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M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival

Sep 06, 2025
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
500 University Avenue Rochester, NY 14607
585-276-8900

M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival

September 6 & 7, 2025 | 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Special MAG Member shopping begins at 9:30 on both days

The M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival has been MAG’s largest annual fundraiser and biggest celebration of the arts for almost 70 years. Over 300 artists from across the country offer their work for purchase at this juried, two-day festival that takes place on the beautiful grounds of the Memorial Art Gallery. Clothesline is also the place to experience all-day live entertainment, sample food from some of Rochester’s favorite food trucks and vendors, enjoy free family art activities, and visit the museum.

Your indoor experience just got better! In addition to exploring the galleries, including the 69th Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition, browse even more artist booths and local food vendors, available in both the Vanden Brul Pavilion and the M&T Bank Ballroom.

MVP Family Fun Zone

The general public, as well as festival ticket holders, are invited to join the Creative Workshop team for FREE hands-on arts & crafts, games, and sensory experiences. Activities will include a collaborative pennant banner, kids’ make-your-own crown, bracelet making, and card making. The free MVP Family Fun Zone will offer a quiet space for families, including an area for diaper changing, nursing, and a shared play area.

Food

  • Agatina’s
  • Big Papa Tacos
  • Eat Greek
  • Effortlessly Healthy
  • Falangas Gourmet Cotton Candy*
  • Frios Pops Rochester
  • Ink Wtr Coffee Roasters*
  • KO-BQ
  • Macarollin
  • Melt Food Truck
  • Rob’s Kabobs
  • Roc Dilla Quesadillas
  • Rochester Kettle Corn
  • Vasko’s on Wheels
  • Wraps on Wheels

*Vendors located inside

Music

Saturday

On the front stage:

Busking in the back:

  • 10:00 am–12:00 pm: Clara Riedlinger + Dan Lynch

Sunday

On the front stage:

Busking in the back:

Introducing the Luvon Sheppard Award for Creative Excellence

New this year, the Luvon Sheppard Award for Creative Excellence celebrates artists and makers across all media from Rochester, the Finger Lakes, and Western/Central New York. Sponsored by Joy Gallery and Studio and local arts supporter Richard A. Glaser, this $5,000 award honors Sheppard’s lasting impact on the region’s creative community. 

For over five decades, Sheppard has inspired and mentored young artists, leaving an indelible mark on MAG’s history by founding the Allofus workshop,  a satellite community center that operated from 1972 to the late ’70s. He continues to nurture local talent through his work at RIT’s College of Art and Design and Joy Gallery and Studio. This award reflects his enduring legacy of creativity, mentorship, and community empowerment. Sheppard teaches at the College of Art and Design at RIT and supports local artists at Joy Gallery and Studio. The $5,000 Luvon Sheppard Award for Creative Excellence honors the artist’s legacy in the creative community in Rochester and beyond.

Save $15 on MAG Membership

Special MAG Membership pricing will be available online from September 1 through September 7. A $15 discount will also be available in person during the M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival beginning at 9:30 am on Saturday, September 6, and ending at 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 7. This year, memberships may be purchased at the festival gates on Goodman and Prince Streets at the designated membership tables.

Individual Plus, Individual + Guest Plus, Student, and Out-of-Town memberships are not eligible for this promotion. UR Employee memberships are 50% off for Individual and Family memberships—year-round!

 

$5 Adults
Free Children age 12 & under
MAG Members

M&T Bank Clothesline Art Festival Admission Details

Festival admission tickets are valid from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and can be used for either Saturday or Sunday. Last entry is at 4:45 pm.

Museum admission is included in your ticket purchase.

For questions regarding ticketing, email maginfo@mag.rochester.edu.

Presenting Sponsor: M&T Bank

Contributing Sponsors: Richard Glaser, McCarthy Tents & Events, MVP Health Care

Fellow Sponsor: Luvon Sheppard

Media Sponsors: CITY Magazine, WXXI, and WAYO 

Price:
5