Fulton Jazz Festival Returns with 4 Days of Free Live Music

As the summer festival season enters its third month, there are still several events getting ready to entertain the crowds. Next up? The Fulton Jazz Festival. Four days of jazz music in the heart of Oswego County is scheduled for this week. And the best part — it’s all free.

The History of the Fulton Jazz Festival

Before the Fulton Jazz Festival was created in 2009, there was a decade when Fulton was missing its annual summer festival.

In 1987, New York’s Lieutenant Governor, Stan Ludine, declared Fulton to be “New York’s Chocolate City”, as it was the home to Nestle’s largest production facility. At the time, it was the 100th anniversary of the invention of milk chocolate. To celebrate, the city established the Chocolate Fest. The 3-day-long festival included live music, amusement rides, Nestle mascots, and – of course – lots of chocolate. But just for one year. It didn’t return in 1988.

At the same time, Fulton had been celebrating their RiverFest for years. The two-day festival was filled with music, theater, rides, Native American exhibits, river cruises, fireworks, and more. There were even tours of the Nestle chocolate factory. In 1995, RiverFest was reinvented as the Fulton Chocolate Festival, sponsored by Nestle. Alas, this festival was also short-lived, lasting only 5 years. Then, in 2003 the Nestle factory closed, eliminating any hope of the festival returning.

Unfortunately, that left Fulton folks without a summer festival to look forward to. Until 2009, when a handful of local businesses reinvented the festival once again with the help of the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce. Over the past fifteen years, ownership of the festival has changed hands a few times, but the essence of the festival remains the same. Bringing a sense of community celebration to the city of Fulton with multiple days of jazz music that is free to the public.

Fulton Jazz Festival 2024 Schedule

Wednesday, August 7

The festivities kick off on Wednesday night on the deck at Tavern on the Lock. Jazz Mafia headlines with Vanessa Vacanti and special guest Jojo Cortini. Music starts at 6pm.

Tavern on the Lock is a classic American-style pub with the bonus of waterfront views along the Oswego River. While the concert is free, guests are encouraged to support the restaurant through food and drink orders.

Thursday, August 8

The second night of the Fulton Jazz Festival heads to Bullhead Point Pavilion along the shores of Lake Neatahwanta. The special “Salute to Seniors” concert will be performed by the Oswego County Swinging Big Band. Guests are reminded to bring their own blankets and chairs to spread out on across the park. Music begins at 7pm.

Friday, August 9

The festival kicks things up on Friday night for a trio of bands performing at Lock 3 Canal View Park. The music begins at 5pm with the Drew Serafini Trio. Next up is Giacomo Gates at 6pm. Then Atlas Band wraps up the night at 8pm. Guests are reminded to bring blankets and chairs so they can relax and enjoy the music.

Saturday, August 10

The final night of the festival remains at Lock 3 Canal View Park with another triple-feature. Performing first is dixieland band Soda Ash 6 at 5pm. Followed by Tony Monaco at 6pm. Finally, Brass Inc. performs the final concert of the 2024 festival at 8pm. Guests should bring their own blankets and chairs to the park.

Looking for more things to do in Fulton? Attend a night at the dirt races!