OSWEGO – Oswego Harborfest is proud to announce that Sadie May has been selected as the winner of the 2026 Official Harborfest Poster Design Contest. Her striking original artwork will serve as the face of this year’s festival, appearing across promotional materials, merchandise, and signage as Harborfest returns to the shores of Lake Ontario, July 23–26, 2026.
This year’s contest theme — The Music that Shaped America — challenged artists to celebrate 250 years of American musical heritage, from country and jazz to hip-hop and rock, and to explore how those sounds have shaped culture, community, and festivals like Harborfest. Artists from across the region answered the call, submitting original works in a wide range of mediums including painting, digital art, photography, and mixed media.
Sadie, our winner, is a freelance artist based near Rochester, NY, who was born and raised along the shores of Lake Ontario. Her work — rooted in the Art Nouveau tradition and infused with a love for the natural world — beautifully captures the spirit of a festival built on community, creativity, and the power of live music. We are thrilled to have her work represent Harborfest in 2026.
“The poster contest is one of my favorite Harborfest traditions because it showcases the passion fans have for Harborfest and the immense talent and creativity that exists right within this community. Our contestants this year proved that without a doubt, and I’m incredibly thankful to all of them for sharing their love for Harborfest as we enter our 37th year of the festival. What struck the committee and I about Sadie’s design is how it captures the quiet calm of the lake at sunset, and the energy of Harborfest as our bands take the stage and fireworks light up the harbor. We’re incredibly proud to have this poster representing Harborfest 2026.”
— Nikolas Whiteside, Chair, Brand and Marketing Committee | Oswego Harborfest
Harborfest extends its heartfelt gratitude to every artist who submitted a design this year. The quality and passion represented in the submissions reflect the deep connection this community has with the festival. A selection of finalist entries, as well as a spotlight on artist Sadie May, will be featured in an online gallery at oswegoharborfest.com/Poster-Contest — we encourage everyone to visit and celebrate the creativity and love for Harborfest on display in each piece.
About Oswego Harborfest 2026
Oswego Harborfest returns July 23–26, 2026, bringing four days of live music, community celebration, and lakeside summer energy to the shores of Lake Ontario in Oswego, New York. This year’s lineup features an outstanding roster of performers, including headliners John Waite, Lanie Gardner, and Ashley Cooke. Harborfest is free and open to the public. For more information, and to view the finalist poster gallery, visit oswegoharborfest.com.
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