2016 Ithaca Festival – June 3-5

The 2016 Ithaca Festival will be held June 3-5 in downtown Ithaca from the Commons to the Greater Ithaca Activities Center. The 2016 theme Mix it Up speaks to the vast diversity of people, cultures, and perspectives that make our community complete. The combination of celebration and creative expression becomes a backdrop for approaching differences and building understanding among people. We’re very happy to be partnering with GIAC in an effort to Mix it Up in 2016. It’s exciting to bring Ithaca Festival to a new neighborhood this year! On Saturday and Sunday, Court St between Cayuga and Plain will be full of fun and interactive artists and activities. Please be sure to visit this new part of our footprint to get the full festival experience.

Our Mix it Up artwork was created by Rahmel Mack and Jay Stooks. We love their playful take on our theme! Be sure to get your art button!

In an effort to truly Mix it Up in 2016, we’ll be hosting the Ithaca Festival Parade on Friday instead of Thursday. A lot of thought when into this decision, and ultimately it came down to us wanting the parade to occur once the festival is already in full swing. Moving it to Friday means that once the parade ends, that amazing energy can be carried to the rest of the festival where The Horse Flies will be performing on the Bernie Milton Pavilion, food vendors will line the Commons and W MLK St, and craft vendors will be set up on Cayuga St. Over 8,000 people attended the parade in 2015! We hope that moving the parade to a weekend night instead of a school and work night can allow even more people to watch what our community has to offer! Immediately preceding the parade will be the Ithaca Youth Bureau Festival Mile, starting at Ithaca High School at 5:45 pm on Friday, June 3.

Be sure to check out some new and returning headliners, such as The Horse Flies, Samite, Driftwood, The Sim Redmond Band, Gunpoets, The Blind Spots, and Empire Kings. We have so much local talent!

The festival is always free, although we encourage the purchase of a $5 button to support our event. Some special events charge additional fees with discounts for attendees with buttons. You can find printed programs with the festival map and schedule as well as merchandise at various downtown locations, including Wegmans. During the festival, find our merchandise booths for even more t-shirt, hoodie, hat, and poster options!

There are several parking options in downtown Ithaca during Ithaca Festival, including three nearby parking garages and many metered parking spaces. Neighborhood parking is also available. Walking, biking, using public transportation, and carpooling are highly encouraged.

Please visit www.ithacafestival.org for more information about this family friendly event. You can check out our handy mobile app for on-the-go performer, map, food, craft, and other information from your phone at m.ithacafestival.org.