Free events in Finger Lakes, NY

Celebrate the Community Read with a nature-focused tour of Cornell University's Liberty Hyde Bailey Conservatory, home to more than 600 plant species from 144 families. Get an up-close look at rare plants, plants with economic importance, and remarkable species, including a water lily saved from extinction, a skunk-cabbage relative known for its enormous flowering structure and strong odor when blooming, and an orchid connected to a beloved flavor. The tour is led by Cornell AES greenhouse grower Leo Louis.

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A themed weekend celebrating Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s 211th birthday features tours of her historic home, pop-up ranger programs, sunflower-themed crafts, and a special songbook exhibit. Living-history programs feature Dr. Melinda Grube portraying Stanton. All programming is free and open to the public.

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Explore the essentials of getting started with cannabis cultivation in this free, 60-minute class led by Daniela Vergara, PhD. The session covers plant biology and life cycles, autoflower and photoperiod genetics, indoor and outdoor growing considerations, and common misconceptions compared with scientific evidence. Questions are included, and the class is open to community members aged 21 and older. Vergara is an Emerging Crops Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Harvest New York program, where she works with hemp and cannabis growers statewide. She researches and teaches plant genetics and breeding and is lead author of the New York State Cannabis sativa L. Production Manual.

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The Tompkins County Veterans Expo is presented by the Tompkins County Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Enjoy a free acrylic painting workshop with local artist Basil Bakhshi. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Pizza will be provided, and attendees may bring a drink or snack to share. The program is funded by the Nelson B. Delavan Foundation, Part B.

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Take part in casual Disney Lorcana Core Constructed play, with rounds played as best-of-three matches. Players can use a starter deck or bring a deck of at least 60 cards, with no more than two inks, no proxies, and up to four copies of any card with the same full name. Decks may be changed between rounds. Participants receive a participation promo card while supplies last, and there are random drawings for a Lorcana pin and selected promo cards, also while supplies last. New players can get started with a ready-to-play starter deck.

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Ukrainian poet Olena Boryshpolets and musician Lesya Verba perform Boryshpolets’s poem “New Calypso.” The story follows a modern heroine confronting war, political hypocrisy, and destruction by dictators, while holding on to her sense of self and her belief in love. Boryshpolets is a poet, writer, journalist, actress, and cultural manager from Odesa, Ukraine, now living in Pittsburgh as a writer-in-residence with City of Asylum Pittsburgh. The program is co-presented by Ithaca City of Asylum and Cornell Society for the Humanities and Classics Department. Admission is free, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are required.

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A free Holiday Trolley connects the Christkindl Market at Granger Homestead with Canandaigua’s historic downtown, making it easy to explore both shopping areas. Browse the market’s heated tents, visit downtown businesses, and enjoy local dining.

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A complimentary breakfast is available for veterans and their direct family members, offering a simple chance to spend time together. The meal is free, and gratuities are not included. This gathering takes place at The Barn at Wildwood Restaurant.

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Elmira College professor Dr. Trevor Browning leads a thoughtful conversation about how we understand environmentalism today and what it could look like in the future, including where artificial intelligence fits into the picture. The discussion will consider the roles of people and ideas of control in shaping our relationship with the natural world. Coffee and snacks will be available. Please bring a reusable mug for coffee or tea. This event is part of Coffee with Friends, a free educational program, and donations are welcome but not required.

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Bring leftover pumpkins and gourds without glitter or paint for a free, all-ages morning of pumpkin smashing and composting education. The event will include games and free books from the Seneca Falls Library, composting demonstrations by the Seneca GR&EEN Club, face painting, locally sourced cider, donuts, and coffee, plus a chance to win a backyard compost bin. The event takes place rain or shine. Collected pumpkins and gourds will be composted by Natural Upcycle. Wear layers and closed-toe shoes, especially if rain is expected. Registration is recommended, and walk-ins are welcome. Pumpkins and gourds can also be dropped off at the community garden in the labeled Natural Upcycle bins under the pavilion during the designated drop-off period.

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Families can enjoy stories, songs, and movement together in this interactive storytime at Seymour Library. The program is designed for children ages 2 to 5, and all ages are welcome. Registration is not required.

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LEGO enthusiasts gather at Empire Bricks for a relaxed minifigure swap. Bring along figures you are ready to trade and exchange them with fellow fans. It is open to everyone, with no admission charge and no purchase required.

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Learn to paint with watercolors. All materials are provided, and participants are welcome to bring their own small watercolor kits. Open to ages 15 and up, with space for up to 15 participants. Registration is required, and participation is free.

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Enjoy casual constructed Disney Lorcana play with rounds consisting of best-of-three matches. Players can use a starter deck or bring a deck of at least 60 cards, with no more than two inks, no proxies, and no more than four copies of any card with the same full name. Players may switch decks between rounds. Participants receive a promo card while supplies last, and there are random drawings for a Lorcana pin and selected promo cards, also while supplies last. New players can start with a ready-to-play starter deck.

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Enjoy free live music from local artists on the Bagg Dare bandstand, weather permitting. The event calendar shares information about the performers.

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Enjoy a free, all-ages event with pumpkin smashing, composting demonstrations, games, free books, face painting, locally sourced cider, donuts, and coffee. Attendees can also enter for a chance to win a backyard compost bin. Registration is recommended, and walk-ins are welcome.

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Ballet & Books is a dance and literacy program for children from age 3 through 4th grade. Participants are matched with a Cornell student mentor, and children of all genders are welcome. There is no cost for families to attend. Ballet & Books manages registration and program communications.

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Honor veterans at a concert featuring the Newark First Chancel and Bell Choirs, the Canaltown Chorale, and other guest musicians. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free. Freewill donations will benefit the Mighty Oaks Foundation. The venue is handicap accessible.

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Enjoy a free shopping experience featuring permanent jewelry from Evermore & Co. Rochester, with drinks available at the tasting room.

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The 25 in 250 Speaker Series features a live recording of the Canal Boys Podcast about the tedious experience of traveling on the new Erie Canal, including mishaps involving animals, passengers, and low bridges. Captain Tammee Poinan Grimes of the Colonial Belle will also discuss her family’s history and the history of the Colonial Belle on the Erie Canal.

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Enjoy a free art-themed film in The Dove’s Jim Spates Theater. The movie is a surprise each month, and no registration is required. Seating is limited to 27 people.

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Enjoy free live music from local artists on the Bagg Dare bandstand, weather permitting. The event calendar lists the scheduled performers.

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Discuss Janet Mock’s Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More at a book club hosted by the Ithaca Trans Center. Attendees receive a 10% coupon for one in-store purchase. Mention the Ithaca Trans Center giftcard to get a copy of the book for free.

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Enjoy a free presentation of piano and string chamber music.

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The Ithaca College Flute Ensemble performs under the direction of guest conductor Aaron Burgess.

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Celebrate the season in person with a cozy gathering, festive fun, and good company.

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The American Red Cross is partnering with the school district to host a blood drive. Community members can register online to reserve a spot and help support blood donation efforts.

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Free essential baby needs are available at Booker T. Washington Community Center. Donations are still needed, and community health workers Cherrelle and Jennett can be contacted for more information.

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The Memory Lab provides equipment for digitizing books and documents, slides, DVDs, standard-sized VHS tapes, 8mm and Super8 reel-to-reel films, and cassette tapes. Each one-on-one appointment begins with an hour, with additional time available to work on unfinished projects.

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This free craft night offers a chance to make thoughtful, handmade holiday gifts on a budget. Get creative with projects for friends, family, or someone special, while enjoying time with the community. DW Upholstery is partnering with Weedsport Free Library to help make the craft night possible.

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Learn do-it-yourself ways to save energy and money at home, take home a free home energy kit, and find out about grants and rebates for weatherization, heat pumps, and solar. Community Energy Advisors will be available to answer energy questions. Free pizza and soft drinks will be provided.

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An interactive arts and wellness gathering designed for older adults and caregivers brings the third installment of the Learn, Explore, Create, Connect series to Community Arts of Elmira. Attendees can play Wreath Bingo for a chance to take home a hardy plant, then add a festive touch by painting holiday ornaments with artist Jennifer Sekella, a creative complement to plants already at home. Presented in an open house style, the event offers access to practical, best-care resources in a welcoming setting. Professionals from the organizing partners will be available to answer questions, share guidance, and help participants connect with others navigating similar caregiving and aging experiences. This free program is hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, the Chemung County Department of Aging and Long Term Care, and Community Arts of Elmira. Registration is available through the Chemung County Department of Aging and Long Term Care at 607-737-5520.

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Families with children ages 0 to 4 can enjoy a free space to play, socialize with other families, and get out of the heat.

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Enjoy free local live music each Wednesday at Ventosa Vineyards, along with delicious food, views of Seneca Lake, and sunsets.

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