Make Thursdays your night Downtown
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.
Thursdays. 5 to 8 PM. Live on the Commons.
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 is a community-focused, all-ages concert in the heart of downtown.
Before the show, explore downtown.
Come Downtown early before the Summer Concert Series and enjoy special Thursday-night offers from participating local businesses.
Thursdays, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons.
Alphabet Soup
Benefit: Extra time to shop before the concert.
Open Thursdays until 8 PM instead of the usual 6 PM.
Adorn
Benefit: 10% off for students every Thursday.
In-store only. Valid student ID required.
The Brain Shoppe
Benefit: 10% off music-themed items.
Applies to any music instrument, music-themed puzzle, or music-themed game.
Homemade Hotdogs
Benefit: Grab a quick hotdog while you are Downtown.
Best for lunch or early afternoon concert-day visitors.
Sunny Days of Ithaca
Benefit: 12% off with a hand-drawn or handwritten coupon.
Also offering weekly basket raffle entries for evening store visits.
Buffalo Street Books
Benefit: Browse books and stickers before the show.
A simple pre-concert stop for readers, families, and gift shoppers.
Bookies Sports Bar & Lounge
Benefit: Happy hour wings, beer, and drink bucket specials.
10-piece wings and domestic beer pitcher for $26, plus High Noon bucket specials.
Deals, hours, and specials may vary by business. Check with individual shops for the latest updates.
This event is made possible through generous support
Local partners help keep free live music active on the Commons and make the series feel bigger, warmer, and more connected to the whole district.
Easy ways to get Downtown
On-street parking
City of Ithaca on-street parking is currently $2.50 per hour and enforced Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Street parking is free on Sundays, and ParkMobile is supported in pay-station zones.
Street Parking InfoGarage parking
The City lists Green Street, and Cayuga Street garages as downtown options at $2.25 per hour, with automated payment and an easy walk to the Bernie Milton Pavilion and the Commons.
Garage DetailsRide the bus
Avoid the hassle of parking and take TCAT downtown. The TCAT system map and downtown ride guides show Green Street Station and Commons-area service as easy access points for concert nights.
Ride TCATBike to the concert
Ride a bike downtown and use the art bike racks around the district. Dismount and walk your bike while on the Commons so the plaza stays comfortable and safe for everyone.
Downtown DetailsMake a whole evening out of the concert
The Summer Concert Series is built to keep people downtown longer. Come early for dinner, stay for the music, and use the Commons as your launch point for shopping, drinks, dessert, and everything else that makes a Thursday night in Ithaca feel alive.
Each show is free, family-friendly, and right in the center of the district, which makes this page a quick planning guide as much as an event invitation.
