The first Oswego Harborfest was held in 1988.
It has since transformed from a community event to a regional one, receiving approximately 75,000 visitors each year, according to its website.
The festival returns July 27-30.
“I think what makes Harborfest unique is that the festival is free to attend,” said Executive Director Dan Harrington. “We have a national touring band, The Guess Who, playing on Friday night of the festival, and on Saturday night, they are playing in Hammondsport, with a price of $100 minimum per person to attend. We also have Peppa Pig for the children, where elsewhere it is a high ticket show.”
Harborfest events and attractions can be found at venues around the city: Breitbeck Park (food, live music, children’s attractions, arts and crafts vendors); East Park/Washington Square (jazz and blues music, food, arts and crafts vendors); Veterans Memorial Park/River Walk West (live music); and Lake Street (midway carnival). And shuttles are available to transport visitors between them – buttons cost $5 and are valid for the entire weekend.
If you’re planning to attend the festival for the first time this year, Harrington recommends visiting its website, oswegoharborfest.com, for the full list of events and attractions.
There certainly is a lot to see and do.
Highlights of this year’s festival include:
Thursday, July 27
Opening Ceremonies and The NY Bee Gees. 8:15 p.m. Breitbeck Park.
Friday, July 28
Children’s Parade. 10:30 a.m. West Park to Breitbeck Park.
Peppa Pig. 11 a.m. Breitbeck Park.
Jet Ski Show. 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park/River Walk West.
Firefall, Atlanta Rhythm Section and The Guess Who. 7 p.m. Breitbeck Park.
Saturday, July 29
Jet Ski Show. noon, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park/River Walk West.
Fireworks. 9:30 p.m.
BONFIRE: A Tribute to AC/DC. 10 p.m. Breitbeck Park.
Sunday, July 30
Gold Dust Woman. 5:45 p.m. Breitbeck Park.
