Free events in Finger Lakes, NY

Keep little hands engaged this summer with take-home craft kits. A new project will be available each week, offering a simple way to craft at home. Kits are available while supplies last.

Hang out for Live Music Fridays with no cover at the Oasis, an outdoor bar area at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards. Music runs from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with live music continuing on Fridays throughout the season. There’s no cover and the venue offers wine, local snacks, and other beverages like wine slushies and cider tree drinks. Food trucks and bands may change, so it’s a good idea to check their Friday posts for the latest schedule.

FLX Trivia brings a fast paced, interactive trivia night to Parker’s Grille and Tap House in Penn Yan, in the Finger Lakes. Teams of any size are welcome to tackle multiple rounds covering general knowledge, pop culture, music, visual clues, and more. Players answer on their phones, so there is no pen or paper required. It is free to play, with prizes for the top teams. Expect a lively atmosphere with food and drinks available from Parker’s. Arriving a little early makes it easier to find a table and get settled.

Volunteers will work with Inclusion in Motion to wipe down equipment and tidy areas around the Motion Junction playground. The effort is open to everyone, with tasks available for any level of participation. Attendees may stay for the entire event or for a shorter time. Participation can count toward community service, and verification is available. Organizations interested in arranging a different day or time can contact the organizers to coordinate.

Discover the vital role of pollinators during a Drop-In Discovery Days session focused on these powerful garden helpers. This free summer series welcomes nature lovers of all ages to explore interactive, themed activities at their own pace, with staff and supplies available for support. No registration is required. The new Discovery Cart will be available, and a sign at the main entrance will help direct visitors. Sessions continue in light rain and are canceled in storms or heavy rain. Themes may change based on weather, materials, and staffing. This program is supported by the Tompkins County Tourism Program and the Legacy Foundation.

Stop by for free live music on the Bagg Dare bandstand featuring local artists. Music runs from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, weather permitting.

The Waterfront weekend series returns with a vibrant mix of agriculture, art, and food vendors. Browse booths, meet makers and producers, and sample a variety of bites as you explore. This recurring gathering offers a relaxed way to discover new finds and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere.

Week 6 of the FLX Unity Center Summer Program focuses on calm and reflection for participants ages 12 to 15. Activities introduce mindfulness and meditation, simple Zen-inspired practices, relaxed time in nature, and wellness routines that encourage self care. Throughout the week, young people build practical tools to move through daily life with steadiness and intention. This week is part of an eight-week series that blends hands-on learning, creativity, skill building, wellness, and community involvement, offered at no cost. Friday field trips are included, and the season concludes with a celebratory visit to Seabreeze. Registration materials can be picked up in person at FLX Unity Center.

Enjoy Barnstormer’s annual Summer Happy Hour and Live Music Series, featuring all-original live performances along with a special happy hour menu. Stop by for Barnstormer wine, local craft beer, and signature craft cocktails, plus weekly culinary pop-ups. This event runs outdoors at the Hangar Bar from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and it happens rain or shine with plans to move inside the tasting room for poor weather. No cover, no reservations required, and seating is first come, first served. Family friendly and pups are welcome.

FLX Trivia Night brings a fast-paced, smartphone-powered quiz to Hog Wallow Tavern in Geneva. Teams of friends compete through multiple rounds that span general knowledge, pop culture, music, and more. Participation is free, and weekly prizes go to the highest-scoring teams. Expect a lively atmosphere with food and drinks available, and a welcoming vibe for both seasoned trivia regulars and first-time players.

Explore the stories behind The Smith Opera House on a free, one-hour history tour led by historian Dr. Chris Woodworth. No RSVP is needed. Meet in front of the theater to begin. Admission is free, and donations of any amount are welcome to support the opera house. The route may include the balcony, which is not wheelchair accessible.

Parents and children from birth to age four can enjoy an open play environment with toys, books, and plenty of room to move in a cool indoor space during the heat of summer. After a single registration, you can attend whenever it works for you. This play space takes place at Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County.

A beloved country band returns to Canandaigua as part of the second annual lakeside concert series. Weekly shows spotlight Central New York talent, and this edition brings a country performance on the lawn with lakeside views. Feel free to bring a chair or blanket and get comfortable for live music by the water. Admission is free and parking is available. Outside food or beverages are not permitted, and food and drinks will be available at the outdoor bar. All ages are welcome and the event is pet friendly. If weather fails to cooperate, the show will move indoors to the Cove.

Open to Ontario County residents, including youth and families, this free group offers a caring place to work through the pain of loss. Guided conversations and opportunities to share with others create a supportive setting where participants can find comfort, clarity, and strength alongside people on similar journeys. Sessions are facilitated by Renae Campbell, LMSW, whose professional expertise and compassionate approach help individuals process grief, build resilience, and move ahead with hope. First-time attendees are asked to register.

This edition of the Beginnings Summer Concert Series brings live music to the Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons, offering a free, all-ages concert in the heart of Downtown Ithaca. The lineup features Drew Kiddoo & The Blackouts alongside Miller and The Other Sinners. Expect a community-focused, outdoor experience with artists spanning a wide range of styles, including jazz, blues, reggae, folk, hip hop, country, bluegrass, rock, and more.

Music in the Park brings no-cost live performances to Seneca Falls, with a new band and local food vendors featured at each show. Pack a lawn chair and an appetite to enjoy food truck offerings and a relaxed summer atmosphere in the park. For the latest lineup and event updates, follow on social media.

Unwind with a perfect summer evening at Six Mile Creek Vineyard with sunset views, great wine, and free live music. John Simon & Friends will perform from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a laid-back, feel-good sound. Wine will be available by the glass or bottle throughout the evening. Please note that outside alcohol is prohibited.