The star of one of the world’s best-known children’s shows is returning to Harborfest for 2024 and will be joined by a new comedy circus featuring rescue dogs. Peppa Pig and Circus Stella highlight two full days of fun, entertainment and education for children at the 35th edition of the festival, which runs July 25 – 28.
Programming for young people begins Friday morning July 26 with the annual Children’s Parade, which steps off from West Park/Franklin Square at 10:30 a.m. and ends at Breitbeck Park. Peppa Pig’s encore performance begins at 11 a.m. on the Constellation Lakeview Stage. The show was moved to the main stage at Breitbeck because of the overflow crowd in the children’s programming area last year.
New this year is Circus Stella, which describes itself as the place where “laughter meets awe-inspiring feats,” promising a show that will “dazzle you with aerial acrobatics, daring balancing acts, and the comedic canine capers of our performing rescued dogs.” Circus Stella’s shows are at 2, 3 and 5 p.m. Friday and 1:30, 3:30 and 5 p.m. Saturday, sponsored by NBT Bank.
“We’re always looking to find ways to entertain our youngest festival fans and we think this year’s lineup will be among our very best. Terrific performers and fun activities will make our 35th edition one to remember and one that’s not to be missed,” said Dan Harrington, Harborfest Executive Director.
Popular performers the Catskill Puppet Theater and Auburn’s The REV Theater return with daily shows. The full schedule of performances:
Friday, July 26:
- 10:30 AM: Children’s Parade from West Park/Franklin Square to Breitbeck Park
- 11:00 AM: Peppa Pig (On the Constellation Lakeview Stage)
- 12:00 & 4:00 PM: The REV Theater’s The Boy that Cried Wolf (Sponsored by the Children’s Board of Oswego)
- 1:00 PM: Catskill Puppet Theater
- 2:00, 3:00 and 5:00 PM: Circus Stella (Co-sponsored by NBT Bank)
Saturday, July 27:
- 11:00 AM & 2:45 PM: Farmer Tom
- 12:00 PM: G and G Animals
- 1:30, 3:30 and 5:00 PM: Circus Stella (Co-sponsored by NBT Bank)
- 2:00 PM: Jeff the Magic Man (Sponsored by the Oswego City/County Youth Bureau)
In addition, several performances and interactive activities will be ongoing throughout each day, including performer Jessica Black, the Glider Oil Monster Mural, the Wayne Drugs Children’s Activity Tent and STEAM activities sponsored by the Richard Shineman Foundation. On Friday, the Price Chopper Hopper, the Novelis Activity Tent and the Oswego County Traffic Safety Board will also be on hand with activities.
Children will also enjoy the Dreamland Amusements Midway in the nearby Lake Street parking lot, which opens Wednesday evening and runs through 9 p.m. Sunday. Full details on rides, hours and online purchase of tickets and wristbands is available here.
