The Port City is getting ready for another celebration.
The 32nd annual Harborfest will come to Oswego this weekend with a lot of music and activities scheduled, including the arts and crafts vendors, the Jazz and Blues Stage in East Park, the Children’s Park in West Park, the Veteran’s Stage, the 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.
The four-day event brings approximately 75,000 people to the city every year.
If you plan on attending this year, here’s what you need to know.
Parking
Being located in the City of Oswego, there are many spots for parking. There are spots 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.
There are limited handicap spaces available throughout the city and in the parking lot on Lake Street.
Transportation Shuttles
Shuttles travel between the festival venues, the Holiday Inn, Home 2 Suites and the Oswego Speedway. Shuttle buttons can be purchased for $3 on any shuttle. Shuttle buttons, once purchased are good for the entire weekend. Children under the age of 10 ride free.
Shuttle bus schedule is as follows:
Thursday, July 25: 5 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Friday, July 26: 11 a.m. – Midnight
Saturday, July 27: 11 a.m. – Midnight
Sunday, July 28: 11 a.m. — 7 p.m.
Places to Stay
There are plenty of places in the city to stay for the duration of the event, from hotels to rough camping.
Best Western Captain’s Quarters Hotel
26 East First Street
Oswego, NY 13126
(315)-342-4040
bestwestern.com
Sunset RV Park & Cabins
61 County Route 89
Oswego, NY 13126
315-343-2166
http://www.sunsetrvpark.net
Oswego Speedway – Campgrounds
300 Albany Street
Oswego, NY 13126
315-342-0646
http://www.oswegospeedway.com
Knights Inn East
101 State Route 104
Oswego, NY 13126
315-343-3136
www.knightsinn.com
Home 2 Suites by Hilton
252 NYS Route 104
Oswego, NY 13126
(315)-343-2000
www.home2suites3.hilton.com
Holiday Inn Express and Suites
140 East Thirteenth Street
Oswego, NY 13126
(315)-207-0100
www.ihg.com
Quality Inn & Suites Riverfront
70 East First Street
Oswego, NY 13126
(315)-343-1600
Is there an admission charge?
No. Harborfest is one of the largest admission free music festivals in New York State.
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.
Are pets allowed?
For health and safety reasons, pets are NOT allowed in festival venues except for guide dogs and service animals.
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.
Fireworks Display
Spectrum News will be providing full coverage of Harborfest’s famous fireworks display on Saturday at 9:30 p.m.