When is the festival and what are the hours?
The Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival will be held
Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026.
Festival hours are posted on the website and may vary by day; please check the
Festival Schedule page for current details.
Where is the festival located?
The festival takes place on the grounds of the
Sodus Point Lighthouse & Museum,
7606 North Ontario Street, Sodus Point, New York.
The site overlooks Lake Ontario and Sodus Bay and is within walking distance of the village.
Is the festival held rain or shine?
Yes. The festival is held rain or shine.
Please dress for the weather, as the event is outdoors.
What does it cost to attend?
Admission is free.
Is the festival accessible?
Yes. The festival grounds are mostly level, with some areas that have a gentle slope.
Booths are not placed in steeply sloped areas. Designated handicapped-accessible parking
is available near the festival entrance.
Where should I park?
Parking is available near the festival grounds, including designated accessible parking.
Additional parking is available in the village lot at the end of the street.
Please follow posted signs and volunteer directions.
If I park farther away, how do I load artwork I purchased into my car?
We designate the driveway next to the Lighthouse Museum as a
loading zone for purchased artwork.
Volunteers may be available to assist with transporting artwork from an artist’s booth
to your vehicle. For large or delicate pieces, please coordinate directly with the artist.
What forms of payment do artists accept?
Payment methods vary by artist. Most artists accept credit cards, and many also accept
cash or other electronic payment options. Please check with individual artists at their booths.
Is there an ATM nearby?
There is no ATM on the festival grounds. The nearest ATMs are located in the village
within a short walking or driving distance.
Can I bring my pets to the festival?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome as long as they are
leashed at all times and do not disturb artists, other visitors, or artwork.
Please be mindful that the festival can be crowded and clean up after your pet.
Is photography allowed?
Photography policies vary by artist. Please
ask the artist before photographing their work
and respect their wishes. Some artists allow photography; others do not.
Can I bring a stroller or wagon?
Yes. Strollers and wagons are welcome. Please be aware that the festival can be busy,
and some areas may be tighter than others.
What can I do at the festival?
Browse a curated selection of fine art and fine craft from juried artists, enjoy food vendors,
and take in the lighthouse and waterfront setting. Artwork is available at a wide range of
price points, from small gifts to major statement pieces.
Visitors are encouraged to spend as much time as they like. Sodus Point is a beautiful
area with plenty to explore, including shops, restaurants, and tours of the
inside of the historic lighthouse.
Are there food vendors on site?
Yes. Multiple food and drink vendors will be available during festival hours.
Can I bring a cooler?
Yes. Please be respectful of the grounds and dispose of trash properly.
Are bags allowed?
Yes.
Can I bring my own chair?
Yes.
Are restrooms available?
Yes. Restrooms are available on site.
How can I contact an artist after the festival?
Many artists do not have a physical studio or gallery, making the festival a great
opportunity to see and purchase their work in person.
If you would like help contacting a specific artist, please use the
Contact page on this website.
Who produces the Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival?
The Sodus Point Lighthouse Artisan Festival is produced and run by the
Sodus Bay Historical Society, with support from volunteers and the festival team.
Is this a juried show?
Yes. The festival is a juried fine art and fine craft event focused exclusively on original, high-quality work.
What criteria does the jury use when selecting artists?
The jury evaluates originality, craftsmanship, overall body of work, and professional presentation based on the images and information submitted with the application. The goal is a balanced, curated show across media categories.
Is the festival limited to certain media categories?
The festival welcomes professional artists and fine crafters across a range of media. Media categories and any limits will be listed in the application when it opens.
Are buy/sell, imports, or commercial products permitted?
No. All work must be original and created by the exhibiting artist. Buy/sell items, imports, mass-produced work, or commercially manufactured products are not permitted.
How do I apply to the festival?
Applications are submitted through ZAPP (Zapplication): https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14308
What materials are required for the application?
Applicants submit images of their work and a booth image, along with standard artist information as required in ZAPP. Exact requirements will be listed in the application.
Is there an application fee?
Application fees and all booth fees are listed in the ZAPP application.
When will artists be notified of jury decisions?
Jury and notification dates are posted in the ZAPP application.
If accepted, when is payment due?
Payment instructions and deadlines will be provided with acceptance notifications.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
The application fee is non-refundable. Cancellation, credit, and force-majeure policies are included in the Refund Policy section of the application materials. Please review those policies carefully before applying.
What booth sizes are available?
Standard booths are 10×10. Double booths (10×20) are available in limited quantity. Booth fees are listed in the application.
Are booths on grass, pavement, or mixed surfaces?
Booths are set up outdoors on the lighthouse grounds in Lighthouse Park. The grounds are mostly level; areas with a noticeable slope are not used for booth placement.
Are artists required to be present in their booths during show hours?
Yes. Artists must be present in their booth during published festival hours. Unattended booths and substitute sellers are not permitted.
Is electricity available at booths?
No. Electricity is not available.
What are the load-in and load-out procedures?
Load-in, setup, and vehicle access procedures are provided to accepted artists prior to the event. During setup, artists may be able to drive to or near their space where permitted, but all vehicles must be removed from the grounds before the festival opens to visitors.
Is overnight security provided?
Yes. Professional security patrols overnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Artists remain responsible for their work and display; the festival assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage.
Do artists need to collect and remit sales tax?
Artists are responsible for complying with all applicable New York State and local sales tax requirements, including registration, collection, and remittance where required. Tax rules and rates may change; please confirm current requirements with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance prior to the show.
Will exhibitor information be shared with tax authorities if requested?
If required by law, the festival may be obligated to provide exhibitor information to the appropriate authorities.
Are artists responsible for their own insurance?
Yes. Insurance is required to participate. Artists are responsible for obtaining and maintaining their own coverage.
Are awards given at the festival?
Yes. The Best of Show award will be presented during the festival.
What is the Best of Show award?
Best of Show includes a complimentary booth for the following year’s festival.
Are restrooms available for artists?
Yes. Restrooms, including handicapped-accessible units, are available on site.
Will food and beverages be available on site?
Food vendors and nearby village options are available during festival hours.
Is there volunteer or staff support during the show?
Festival volunteers are available during show hours to assist with questions and limited support needs.
What happens in the event of severe weather?
The festival is held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather or conditions that require cancellation, policies in the application materials (including force-majeure provisions) will apply.
Can artists share a booth?
No. Sharing or subletting booth space is not permitted.
Who should I contact with questions before or after applying?
Please use the Contact page on this website.