Free events in Chemung County, NY

Explore what meditation can be in a welcoming monthly session with Ryan. Designed for newcomers as well as experienced practitioners, each gathering adapts to the interests and needs of the group as it develops. A typical meeting includes an approximately fifteen minute mindfulness talk, about fifteen minutes of meditation, and then an interactive question and answer period. Admission is free and no registration is required. An optional suggested donation of 10 dollars is accepted. This is part of an ongoing monthly series and future dates may change.

AIM Independent Living Center offers a free Open Resource Center where walk-ins are welcome. Laptops with internet access are available on site. Advocates assist with housing searches, benefit applications, and connections to community services. Support is also offered for obtaining identification, Social Security cards, and birth certificates, although any related fees are not covered by AIM. Additional services such as resume building, SNAP assistance, and health insurance enrollment are provided by appointment. For questions, contact AIM at 607-962-8225.

Connect with other adoptive, foster, and kinship families at a free, in-person caregiver support group in Central New York, held at Higher Hope Church and planned with Chemung County families in mind. Led by CNY AGAPE and Kinship KCSP staff, facilitators draw on lived experience as foster and adoptive parents and as adult adoptees to guide thoughtful conversation and practical problem solving. Discussion focuses on understanding children’s behaviors, building caregiver resilience, navigating school issues, addressing social and emotional needs, and considering therapeutic approaches alongside more traditional parenting styles. A youth hangout community group takes place at the same time and location, giving kids and parents parallel spaces for support. This gathering is part of a monthly series serving Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Madison, and Tompkins counties. A light meal is provided. Enrollment with Family’s AGAPE or KCSP is required.

A free Disney Lorcana league centered on Core Constructed casual play with pin and promo support. Separate events also feature competitive play with promo items and added prize support. Each round uses a best of three format. Bring a ready to play starter deck or build your own with at least sixty cards, up to two inks, no proxies, and no more than four copies of any card that shares the exact full name. You may switch decks between rounds. Prize support includes one participation promo card for every player while supplies last, a random drawing for a Lorcana pin, and additional random drawings for promo cards, also while supplies last. New to the game? Each player needs a sixty card deck. Starter decks are preconstructed with a specific list and are a helpful option for beginners or anyone who wants a deck designed and tested by Team Lorcana.

Set outdoors at the pavilion, this weekly Saturday market at Steamboat Landing brings people together to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones while exploring favorite stands in the open air. It highlights agriculture, art, and food that are grown, made, and cooked within 30 miles of the member-built pavilion.

Learn the basics of machine sewing in a free, hands-on class led by Teaching Artist Filomena Lisi Jack of Filomena Jack Studio. Designed for teens and adults, Buttons+Bobbins: Learn to Sew on Machines takes place at Community Arts of Elmira. All materials and sewing machines are provided, and participants are welcome to bring their own machine or a personal project. Presented as part of the Free Arts Fourth Saturdays Sewing Classes, registration is requested. The program is supported by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes.

The annual parade invites participation from schools, churches, businesses, families, and individuals. Anyone interested in taking part is encouraged to start planning parade ideas and prepare to be part of this community event.

This annual fireworks show is sponsored by Simmons Rockwell.