Recent Posts

Categories

General - All Topics
Family Fun
- Culinary
- Farm Fresh
- Wine & Brew
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Birding & Nature
- Boat Tours
- Erie Canal
- Kayaking & Canoeing
- White Water
- Waterfalls
- Rail Biking
- Museums
- Golfing
- Lighthouses
- Casinos & Resorts
- Horse Racing
- Handicapped Accessible
Photography
Holidays
- Fall Fun
Winter Sports
- Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Ice Skating
Locations - Thousand Islands
- Adirondacks
- Finger Lakes
- Catskills
- Capitol-Saratoga Region
- Central NY
- Western New York
-Chautauqua-Allegany
- Hudson Valley

Download as PDF

Get Ready for Oswego’s HOT Summer Events !

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2023-03-24 16:23:00

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, Oswego is a small city with a lot going on. This summer, explore some of the area’s attractions and events—there is plenty to see and do!


Fireworks photo credit Oswego Harborfest


One summer staple in Oswego is the annual Harborfest celebration. Harborfest got its start in 1988 as a small, local community festival. But the tradition has grown each year, and this once-small event has earned a national reputation.


The four-day festival has now been an Oswego staple for 35 years, and it’s definitely not just locals who attend each summer. Visitors travel from far and wide, from every corner of New York State, from other states, and even from Canada, to experience the festivities, and for many of them it’s become a tradition. In fact, Harborfest routinely attracts up to or over 75,000 visitors per year.


Midway photo credit Oswego Harborfest


The bulk of the Harborfest festivities take place at five different spots throughout the city of Oswego: Breitbeck. River Walk East, River Walk West, Franklin Square/Children’s Park, and Washington Square/Jazz and Blues Park. As the names suggest, each venue provides a space for different acts to bring their own style to the party.


This summer’s event, taking place July 27-30, will feature more than 30 different musical performances. Some of the Hottest Performers this year include The Who and Atlanta Rhythm Section. And it doesn’t matter what kind of tunes you like, because Harborfest  boasts a wide selection of musical stylings.

There are even specific performances geared for kids, as well as several child-friendly activities; and all ages can enjoy the carnival midway with rides and games, the tons of food vendors to sample from throughout the event, and the fireworks show on Saturday night, which has become a legend amongst attendees over the years. A full list of performers, details on the venues, and other information can be found on the event website.


Band performing photo credit Oswego Harborfest


Keep an eye out for some of Oswego’s other summer staples, like the downtown farmer’s market, running from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays between late May and early October; in addition to vendors, there’s live entertainment, too. The Oswego Summer Sunset Concert Series, a tradition for almost 90 years now, takes place Wednesdays from late June to late August in Breitbeck Park, overlooking Lake Ontario.


Tiki boat photo credit Mayor Billy Barlow


The City of Oswego will also be offering unique Sunset Tiki Tours around the Oswego Harbor for the second summer in a row this year. The two-hour excursions can accommodate up to 6 adults each aboard two pontoon boats decked out to look and feel like floating tiki bars. All those on the tiki tour must be over 18 years old to participate, and while food and drinks aren’t served onboard, you can bring your own. Tours are typically offered Wednesday evenings through Sunday evenings in July and August, but may expand their availability this year. They fill up fast, so make sure to keep an eye out for reservations to open.
 
 
PHOTO CREDITS

Fireworks photo credit Oswego Harborfest
Midway photo credit Oswego Harborfest
Band performing photo credit Oswego Harborfest
Tiki boat photo credit Mayor Billy Barlow

---