Frequently Asked Questions

    • The Ithaca Festival is a nonprofit community event and is free and open to everyone! While there is no admission fee, we encourage attendees to purchase a festival button, what we like to call the festival’s “ticket.” You can also make a suggested donation of $5 per person as a symbolic ticket to the festival. Button sales and community donations help support the Ithaca Festival and make it possible to bring this community celebration back each year.

    • The Ithaca Festival Parade starts at 6 PM on Thursday, June 28, with a “Kickoff Party” of live music at the Bernie Milton Pavilion starting immediately afterwards 

    • The Festival starts at 11 am Friday - Sunday. Craft booths open at 11 am and close at 6 pm, food vendors open at 12 pm and close at 8 pm. 

  • Parking is available throughout downtown Ithaca during the festival, though some streets may be closed for festival activities. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for parking.

    • On-Street Parking: Park Mobile and metered street parking is available in downtown Ithaca and Collegetown and is ideal for short visits. Look for “Pay Here” signs to find nearby pay stations. Payment can be made using coins, cash, or credit/debit cards or by downloading the Park Mobile app.

      • Enforcement Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

        • Free Parking: After 6:00 PM, before 9:00 AM, and all day Sunday

    • Parking Garages: Downtown Ithaca also offers several convenient parking garages that provide longer-term parking. There are four garages in total, three downtown and one in Collegetown. All garages offer covered parking, elevators, and fully automated systems.

  • Biking to the Ithaca Festival is a great way to avoid traffic and parking. Ithaca has bike-friendly streets and scenic routes, and bike racks are available throughout the festival area so you can easily park and explore the event on foot. Ride your own bike or rent one from Ithaca Bikeshare. 

  • The Green Street Commons and the Seneca Street Commons are the bus stops closest to the festival. 

    • Check out the TCat Bus schedule here.

  • The festival footprint is located on a flat, pedestrian-only area with accessible, step-free access.

  • The Ithaca Festival is fun for all ages, and all festival activities are family-friendly. A special highlight for kids is the hands-on art workshops in DeWitt Park on Saturday and Sunday (link to schedule forthcoming), where children and families can create art together with guidance from local artists. From live music and performances to the parade and creative activities, there’s plenty for families to enjoy throughout the festival. 

  • Rain or shine, approximately 45,000 people attend the festival each year.

  • As a non-profit event, we depend on the support of our community to sustain and grow our programming each year. You can help by making a donation, becoming a sponsor, or supporting the festival through merch‍ ‍and button purchases.