Dive into a world of creativity!
Join us for this free community festival with three outdoor stages, local art vendors, a juried art exhibition, family activities and more. Esther Short Park will transform into a playground of creativity, where every corner holds a surprise waiting to be discovered.
Brought to you by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA and the City of Vancouver, this festival is a celebration of culture, community and the unbridled joy that comes with experiencing the arts together.
Main Stage Artists and Composers
Pinchas Zukerman
With a celebrated career encompassing five decades, Pinchas Zukerman reigns as one of today’s most sought after and versatile musicians – violin and viola soloist, conductor, and chamber musician. He is renowned as a virtuoso, admired for the expressive lyricism of his playing, singular beauty of tone, and impeccable musicianship, which can be heard throughout his discography of over 100 albums for which he gained two Grammy® awards and 21 nominations.
Shelly Berg
Shelly Berg is a Steinway piano artist and five-time Grammy-nominated arranger, orchestrator, and producer. His newest album Alegría was recorded with bassist Carlitos Del Puerto and Dafnis Prieto and released July 2024 on ArtistShare. It is described as “buoyant joy” by JazzViews.net and “an instant jazz piano trio classic” by Modern Drummer. Berg’s original song “At Last,” featured on the Alegría album, was nominated for a 2025 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition. Prior albums Gershwin Reimagined: An American in London (Decca Gold), The Deep (Chesky), The Nearness of You (Arbors), Blackbird (Concord) and The Will (CARS) are critically acclaimed. Berg earned three Grammy nominations in the Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s) category with jazz singer-lyricist Lorraine Feather and international superstar Gloria Estefan, and a fourth Grammy nomination as co-producer of Gloria Estefan: The Standards (Sony). He earned his fifth Grammy nomination as co-arranger of “I Loves You Porgy / There’s a Boat That’s Leavin’ Soon for New York” from the album Rendezvous (2018) featuring jazz singers Clint Holmes and Dee Dee Bridgewater with The Count Basie Orchestra.
Valerie Coleman
Valerie Coleman is an acclaimed flutist and composer and the founder of Imani Winds; in 2019, she became the first African American woman commissioned by the Philadelphia Orchestra, resulting in Umoja: Anthem of Unity. A prolific composer from a young age-writing whole symphonies by age 14- Coleman is known for blending jazz and classical traditions and earned a Grammy nomination for a classical crossover album featuring her work. Umoja, named for the Swahili word for “unity” and the first principle of Kwanzaa, began as a simple women’s choir song rooted in drum-circle energy, call-and-response, and a memorable melody, later adapted for woodwind quintet as a celebration of Imani Winds’ diverse identities. Featured on the orchestra program at the Vancouver Arts and Music Festival USA in honor of the America 250 celebration, the orchestral version expands this material into a richly textured journey, embodying Coleman’s artistic voice and the enduring American ideal of collective strength.
STAY IN THE LOOP
Main Stage
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA
The VSO, now in its 47th season, has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington’s arts community, providing symphonic music of the highest caliber in live performances and through music education in schools, concert halls, and throughout the community.
SPONSORS
GET INVOLVED
Discover how you can be part of the magic. Volunteer, support, or share your talents at Vancouver’s biggest arts celebration!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What address do I put in my GPS to get to the festival?
The festival is at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington. Use the street address 605 Esther Street.
How much does it cost to attend the festival?
All activities, performances and concerts are free and open to all ages. There will be food and art available for purchase.
Is the festival family friendly?
All aspects of the festival are family friendly with plenty of hands-on activities to keep kids of all ages busy and engaged. There is also an inclusive playground and a water feature inside the park. Friday is family day, with extra fun activities planned, including a visit from Columbia Play Project!
Is the festival canceled if it rains?
The festival will go on rain or shine. Small, personal-sized umbrellas are allowed. Tarps and tenting are not allowed.
What kind of chairs and blankets are allowed?
Blankets and beach towels are a great option and always welcome. Single size, low-rise beach/lawn chairs are also okay.
Will there be food available?
There will be food vendors in Esther Short Park. On Saturday and Sunday there will also be vendors at the Vancouver Farmers Market on Esther and 8th Streets until 3 p.m.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to the festival. Alcohol is strictly prohibited in the park. You are welcome to imbibe at one of the nearby restaurants instead.
Can I bring my dog?
Unless it is a service animal, please consider leaving your pets at home. If you cannot, please be aware of crowd size and pavement temperatures throughout the festival grounds. All dogs must be on a leash.