Last October, unexpected rainy weather caused the rescheduling of Citrus Heights ArtBeat which was scheduled to be held in Rusch Community Park in June 2026 to ensure the safety of vendors, artists and community members. Photo courtesy of Citrus Heights Arts

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - ArtBeat 2026, a free, public celebration of music, arts and culture scheduled to take place in Rusch Community Park on Saturday, June 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. has been canceled.

The cancelation was announced by the organizer, Gigi Rayford, executive director of Citrus Heights Arts, through social media posts made May 29. Listed event sponsors in promotional materials had included the city of Citrus Heights and California State Senator Roger Niello.

“We appreciate the support and enthusiasm from our artists, vendors, performers and community members who planned to participate,” Rayford said in a statement.

Last October, unexpected rainy weather caused the rescheduling of Citrus Heights ArtBeat which was scheduled to be held in Rusch Community Park in June 2026 to ensure the safety of vendors, artists and community members.

The first ArtBeat, in October 2023, was held behind Jamba Juice at the Marketplace at Birdcage by Citrus Heights Arts and participating community partners Sunrise MarketPlace and the city of Citrus Heights.

Participating vendors who have already paid their booth fees will receive a full refund. Rayford said.

“Citrus Heights Arts will also be reaching out with additional details to vendors regarding the refund process,” she said.

The cancelation of the upcoming ArtBeat 2026 event in Rusch Community Park was due to a number of factors, Rayford said in a telephone interview.

“Our primary goal for ArtBeat has always been to deliver a high-quality, vibrant experience that our community deserves,” she said.

“Unfortunately, due to shifting economic conditions, and a lower than anticipated turnout of vendor partnerships, we realized we could not meet the operational standards (which were) required to host the event successfully this year.”

“A large-scale public event like ArtBeat requires a complex ecosystem of municipal alignment, robust vendor participation and community wide infrastructure,” Rayford said.

“When those crucial elements do not fully align, the most responsible decision is to pause to re-evaluate and to protect the integrity of the vision of ArtBeat,” Rayford said.

“Citrus Heights Arts remains dedicated to enriching the cultural fabric of our city by promoting creativity, connection and accessibility through the arts,” Rayford said.

On Thursday, July 9, the interior lobby walls, hallways and a main conference room in Citrus Heights City Hall at 6360 Fountain Square Drive will come alive with a splash of color as Citrus Heights Arts, in partnership with the city of Citrus Heights will host as “Art in City Hall” with an opening reception from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.

“We’re looking for artists to showcase their work during this exciting community event celebrating creativity, culture and talent at Citrus Heights City Hall,” she said.

Rayford is issuing a “call for artists” to participate in the July event. Artists can apply at: https://form.jotform.com/CitrusHeightsArts/art-in-city-hall-May2026.

“This is a great opportunity to share your art with your community, gaining exposure in a professional public space, connect with fellow creatives and be a part of the growing CH40 Arts District. Artists of all styles and mediums are encouraged to apply to participate in the upcoming exhibition,” Rayford said.

Follow Citrus Heights Arts at citrusheightsarts.org or @CitrusHeightsarts on social media for more information.