The best arts & culture spots in Chemung County

“Whether you fly, build, restore, or just love watching takeoffs, EAA 533 is the local hub at Elmira-Corning Regional Airport hosting fly-in breakfasts, Young Eagles rallies, and projects, plus a friendly flying club where neighbors swap hangar stories and keep our Finger Lakes skies buzzing.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Wings of Eagles Discovery Center turns local curiosity into hands-on STEM with real aircraft, planet-sized data on Science On a Sphere, and a Mars Base Eagle experience that feels delightfully real. Grab a friend for the mission-style escape rooms and see who saves the colony first this week.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Explore the former home of Underground Railroad station master John W. Jones, where the John W. Jones Museum spotlights how he helped roughly 800 people reach freedom and ensured dignified burials for nearly 3,000 Confederate soldiers.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Whether your kid loves to leap or your teen needs a healthy outlet, New Heights Dance Theater channels that energy into polished stage time at the Clemens Center, building community productions like The Nutcracker In Motion for the Twin Tiers.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Housed in a 19th-century bank, Chemung Valley History Museum packs the county’s past into rotating exhibits, hands-on bits for kids-at-heart, and a permanent Mark Twain’s Elmira section with real family artifacts and photos. Swing by this week and remember why our hometown stories still hit.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Take a quick reset at Eldridge Park, where the 1890s Looff carousel still tosses rings, the Jasper II boat growls across the lake, and mini golf, disc golf, and a mini train keep kids and grownups busy. Old school charm meets easy weekend fun, right in our backyard.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Community Arts of Elmira Inc is your neighborhood hub for creative expression, with exhibitions and artist talks across its galleries, hands-on classes and workshops, and the Elmira Infinite Canvas public art program. Plug into City Hall Art or the Original Work Series, then let that inspiration spill into your week.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 14, 2026

“National Soaring Museum keeps Chemung County’s sky story alive with an epic glider collection from the 1890s to today, the United States Soaring Hall of Fame, and education in soaring and aeronautics. Feeling brave? Pair your visit with a sailplane ride over Harris Hill and really catch the bug.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 11, 2026

“From ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, to hip hop, Leslie School of Dance channels small-town heart into stage-ready confidence with professional, inspiring instruction in a family-friendly atmosphere. Try a new style or sharpen your skills this week, right here at home.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Vietnam Veteran 803 keeps Chemung County’s Vietnam War history alive with a volunteer-run museum and a deep library of veteran accounts. It’s a quiet, meaningful stop to learn what really happened here, ask questions, and leave with stories worth sharing.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Arnot Art Museum pairs hometown roots with serious art cred, from Meaning in the Making: The Lyme Academy of Fine Art at Fifty to Gems of the Treasure House and the Matthias Hollenbeck Arnot Collection. Swing through, slow down in the galleries, and let Elmira’s creative streak recalibrate your week.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Clemens Center keeps Elmira’s arts heartbeat strong with Broadway tours, concerts, comedy, and homegrown performances in two gorgeous spaces. The restored Powers Theater brings old-school glam, while Mandeville Hall nails the intimate vibe, so pick a show this week and treat yourself.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 29, 2026