Harborfest is a four day admission free festival scheduled for the last full weekend in July and typically brings approximately 75,000 people on an annual basis to Oswego NY.
Since its founding in 1988, Harborfest has brought to its stages more than 600 national, regional and local performing artists on an admission free basis. Every year the small part time staff and a volunteer board of directors work hard to provide quality entertainment and memorable experiences for people of all ages from the arts and crafts vendors and the Jazz and Blues Stage in East Park (Washington Square), the Children’s Park in West Park (Franklin Square), the James E. Strates Midway on the north end of West 1st Street, the Lakeview Stage at Breitbeck Park and the world famous Grucci Fireworks display in the harbor.
Our Top 5 Things to See and Do at Harborfest
1. World Famous Grucci Fireworks Display – The spectacular Grucci Fireworks show has been a major attraction for the festival for the past 33 years. Relax in one of our parks, watch the sunset over Great Lake Ontario and settle in for an unforgettable fireworks display!
2. Novelis Family Park – Children are invited to make themed t-shirts during free workshops and join in on the annual Children’s Parade on Friday. Throughout the weekend families can enjoy performances of “Wizard of Oz” directed by the Oswego Children’s Theater, as well as musical entertainment, animals, puppets, crafts and so much more.
3. Entertainment – The main stage, located in Breitbeck Park, features National Recording Artists, as well as local talent. Friday night’s headliner is Smash Mouth.
East Park will showcase arts and crafts and the NBT Bank Jazz & Blues Stage. Fan favorite Enter the Haggis will perform two sets on Sunday afternoon.
4. Kids and kids-at-heart will enjoy the games, rides and attractions of the James E. Strates Shows Midway.
5. Food – Indulge in your festival favorites: Gyros, Barbecue, Funnel Cakes or maybe a smoothie or wine slushie to cool you off. Each venue features a variety of food vendors to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Courtesy of Meem Andritsakis
