Mayfair has had more lives than most festivals. Born in the mid 1980s, canceled in 2016, and revived in 2018, this multidisciplinary arts festival has proven that Allentown is not ready to let go of one of its most cherished cultural traditions.
The Original Run
Mayfair started in 1984 and ran for 28 years at Cedar Creek Park in Allentown. For its first 19 years, admission was free, and the festival became a Memorial Day weekend staple that drew tens of thousands of visitors. It was the kind of event where you could watch a potter throw clay, catch a live band, and let your kids paint a mural all in the same afternoon.
But by the 2010s, declining volunteer numbers and competition from other venues took their toll. The festival moved to the Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds, shifted its focus, and ultimately shut down in 2016.
The Revival
Cedar Crest College stepped in and brought Mayfair back in 2018. The comeback drew 24,000 attendees in its first year, proving that the community had not forgotten. The festival now runs on the Cedar Crest campus every May, and admission is free once again.
The 2026 dates are May 22 through 24. Friday runs from 4 PM to 10 PM, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 PM. The programming spans visual arts exhibitions, live performing arts across multiple stages, garden arts, and robust children's art activities and education. It is a true multidisciplinary arts celebration, not just another outdoor concert series.
Art for the Community
What makes Mayfair special is its breadth. This is not a festival that caters to one taste. Whether you are into painting, sculpture, theater, dance, live music, gardening, or just watching your kids get creative, there is something for you. The revival by Cedar Crest College saved something that Allentown was not ready to lose, and the free admission ensures that everyone can participate regardless of their budget.
