Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival 2026

The Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival is a juried fine art and craft event produced by the Sodus Bay Historical Society, created to showcase original work by artists and fine crafters in a setting that is both culturally significant and visually compelling. The festival reflects the Society’s mission to preserve and share the region’s maritime heritage while supporting high-quality, artist-focused programming.

Held on the scenic grounds of the historic Sodus Point Lighthouse—first built in 1824 and rebuilt in 1871—the festival takes place at an actively preserved lighthouse and museum overlooking Lake Ontario. The setting offers a rare combination of working history, waterfront views, and landscaped grounds creating a distinctive experience for artists and visitors alike.

Since its inaugural year, the festival has grown thoughtfully from 18 artists to space for approximately 40 exhibitors, maintaining a curated scale that emphasizes quality, balance, and engagement over size. Attendance has continued to expand, drawing visitors from across New York State to experience fine art and craftsmanship in a uniquely historic environment.

Located on Sodus Bay, the largest bay on Lake Ontario, the festival is set within a vibrant waterfront community situated between Rochester and Syracuse. The setting encourages visitors to explore the region while engaging with exceptional art and fine craft in a place where creative work and maritime history intersect.

Festival Site

Sodus Bay Lighthouse
7606 North Ontario Street
Sodus Point, New York 14555

The festival is held on the grassy grounds of Lighthouse Park, adjacent to the historic lighthouse. The grounds are mostly level, with some areas having a slight slope; no booths are placed in sloped areas. A limited number of trees are present but they should not interfere with standard booth placement or setup.

Festival Dates

Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2, 2026
The festival is held rain or shine.

Application Deadline

June 1, 2026

Jury and Notification Dates

Artists will be notified of jury decisions on June 6, 2026.

Booth Information and Amenities

• Standard booth size is 10′ × 10′. A limited number of 10' x 20' will be available as well.
• Electricity is not available at booth locations.
• Wi-Fi will be available on the festival grounds.

Festival Timeline

Friday, July 31

• 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Artist check-in and booth setup (Photo ID required at check-in)
• 5:00 PM | All vehicles must be off the festival grounds; booths must be fully set
• 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Preview Party for members of the Sodus Bay Historical Society

Saturday, August 1

• 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Festival open to the public
• Overnight security provided

Sunday, August 2

• 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Festival open to the public
• 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Festival closes; artist breakdown and load-out
• Overnight security provided Saturday night

Application to and participation in the Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival constitute agreement to and acceptance of the following policies and instructions governing the Festival.

Insurance

Insurance is required for participation in the Festival. Proof of insurance may be requested.

Application Photos, Video, and Event Photography

By applying to and participating in the Festival, artists grant permission for images submitted with their application, as well as photographs or videos taken during the event, to be used for Festival publicity, marketing, and advertising without compensation.

Cancellation of Festival

In the event that weather, a major disaster, a pandemic, or other circumstances beyond the control of the Sodus Bay Historical Society, its Board, the Village in which the event is held, or the Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival require the cancellation of the Festival, participation fees will not be refunded. The Festival, the Village, and associated entities shall not be held liable for the failure of the event to take place.

Weather

The Festival is held rain or shine. Artists are expected to attend regardless of weather conditions and must arrive prepared with appropriate materials, including heavy-duty, clear plastic coverings and clamps, to protect their work in the event of rain. At setup, artists must install a minimum of 40 pounds of weight on each tent leg to ensure stability in windy conditions.

Art for Sale

The Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival reserves the right to restrict or remove any work offered for sale that does not meet the quality, integrity, or eligibility standards of the Festival. Only work approved through the jury process may be displayed or sold. Artwork not included in the application and not approved in advance must be removed from the booth upon request.

Security

Professional overnight security will be provided on Friday and Saturday nights. Local police will maintain heightened awareness during Festival hours. While security measures are in place, the Festival assumes no responsibility for loss or damage.

Theft or Damage

Although rare, theft or damage may occur. Artists assume all risk and responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to artwork, displays, or personal property, regardless of cause. The Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival, the Sodus Bay Historical Society, Board members, staff, volunteers, and the Village shall not be held liable for any such loss or damage.

Event Marketing

Artist participation in Festival marketing efforts is an essential part of promoting the event. The Festival will feature participating artists on its website and social media platforms. Artists are encouraged to follow and engage with Festival communications to support visibility and outreach.

Professional Decorum

Artists are expected to arrive on time, promptly unload, and move vehicles to designated parking areas as outlined in Festival instructions. Booths must be fully set and staffed by the stated opening times each day.

The artist whose work is being exhibited must be present in the booth during all public Festival hours. Booth sitters or representatives may not replace the artist for extended periods. Brief absences are permitted only as necessary.

Early breakdown, vehicle retrieval, or departure before the designated closing time is strictly prohibited. Artists must remain open for all scheduled Festival hours.

Booth displays must be professional, orderly, and free of excess storage or clutter. The use of “SALE,” “DISCOUNT,” or similar promotional signage is prohibited.

Offensive, abusive, aggressive, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Failure to comply with staff instructions, harassment of others, use of threatening language, or physical misconduct may result in immediate removal from the Festival without refund.

Artists and exhibitors shall not:

• Commit any nuisance;
• Cause smoke, fumes, or objectionable odors;
• Harass, bully, or intimidate any participant, staff member, or visitor;
• Engage in any activity that could invalidate insurance coverage carried by the Sodus Bay Historical Society or Lighthouse.

 

Completion of Festival

No booth breakdown is permitted before 5:00 PM on Sunday. Violation of this policy will result in exclusion from future events.

Artists are responsible for setup, breakdown, and cleanup of their booth area. Trash receptacles will be provided.

Release and Waiver

By accepting and registering online for the Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival, the artist provides a digital signature attesting to the following:

In consideration of participation in the Festival, I hereby waive and release, for myself and my heirs, executors, and administrators, any and all claims against the Sodus Bay Historical Society, its officers, board members, staff, volunteers, members, sponsors, and affiliated entities arising from participation in the Festival.

Booths will be located on the outdoor grounds and park area of the Sodus Bay Historical Society at the Sodus Point Lighthouse.

Space Size and Fees

• Standard booth size: 10′ × 10′ — $200
• Double booth size: 10′ × 20′ — $400

Each exhibitor will be assigned a designated booth area with adequate space between booths. Exhibitors must remain within their assigned footprint at all times. Displays that exceed booth boundaries may be required to be modified, relocated, or dismantled.

Sharing or subletting booth space is strictly prohibited and will result in removal from the event.

General Booth Requirements

• All booths must clearly display the Artist/Exhibitor’s name.
• Booths must be attended at all times during public hours. If a short break is needed, artists may request that a volunteer or organizer to monitor the booth for up to 10 minutes.
• All tents and booths must be securely weighted or staked with a minimum of 40 pounds per leg. No exceptions. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of booth space.
• All Artists/Exhibitors must provide their own tents, tables, and display materials. Only Emerging Artists may be exempt from this requirement.
• Booths not occupied and fully set up by 9:00 AM on Saturday will be considered forfeited and may be reassigned without refund.

A Best of Show award will be presented during the Festival. The recipient will receive a complimentary booth for the following year.

Set-Up and Tear-Down

Set-up is permitted on Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST). Artists may be allowed to drive to or near their assigned space to unload; however, vehicle access is limited and not available at all booth locations.

All vehicles must be removed from the grounds prior to the Festival opening. Tear-down must follow the Festival schedule and may not begin before the designated closing time.

Security

Professional overnight security will be provided on Friday and Saturday nights. Local police will maintain heightened awareness during Festival hours.

Artists leaving displays overnight are strongly encouraged to wrap work in tarps and secure displays to discourage access. While security measures are in place, artists remain responsible for their work and equipment.

Daytime Parking

Artist parking will be available in the village lot at the end of the street. This location will be identified on the Festival map provided prior to the event.

Shuttle service will be available for those who require assistance traveling between the parking area and the Festival grounds.

Special Requests

Please note any special requests on your application. While requests will be considered when assigning spaces, placement requests cannot be guaranteed.

Application Fees

The application fee is non-refundable under all circumstances.

Artist-Initiated Cancellations

Cancellations must be submitted in writing (email preferred) at least 45 days prior to the first day of the Festival.

Artists who cancel within this time frame will receive a credit for booth fees paid. This credit will be valid for two (2) years and may be applied toward a future Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival.

No refunds or credits will be issued for artist cancellations made fewer than 45 days prior to the Festival.

Festival Cancellation

If the Festival is canceled by the Sodus Bay Historical Society with ample notice prior to the scheduled event date and before significant logistical and advertising expenses have been incurred, booth fee refunds or credits may be issued at the discretion of the Festival.

If the Festival is canceled after logistical, operational, or advertising arrangements have been made, no refunds or credits will be issued. This includes cancellations due to weather, natural disasters, public health emergencies, or other circumstances beyond the Festival's control.

Force Majeure and Rain-or-Shine Policy

The Festival is held rain or shine. No refunds or credits will be issued due to weather conditions or acts of nature, including but not limited to hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, or other force majeure events.

Outstanding Balances

Artists who cancel participation remain responsible for any outstanding balance owed. Failure to pay all fees due will result in ineligibility for future participation in the Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival until the balance is paid in full.

No Exceptions

While unforeseen circumstances may arise, no exceptions to this policy will be made.