HUNTINGTON, NY – September 3, 2026
The Huntington Lighthouse Musicfest has not been permanently canceled.
The Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society is clearing up what it says is misinformation circulating about the future of the popular event. Musicfest has been on hold for the past two years, including 2026, while the organization focuses its resources and limited fair-weather construction season on preservation work at the historic Huntington Lighthouse.
“HLPS treasures its 15-year history of hosting the amazing Lighthouse Musicfest, the only event of its kind at an offshore, operating lighthouse, and its biggest annual fundraiser, and has hopes to bring it back,” HLPS said in a statement sent to Huntington Matters by Suzanne Pelisson. “The future date for a potential return of the Lighthouse Musicfest has not been decided at this time.”
Preservation Work Takes Priority
HLPS first announced in February 2025 that it would not hold Musicfest that summer.
“With limited resources at our disposal, we have decided to refocus this year on important construction and renovation projects to ensure the continuation of the Huntington Light for another 113 plus years,” HLPS President Pam Setchell said at the time.
Since then, new custom-fabricated windows have replaced the original windows, extensive interior woodwork has been completed, roof repairs have been made and a major solar upgrade has been undertaken. Additional work includes new railings, repairs to the cupola and addressing cracks in the lighthouse’s interior and exterior masonry. A new entry door is scheduled for installation, with additional projects still to be announced.
Last summer, Huntington Matters got a firsthand look at the restoration work when Moderator Megan Rouse toured the lighthouse and spoke with HLPS President Pam Setchell about the projects underway. Read and watch our 2025 Huntington Lighthouse tour here.
Everything needed for the preservation work must be transported to the offshore lighthouse by water, limiting much of the work to summer and early fall when weather conditions allow.
Keeping the Lighthouse Operational
The Huntington Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation marking the entrance to Huntington and Lloyd Harbors. Recreational boaters, the fishing community and others navigating local waters rely on it, making its continued operation an important part of the preservation work.
HLPS works with the U.S. Coast Guard to help maintain the navigation aids and continues to offer public lighthouse tours as part of its educational mission. The remaining 2026 seasonal tours are September 13 and September 27, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about the lighthouse’s history, ongoing restoration and the team working to preserve it.
Over its 40-year history, HLPS has raised approximately $3.5 million through public and private grants, donations, seasonal tours, special events, merchandise sales and other fundraising efforts to support improvements and restoration projects at the lighthouse.
Musicfest does not currently have a return date, but HLPS hopes to bring the event back.
For information about lighthouse tours, volunteering, donations or supporting the preservation work, visit HuntingtonLighthouse.org. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
