Events in Cortland, NY

Shared creativity takes center stage at The Nocturnal Café’s weekly open mic, an Ithaca favorite now in its fifth year. The mic welcomes singers and storytellers to share their work and connect with a creative community. Hosting duties rotate among artists such as Aria Dawn, Satya Celeste, and Laik Uticone.

Presented by DSP Shows and the State Theatre of Ithaca, this concert brings Trampled by Turtles together with Wild Horses at the State Theatre of Ithaca. Trampled by Turtles began in Duluth, Minnesota when songwriter Dave Simonett launched an acoustic project in 2003, recruiting bandmates who, like him, were new to bluegrass. With Ryan Young on fiddle, Tim Saxhaug on bass, Erik Berry on mandolin, and Dave Carroll on banjo, they built a quick-picking, string-driven sound that blends bluegrass, folk, and the punch of rock. Their albums have consistently topped Billboard’s Bluegrass chart, and their touring has included major festivals such as Coachella, Austin City Limits, and Lollapalooza, along with shared stages with Shakey Graves, Zach Bryan, Wilco, Caamp, Mt. Joy, Willie Nelson, the Avett Brothers, and Lord Huron. Their album Alpenglow was produced by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, and they released a cover of Bon Iver’s For Emma featuring Taylor Meier of Caamp (Sumbuck) on lead vocals. Wild Horses add a rustic Americana voice shaped by a married duo from northern Minnesota who live off-grid when not on tour. Drawing on different musical roots, they mix emotive vocals, tight harmonies, driving rhythms, and dramatic dynamics. Recent support dates with Trampled by Turtles and Muscadine Bloodline helped build momentum in the Upper Midwest and led to their own headlining shows. They also provided direct support for Charley Crockett at an outdoor Minneapolis performance at Surly Field. Their song Sioux Falls reflects the influence of their woodland home and the people and places found along the American highway.

A casual weekly group run based at Bike Bar Ithaca, created for students and other young community members to meet and run together. Runners sort into groups by pace and head out for about 30 minutes, deciding the route and distance among themselves, then return to the bar. Afterward, participants can stay to socialize, with the option to grab a drink. There are no speed or mileage requirements, making it easy to take part whether you are new to running or looking for a friendly workout.

A gathering that highlights the classic pairing of wine and song. Experience music alongside a wine-focused atmosphere.

Enjoy a roller skating session for all ages. Admission is $7 per person for ages 18 and older and $5 per person for those under 18. Skate rentals cost an additional $3.50 and are offered in sizes from Toddler 10 through Adult 13. To save time, rental fees can be paid when registering for the session. Group rates are available for 10 to 20 skaters when scheduled at least 10 days in advance, and an interest form is available to start the request. Helmets along with elbow and knee pads are encouraged for every participant.

Betty’s Ghost makes its debut at Homer Hops, a place that celebrates good beer and upbeat music. Expect a lively atmosphere and a fun time.

Presented by DSP Shows at Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, this evening features Garrison Keillor, the longtime host of A Prairie Home Companion and the creator of the fictional Lake Wobegon. Across four decades he cultivated a world of stories and understated wit, and he remains active as an author and performer. He has published a memoir and a collection of limericks, is developing a musical and a Lake Wobegon screenplay, and continues The Writer’s Almanac as a free daily offering for online subscribers. Reviewers have described audiences laughing, applauding, and even singing along during his two hour shows, noting his knack for turning a theater into a small town gathering and praising his relaxed, familiar presence. His appearances are known for signature storytelling and gentle humor.

At Stewart Park in Ithaca, the Finger Lakes Ride for Life brings cyclists together for a century cycling event with route options from 14 to 100 miles, welcoming first-time riders and experienced athletes alike. The ride raises funds for the Southern Tier AIDS Program, supporting local services such as HIV and STI testing and prevention, harm reduction, case management and housing support, a food pantry, LGBTQ+ youth support and affirming services, and broad education and outreach. On the road, participants can expect seven fully supported pit stops with snacks, refreshments, and bathrooms, comprehensive safety and gear support throughout the routes, and scenic views across the Finger Lakes. Lunch, dinner, and plenty of on-course fuel are provided, and the camaraderie among riders, volunteers, and supporters is a defining part of the day. Registration is free, and each registrant receives a personal fundraising page, making it easy to start amplifying STAP’s mission even if attendance is uncertain or mileage goals are still in progress.

This open air market takes place at the pavilion at Steamboat Landing, offering a relaxed setting to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones while browsing favorite stalls. It highlights agriculture, art, and food that are grown, crafted, and cooked within 30 miles of the pavilion built by members.

Live music fills the Homer NY Regional Farmers Market with a two-part program. It begins with an interactive children's session featuring songs, games, and movement, then continues with a set of familiar songs for listeners of all ages. Performances take place on the lawn at the Center for the Arts of Homer.

An energetic obstacle course returns to Tompkins County for adventurous kids 12 and under. Participants can run, climb, leap, and crawl through a nature-inspired route in a safe, encouraging setting. It is designed to challenge and excite young participants while keeping the focus on fun and support.

A high-energy Christian hip hop outreach fills Courthouse Park with music, vendors, food trucks, and community resources. Enjoy a free concert with giveaways designed to uplift and encourage. The bill features DJ Wade-O, Brother Bo, Armaggedon, Heesun Lee, J.A.Z., and Datin, delivering faith-centered tracks and a message you will not want to miss. More than entertainment, this gathering aims to spark a movement.

Presented by DSP Shows and WSKG Public Media, This American Life host Ira Glass takes the stage for an evening of storytelling in the distinctive style he helped pioneer, blending humor with genuine emotion. His weekly program reaches millions and has earned top broadcasting accolades, including multiple Emmys for the television adaptation, numerous Peabody Awards, and a landmark Pulitzer, the first ever awarded to a radio show or podcast. Over the years it has remained among the most listened to podcasts worldwide, and Glass’s approach has shaped modern audio narrative. Expect funny and moving tales about everyday people and moments that feel close to home, inviting both longtime followers and first-time listeners into his world of narrative craft.

Set at the pavilion, this community market features a variety of local vendors. Visitors can connect with artisans, farmers, and chefs who make, grow, and cook their offerings within 30 miles of the pavilion. The market is open every weekend and continues in all weather.

Pokey LaFarge has spent two decades forging his own path as a candid, authentic troubadour who puts everything on the line. Rent Money marks a fresh stride forward, blending heartfelt snapshots from his own life with clear, no-frills social observations. The sound is shaped by twangy guitars, lively rhythms, and ear-grabbing melodies that lift and sway, all while a vein of worry and anxiety mirrors the challenges of today.

Ana Popovic brings the Dance To The Rhythm Tour, highlighting a blues virtuoso celebrated for powerful guitar work. Since releasing her debut album Hometown 25 years ago, she has earned praise from Guitar World for a vintage inspired style and exceptional technique. This performance centers on her dynamic approach to the blues.

Cortland County’s first Poet Laureate, Phil Asaph, presents a poetry reading and a talk for writers, followed by a question and answer period. This session focuses on building relationships with other writers and celebrates the craft of writing, poetry, and the English language. Asaph is a poet, educator, and meditation instructor who studied at Eckerd College, Bucknell University, and New York University, where he earned an MFA. He taught poetry, creative writing, and public performance for two decades at The Long Island High School for the Gifted and Talented in the Arts and at additional schools and colleges before settling in Cortland ten years ago. His work has been published in journals in the United States and abroad, including Poetry, Tampa Review, and The Humanist. He also teaches meditation in the region and at the Cortland YWCA and is completing a self-training meditation manual and a new collection of poems titled Here at the Heart of Western Civ.

Experience Luna, the New York band founded in 1991 by singer and guitarist Dean Wareham after the end of Galaxie 500. The group released seven studio albums, then stepped away in 2005. A decade later they reunited to tour in 2015, and in 2017 they issued the LP A Sentimental Education along with an instrumental EP titled A Place of Greater Safety. Their catalog has also been revisited with recent vinyl releases, including a deluxe double LP reissue of Penthouse on Rhino and Lunafied, a two LP set collecting their cover songs from the 1990s.

Hairy Canary Crafts brings together more than 50 makers for the third annual fall craft show, offering a wide range of handmade goods for yourself, your home, or someone special. Admission is free. In partnership with the local food bank, guests who donate three perishable items will receive a complimentary signature candle as a thank you for supporting the community. Expect hourly giveaways and raffles, along with lively music, plus food and drinks while you browse and shop. It is a chance to celebrate Cortland County’s creative talent and support local artists and crafters. Vendor registration is available.

Enjoy a flea market featuring antiques and collectibles, along with the first bottle show of the season. The event will take place rain or shine. Prospective vendors can contact Ron Van Dee at 607-753-1328.

Jason Wicks and his band perform live at a fundraiser pig roast at Disabled Vets of Cortland County, with music and a shared meal supporting disabled veterans.

A hometown performance by Joe Crookston takes place at The Cherry Arts, shaped by songs and storytelling. He especially enjoys taking the stage close to home, and audiences often fill every seat. The program weaves together magic, stories, wine, songs, community, rattlesnakes, fiddle, and art.

The Beatlemaniacs bring a globally recognized tribute to the Beatles to the State Theatre of Ithaca. Their performance blends the band’s high energy and classic sound with contemporary stage technology for a distinctive concert experience. The group has been nominated for Entertainer of the Year on Princess Cruises, earned a Best Musical Act award, and has headlined on Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Celebrity Cruises. They have performed for audiences across North America, Europe, and Asia.

An award-winning tribute to the Fab Four with international recognition, The Beatlemaniacs celebrate The Beatles’ music with a high-energy production. The performance blends lively musicianship and the band’s classic hits with modern stage technology to create an immersive, distinctive concert. Accolades include a nomination for Princess Cruises’ Entertainer of the Year and a Best Musical Act award, along with headlining engagements with Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Celebrity Cruises. Audiences across North America, Europe, and Asia have been treated to their show.

At Center for the Arts of Homer, Sue Foley brings One Guitar Woman, a solo acoustic performance rooted in her Grammy nominated tribute to trailblazing women of the guitar. Rather than straightforward covers, she channels the spirit of the originals, with fluid guitar work and vivid vocals that give each song new life. The companion album has earned top recognition, including Blues Music and Canadian Blues awards for Best Acoustic Album, and critics have highlighted the project as an intimate, illuminating showcase of her artistry. Foley is an acclaimed guitarist, singer, songwriter, and writer who began performing professionally in her teens, has released thirteen albums, and has received five consecutive Blues Music Awards in Memphis for Traditional Female Artist of the Year.

Brad Williams takes the stage at State Theatre of Ithaca for a live show in Ithaca. The event is open to all ages and features reserved seating.

Next Stop Comedy brings a stand-up showcase to Cortland Beer Company with a rotating roster of comedians at every show. Performers include acts with television appearances and popular podcast credits, delivering a fresh, high-energy experience each time.

DSP Shows and the State Theatre of Ithaca present a special stop on Judy Collins’ Sweet Judy Blue Eyes Farewell Tour, with Oakland Rain opening the show. The iconic singer and songwriter brings a career-spanning performance that reflects a lifetime of artistry, from fearless original work to defining interpretations of folk and popular standards. Her celebrated take on Both Sides Now is enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and her rendition of Send in the Clowns earned top Grammy honors, alongside multiple gold and platinum releases that have resonated across generations. In recent years, Collins has continued to release new music, including a Grammy-nominated collection of original songs, underscoring her enduring influence and commitment to storytelling and social conscience. Oakland Rain, a twin-sister duo from Norway, sets the stage with songs that weave thoughtful lyrics and evocative melodies. Their work spans EPs, albums created for Ibsen-inspired theater projects, and compositions for film, with recognition that includes industry recommendations and official conference showcases. They have toured widely throughout Norway, the United States, and Europe, performed at major festivals and stadium events, appeared on national broadcasts, and been honored for efforts aligned with global sustainability goals. Their recent double-album concept explores identity through contrasting colors and genres, highlighting the deep creative bond at the heart of their music. An evening at the State Theatre of Ithaca features a landmark performance from a legend bidding farewell to the road, paired with a rising duo whose intimate harmonies and nuanced songwriting offer a compelling introduction.

This two-day, in-person course at Healing Rein Farm builds on Jim Masterson’s Light to the Core video and focuses on light-touch bodywork for horses. Participants learn subtle, simple techniques intended to influence the horse’s deepest interconnections. Reviewing the Light to the Core video in advance is required, and streaming access is included with registration. It is also encouraged to practice a few techniques beforehand, such as the Bladder Meridian Technique. Tuition is $495. Please wait for an email confirming that the course will proceed before making any travel arrangements.

At Hangar Theatre, Steve Gonsalves presents A Life with Ghosts, an immersive evening centered on hauntings, history, and authentic accounts drawn from years of investigation. Recognized from Ghost Hunters, Ghost Nation, and The House Inbetween, and as the author of the bestselling book A Life with Ghosts, he revisits favorite and widely known cases with fresh stories, added historical context, and footage not previously shared. Through first person storytelling, seldom seen clips, notable haunted artifacts, and candid behind the scenes insights, he offers a close look at the evidence and experiences that shaped his work. The program blends humor with interactive moments and includes a live Q&A, giving fans an opportunity to ask about ghost hunting, evidence, and the stories behind the investigations. Expect an insightful, thought provoking night led by a leading voice in the paranormal. A limited number of VIP packages are available.

Karla Bonoff brings a career of celebrated songwriting to the stage, widely regarded as a leading singer and songwriter of her era with critical acclaim, commercial success, and the respect of her peers. Her compositions became hits for Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd, and Linda Ronstadt, and many of her ballads are considered enduring favorites. She continues to record and tour extensively, often performing to sold-out audiences around the world. In concert, Bonoff's voice takes center stage over clean, understated instrumentation, allowing the emotion in her songs to resonate. Fans and critics regularly describe her work and recordings as timeless, and many listeners prefer hearing these songs in her own voice.

Presented by DSP Shows, Fred Armisen brings Comedy for Musicians But Everyone is Welcome to the State Theatre of Ithaca. A comedian, writer, producer, and musician, Armisen co-created and starred in IFC’s Emmy-nominated Portlandia, portrays Uncle Fester in Netflix’s Wednesday, and stars in the HBO series Los Espookys, a show he also co-wrote and executive produced. He stars, writes, and produces Documentary Now for IFC, has appeared in HBO’s Our Flag Means Death, Judd Apatow’s The Bubble, and Amazon’s Forever, and lends his voice to Big Mouth, The Mitchells vs. The Machines, and the animated Super Mario Bros movie. He is an 11-season alum of Saturday Night Live, led the 8G Band on Late Night With Seth Meyers from 2014 to 2024, and is currently appearing on Broadway in All In.

Four-time Grammy nominee Tab Benoit returns with I Hear Thunder, a self-produced album on his Whiskey Bayou Records imprint that signals a new chapter rooted in the spark that launched his career in 1992. Known for a singular guitar tone and a voice with echoes of Otis Redding, he has been a force in roots music for more than three decades. The new record reflects his ongoing growth as a songwriter and musician while highlighting his enduring commitment to environmental causes that shape the places behind his blues. On tour, the performance features new songs from I Hear Thunder alongside selected favorites from his wide-ranging catalog. Benoit brings the blues to life with a vision that moves it ahead while honoring its rich tradition.

Coco Montoya brings electrifying blues shaped by soulful vocals and searing guitar work. Praised by AllMusic, Blues Music Magazine, and Living Blues, he is recognized for bold improvisation, inventive phrasing, and songs that pulse with intensity. Reviewers point to a gritty, heartfelt voice and a cutting guitar tone that can command a room. Widely regarded as a standout blues artist of his generation, Montoya delivers performances fueled by passion, power, and creativity.

Presented by DSP Shows and The State Theatre of Ithaca, this concert features Jeff Tweedy performing solo with special guest Case Oats. Tweedy, the founding member and lead singer of Wilco, is widely regarded as a leading songwriter and performer. In addition to 13 Wilco releases, he has five solo records to his name, most recently Twilight Override, a 30 track collection that drew strong praise from the New York Times. The performance highlights songs from throughout his catalog while offering a closer look at Twilight Override. Case Oats, the Chicago based project led by Casey Gomez Walker and Spencer Tweedy, took shape seven years ago when the pair met and began writing together. Spencer Tweedy is an experienced drummer who has performed with Jeff Tweedy, Waxahatchee, Mavis Staples, and Norah Jones. Their music carries a lived in quality that suits Gomez Walker’s lyrics, which mix dry humor with candid reflection and a richly textured voice.

Celebrate a love of reading at the fifth book swap at Homer Hops. Participants bring a few books they have enjoyed to trade and head home with gently used finds. In addition to the exchange, browse book themed items for purchase for yourself or as a gift, including apparel from Davenport Dyes & Designs, pre-wrapped surprise selections from Random Reids, and permanent jewelry from Precious Memories Link Jewelry.

Curious about the role of a doula and the support available as you prepare to welcome a baby? This is an opportunity to connect with members of the Ithaca Doula Collective, ask questions, get to know individual doulas, and learn how they can support you through pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period, and other times of transition. Free of charge and open to anyone interested in doula support.

Stewart Copeland steps out for his first American spoken-word tour, offering an evening of stories, insight, and humor drawn from a life behind the drum kit and beyond. As the founder and drummer of The Police, a multiple Grammy winner and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a composer for films, video games, and operas, he explores highlights of a wide-ranging career. The program features conversation supported by photos and video, along with a Q&A. Presented under the banner Have I Said Too Much? The Police, Hollywood, and other adventures.

Geoff Tate is a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum singer and songwriter whose career includes more than three decades steering the progressive metal band Queensryche. With Tate at the helm, the group sold over 20 million records and performed in more than fifty countries.

Presented by DSP Shows and The State Theatre of Ithaca, Punch Brothers headline a concert of boundary-pushing acoustic music. Formed in the late 2000s after Chris Thile’s time with Nickel Creek, the group is known for virtuosic playing and intricate arrangements that blend bluegrass energy, classical nuance, and jazzy improvisation. Signed to Nonesuch, their albums have frequently reached the top of the Billboard Bluegrass chart while also resonating with pop, rock, and folk audiences. The band made its live debut at Carnegie Hall and was featured in the 2011 documentary How to Grow a Band. Their fifth album, All Ashore, won the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album, followed by the tribute release Hell on Church Street in early 2022.

Presented by DSP Shows and the State Theatre of Ithaca, The Wailin' Jennys bring the combined voices of Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody, and Heather Masse. The trio began as a spontaneous collaboration among three solo artists at a small guitar shop in Winnipeg, then grew into an internationally recognized presence in folk music. Founding members Moody and Mehta, together with Masse, who resides in New York, continue to elevate their folk-roots sound with critically praised recordings and captivating live shows. NPR, reflecting on their appearance at the Newport Folk Festival, noted their seamless harmonies, confident leadership, and deep regard for traditional roots music. This performance highlights finely crafted songs, luminous three-part vocals, and a commitment to craft that has solidified their standing in folk and roots circles.

Two decades on the road come into focus through stories filled with resilience and gratitude. Highlights include sharing stages and raising a glass in hotel rooms with musical heroes, meeting families who named children after her, and building friendships through music from Auckland up to the Arctic Circle. The journey has brought performances on trains and boats, sets for Wall Street crowds in formalwear and for mud splashed audiences on a musk ox farm. From humble Idaho beginnings as a solitary rambler, these miles have led to moments that could never have been imagined.

Enjoy a Turkey Trot of approximately 5.5 miles on a course that mixes paved roads with stretches of trails and grass. Shortcuts are permitted, allowing participants to adjust their route.

AikenNadge performs live at Homer Hops, featuring music and drinks.