Events in Ithaca today

Designed for parents and children ages 0 to 4, this free indoor play environment offers toys, books, and plenty of space for active movement, creating a cool break during hot summer days. Complete a simple one-time registration, then drop in whenever it fits your schedule.

The Nocturnal Café hosts a weekly open mic that celebrates shared creativity. Now in its fifth year, the series welcomes songs, stories, and more, with a rotating roster of hosts that includes Aria Dawn, Satya Celeste, Laik Uticone, and others. Performers can step up to the mic to share original work, and attendees can enjoy a warm sense of community and connection.

Explore hands-on creativity with activities hosted by the Lending Library and Sensory Room. Projects are tailored for all ages and feature a rotating selection of do-it-yourself fidget crafts. Drop in once or visit regularly, and bring the whole family. All materials are provided and no registration is required. For questions, contact LendingLibrary@racker.org or 607-529-0142. This program is supported by a Family Support Services grant from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

A free, family-friendly outdoor concert at the Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons, presented as part of the Beginnings Summer Concert Series in Downtown Ithaca. This community-focused gathering features performances by GIAC Jumpers & Southside Panthers and Gunpoets. The series highlights local and national artists and spans a wide range of styles, including jazz, blues, reggae, folk, hip hop, country, bluegrass, rock, and more.

Runners set out from Bike Bar Ithaca and break into groups by pace, choosing routes and distances together before returning to the bar. Created as a casual way for students and other younger community members to connect, it has no speed or mileage requirements, and staying for a post-run drink is optional.

Ithaca Gallery Night is a monthly celebration of visual art, with galleries and other venues presenting exhibitions. Multiple spaces come together to highlight artwork in a coordinated showcase.

Roller skating is offered with straightforward pricing and convenient rental options. Admission is $7 for skaters 18 and older and $5 for those under 18. Skate rentals cost an additional $3.50, with sizes available from Toddler 10 through Adult 13. To save time, you can prepay for rental skates when registering for your session. Group rates are available for groups of 10 to 20 skaters when scheduled at least 10 days in advance. Helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads are encouraged for all skaters.

Build a deck by drafting three play packs from the current set, then face other players in three Swiss rounds with best of three matches. Entry is $25. Every participant earns at least one Play Booster Pack, with additional packs for top finishers, and 1.5 packs per participant added to the prize pool. Prize packs are selected by players in order of final standings based on what is in stock at the store, and the newest set is not guaranteed. If you need to drop early or cannot finish all three rounds, you will receive packs equal to the last-position prize payout. Draft nights are canceled during Prerelease events.

An open air market gathers at the pavilion at Steamboat Landing each week, creating a welcoming spot to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones while exploring vendors across the outdoor marketplace. It highlights agriculture, art, and food produced close to home, with everything grown, crafted, or cooked within a 30 mile radius of a pavilion built by members.

An in-person pet loss support group offering a caring space to connect with others who have similar experiences and understand the grieving process. It meets at Danby Community Church, welcomes anyone seeking support during a time of loss, and respects each person's religious values. Although it takes place in a church, the gathering has no religious requirement and no religious tone.

Protagonist presents an all-day celebration of local authors with continuous meet-and-greets and book signings. Visitors can chat with writers, get books signed, and discover new voices as the lineup rotates throughout the day, often in pairs. Featured guests include M. Stevenson, Marisa Antonacci, Kaitlyn Marquart, Ann Leonard, Shelly Jones, Nate Collins, Elisabeth Nonas, Lisa Harris, Stephanie Kirsche, Rob Costello, Amber Smith, Sam Gellar, Dan Kopcow, Isabel Sterling, and Yvonne Rogalski.

A free, weekly Disney Lorcana league offers casual Core Constructed play with pin and promo support. Each round is a best of three matches. Bring a starter deck or build your own with at least 60 cards, 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. Prize support includes a participation promo card for every player while supplies last, a random drawing for a Lorcana pin, and additional random drawings for promo cards while supplies last. New players can begin with a ready to play starter deck, which is a preconstructed list created by Team Lorcana and is a straightforward way to meet the 60 card requirement.

The Ithaca Fixers Collective meets at its new home, the Cayuga ReUse Center. It is an informal and fun gathering for anyone who has items to repair, wants to help fix things, or hopes to learn repair skills. Participants work together to extend the life of household goods such as home electronics, furniture, small appliances, and more while sharing skills and resources in a relaxing setting.

Enjoy no-cost, outdoor community yoga at Danby Food & Drink. Sessions are slow paced and welcoming to beginners, led by certified instructor Sheila Sidhu, RYT-200. Each class blends breathing practices, approachable movement, and simple meditation, rooted in yoga tradition and presented in a practical way for everyday life. If you can sit cross legged or spend time on your hands and knees comfortably, you are ready to participate. Bring a yoga mat, consider blocks for added support, and a towel or blanket if your knees are sensitive. A strap or long belt can be helpful, and water, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses make time outside more comfortable. A small supply of mats, blocks, straps, and blankets is available to borrow thanks to community tips. Classes are free and open to all, with a tip jar and Venmo available for those who would like to support Sheila’s teaching. Newcomers and longtime practitioners are equally welcome. Sheila is new to the Ithaca and Danby area and aims to connect with neighbors through yoga. If the parking lot is full, parking is permitted along the shoulder of 96B.