Saint Anthony's Festival Returns to Cortland June 13–14

One of Cortland's most beloved traditions is back. The Saint Anthony's Festival will take place on Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th, 2026, bringing two days of live music, Italian food, family activities, fireworks, and community celebration to the heart of the city.

Saturday, June 13th

The festivities kick off Saturday evening with live music starting at 5:30 PM. Steve Daniel's Swingtet will open the night on the Piccolo Stage from 5:30–6:30 PM, followed by the Fall Creek Brass Band performing two sets on the Armando Natale Main Stage — 7:00–8:00 PM and again 8:30–9:30 PM. The night wraps up with a fireworks show at 9:30 PM.

Saturday food runs from 4:00–10:00 PM and includes pizza, sausage, pepper and onion sandwiches, meatball subs, tomato pie, Utica greens, hot dogs, pizza fritta, and a full spread of Italian pastries including cannoli, sfogliatelle, and gelato.

Saturday evening also features the novelty booth, prize wheel, and basket raffle, all open from 4:00–10:00 PM. Raffle tickets will be on sale throughout the evening.

Sunday, June 14th

Sunday opens with a Celebratory Mass at 10:00 AM, followed immediately by the St. Anthony's Parade through the neighborhood.

The afternoon fun runs from 12:30–6:00 PM and includes kids' games, face painting, and caricature drawing — with games updated this year to appeal to both younger children and older teens. The novelty booth, cake wheel, and basket raffle also continue throughout the afternoon.

The music lineup on Sunday is packed. The CHS Modern Band kicks things off at noon on the Main Stage, followed by the Finger Lakes Saxophone Quartet at 1:30 PM. Joey Nigro and John Nelson will perform on the Piccolo Stage at 2:30 PM and again at 4:00 PM. Cantare takes the Main Stage at 3:00 PM, and the beloved Old Timers Band closes out the afternoon from 4:30–6:00 PM. The Grand Raffle Drawing takes place at 6:00 PM under the Big Tent.

Sunday's food menu includes pizza, sausage, pepper and onion sandwiches, meatball subs, beans and greens, stuffed shells, hot dogs, pizza fritta, and all the Italian pastries and desserts from the night before.

Pre-Festival Event

Ahead of the main weekend, the St. Anthony's Banner Auction, Parish Breakfast, and Special Raffle Drawing will be held on Sunday, June 7th in the Church Basement immediately following the 10:00 AM Mass.

For more information, visit saintanthonysfestival.org or find them on Facebook at Saint Anthony Festival Cortland 1905.