Where is the festival located?
The festival is located in multiple venues within the City of Oswego.
The east side venue is East Park (Washington Square), sponsored by Port Authority of Oswego, located on East Bridge Street between East 2nd Street and East 4th Street.
The west side venues include Breitbeck Park, sponsored by Novelis, located on Lake Street, and the Midway which is located at the east end of Lake Street, near the United States Coast Guard Station.
The west side also includes the newly renovated Cahill Pier.
What time do the parks open?
The hours for our different venues are as follows:
Wednesday
Midway Carnival: 5 p.m.- 11 p.m.
Thursday
Midway Carnival: 5 p.m.- 11 p.m.
Breitbeck Park: 5 p.m.- 11 p.m.
Friday
Midway Carnival: 11 a.m. – Midnight
Breitbeck Park: 9 a.m.- Midnight
East Park: 11 a.m.- 10:00 p.m.
Cahill Pier: 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
Midway Carnival: 11 a.m.- Midnight
Breitbeck Park: 11 a.m.- Midnight
East Park: 12 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Cahill Pier: 1:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday
Midway Carnival: 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Breitbeck Park: 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
East Park: 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: these are the park hours. If you are a vendor, Marketing Unit, etc. there are separate times for set up, please call our offices for the information. (315)-343-6858.
Is there an admission charge?
No. Harborfest is one of the largest admission free music festivals in New York State.
The Oswego Harborfest needs your support! This free festival costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to host. We rely exclusively on sponsorship revenues and contributions from people like you who love to come and enjoy four days of free entertainment. We welcome contributions of any amount. Send your contribution to Oswego Harbor Festivals, Inc., 41 Lake Street, Oswego, New York or click here to become a Business member or click here for an Individual/Family member.
How many musicians will be performing?
Music will be performed throughout the weekend by over 30 different groups. Go to the Venues/Parks tab on our web site for a complete listing of music performances.
What else will be happening besides the music?
There are attractions in all of the festival venues. Go to the Venues/Parks tab on our web site for a complete listing of attractions.
What kind of food and drink will be available?
A wide variety of food and drink vendors will be in the festival venues. Please support the vendors for your food and drink.
How many people generally attend Harborfest?
Harborfest attracts close to 75,000 attendees over the four days of the festival.
Can you give me driving directions to Oswego?
Sure! Click here for directions to Oswego and Parking
Is there parking?
Being located in the City of Oswego, there are many spots for parking. You may get lucky and find a spot on city streets, but be prepared to pay for private lot parking.
During the festival the City of Oswego enforces all parking regulations. Unauthorized vehicles in no-parking zones or in reserved parking spots will be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense.
Many privately owned parking lots are located in close proximity of Harborfest venues.
Will there be handicap parking available and where?
There are limited handicap spaces available throughout the city and in the parking lot on Lake Street (Breitbeck Park).
Are there shuttle buses?
Yes, shuttle buses travel between the festival venues only.
If it rains will the shows and performances go on?
Yes, unless there is severe weather (thunder/lighting/high winds) the shows/performances will go on.
Should I bring a chair?
Yes.
Can I bring a cooler?
The City of Oswego has an “open container law”. No alcohol may be brought into any Harborfest venue that has a City of Oswego “open container law”. The City of Oswego is responsible for enforcing this law in all public areas. To accommodate adult festival visitors, alcoholic beverages are sold in East Park (Washington Square) by Ashley Lynn Winery (wine slushies) and in Breitbeck Park at the Lakeside Café (beer and wine) and Ashley Lynn Winery (wine slushies). Please drink responsibly.
What if someone gets lost?
If you are visiting the festival with small children, it is a good idea to pick up and fill out a “Lost Child Tag” available at any Harborfest Information Center (located in all venues). In the event your child is lost, the tag provides volunteers with information helpful in contacting parents/guardians. If you cannot locate your child, visit the nearest Information Center for assistance.
Where is first aid available during Harborfest?
First aid services are available at Information Centers that display the familiar Red Cross sign.
Are pets allowed?
For health and safety reasons, pets are NOT allowed in festival venues except for guide dogs and service animals.
Are drones allowed?
Drones are NOT allowed in any of the festival’s venues.
What is Harborfest’s smoking policy?
Smoking and vaping are banned in all City of Oswego public places.
Tobacco will not be sold in any of the festival’s venues.
Are bicycles, skateboards, scooters and/or in-line skates permitted?
For safety reasons, bicycles, skateboards, scooters and/or in-line skates are NOT permitted in any of the Harborfest venues.
What if I plan on arriving by water?
Docking is limited during Harborfest because of the large amount of boat traffic. Please obey boating restrictions on docking and mooring by the respective waterfront authority. All vessels must stay clear of the 1000-foot safety zone around the fireworks area on Saturday evening. For docking information call 315-343-8430 or 315-342-8167.
What if my question is NOT answered here?
Contact us here or call 315-343-6858