From our four annual festivals to monthly art gallery nights, to free live music & public performances, there’s always something going on Downtown!
Performer Inquiry Form
Interested in performing at a downtown event? Artist selection is determined by a jury process. If you have been booked in the past, you will still need to submit a sound bite or link to your website along with your application. Music submitted must directly reflect the performance and style you would perform.
Event Equipment Rental Requests or Event Technical Assistance
Are you planning an event yourself and looking for local resources from speaking with expert event planners in Ithaca to borrowing equipment from the Tompkins Festivals Equipment lending program? Downtown Ithaca can help advise and program support to help make your event a success. Click on the link to submit your request.
Have an event coming up that you want featured on our site? Simply click the button below and follow the steps for submitting. Once you have submitted your event, it will then be listed on our calendar below (pending review).
Peter Fuerst, a Singer/Guitarist/ Songwriter from Binghamton, NY, will be performing free at the K-House Arts Hub on Sunday, June 28th. He mixes up his own compositions with some of your favorite tunes, adding his own twist to many of them. There will be a brunch available for purchase at the Venue during that time.
These generative writing workshops led by poet laureate nicole v. basta will invite students to engage with the texts of other poets/writers as a starting point, a place to echo outward from into their own work. Multi-step prompts and questions will guide us. This class is for any writer, creator, thinker, dreamer, human looking for insight into their creativity that ... Read More
Description written by host, Ashley Cake: I've been threatening to do a community read of Abolition of White Democracy for some years now, and the time is finally nigh. Georgia at Ithaca Writing Studio is gonna host, and I'm asking $30 for six meetups, $20 for the Writing Studio and $10 for me. I'm capping it at 10 participants for ... Read More
Stop by to see this week's World Cup matches! Organized by Ithaca Welcomes Refugees. WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 4PM - Belgium v. Senegal - Personal Best 8PM - USA v. Bosnia & Herzegovina - Bookies, Bike Bar, & Personal Best THURSDAY, JULY 2 3PM - Spain v. Australia - Bookies, Personal Best, and State Eatery 7PM - Portugal v. Croatia - ... Read More
Celebrate two of SOAG’s newest members. Sheila Danko uses a variety of media in her work, relying heavily on oil and cold wax, but also, pastel, ink, acrylics and gouache. Ray Foody will exhibit abstract line drawings in charcoal and graphite on paper. July 2 - August 2, 2026, with Opening Reception Friday, July 3, 2026 from 5 to 8pm. ... Read More
Free and fun for the entire family, the Beginnings Summer Concert Series brings live music to Downtown Ithaca every Thursday at the Bernie Milton Pavilion. Local and national acts perform music in genres including jazz, blues, reggae, folk, hip hop, country, bluegrass, rock, and more. Thursdays, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons. This ... Read More
Partnering with Liquid State Brewing Company and the Plowbreak Farm CSA farm share, join us for a fun and creative event celebrating America's 250th birthday and the hard working men and women who make this country special. Decorate your own plantar and grow the seedlings for a brighter future, while enjoying live music to inspire your creative spirit. Supplies included ... Read More
An upbeat, feel-good DANCE class inspired by Latin, Pop, Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, Bhangra, K-Pop, Italian Rap-Pop, and more. Fun and judgment-free, and designed to help you move, smile, build confidence, and enjoy the music. First session is on Thursdays from 4:30-5:15 PM on July 2, 8, and 23. Pre-registration is open up to 6 hours before class. Sliding scales of $12-20, ... Read More
In this craft-focused workshop, children’s author Emily Sun Li (Mr. Chow’s Night Market, Penguin Random House) and author-illustrator Julian Plum (Whose Tree Is This?, Lerner Books) will break down what makes a picture book truly work. Together, we’ll explore the essential elements of a compelling picture book, from shaping a narrative arc in a few hundred words to creating momentum, ... Read More
Friday Pop-In Permanent Jewelry Happy Hour ✨ Join us every Friday (all day!) at Fall Creek Atelier for a relaxed, drop-in experience. Get custom-fit, clasp-free permanent jewelry designed for effortless, everyday wear. No appointment needed—just stop by whenever it works for you, bring a friend, and make it a moment. Perfect for: • Friendship bracelets • Couple bracelets • Mother–daughter ... Read More
In the early 1900s, Ithaca, NY earned some colorful nicknames: “Sodom,” “Sin City,” and “Rum Town, USA.” Long before national Prohibition took hold, Ithacans were already battling over booze, morality, and modernity. “King Alcohol Ends Reign” is a 10-block walking tour through downtown Ithaca that traces the city’s spirited (and often surprising) history with Prohibition. Led by trained docents from ... Read More
DJ & Live Keys with Shattered Moons & Professor Keys. Free! *** Vinyl, Live Keys, and Dance Music from around the world -- disco, house, Afro-Latin rhythms, funk, soul, and deep grooves.
In the early 1900s, Ithaca, NY earned some colorful nicknames: “Sodom,” “Sin City,” and “Rum Town, USA.” Long before national Prohibition took hold, Ithacans were already battling over booze, morality, and modernity. “King Alcohol Ends Reign” is a 10-block walking tour through downtown Ithaca that traces the city’s spirited (and often surprising) history with Prohibition. Led by trained docents from ... Read More
Six Mile Creek is a narrow flowing body of water that flows from east to west on the south side of Ithaca Commons. Its water has powered industry and infrastructure since the early days of Ithaca, shaping the downtown area. Using HistoryForge, Eve Snyder, PhD., will share the layers of history kept in the waters of Six Mile Creek, and ... Read More
Beat the heat and join So What? Studio and Cafe Dewitt for some funky still life drawing. We'll be assembling a silly still life with Cafe Dewitt and Creative Reuse treasures and invite you to add to the creative composition. Bring your own oddity to add to the collective and evolving sculpture and join us in getting creative in drawing ... Read More
Free and fun for the entire family, the Beginnings Summer Concert Series brings live music to Downtown Ithaca every Thursday at the Bernie Milton Pavilion. Local and national acts perform music in genres including jazz, blues, reggae, folk, hip hop, country, bluegrass, rock, and more. Thursdays, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons. This ... Read More
An upbeat, feel-good DANCE class inspired by Latin, Pop, Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, Bhangra, K-Pop, Italian Rap-Pop, and more. Fun and judgment-free, and designed to help you move, smile, build confidence, and enjoy the music. First session is on Thursdays from 4:30-5:15 PM on July 2, 8, and 23. Pre-registration is open up to 6 hours before class. Sliding scales of $12-20, ... Read More
In the early 1900s, Ithaca, NY earned some colorful nicknames: “Sodom,” “Sin City,” and “Rum Town, USA.” Long before national Prohibition took hold, Ithacans were already battling over booze, morality, and modernity. “King Alcohol Ends Reign” is a 10-block walking tour through downtown Ithaca that traces the city’s spirited (and often surprising) history with Prohibition. Led by trained docents from ... Read More
Friday Pop-In Permanent Jewelry Happy Hour ✨ Join us every Friday (all day!) at Fall Creek Atelier for a relaxed, drop-in experience. Get custom-fit, clasp-free permanent jewelry designed for effortless, everyday wear. No appointment needed—just stop by whenever it works for you, bring a friend, and make it a moment. Perfect for: • Friendship bracelets • Couple bracelets • Mother–daughter ... Read More
In the early 1900s, Ithaca, NY earned some colorful nicknames: “Sodom,” “Sin City,” and “Rum Town, USA.” Long before national Prohibition took hold, Ithacans were already battling over booze, morality, and modernity. “King Alcohol Ends Reign” is a 10-block walking tour through downtown Ithaca that traces the city’s spirited (and often surprising) history with Prohibition. Led by trained docents from ... Read More
A block of West State Street, closed to traffic and open to cars from throughout the many decades of America's love affair with the automobile. Brass-era, classics, post-war showpieces, hot rods, and the occasional electric specialty, parked along West State Street for one Saturday in July. Grab coffee, walk the block, ask the owners about their cars. That's the show. ... Read More
In the early 1900s, Ithaca, NY earned some colorful nicknames: “Sodom,” “Sin City,” and “Rum Town, USA.” Long before national Prohibition took hold, Ithacans were already battling over booze, morality, and modernity. “King Alcohol Ends Reign” is a 10-block walking tour through downtown Ithaca that traces the city’s spirited (and often surprising) history with Prohibition. Led by trained docents from ... Read More
Saturday July 11, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble brings his signature Louisiana Creole Zydeco sound and energy to Stone Bend Farm (Newfield NY ... near Ithaca) which is rapidly becoming one of the premier Zydeco dance venues in Upstate New York. Curley delivers a powerful dance groove that keeps both seasoned Zydeco dancers and newcomers on the floor all night ... Read More
Join Trees Up Tompkins tree planting workshop with hands-on activities for all ages. Feel free to ask any of your questions about planting and maintaining trees. Enjoy the workshop in a forest of sculptures, photos, drawings, paintings, and other tree-inspired works by local artists Mara Alper and Karen Viola in their "Solace Among Trees" art exhibit.
Get certified for First Aid / CPR / AED / Narcan at Finger Lakes Fitness Center on Sunday, July 12 from 9:30 AM to 1 PM. Downtown retailers and their employees only for $95 per person.
Join Trees Up Tompkins tree planting workshop with hands-on activities for all ages. Feel free to ask any of your questions about planting and maintaining trees. Enjoy the workshop in a forest of sculptures, photos, drawings, paintings, and other tree-inspired works by local artists Mara Alper and Karen Viola in their "Solace Among Trees" art exhibit.
Description written by host, Ashley Cake: I've been threatening to do a community read of Abolition of White Democracy for some years now, and the time is finally nigh. Georgia at Ithaca Writing Studio is gonna host, and I'm asking $30 for six meetups, $20 for the Writing Studio and $10 for me. I'm capping it at 10 participants for ... Read More
Free/donation-based, easy, accessible, family-friendly yoga at DeWitt park. No class when it rains or gets above 88F. Bring your own mat/blanket, and water, chair if preferred. Wednesdays July 15-August 5.
Brookdale would like to invite to our Savor the Summer event! Celebrate the summer with us on Thursday, July 16th from 3 PM – 5 PM in our Crossings building. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and live entertainment from one of our favorite local bands, Timeless Tunes! To RSVP, please email junobr@brookdale.com.
Join us for a reading of The Loyalist's Wife by Deirdre Sinnott in conversation with Karen Pavelka! About the book: It’s 1777 in New York’s fertile Mohawk Valley, and tenant farmers Jane and Philip Hopper have very different ideas about the war for independence that has consumed the 13 colonies. To Philip, rebellion against the king is appalling. But Jane, ... Read More
In the early 1900s, Ithaca, NY earned some colorful nicknames: “Sodom,” “Sin City,” and “Rum Town, USA.” Long before national Prohibition took hold, Ithacans were already battling over booze, morality, and modernity. “King Alcohol Ends Reign” is a 10-block walking tour through downtown Ithaca that traces the city’s spirited (and often surprising) history with Prohibition. Led by trained docents from ... Read More
Friday Pop-In Permanent Jewelry Happy Hour ✨ Join us every Friday (all day!) at Fall Creek Atelier for a relaxed, drop-in experience. Get custom-fit, clasp-free permanent jewelry designed for effortless, everyday wear. No appointment needed—just stop by whenever it works for you, bring a friend, and make it a moment. Perfect for: • Friendship bracelets • Couple bracelets • Mother–daughter ... Read More
In the early 1900s, Ithaca, NY earned some colorful nicknames: “Sodom,” “Sin City,” and “Rum Town, USA.” Long before national Prohibition took hold, Ithacans were already battling over booze, morality, and modernity. “King Alcohol Ends Reign” is a 10-block walking tour through downtown Ithaca that traces the city’s spirited (and often surprising) history with Prohibition. Led by trained docents from ... Read More
Join Ithaca Aviation Heritage Foundation for their annual preservation of “Tommy,” a Thomas-Morse S-4 Scout biplane. Visual and hands-on demonstrations allow up close and personal observation of the plane located in the History Center’s Exhibit Hall. This program is for all ages and will include a presentation on the history of Tommy, how it came home to Ithaca, was restored ... Read More
In the early 1900s, Ithaca, NY earned some colorful nicknames: “Sodom,” “Sin City,” and “Rum Town, USA.” Long before national Prohibition took hold, Ithacans were already battling over booze, morality, and modernity. “King Alcohol Ends Reign” is a 10-block walking tour through downtown Ithaca that traces the city’s spirited (and often surprising) history with Prohibition. Led by trained docents from ... Read More
Join us to discuss Nevada by Imogen Binnie! A book club hosted by the Ithaca Trans Center. All book club attendees will receive a 10% coupon for one in-store purchase. Mention the Ithaca Trans Center giftcard, to get your copy for free!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Teaching Ithaca Wellness Launches "The Architecture of the Self": A Summer Somatic Series ITHACA, NY — Local educator and wellness coach Alison Rawlins, founder of Teaching Ithaca Wellness, LLC, is proud to announce a new 8-part workshop series, "The Architecture of the Self," running Sunday afternoons from July 19 through September 6. At the heart of this ... Read More
The Ithaca Shakespeare Company (ISC) invites audiences to experience Shakespeare in a new way with the Summer 2026 Bar(d) Crawl, a three-part performance series staged at popular venues throughout Ithaca. The Bar(d) Crawl will feature three free, immersive nights of scenes, songs, and sonnets performed at various bars in downtown Ithaca. The series begins on Monday, July 20 at Argos ... Read More
Welcome back to YAPPY HOUR at The Strand Cafe! Join us every 4th Wednesday from March–October | 4–7PM for drinks, dog-friendly vibes, and pup social time! Bring your furry friends to mix, mingle, and make new besties 🐕 Even better? 50% of proceeds benefit Stay Wild Rescue — every sip supports animals in need. Drinks for you. Social hour for ... Read More
An upbeat feel-good DANCE class inspired by Latin, Pop, Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, Bhangra, K-Pop, Italian Rap-Pop, and more. Fun and judgment-free, and designed to help you move, smile, build confidence, and enjoy the music. Second Session is on Wednesdays, 5 - 5:45 PM July 22 through August 26 (no class on Aug. 5). Pre-registration is open up to 6 hours before. ... Read More
Free/donation-based, easy, accessible, family-friendly yoga at DeWitt park. No class when it rains or gets above 88F. Bring your own mat/blanket, and water, chair if preferred. Wednesdays July 15-August 5.
Free and fun for the entire family, the Beginnings Summer Concert Series brings live music to Downtown Ithaca every Thursday at the Bernie Milton Pavilion. Local and national acts perform music in genres including jazz, blues, reggae, folk, hip hop, country, bluegrass, rock, and more. Thursdays, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons. This ... Read More
Come one, come all to the Circus Culture Summer Tour! Join us for six free, family-friendly shows around downtown Ithaca with acts created by community members, students, and teachers alike. Bring a blanket, a chair, or swing by to watch an act or two! In the case of inclement weather, shows will be held indoors at Circus Culture. Check @circusculture ... Read More
An upbeat, feel-good DANCE class inspired by Latin, Pop, Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, Bhangra, K-Pop, Italian Rap-Pop, and more. Fun and judgment-free, and designed to help you move, smile, build confidence, and enjoy the music. First session is on Thursdays from 4:30-5:15 PM on July 2, 8, and 23. Pre-registration is open up to 6 hours before class. Sliding scales of $12-20, ... Read More
Come one, come all to the Circus Culture Summer Tour! Join us for six free, family-friendly shows around downtown Ithaca with acts created by community members, students, and teachers alike. Bring a blanket, a chair, or swing by to watch an act or two! In the case of inclement weather, shows will be held indoors at Circus Culture. Check @circusculture ... Read More
Friday Pop-In Permanent Jewelry Happy Hour ✨ Join us every Friday (all day!) at Fall Creek Atelier for a relaxed, drop-in experience. Get custom-fit, clasp-free permanent jewelry designed for effortless, everyday wear. No appointment needed—just stop by whenever it works for you, bring a friend, and make it a moment. Perfect for: • Friendship bracelets • Couple bracelets • Mother–daughter ... Read More
In the early 1900s, Ithaca, NY earned some colorful nicknames: “Sodom,” “Sin City,” and “Rum Town, USA.” Long before national Prohibition took hold, Ithacans were already battling over booze, morality, and modernity. “King Alcohol Ends Reign” is a 10-block walking tour through downtown Ithaca that traces the city’s spirited (and often surprising) history with Prohibition. Led by trained docents from ... Read More
It’s time for round 3!! 🔔💖🪩 Club QSpace returns - featuring a whole new cast! @justalex.drag and @officially.jaida will be providing the beats *in drag* along with some pop up performances, and the Romanian pop princess herself, @debetacredit , is the featured performer of the night — and you don’t want to miss the mixes she has up her sleeve ... Read More
Got old documents and electronics piling up? Stop by Beginnings Credit Union’s annual Ithaca Shred Day to shred and recycle them. Free and open to the general public. **Limit two boxes of paper per household. Please check the event website to view a list of acceptable and non-acceptable electronic items for disposal.
These generative writing workshops led by poet laureate nicole v. basta will invite students to engage with the texts of other poets/writers as a starting point, a place to echo outward from into their own work. Multi-step prompts and questions will guide us. This class is for any writer, creator, thinker, dreamer, human looking for insight into their creativity that ... Read More
In the early 1900s, Ithaca, NY earned some colorful nicknames: “Sodom,” “Sin City,” and “Rum Town, USA.” Long before national Prohibition took hold, Ithacans were already battling over booze, morality, and modernity. “King Alcohol Ends Reign” is a 10-block walking tour through downtown Ithaca that traces the city’s spirited (and often surprising) history with Prohibition. Led by trained docents from ... Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Teaching Ithaca Wellness Launches "The Architecture of the Self": A Summer Somatic Series ITHACA, NY — Local educator and wellness coach Alison Rawlins, founder of Teaching Ithaca Wellness, LLC, is proud to announce a new 8-part workshop series, "The Architecture of the Self," running Sunday afternoons from July 19 through September 6. At the heart of this ... Read More
At Eureka Day School in Berkeley, California, all decisions are made by consensus, diversity of opinion is valued, and vaccinations are a personal matter. But when a mumps outbreak hits the school, tensions rise, truth becomes subjective, and community conversations reach a hilarious fever pitch. Now the board of directors must confront the central question of our time: how do ... Read More
The Ithaca Shakespeare Company (ISC) invites audiences to experience Shakespeare in a new way with the Summer 2026 Bar(d) Crawl, a three-part performance series staged at popular venues throughout Ithaca. The Bar(d) Crawl will feature three free, immersive nights of scenes, songs, and sonnets performed at various bars in downtown Ithaca. Act 2 will perform on Sunday, July 26, at ... Read More
The Fall Creek Brass Band is creating an original musical. Step into the hidden world of the Brassquatch, a legendary forest-dwelling community with a sound as big as their footprints. When our young hero fails his coming-of-age ritual, he’s thrust into an unexpected journey to discover who he is, where he belongs, and what it truly means to find your ... Read More
Join the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) and Whitham Planning & Design on July 28th, from 3pm - 5pm for an open presentation to discuss data collected from the (3) DIA & AARP Walk Audit sessions. These data will help to shape possible improvements to make Downtown more navigable and intriguing. Light refreshments and food will be provided. No registration is ... Read More
Interested in learning calligraphy, but not sure where to start? This 2.5-hour workshop will walk you through the basics of broad edge calligraphy. You’ll learn how to use a broad edge calligraphy pen, get familiar with some fundamental concepts, and explore several different calligraphy scripts, like uncials, carolingian, foundational, blackletter, and italic. Seats are limited, so reserve your spot today! ... Read More
At Eureka Day School in Berkeley, California, all decisions are made by consensus, diversity of opinion is valued, and vaccinations are a personal matter. But when a mumps outbreak hits the school, tensions rise, truth becomes subjective, and community conversations reach a hilarious fever pitch. Now the board of directors must confront the central question of our time: how do ... Read More
Did somebody say rebrand? We are switching it up this summer! Different name, same mission: uplifting Black, Indigenous, Latine, queer, AANHPI, disabled and neurodivergent authors. Everyone is welcome! Join us to discuss You Made a Fool of Death with your Beauty by author Akwaeke Emezi ˚˖𓍢ִ໋❀ A contemporary romance novel about a woman wanting to heal from a big loss, ... Read More
Jack Worthing has invented a brother named Ernest whose guise he takes when fleeing his country obligations for London. Gwendolyn Fairfax has fallen in love with Earnest. Her cousin Algernon Moncrieff has invented an invalid friend when he wishes to flee London for scapes in the country. Meanwhile Jack’s young ward, Cecily has romantic fantasies about the wicked Ernest. But ... Read More
An upbeat feel-good DANCE class inspired by Latin, Pop, Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, Bhangra, K-Pop, Italian Rap-Pop, and more. Fun and judgment-free, and designed to help you move, smile, build confidence, and enjoy the music. Second Session is on Wednesdays, 5 - 5:45 PM July 22 through August 26 (no class on Aug. 5). Pre-registration is open up to 6 hours before. ... Read More
Free and fun for the entire family, the Beginnings Summer Concert Series brings live music to Downtown Ithaca every Thursday at the Bernie Milton Pavilion. Local and national acts perform music in genres including jazz, blues, reggae, folk, hip hop, country, bluegrass, rock, and more. Thursdays, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons. This ... Read More
About the book: For fans of the series Finding Your Roots, a compelling memoir about how land connects us all—and how, if we are to mend our relations to each other and the earth, we must first reckon with our past, no matter how distant, shameful, or tragic. When Jill Swenson returns to her mother’s hometown after her funeral, she ... Read More
An upbeat, feel-good DANCE class inspired by Latin, Pop, Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, Bhangra, K-Pop, Italian Rap-Pop, and more. Fun and judgment-free, and designed to help you move, smile, build confidence, and enjoy the music. First session is on Thursdays from 4:30-5:15 PM on July 2, 8, and 23. Pre-registration is open up to 6 hours before class. Sliding scales of $12-20, ... Read More
Friday Pop-In Permanent Jewelry Happy Hour ✨ Join us every Friday (all day!) at Fall Creek Atelier for a relaxed, drop-in experience. Get custom-fit, clasp-free permanent jewelry designed for effortless, everyday wear. No appointment needed—just stop by whenever it works for you, bring a friend, and make it a moment. Perfect for: • Friendship bracelets • Couple bracelets • Mother–daughter ... Read More
In the early 1900s, Ithaca, NY earned some colorful nicknames: “Sodom,” “Sin City,” and “Rum Town, USA.” Long before national Prohibition took hold, Ithacans were already battling over booze, morality, and modernity. “King Alcohol Ends Reign” is a 10-block walking tour through downtown Ithaca that traces the city’s spirited (and often surprising) history with Prohibition. Led by trained docents from ... Read More
A training with the Queer Anarchy Collective! Let's talk about de-escalation in protests, with cops, while doing mutual aid + more! There will be a Q&A and the opportunity to practice. Masks are required for this event!
Join us for our 2nd Annual Kids Summer Bash, a free event celebrating Youth Month and the end of summer hosted at the Visions Amphitheater in Ithaca! Families can enjoy a petting zoo, face painting, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and interactive activities from local partners including the Tompkins County Public Library, YMCA, Racker, Cayuga Health, and the Ithaca Youth ... Read More
Seeing Ithaca, August 2026 The State of the Art Gallery will be sponsoring “Seeing Ithaca: Through the Eyes of Artists” for the fourth year. It will take place in galleries and artist studios during the month of August, 2026 and is a celebration of art and artists in the Ithaca area. The State of the Art Gallery members will each ... Read More
At Eureka Day School in Berkeley, California, all decisions are made by consensus, diversity of opinion is valued, and vaccinations are a personal matter. But when a mumps outbreak hits the school, tensions rise, truth becomes subjective, and community conversations reach a hilarious fever pitch. Now the board of directors must confront the central question of our time: how do ... Read More