Events in Ithaca, NY

Enjoy a relaxed, social run starting and ending at Bike Bar Ithaca. Students and younger community members are welcome. The group heads out together, then breaks into comfortable pace groups for roughly half an hour, choosing routes and distance along the way before regrouping back at the bar. There is no set pace or mileage, and you decide how far to go and how long to hang out afterward.

Area 51 in Cortland hosts a weekly Digimon Card Game tournament. The entry fee is $10 and includes an Exclusive Store Tournament Vol. Pack. The top performer earns a Winner Pack, and store credit is awarded based on turnout and player records. Participants should bring their own deck and get ready to battle it out.

Ruby makes a New York debut at Liquid State Brewing Company in Ithaca and brings Mountain Soul music to the Finger Lakes. Advance tickets are $5.

Part of the Institute for German Cultural Studies fall colloquium series, this session features Thomas Wild of Bard College, a German studies scholar, exploring Hannah Arendt and the poetics of plurality. The talk takes place in Klarman Hall, Room 155 at Cornell University. Admission is free and open to the public.

Hailing from Upstate New York, this dynamic country quartet shines a spotlight on the voices and storytelling of women in country music with an energetic set. Led by Jessie Kay, whose rich country vocals and easy rapport anchor the show, the band performs well-known hits that span the last forty years, from enduring classics to current anthems.

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night meets the pulse of the Roaring Twenties in an adaptation directed by David Feldshuh for Cornell’s Department of Performing and Media Arts, presented in the Kiplinger Theatre at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. A company of twenty-three brings the story to life, with fourteen actors alongside a singing chorus and dancers, and live jazz from professional musician Mike Carbone on saxophone and flute. The journey begins with a shipwreck that leads to Illyria, here imagined as a dreamscape inspired by René Magritte, where identities shift and love takes unpredictable turns. Comedy and music fill this world, yet a surrounding sense of conflict lingers, and pranks can harden into cruelty, creating a vivid blend of brightness and shadow. Built through collaboration between dedicated Cornell students and professional theatre artists, the production engages with a play that has captivated audiences for more than four centuries.

This celebration at Foundation of Light features puja, prasad, and a cultural program with no admission charge. A schedule is available. Meals will be offered on both days, including Bengali cuisine and dishes from across South Asia. Meal tickets are required, with early bird pricing available followed by regular rates. Children under 10 do not need meal tickets. Students who show a valid student ID at the venue front desk can use the discount code STDISCNT during online registration to receive discounts on meal tickets.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the Ithaca and Cortland area focuses on hope and collective action in the fight against the disease. It brings people together to take steps that show support and resolve.

Set beneath the open-air pavilion built by members at Steamboat Landing, this Saturday market celebrates agriculture, art, and food created within a 30-mile radius. Wander the outdoor stalls, reconnect with familiar faces, and discover something new while exploring a welcoming marketplace in the fresh air.

Customize a tote or bring your own clothing or bags to transform with buttons and patches. Enjoy pizza while you get creative. This gathering is for LGBTQIA+ teens and allies ages 13 to 17. Supported by the Foundation for Southern Tier Libraries.

A debut appearance takes place at Fall Creek House, a well known local spot in Ithaca.

This solo performance at the State Theatre of Ithaca features Jeff Tweedy with special guest Case Oats, presented by DSP Shows and the State Theatre of Ithaca. Tweedy, Wilco’s founder and lead singer, is a widely respected contemporary songwriter and performer. The set highlights music from across his catalog along with pieces from his five solo albums, most recently the 30 track Twilight Override, which received praise from the New York Times. Case Oats is a Chicago project led by Casey Gomez Walker and Spencer Tweedy. The pair began collaborating seven years ago and developed a lived in sound that complements Gomez Walker’s lyrics, which are wry, candid, and full of depth. Spencer Tweedy is a seasoned drummer whose work includes performances with Jeff Tweedy, Waxahatchee, Mavis Staples, and Norah Jones.

The Waterfront is bringing back its weekend gatherings with a mix of agriculture, art, and food vendors. Browse goods from growers and artisans alongside a variety of food options.

A weekend market at the pavilion brings together local vendors alongside artisans, farmers, and chefs from within a 30-mile radius. It offers opportunities to connect with the people who craft, cultivate, and prepare their own products. The market operates on weekends in any weather.

Plant BINGO returns to Latitude 42 with a lively round of games and a fresh mix of plant prizes, so repeat winners will not take home the same plant twice. Open to all ages. The session lasts about 1.5 hours. A ticket is required to participate and availability is limited. If fewer than 15 people are registered, the event will be canceled and payments will be refunded. The ticket link can be found in the event listing, and assistance with purchasing is available by message. To avoid scams, buy only through Gaia’s Greens on Square and do not purchase from individuals claiming to resell tickets.

Experience Cortland and All My Friends Books are teaming up in downtown Cortland for an ACOTAR-inspired celebration marking the arrival of A Court of Splintered Harmony at All My Friends Books. Fans of Sarah J. Maas can pick up preorders, enjoy coffee and refreshments, and celebrate with fellow readers. The first three people through the door receive a free Experience Cortland Book Baddie tote honoring the trio of beloved Bat Boys. Totes will also be available for purchase during the event. Anyone who preorders or purchases A Court of Splintered Harmony through All My Friends Books will be entered to win a free copy of A Court of Forgotten Melody when it is released in January 2027. A limited number of books will be available during the event, so placing a preorder with the bookstore helps ensure a copy is set aside.

At Barnes Hall in Ithaca, pianist Jack Yarbrough marks Morton Feldman’s centennial with a performance of Triadic Memories, composed in 1981. Spanning more than an hour and a half, this expansive piece has significantly influenced American music and the piano repertoire, and Feldman once compared it to capturing the largest butterfly in captivity. Late seating will not be permitted for this performance.

Lilypad Puppet Theatre presents a Halloween story about Jack, who has a pumpkin patch to tend but would rather lounge and sing, until the Devil arrives to claim his soul. Watch as Jack tries to outsmart his visitor and get the work done through a performance featuring puppets, life sized masked characters, original songs, and a finale filled with spooky fun. Attendees can bring a Jack o Lantern to have it included in the show. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids and students. Children three and under are free. Admission is $1 with EBT or equivalent, and free for participants in the Big Brother Big Sister Program. Expect pumpkins, playful tricks, and the Devil himself.

Guided by Cornell Botanic Gardens staff, this monthly walk invites participants to notice the beauty and drama of the living landscape. As the group explores different garden paths, simple mindfulness practices help focus attention on the present, encouraging close observation of plant changes across the seasons. The walk takes place rain or shine. It is free to attend, with donations welcome, and no pre-registration is required. Instruction is provided by Sarah Fiorello, Interpretation Coordinator, and Kara Peet, Student and Public Education Coordinator. Meet at the Nevin Welcome Center.

Local artist Basil Bakhshi leads a free acrylic painting workshop held after library hours. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome to take part. Pizza will be available, and attendees may bring a drink or snack to share. This program is funded by the Nelson B. Delavan Foundation, part B.

A Halloween themed double point race brings costumes, candy, and trackside excitement. Wear a favorite costume for a parade around the track, then racing begins right after. Families are encouraged to bring candy to hand out during the parade. Entry is $20 per bike and $10 for Striders. During intermission, a pumpkin rolling contest sends small pumpkins from the starting hill, with prizes for the winners. Registration takes place before racing begins. More activities are planned as the event gets closer.

PBC’s annual Trunk or Treat transforms the parking lot with decorated cars and plenty of treats. This free, family friendly gathering offers a safe, well lit environment with candy, free popcorn and hot dogs, and more.

Sonny's Bar & Grill hosts a Halloween-themed show where costumes are encouraged. Attendees are welcome to dress up and get into the Halloween spirit.

The Dart Brothers take the stage for a Halloween night of spooky fun and high-energy rock at Bike Bar. Costumes are encouraged, with an emphasis on the weird and wonderful. Admission is free.

This monthly roundtable puts commissioner service into practice by bringing Scouting unit leaders together for practical support. Whether you are new to the role or a longtime Scouter, you can discover fresh program ideas, hear important policy and event updates, add supplemental training, and connect with peers who understand everyday challenges. The gathering is held in the Sprole Conference Room at Tompkins Cortland Community College. For easiest access, use the gym entrance on the far left, go to the back, then turn right to find the room on the right. Some other entrances involve stairs. The campus cafeteria offers dinner options for those arriving early.

Kick up your heels at Newark Valley Community Connection with line dancing lessons and plenty of fun on the floor. Beginners are welcome, with no prior experience needed. A $5 cover is collected at the door.

The Cousins Maine Lobster truck returns to The Shops at Ithaca Mall in Ithaca with a tasty stop for lobster grilled cheese. Order right at the truck using cash or any major credit card, or choose contactless service through the Cousins Maine Lobster mobile app. When using the app, select Rochester, Syracuse, or Buffalo NY as your location. The app accepts orders only during operating hours, and at peak times ordering may be paused briefly to manage volume and maintain quality.

Part of the fall 2026 colloquium series from the Institute for German Cultural Studies, this installment features Ari Linden of the University of Kansas exploring partial automation and how it shapes indifference in Marx’s Grundrisse. The talk will be held in Klarman Hall, Room 155 at Cornell University. The series also spotlights Stefan Willer of Cornell on inheritance in contemporary literature, David Martyn of Macalester College on writing beyond linguistic boundaries, Thomas Wild of Bard College on Hannah Arendt’s approach to plurality, and Annie Pfeifer of Columbia University on Nietzsche as a spokesperson for Zarathustra. Admission is free and open to the public.

This pet loss support group meets at Danby Community Church and offers compassionate support for anyone experiencing a time of loss. Although the gathering takes place in a church, there is no religious requirement or tone, and each person’s beliefs are respected. Participants can find understanding alongside others with similar experiences who recognize the grieving process.

Explore intuitive readings with respected psychic and spiritual mediums at HomeTowne Studios and Conference Center Cortland. Have your aura photographed in full color, browse distinctive metaphysical goods from a range of vendors, and receive a complimentary gemstone with admission. Entry is $10, and attendees 16 and under are admitted free. Plan to bring cash, as vendor payment methods vary.

Bendher delivers a house rocking live show aimed at a great time for everyone. Enjoy great food and drinks with a friendly staff ready to help throughout the event.

This informal meetup at Jillian's Drawers brings together members of the Ithaca Doula Collective with anyone curious about doula care. Attendees can connect with individual doulas, pose questions, and learn about the support doulas offer during pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period, and other life transitions. Admission is free and the event welcomes all who are interested in doula support.

Step away from the routine for a quiet evening of reading at Hushed Haus, a serene club created for losing yourself in the worlds authors imagine. Shaped like a low-key happy hour for introverts, it centers on peaceful, shared quiet. Bring a favorite book and get comfortable. There are no assignments or required titles, just unhurried pages and snacks. This is the eleventh Hushed Haus gathering at the Haus of Hamilton.

Stewart Copeland, world famous drummer and founder of The Police, presents his first American spoken word tour. A multiple Grammy winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and composer for films, video games, and operas, as well as a writer and filmmaker, he shares stories from The Police, Hollywood, and other adventures. The evening features conversation with photos and videos and concludes with a Q&A. Delivered in his funny, intelligent, sharp, and distinctive style, Have I Said Too Much? showcases a wide-ranging career.

Step into a speakeasy-themed murder mystery presented in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension. Enjoy a buffet featuring flapper-inspired fare and libations. A passphrase is required: “Chester sent me!” Attendance is limited to 65 guests, and the price is $80 per person. Choose your suspects wisely... survival is not promised.

Geoff Tate, a Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum singer and songwriter, is known for spending over three decades guiding the progressive metal group Queensryche. With him at the forefront, the band moved more than 20 million albums worldwide and played shows in more than fifty countries.

The Groton NY High School Craft Show takes place at Groton Jr/Sr Parent Teacher Organization in Groton, NY and is expected to welcome roughly 8,000 visitors over the course of the event. Outdoor vendor spaces include access to electricity, and vendors should bring their own extension cords and power strips. Vendor passes will be provided at check-in, and a dedicated vendor parking area will be available on-site. For questions or confirmations, communicate directly with the event organizer at twistedbee.events@gmail.com and treat any other outreach claiming to represent this event with caution.

This hands-on workshop invites a couple, or a pregnant participant with someone from their birth team, to concentrate on preparing for labor and birth. It offers clear guidance on what to do when contractions begin, how to work with the body, and how to focus the mind through each phase. Together, participants practice a variety of positions for contractions, the breaks in between, and the moment of delivery. Partners receive specific, practical tips for how to be helpful throughout the process so everyone can feel prepared and empowered. Many participants choose to take this workshop during the final trimester of pregnancy.

Scott James & Cryss Marie bring a night of live music to O'Malley's, mixing well-known covers with inventive reinterpretations of familiar songs.

DSP Shows and The State Theatre of Ithaca present Punch Brothers in concert at The State Theatre of Ithaca. This forward-looking string band is known for fleet-fingered musicianship and intricate arrangements. After the end of Nickel Creek, mandolinist Chris Thile formed the group in the late 2000s, and their sound blends bluegrass drive, classical sophistication, and jazz-like improvisation. Most of their Nonesuch releases have topped the Billboard Bluegrass chart and also made notable inroads on pop, rock, and folk charts. They gave their first performance at Carnegie Hall and were 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 2022 tribute set Hell on Church Street. This show highlights virtuosic playing, tight ensemble work, and a cross-genre spirit from a supergroup in the roots music world.

Personalize a wreath at a welcoming crafting session that supplies fresh evergreen clippings, a 20 inch frame, wire, and a wide selection of festive accents, including pine cones, berries, ribbons, and ornaments. Use what is provided or bring favorite decorations from home to make it truly your own. Everyone leaves with a finished wreath ready for the front door or to share as a holiday gift. The cost is $45. For comfortable assembly, participants are encouraged to bring gloves and garden snippers if available.

Wear your boots and get ready for an evening of dance lessons and plenty of fun. No prior experience is required, and there is a $5 cover payable at the door.

A monthly coffee gathering for veterans provides a welcoming setting to connect with peers, share stories, and build community over a cup of coffee. Conversation and camaraderie are the focus, and families are welcome.

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.

Enjoy an anime screening chosen by the audience, with plenty of ways to personalize the experience. Build a custom snack plate, munch on fresh popcorn, and get creative with craft activities. This gathering is designed for LGBTQIA+ teens and their allies ages 13 to 17. These programs are made possible with support from the Foundation for Southern Tier Libraries.

Eilen Jewell marks two decades on the road with an evening that looks back on a life of constant touring, deep gratitude, and unlikely adventures. With a nod to a line by Bob Dylan, she shares vivid memories of sharing stages with her heroes, meeting fans whose children bear her name, and building friendships through music in places that range from Auckland to the fringes of the Arctic Circle. The stories span performances in surprising settings too, from trains and boats to a tuxedoed Wall Street crowd and even a muddy musk ox farm, all told by a once lonely rambler from Idaho who found community along the way.

Enjoy a Turkey Trot covering about 5.5 miles. The course is roughly half paved and half trail or grass, and shortcuts are permitted for anyone who wants to shorten the route.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday at the second annual vintage market at Wetlands Brewery. Explore vintage pieces, handmade items, and distinctive local finds in a cozy brewery setting while enjoying craft beer. Vendor applications will open soon, so creators, collectors, makers, and curators can watch for more information in the coming weeks.

Little Georgie and The Shuffling Hungarians appear at the Center for the Arts of Homer in Homer, NY for a rare live set. This venerable rock and soul orchestra features some of the finest musicians the 315 has to offer.

PRISM is the library’s monthly social group for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and allies ages 12 to 17. It offers an inclusive space to connect with peers through a variety of activities, including crafts, queer history discussions, movie nights, and games. Registration is not required.

Lace up your boots and step onto the dance floor for an evening of easy-to-follow lessons and plenty of fun. No prior experience is required, and admission is $5 at the door.

Create a seasonal wreath using local evergreens, willow branches, dried flowers, and pinecones. Phoebe Van Vleet of Thistle Flower Farm will demonstrate how to build the wreath form, wire a pinecone, and make a hanging hook, then participants will craft their own medium to large wreath to take home. Bring your own gloves. All other materials are provided. To ensure everyone has a chance to participate, please register for no more than two Thistle Flower Farm workshops.

Béla Fleck brings his My Bluegrass Heart project to the State Theatre of Ithaca, presented by DSP Shows and the State Theatre of Ithaca, with an ensemble featuring Michael Cleveland, Dominick Leslie, Jeff Partin, Mark Schatz, and Jake Stargel. A nineteen-time Grammy Award winner across genres from Country and Pop to Jazz, Classical, Instrumental, and World Music, Fleck returns to his roots with the Grammy-winning My Bluegrass Heart, the third chapter following Drive and The Bluegrass Sessions. Known for expanding the possibilities of the banjo, he has led Béla Fleck and The Flecktones, written concertos for symphony orchestra, traced the instrument’s African lineage in the documentary Throw Down Your Heart, and collaborated with Zakir Hussain, Rakesh Chaurasia, Edgar Meyer, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez, Abigail Washburn, Chick Corea, and Renée Fleming on The Fiddle and the Drum. Fiddler Michael Cleveland is a twelve-time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year and a Grammy winner for Tall Fiddler, leading the band Flamekeeper and appearing on recordings with artists including Béla Fleck. Mandolinist Dominick Leslie is a two-time Grammy winner whose work spans projects such as Hawktail, Noam Pikelny & Friends, and Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway. Jeff Partin, a multi-instrumentalist celebrated for his dobro playing, has performed with Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, Mountain Heart, and Volume Five. Mark Schatz, a two-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year, is also known for clawhammer banjo, percussive dance, and recordings with artists like Tony Rice, John Hartford, Claire Lynch, Nickel Creek, Sara Jarosz, and Béla Fleck. Guitarist Jake Stargel, a Georgia flatpicking champion and IBMA Momentum Award recipient, has toured and recorded with groups including Mountain Heart and Sierra Hull, alongside extensive Nashville studio work. This appearance showcases bluegrass performed by a decorated, multi-generational lineup rooted in tradition and shaped by wide-ranging musical exploration.

Settle into a peaceful, social reading session at the Haus of Hamilton, created for those who enjoy quiet company. Bring a favorite book and read alongside others in comfortable silence. There are no assignments or required titles, just the pleasure of getting lost in your own story with snacks available. Framed as an introvert-friendly happy hour, this gathering offers a welcoming sanctuary for book lovers.

Lez Zeppelin, an acclaimed all-female rock quartet personally endorsed by Jimmy Page, presents a special tribute marking 50 years of The Song Remains the Same. The band performs the entire soundtrack from beginning to end with a multimedia presentation inspired by the original film. Channeling the energy, virtuosity, and grand scale of Led Zeppelin’s 1973 Madison Square Garden shows, this experience brings a landmark chapter of rock to life for longtime followers and new listeners.

Cortland Music Venue presents a multi-artist concert featuring Small Town Titans, Scotty Austin, former frontman of Saving Abel, Bad Marriage featuring Tommy Skeoch of Tesla, Who on Earth, and more. This event is part of the Austin Entertainment Festival concert series.

This monthly coffee talk offers veterans an inviting place to meet, trade stories, and strengthen bonds over coffee. It centers on conversation and camaraderie. Family members are welcome.

Driftwood delivers an ever-evolving folk rock sound rooted in a partnership that began when founders Joe Kollar and Dan Forsyth made music as high schoolers in the basement of Kollar’s family home. The Upstate New York group now includes violinist Claire Byrne, bassist Joey Arcuri, and drummer Sam Fishman, and has built its following by winning new listeners on cross-country tours and performing for loyal crowds at Levon Helm’s Woodstock barn. Their latest release, December Last Call, feels like a return to their roots while still pushing their folk tradition forward.