“It’s the only event in the world where live bands play from the rooftop of a working lighthouse,” says Pamela Setchell, president of the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society (HLPS). This unique celebration returns for its 14th annual performance over the holiday weekend as the Huntington Lighthouse Music Fest.
On Saturday, September 2, live bands will perform from 11 a.m. until dusk atop the historic Huntington Harbor Lighthouse, located about a half mile from shore in Huntington Bay off Long Island Sound. Seven bands will play a diverse mix of styles, including reggae, Motown, Jimmy Buffett–style island music, Santana-inspired Latin-rock and more. The show draws crowds of recreational boaters: more than 1,000 vessels typically anchor in the bay to enjoy the music from the water.
The festival is free for attendees, but it relies on sponsorships and contributions to cover production costs and to fund HLPS’s ongoing preservation work. “We depend on the proceeds for the continued upkeep of this historic structure,” Setchell explains. Huntington Harbor Lighthouse — originally called Lloyd Harbor Lighthouse — dates back to 1857. The present tower was first lit in 1912 and the light was automated in 1949. Funds raised at the festival help support maintenance, structural repairs, and activities that keep the lighthouse accessible and safe for future generations.
Bringing live entertainment to an operating lighthouse in the middle of the water required ingenuity and persistence. “Talent, spirit and a little insanity were needed when we first proposed the idea of a music festival on top of the lighthouse,” Setchell says, crediting the late Donald Davidson and his company, HDH Davidson, for turning the concept into a reality. Davidson and his team overcame logistical obstacles such as unreliable generators, severe weather and shifting tides. This year the production work is being carried forward by his son, Harley Davidson, who continues to manage the many moving parts of a concert staged offshore.
“Every year the event gets bigger, and the sound gets better,” Setchell adds, noting steady improvements in equipment and safety planning that make the festival more enjoyable for boaters and crew alike.
HLPS and event organizers ask that all attendees prioritize safety and respectful boating behavior. Observing no-wake zones in Huntington Bay is essential to protect anchored boats, swimmers and the lighthouse itself. If you’re unfamiliar with local restrictions, consult the navigation chart available from HLPS before you go. Good anchoring technique is also important: the festival occurs soon after a full moon and will conclude near low tide, so boats should be set securely and monitored throughout the day.
Event organizers recommend several practical precautions: carry adequate life jackets for every passenger, bring extra anchor line and a stern anchor if possible, use fenders to prevent boats from rubbing together, and keep a safe distance from the lighthouse and from other anchored vessels. If passengers plan to swim during the show, ask them to stay close to their boat and under supervision. Keep fuel and flotation safety in mind, and avoid alcohol-impaired operation of any vessel.
For those attending the festival, consider packing sun protection, water, snacks, binoculars and a radio or phone for updates. While the music is audible across the anchorage, improved sound systems and staging mean you’ll get an excellent listening experience from a comfortable and safe position on your boat.
As HLPS’s largest fundraiser of the year, the Huntington Lighthouse Music Fest combines community spirit, live music and maritime tradition. Whether you come for the bands, the view of the historic tower, or simply the camaraderie of hundreds of boats gathered in the bay, the event is designed to celebrate and preserve a cherished lighthouse while offering a memorable day on the water.
For more information about the 14th annual Huntington Lighthouse Music Festival, visit the HLPS event page for updates, safety guidelines and details on how to support the preservation society.