City of the Hills Festival Puts Local Artists, Community at Center Stage

By JAYLEN LAMPRONSUNY Institute for Local News ONEONTA

The City of the Hills Festival will bring artists, students, and residents together Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, for a two-day celebration of Oneonta’s regional creative work.  

The free festival, presented by the Community Arts Network of Oneonta, runs from noon to 5 p.m. both days along Main Street, including activity and performance areas at Mueller Plaza and the corner of Ford Avenue and Main Street. The event, held in various forms since 1971, is marking its 55th year and has stretched to two consecutive days since 2023.  

Hope Von Stengel, CANO’s executive director and a former volunteer festival director, said the event connects residents of different ages with artists and with one another. 

“It brings out people of all ages,” Von Stengel said. “There’s something for everyone. And I think that’s really important: to reach different demographics.”