Downtown Ithaca Events
From our four annual festivals, to monthly art gallery nights, to free live music & public performances, there’s always something going on Downtown!
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November 2019
Plaid Friday
Plaid Friday, a celebration of downtown’s diverse and creative local and independent businesses and a reminder to shoppers to show support for downtown’s business owners who rely on their dollars to continue to provide their goods and services to the community. Plaid Friday is tamer and much more pleasurable alternative shopping experience when compared to the day’s national big-box shopping frenzy known as Black Friday where crowds of people stampede through the stores looking for deals on merchandise that are…
Find out more »Small Business Saturday
Downtown Ithaca is Encouraging Shopping and Dine Local on Saturday, November 30th and throughout the Holiday Season. Downtown Ithaca has over 150+ independently owned and operated shops and restaurants in a concentrated walkable area. By shopping or dining locally in Downtown Ithaca on Saturday, November 30th and throughout the holidays, patrons can show their support for local businesses and for our community. When money is spent at independent locally owned business the money stays here. Local businesses donate more, and…
Find out more »December 2019
Cider Monday in Downtown Ithaca
Cider Monday is a local commerce response to cyber Monday. Stop in to our local retailers to enjoy special holiday offers and complimentary cider tastings that fill you with connection and the holiday spirit! Give brick-and-mortar businesses your presence in your presents this year. This Monday, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance in partnership with Local First Ithaca are teaming up to say "Thank you for shopping local!" Some Cider Monday specials to check out in shops downtown: Alphabet Soup - Enjoy…
Find out more »Winter Light Festival
Downtown Ithaca's Winter Lights Festival is getting ready to make its community debut. The wondrous display of colorful prisms on The Ithaca Commons will be open daily for viewing and interaction. The installation will be present in Downtown Ithaca from December 5 through December 15. Our 11-day festival will feature a series of pop-up events throughout the installation timeline. Events and activities include but are not limited to: Family-Fun Silent Disco- Dec. 6 5pm-9pm Meet Sparky, the Giant Rideable Unicorn Art…
Find out more »First Friday Gallery Night
The Downtown Ithaca Alliance welcomes you to Gallery Night Ithaca, a walkable tour of art openings and other special cultural events in and around downtown Ithaca, New York taking place from 5:00-8:00 PM on the first Friday of every month. With upwards of twenty venues to visit to explore each month, there is sure to be something that will catch your eye, whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time browser. Are you a venue, curator, or artist interested in…
Find out more »Silent Disco on the Commons
Join us December 6 as we kick off the inaugural Winter Lights Festival presented by Tompkins Trust Company and the holiday season with a Silent Disco, a giant dance party, on the Commons. Come dance under the sparkly lights and disco ball at the Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Commons as music from a group of DJs is broadcast to glowing headsets that are free for use at the disco. Revelers can enjoy hot and cold beverages at the Glow…
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10th Annual Chowder Cook-Off
Stay warm at the Winter Light Festival by sampling over 20 different traditional, exotic, and gourmet chowders (seafood, vegan, vegetarian options will be available) prepared by some top chefs from local restaurants competing to be crowned our next Chowder Cup Champion! Happening on the Commons and surrounding streets including Aurora, Cayuga and Dewitt Mall on Saturday, December 7th from 12-5pm. Advance Sale Tickets for Chowder Cook-Off are available (CASH ONLY) at the Downtown Ithaca Visitor Center, inside of Tompkins Center…
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Santa’s Arrival in Downtown Ithaca
Santa’s Arrival in downtown Ithaca, presented by Maguire Hyundai Subaru, is a perfect opportunity to ring in the holiday season. Santa and his elves enter Downtown Ithaca is the most unique way possible: rappelling down from the top of Center Ithaca! Prior to Santa's arrival, enjoy festive live music and performances from Next Jennaration Dance Studio, CSMA youth carolers, Fall Creek Brass Band, and more!. Then, have your photo taken with Santa at this free family event. Visit downtownithaca.com for…
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