Your Thursday Nights Just Got Better: The 2026 Summer Concert Series Is Here

Summer is here, and Downtown Ithaca just got a whole lot better on Thursdays. Starting Thursday, June 11, the Beginnings Credit Union Summer Concert Series returns to the Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons — every Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m., through September 3. Free. All ages. Right in the heart of downtown. This is your invitation to make … Read More

The 28th Annual Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-off

Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off 2026 event graphic promoting the annual winter chili tasting fundraiser featuring local restaurants and community support.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Downtown Ithaca’s Chili Cook-Off Returns for 28th Annual Community Fundraiser The longtime winter tradition supports a full year of free public programming and drives seasonal foot traffic for local businesses. ITHACA, NY (February 2026) For nearly three decades, Downtown Ithaca’s Chili Cook-Off has been more than a winter food festival. It is a shared ritual, a gathering … Read More

The Great Downtown Ithaca Egg Hunt Winners!

THE GREAT DOWNTOWN ITHACA EGG HUNT HAS ENDED! We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Downtown Ithaca Egg Hunt! From families and students to local explorers, your energy and enthusiasm made this one of our most exciting community events yet. It was incredible to see so many folks adventuring through downtown, … Read More

Winners Announced for Chili Cook-Off 

Downtown Ithaca’s 24th Annual Chili Cook-Off presented by Maguire Hyundai Subaru Genesis attendees and judges have spoken. The Chili Cook-Off winners along with the 2nd and 3rd runners up of this year’s highly competitive cook-off are as follows: People’s Choice (online and in-person voting by attendees)  WINNER! Covered Bridge Market & Pizzeria Best Presentation (online and in-person voting by attendees) … Read More

Fall In Downtown Trail inside shops downtown

Local shops downtown Ithaca have created a gift basket filled with lots of gifts and goodies to giveaway that the 39th Annual Apple Harvest Festival in Downtown Ithaca presented by Tompkins Trust Company. Stop into any of the participating shops or restaurants on the Fall in Downtown Trail and enter to win (no purchase necessary). Shop for fall clothing, gifts, and books while you’re there.  enjoy fall-inspired menus restaurants and eateries. Shop Local!

Getting Easter Festive in Downtown Ithaca

Find Easter Inspiration in Downtown Ithaca this Spring Whether you’re preparing for immediate family Easter celebrations or looking for festive activities to enjoy the Easter weekend, shops & restaurants in Downtown Ithaca have a variety of delightful ways to celebrate safely and socially distant during the pandemic! CLICK HERE for a complete list of businesses open on Sunday, April 4, … Read More

UrbaN BlendZ

  UrbaN BlendZ owner and operator Avis Frazier joins the competition with a delicious soul-inspired twist.  Find Avis serving up delightful flavors of home-style BlendZ catering to your taste buds as the newest edition to the Center Ithaca food court!   Serving: Veggie Chili   Center Ithaca, 171 The Commons 11am – 7pm Tues – Sun

La Bodega

La Bodega in the Dewitt Mall is pleased to promote their special spices from Spain. We encourage you to get to know Pimenton de la Vera and that these Paprikas are Protected Denomination Of Origin – so you KNOW these are the highest quality.

15 Steps

15 Steps will be offering complimentary samples (bagged) of our Hedonist Dark Chocolate Bark with Ancho Chili and Roasted Pumpkin seeds AND it will be available to purchase at 1/2 off for the duration of Chilifest (regular price $10).   It will make you forget all other chocolates.