CANANDAIGUA — Fine art and live music take center stage this weekend as the 32nd Annual Canandaigua Art & Music Festival returns to the city’s Historic Downtown District. The three-day event, now a more than three-decade-long tradition, is set for Friday through Sunday, July 16 through 18, and spotlights the area’s hottest food vendors, an all-star lineup of live musicians and more than 55 juried artisans specializing in 14 mediums. The Festival has been reimagined to allow for COVID safety, said event organizer and Canandaigua Business Improvement District Downtown Manager Denise Chaapel. Vendor booths have been given more elbow room, and will each be separated by 10 feet, she said. Artists’ work features ceramics, pottery, stoneware, photography, paintings, abstract art, clothing for children and adults, hand woven baskets, handmade leather handbags, tie dye, glassware, lavender products, jewelry, candles, soaps and woodworking. Gourmet foods and beverages will also be available throughout the festival, including a Finger Lakes favorite — wine slushies. Artists will also demonstrate glass flame working, candle making, and pottery making and painting. Returning this year is the Golden Palette Art Trail, where guests pick up a free passport and map at 115 South Main Street — or any shop with a golden palette displayed by their entryway — and follow the trail to the Golden Palette stops. Behind each Golden Palette Art Trail door, guests will find special events and activities, original art, classes and demonstrations, services and unique gift items. Those who visit all the stops may enter to win one of three gift baskets filled with gift certificates, original art, art supplies, musical instruments and gift items worth more than $1,500.

Juried Artist & Live Music

This year’s juried event introduces new artists and welcomes back select artists from the past, said Chaapel. Not only were they chosen to participate through a rigorous selection process, vendors will also be judged during the festival in various categories, including all-natural products, drawing, fiber, glass, gourmet foods, jewelry, mixed media, photography, sculpture and woodworking, she said.

Music

Musical acts will perform throughout the festival on the T-Mobile Music stage at the corner of Coach and Main streets. Performances range from Motown and rock to funk and country, and feature headliners from upstate New York, including The Pete Griffith Duo, Old Hippies, Womba Africa, Feedback, The Fog, Inner Crazy, The Movers, Thurlow, Chris and Korie, and Mitty and the Followers.

Food Vendors

Foodies and art lovers will find their fill at this year’s Art and Music Festival. Flanking both sides of Main Street will be Island Wraps, FLX BBQ, Rochester Kettle Corn, Proia’s Hot Dog Cart, Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream and Green Mountain Concessions. As always, Chaapel said visitors are encouraged to check out the city’s more than 14 restaurants and breweries which offer take out, dine in and outdoor dining. including two roof-top dining options. Simply Crepes will also host a patio wine and beer garden, she said. Event Sponsors

The Canandaigua Art & Music Festival would not be possible without support from its sponsors, said Chaapel. Those include Isaac Heating & Air with a misting tent, and stage sponsors T-Mobile, Mobile Music, Renewal by Andersen, Finger Lakes Times and iHeartMedia, Inc., she said.

Parking Information

Free municipal parking lots are located throughout the city off West Avenue, Ontario Street, Mill Street, Antis Street and Bristol Street. IF YOU GO WHEN Friday, July 16, noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE Main Street, Canandaigua; pick up a Golden Palette Art Trail passport and map at 115 S. Main St. INFO Visit www.downtowncanandaigua.com or www.facebook.com/CanandaiguaArtFestival or call 585-396-0300

Commons Park Stage:

Friday 7/16

  • Noon to 1:15 p.m. The Pete Griffith Duo
  • 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. Old Hippies
  • 3:45 to 5 p.m. Womba Africa
  • 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feedback

Saturday 7/17

  • Noon to 1:15 p.m. The Fog
  • 1:45 to 3 p.m. Inner Crazy
  • 3:30 to 5 p.m. The Movers

Sunday 7/18

  • Noon to 1:15 p.m. Thurlow
  • 1:45 to 3 p.m. Chris & Korie
  • 3:30 to 5 p.m. Mitty & The Followers

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Denise Chaapel at (585) 396-0300 or director@downtowncanandaigua.com. For photos, contact Melody Burri @melodyburrimedia@gmail.com