Events in Lansing, NY

A weekend of camping and hiking in Robert Treman State Park invites connection with nature, self, and community while enjoying the colors of autumn. The pace is recreational, with day hikes, campfires, and outdoor adventures. Tent sharing may be required. The emphasis is on fun, so participants should be prepared for a day hike and plenty of lighthearted activity. Space is limited and registration is required. To reserve a spot, complete the registration form, make a suggested donation or request a scholarship, and confirm attendance one week before the trip. If capacity is reached, email jacquelinj@rocoveryny.org to be added to the waitlist. Questions about physical abilities or attire can be addressed by email or in person to help ensure a safe and supportive experience. This trip is for adults 18 and older. All classes and events are free and open to anyone with at least 48 hours of continuous sobriety. First time participants are asked to complete a membership questionnaire.

Live music at Finger Lakes Cider House features Cuban-American vocalist and composer Venissa Santi with her trio. Her repertoire blends jazz, Afro-Cuban roots, and original songs. A recipient of a Pew Fellowship in Folk and Traditional Arts, she has studied in Cuba and released the Sunnyside Records albums Bienvenida and Big Stuff: Afro-Cuban Holiday, drawing praise from Rubén Blades and Danilo Pérez. She is developing new material with the trio and working toward a new album with Michael Stark on piano and Olive Mitra on drums. $5 cover charge.

Now staged outdoors at a pavilion built by members, this weekly Saturday market at Steamboat Landing brings together agriculture, art, and food that are grown, crafted, and cooked within 30 miles. Browse familiar stalls, catch up with old friends, and meet new people while exploring a mix of local producers and makers.

Paws to Remember offers a compassionate space to share memories of beloved animal companions and navigate grief with others who understand. The group meets at Danby Community Church and welcomes anyone seeking support during a time of loss. Although it is held in a church, there is no religious requirement or tone, and each person’s values are respected. Participants connect with people who have similar experiences and an understanding of the grieving process.

Joe Crookston returns to The Cherry Arts for a hometown evening of heartfelt performance and song. Expect a blend of storytelling, fiddle tunes, community, wine, art, and a playful touch of magic... with rattlesnakes turning up in the tales. His local shows are popular and frequently sell out.

The Beatlemaniacs bring a high-energy homage to the Beatles, blending the group’s classic spirit with modern stage production for an immersive concert experience. Their accolades include a nomination for Entertainer of the Year with Princess Cruises, a Best Musical Act award, and headlining appearances on Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Celebrity cruise lines. They have performed for audiences across North America, Europe, and Asia. Tickets are available.

The State Theatre of Ithaca hosts The Beatlemaniacs, an internationally acclaimed and award winning tribute honoring the Fab Four. Their production blends the Fab Four's raw energy and musical magic with modern theater technology for a distinctive concert experience. Accolades include a nomination for Entertainer of the Year on Princess Cruises, a Best Musical Act win, and headlining engagements on Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Celebrity Cruises, with audiences reached across North America, Europe, and Asia.

At the pavilion, a market brings together artisans, farmers, and chefs who make, grow, and cook their products within 30 miles. Browse vendors and meet the people behind the goods. Open on weekends, rain or shine.

Waterfront weekends return with a mix of agricultural, art, and food vendors, bringing together farm offerings, creative works, and food items in one place.

Experience a heartfelt set inspired by One Guitar Woman, drawn from Sue Foley’s GRAMMY-nominated solo acoustic salute to the women who blazed trails on the guitar. The companion album has been honored with major blues awards for Best Acoustic Album in both the United States and Canada. On stage, Foley moves well beyond simple covers, channeling the character and spirit of the originals. Her guitar work feels grounded and effortless, while her vibrant vocals bring fresh meaning to the lyrics and shape each song into something distinctly her own.

The Tuesdays at Taughannock series returns to the Enchantment Garden at the Inn at Taughannock Falls with an evening of live music featuring Pat Carlineo & Friends. Settle in by the garden and cozy firepits for relaxed vibes and cold beer. The garden kitchen offers $25 Burger Combos that include a burger or sandwich, a beer, wine, or non-alcoholic drink, a bag of chips, music, and tax. Optional treats from the rotating bakery selection and the award winning mac and cheese are available, and the Victorian Inn Bar provides a full bar to round out the night.

Firelight Live kicks off a weekly music series with a performance by the Diana Leigh Quartet. Pizza from Stone Bend Farm will be available, and the bar will serve specialty cocktails along with local beer, wine, and cider. Non-alcoholic drinks and additional snacks can also be purchased. Open to all.

Brad Williams takes the stage at the State Theatre of Ithaca for an all-ages show with reserved seating. Tickets are available online.

BOB ROBERTS CALAMITY makes a debut at Friday Night Farm Jams with a five-piece lineup that thrives on nostalgia and sharp original songwriting. Known around the Finger Lakes for high-spirited sets, the group revives long-forgotten radio favorites and pairs them with tunes that evoke a simpler time. After releasing the 2024 album "Zen In Denim", the band has kept stages busy, sharing wry, relatable lyrics and a sound that nods to 90s grit alongside bright pop sensibilities. The performance blends familiar throwbacks with fresh material for an upbeat, good-time groove.

Presented by DSP Shows and the State Theatre of Ithaca, this concert welcomes Judy Collins for a stop on her Sweet Judy Blue Eyes farewell tour. The award-winning singer and songwriter is celebrated for luminous vocals, courageous writing, and a lifelong commitment to social causes. Her imaginative interpretations of folk standards sit alongside poetically crafted originals across a remarkable body of 55 albums. Signature recordings include "Both Sides Now," honored in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and "Send in the Clowns," which earned Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards. A recent creative renaissance has brought multiple new releases, including Spellbound, her first collection written entirely by her and a nominee for Best Folk Album at the Grammy Awards, along with a poetry collection titled Sometimes It’s Heaven: Poems of Love, Loss and Redemption. This farewell run offers a final opportunity to experience her storytelling and timeless voice live at the State Theatre of Ithaca. Special guests Oakland Rain join the bill. The twin-sister duo has drawn acclaim for vivid lyricism, more than 3 million Spotify streams, and a catalog that spans EPs, music created for Ibsen theater, and a concept double album, Twin Flames, split between The Evergreen and Heavenly Blue. Their performances have reached audiences across Norway, the United States, and Europe, with appearances on national television and international radio, festival stages, and halftime shows. Their work connected to Ibsen has been acknowledged by The Norwegian Ibsen Company and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The music explores identity, the unique bond of twins, and the tension between fear and freedom, blending earthy Americana with airy Nordic pop.

Explore the F.R. Newman Arboretum on a guided tree tour that highlights the remarkable diversity of species and why that diversity matters to people. Discover how these trees connect to local flora and forests around the world, and learn about current threats from pests, pathogens, and a changing climate. The walk also shares perspectives on the cultural significance of particular trees. This program takes place rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Advance registration is required because space is limited. The fee is $12 for general admission, and Cornell Botanic Gardens Access Pass holders attend at no cost. The tour is led by David Weinstein, a forest ecologist and senior research associate emeritus with Cornell’s Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, and Christina Stark, a senior extension associate emerita in the Division of Nutritional Sciences. Meet at the parking area next to Houston Pond and the Sculpture Garden in the central part of the Arboretum.

A neighborhood market fills the open yard at Danby Food and Drink with live music, great food, and a showcase of local vendors. The Silo food truck serves up tasty fare while The Wallnuts Band sets the mood with a live set. Browse offerings from local growers and bakers, vintage sellers, and craftspeople, then stop into the store for ice cream or snacks while supporting small businesses in the area. The setting is family friendly on a grassy lawn outside the shop. Well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome, and the grounds are smoke free. Masks are not required for staff or attendees indoors or outdoors. Accessibility features include one accessible parking space located in a gravel lot adjacent to a paved sidewalk entryway, a built in ramp inside the store connecting upper and lower levels, and a portable ramp available on request for restroom and outdoor access. The restroom has grab bars at the side and behind the toilet, a changing table, and space for a full 60 inch turnaround. For questions about the space or event, please contact the store.

At Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, Steve Gonsalves brings A Life with Ghosts to the stage for an immersive night of hauntings, history, and true accounts drawn from years of investigation. Known from Ghost Hunters, Ghost Nation, The House Inbetween, and as the author of the bestseller A Life with Ghosts, he revisits favorite and notable cases in an updated presentation that adds fresh stories, expanded historical context, and exclusive video. Through firsthand storytelling, rare clips, items connected to reported hauntings, and candid behind the scenes moments, he opens a clear look at the cases, evidence, and experiences collected over time. He also explores the real histories tied to these investigations, which can prove as disquieting as the activity itself. The program weaves in humor and interactive moments with the crowd, then concludes with a live question and answer session where fans can ask about ghost hunting, the evidence, and the narratives behind the investigations. A limited number of VIP packages are available.

Karla Bonoff takes the stage as a songwriter and vocalist widely regarded as a defining voice of her era. Her career blends critical praise, commercial success, lasting popularity, and the respect of fellow musicians. Songs she wrote became hits for Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd, and Linda Ronstadt, and many of her own ballads are considered classics. She continues to record and tour widely, often performing for sold out audiences around the world. This performance showcases her deeply felt vocals and expressive writing, with arrangements kept clean and understated so the emotion can lead. Her music is often described as refreshing and restorative, and her concerts have been called transformative, with fans and critics alike celebrating the enduring power of her own renditions.

Nick Stark & These Dudes bring an evening of live music to Spruce Row Campground. Admission for the general public is $5 per person, and guests staying at Spruce Row can attend at no cost. Settle in with friends, enjoy a drink, and take in the performance.

Y We Ride is a fundraising bike tour celebrating the collaboration of the Cortland and Ithaca YMCAs. Participants can choose routes of 25, 52, or 101 miles through Cortland and Tompkins County. Every registrant receives a personal fundraising page to support their ride. The tour welcomes both individual cyclists and teams, and also supports virtual riders.

Betty’s Ghost is back at Lucas Vineyards to help welcome the season. Look forward to an upbeat atmosphere and a great time.

Fred Armisen brings a comedy set crafted with musicians in mind, yet open to all audiences, to the State Theatre of Ithaca. A comedian, writer, producer, and musician, he co-wrote and co-starred in the Emmy-nominated Portlandia on IFC, appears as Uncle Fester in the Netflix series Wednesday, and stars in HBO’s Los Espookys, which he co-wrote and executive produced. His screen and voice credits include the Super Mario Bros. movie, Documentary Now on IFC, HBO’s Our Flag Means Death, Judd Apatow’s The Bubble, Amazon’s Forever, Big Mouth, and The Mitchells vs. The Machines. He is currently appearing on Broadway in All In, is a veteran of 11 seasons on Saturday Night Live, and served as band leader of the 8G Band on Late Night With Seth Meyers from 2014 to 2024.

Live music fills the Enchantment Garden at the Inn at Taughannock Falls, creating a relaxed outdoor gathering with sunshine, cozy firepits, and a cool vibe. The garden kitchen is featuring $25 burger combos that include your choice of burger or sandwich, a beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage, a bag of chips, and tax, with the live music experience included. Seasonal bakery treats and the venue’s award winning mac and cheese are available as add-ons, and the Victorian Inn Bar offers a full bar.

Settle into a calm, book-centered evening at the Haus of Hamilton with a quiet happy hour designed for introverts. Bring a favorite book and enjoy collective quiet with fellow readers while slipping into the worlds that authors spend years creating. There is no homework or assigned material, just uninterrupted reading time and snacks. This gathering marks the tenth edition of Hushed Haus.

Enjoy a peaceful break with Mindful Birding at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. From the Visitor Center observatory, participants can watch Sapsucker Woods Pond in a warm indoor setting. Binoculars and seating are available, and guests are welcome to stop in briefly or stay for the full session. The experience starts with a short sensory warm-up to connect with nature, continues with quiet observation of the pond and its birdlife, and closes with a reflective exercise. It blends traditional birdwatching with simple mindfulness practices to help people slow down, be more present, and appreciate both birds and the moment. The session aims to support calm and well-being, strengthen listening and observation skills, and encourage a more intentional understanding of birdlife. No prior experience is needed. This is a stationary program created with mobility needs in mind. Folding chairs and benches are provided. The parking lot includes six van-accessible spaces with curb-free access to paved paths. A wheelchair-accessible porta-potty is located in the lot, and an accessible all-gender or family restroom and water fountain are inside the Visitor Center. Two wheelchairs are available on site. TCAT route 31 serves the Lab of Ornithology, and paratransit options are available through Gadabout at (607) 273-1878. Bike racks are located in the parking area. Free and open to the public. No registration required.

An open mic held on the second Wednesday of each month welcomes people to share a song, a poem, a laugh, or whatever they wish. There is no formal stage and the atmosphere is low pressure, with a microphone only sometimes available. Expect a warm, supportive setting with occasional moments of group singing. This is a family friendly gathering. It generally takes place indoors, with the option to move outside when the weather is good. Well behaved, on-leash dogs are welcome in outdoor areas, and the premises are smoke free. There are no mask requirements for employees or attendees inside or outside the store. Accessibility features include one accessible parking spot in a gravel lot next to a paved sidewalk entrance, a built in ramp inside the store for access to upper and lower levels, and a portable ramp available upon request for the bathroom and the outdoor space. The bathroom has grab bars behind and beside the toilet, a changing table, and room for a full 60 inch turnaround. For questions about the space or the event, the store can be contacted by phone.

Four-time Grammy nominee Tab Benoit returns with I Hear Thunder, a self-produced album on his Whiskey Bayou Records label. Known for a singular guitar sound and a voice that calls to mind Otis Redding, he has energized the roots scene for more than three decades. The new record captures his growth as a songwriter and musician, setting a new marker in a storied career, and it reflects his continued dedication to environmental advocacy that reaches beyond the stage into the places that fuel his blues. This tour spotlights songs from I Hear Thunder alongside favorites from his extensive catalog. Expect a performance that advances the blues while honoring its heritage.

Open to everyone, the Community Clothing Closet exists to support people in need and reach as many as possible. For a glimpse inside, a look at the closet is available online.

Danby Food and Drink hosts an inclusive Pride Night that offers a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ community members to connect. There is no set program, just relaxed time to be yourself and spend time together. The gathering is open to all ages, making it a family friendly option. Well behaved dogs on leash are permitted in outdoor areas, and smoking is not allowed anywhere on site. Masks are not required for staff or attendees, indoors or outdoors. Accessibility features include one designated accessible parking space in a gravel lot next to a paved sidewalk entrance. Inside, a built in ramp connects the upper and lower levels. A portable ramp is available on request for the restroom and the outdoor space. The restroom includes grab bars beside and behind the toilet, a changing table, and room for a full 60 inch turnaround. For questions about the space or the event, contact the store.

Coco Montoya showcases soul-steeped electric blues with inventive, high-impact guitar work and a rough-edged, deeply felt vocal style. Praised by AllMusic, Blues Music Magazine, and Living Blues for show-stopping performances, fiery playing with an icy bite, and music that gets the blood moving, he is regarded as one of the standout blues artists of his generation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.