a m.-5 p.m.) throughout East and West Parks.

Art remains at the heart of Colorscape. More than 120 juried artists will showcase and sell their work throughout East and West Parks, featuring paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, fiber art, ceramics, woodworking, fine crafts, and much more. Artists travel from across the Northeast to participate in Colorscape, bringing an extraordinary variety of creative work.

The Festival has again been recognized by Sunshine Artist Magazine as one of the Top 100 Fine Art & Design Festivals in the country.

One of this year’s most exciting additions will be the Corning Museum of Glass, which will bring live torchwork glass demonstrations to Colorscape throughout the weekend. Festival visitors will have the opportunity to watch the creative process unfold right before their eyes.

Returning to Colorscape is Rochester-based Airigami, who will work with Colorscape attendees to create a community-sourced balloon mural depicting the Haudenosaunee Flag, a modern representation of the Hiawatha Wampum Belt. Co-hosted by Chenango County Historical Society, Festival visitors will be invited to help contribute to the massive installation, making the finished artwork a true reflection of community participation and creativity.

Colorscape will once again feature live performances throughout the weekend on three stages: the NBT Main Stage, Peggy’s Stage, and the family-friendly Art Zone Stage.

The lineup features an exciting mix of regional and nationally recognized musicians and performers, offering everything from folk, blues, and rock to poetry and family entertainment. And with the addition of Friday night’s Kick Off to Colorscape concert, there will be even more opportunities to enjoy live music throughout the Festival weekend.

Colorscape’s Opening Ceremony will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. on the NBT Main Stage, featuring the presentation of the 2026 Colors Cape Award and Volunteer of the Year Award honoring those who have helped make Colorscape a beloved Chenango County tradition for more than three decades.

This year’s Colors Cape Award will be presented posthumously to Esther Flanagan, honoring her longstanding support of Colorscape and her belief in the importance of the arts to the Norwich community.

Esther supported Colorscape both personally and through her service as a trustee of The Greater Norwich Foundation from the Festival’s earliest days.

Although Esther was a quiet person, she was not afraid to speak up when something mattered to her - and Colorscape mattered. Esther advocated strongly for Colorscape, speaking about the importance of the arts and the role events like Colorscape could play in bringing artists, vendors, and visitors to Norwich.

The Greater Norwich Foundation has continued to provide annual support ever since.

“Esther understood something very important about Colorscape - that investing in the arts is also an investment in the community,” said Michele Ericksen, Colorscape Executive Director.

“Her quiet determination helped ensure that Colorscape had the support it needed when it was still finding its place in Norwich. We are incredibly honored to recognize her legacy with this year’s Colors Cape Award,” he said.

The 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to Dr. Tom Holmes, recognizing his many years of continued, dedicated service to Colorscape.

Tom has spent years leading Colorscape’s Environmental Team, helping ensure that East and West Parks remain clean, sanitary, and welcoming throughout the Festival. He has also taken the lead on Colorscape’s recycling efforts and other environmental and “green” initiatives, helping the Festival become a more environmentally responsible event.

In addition to his extensive volunteer work, Tom served for six years on the Colorscape Board of Directors, bringing his time, expertise, and commitment to the organization well beyond Festival weekend.

“Tom is one of those people who quietly makes an enormous difference,” said Ericksen. “He has spent countless hours behind the scenes making sure the parks are clean, our environmental efforts are successful, and Colorscape is a good steward of the community spaces we are fortunate to use. His dedication over so many years - both as a Board member and as a volunteer - is truly remarkable.”

For those who want to do more than admire art, Colorscape offers dozens of opportunities to get creative. Children preschool through age 12 can explore hands-on activities in the Kids’ Art Zone, while participants ages 13 and up can experiment with new materials and techniques in the Golden Art Zone, sponsored by Golden Artist Colors. Families can also find creative activities throughout the Festival, including along Nonprofit Row, where local organizations offer activities and opportunities to connect with the community.

With world-class art, live performances, hands-on creative experiences, live glassmaking, a community balloon mural, and the new Friday night concert, the 32nd Annual Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival promises an unforgettable weekend of creativity and community - and best of all, it’s completely free.

Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival is celebrated premier artists in downtown Norwich since 1995. This free, two-day festival in September features over 120 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 Colorscape will be held rain or shine on September 12-13 in East and West Parks in Norwich.

- Information from Colorscape Chenango