Festival Hours
Friday, July 25: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 26: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 27: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m

ELY- Ely’s biggest weekend of the year kicks off today with the Blueberry/Art Festival, which runs July 25 – 27.
“Operation Blueberry,” the popular storefront shopping event, kicks off on Thursday, July 24, and continues through Sunday, July 27. Area businesses will be offering a variety of blueberry-themed products and special offers. The Operation Blueberry map is available at the Ely Chamber of Commerce office (1600 E. Sheridan Street, Ely) or online at Ely.org/blueberryarts.
With all of the 278 booth spaces filled already, this year’s festival is set to be one of the largest in recent memory, featuring 229 unique vendors representing a vibrant mix of arts, crafts, food, and expo groups.
The Ely Kiwanis will once again be in the pavilion, selling their popular fresh-baked pies. New for 2025, WELY will be broadcasting live from the bandshell, adding to the lively atmosphere.
The food court promises a delicious array of options with crowd favorites like Bob’s BBQ, Becky’s Oriental, and Schweiby’s returning. A delectable new addition is Ruhland’s Strudel Haus, featuring freshly made sweet and savory strudels.
The festival boasts a strong contingent of returning vendors (79 percent), ensuring a blend of familiar faces and exciting new discoveries.
The Blueberry/Art Festival runs from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27 in Ely’s Whiteside Park. The chamber ladies began marking the park on Monday, July 21, to prepare for vendor check-in on Thursday, July 24.
The Ely Chamber of Commerce is once again offering People’s Choice judging for the art and craft vendors.  For $5, individuals can cast a ballot for their three favorite art and craft vendors, plus they receive the official 2025 festival button.  Sales for the People’s Choice buttons and ballots opened on July 14 at the Chamber office (1600 E. Sheridan St., Ely) and will continue at the festival.  All ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 26.  Winners are announced on Sunday, July 27.