Beloved Fairport festival changes its name but keeps the fun

What has been known as The Fairport Music and Food Festival – a summer favorite that benefits patients and families at UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital – is going back to its roots of music and shortening its name to “The Fairport Music Festival.” Food will still be a staple of the two-day event, set for Friday, Aug. 28, and Saturday, Aug. 29, along Liftbridge Lane, but music remains at its heart. 

Last year, the event commemorated its 10th anniversary by adding an extra night of music to kick off the weekend prior to the big all-day festivities Saturday. It was such a success that the festival’s planning team decided to do it again this year. Friday night will kick off at 5 p.m. with three bands playing on the festival’s Railroad Stage. The fun will continue Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and will feature music on three different stages, with more than 20 bands performing. Guests will enjoy a variety of food samples, with favorites from local food trucks and nearby Fairport eateries. With entertainment for everyone in the family, the day will also feature kids’ activities from noon to 6 p.m. including bounce houses, arts and crafts, and more!

Buy your tickets online now until July 31 for the special price of $10. Starting Aug. 1, tickets can be purchased online for $15 until midnight on Thursday, Aug. 27, and at several Fairport merchant locations until midnight on Friday, Aug. 28. Tickets will be sold at the gate for $20 Saturday. One ticket gets you event access for both nights. Kids ages 12 and under are free. Discounted tickets are available with sponsorships. See the “BECOME A SPONSOR” link on the festival’s web page for details.

With the support of children’s hospital advocates and the Fairport community, last year’s festival raised $134,829.15.  In addition to funding multiple items in the current children’s hospital, funds from the event have also supported a new private patient room, a large nursing workstation, a pediatric playroom, and many furnishings in the future Golisano Children’s Hospital.

“We greatly appreciate the continuous and generous support from the Fairport Music Festival crew,” said Stephanie Sheets, assistant director of community affairs. “They have made a profound difference in the lives of our patients and families and the future of pediatric care in our region.”

To purchase tickets and learn more about the event, visit www.fairportmusicfestival.com.

-Rebecca Youmell