Downtown Ithaca

Present Conversations II - Group BIPOC Exhibition & Artists Talks
2025-11-20 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County, 110 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca
I (@yenospina ) am so excited to announce this year’s lineup of artists for Present Conversations 3, a pop-up exhibition by @orozco_gallery, hosted at @community_arts_partnership – CAP ArtSpace (110 N. Tioga St, Ithaca, NY) — right in the heart of the Commons by the Bernie Milton Pavilion.
This November, the gallery space transforms into a place for dialogue, creativity, and connection—bringing together artists whose work sparks reflection and celebrates community.
Participating artists:
@lunafiberstudio
@poisonapplesociety
@adrinadietra
@megthero.art
@elizabethrossi.art
@florenciaulloa
@tem_tribal_art
@damaris_vazquez_photography
@myztico_campo
@khadijah.unique
@waterbysaki
@dancingowlwoodworking
@yaaamilkaaa
@sunday.rebel
@arielmestrella
Throughout November, Artist Talks will take place at CAP ArtSpace, where you can meet the artists and learn more about their creative process:
Thurs, Nov 20
6:30–7:00 PM — @yaaamilkaaa
7:00–7:30 PM — @damaris_vazquez_photography & @myztico_campo
7:30–8:00 PM — @lunafiberstudio
Fri, Nov 21
6:30–7:00 PM — @poisonapplesociety
7:00–7:30 PM — @sunday.rebel
7:30–8:00 PM — @megthero.art
Mark your calendars—this is one exhibition you don’t want to miss.

Smartphone Orchestra
2025-11-21 16:00 - 17:30 | The Downstairs, 121 West Martin Luther King Junior Street, Ithaca, NY, 14850
Come see The Smartphone Orchestra on November 21st at 4pm at The Downstairs. Vie Cycle is proud to introduce The Smartphone Orchestra, an interactive theatre group from the Netherlands!
Before the show, creative director Steye Hallema will talk about the Smartphone Orchestra and their innovative approach to community building through technology and theatre.
The main event for the evening is Ancestors, a 75-minute Interactive Journey into the Future! Ancestors is an interactive and immersive group experience that will make you profoundly connect with your fellow players and with future generations.
Tickets are required and capacity is limited, so buy your tickers in advance to save your space! Doors close at 4:15pm and no one will be admitted thereafter.

BOOK SIGNING WITH DR. CHRIS ELLIS - RESILIENT CITIZENS: THE PEOPLE, PERILS, AND POLITICS OF MODERN PREPAREDNESS
2025-11-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Join us at Buffalo Street Books with Dr. Chris Ellis for a discussion and signing of RESILIENT CITIZENS
About the book: Resilience is a mindset. From war zones to wildfires, pandemics to power outages, the threats we face today seem bigger, scarier, and more unrelenting than ever before. Why, then, does society take a critical view of those who prepare for the worst while hoping for the best? Why do so many people write them off as crazy, conspiracy-minded “doomsday preppers”?
In Resilient Citizens, Army officer and disaster expert Dr. Chris Ellis challenges the myths, dismisses the fearmongering, and takes a much-needed, long-overdue scholarly look not just at prepper culture in America, but our overall social, physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual health. This isn’t another doomsday prepper guide or government-endorsed emergency brochure. It’s a deep dive into the people, perils, and politics of preparedness—from ranchers in the Rockies to policymakers globally—and a call to action for those who refuse to outsource their safety to luck or bureaucracy.
About the author: Dr. Chris Ellis is a career Army officer, disaster readiness expert, and lifelong student of how people, communities, and nations prepare for the worst. With over twenty-six years of military service—including time in combat zones and collaborative work across five continents—Chris has seen firsthand what resilience looks like under pressure.
Chris holds a Ph.D. in Government from Cornell University, along with four other advanced degrees covering public policy, military strategy, and international security. His work blends academic insight with boots-on-the-ground experience, tackling big-picture threats like civil unrest, nuclear catastrophe, economic collapse, and even the end of the world.

Present Conversations II - Group BIPOC Exhibition & Artists Talks
2025-11-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County, 110 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca
I (@yenospina ) am so excited to announce this year’s lineup of artists for Present Conversations 3, a pop-up exhibition by @orozco_gallery, hosted at @community_arts_partnership – CAP ArtSpace (110 N. Tioga St, Ithaca, NY) — right in the heart of the Commons by the Bernie Milton Pavilion.
This November, the gallery space transforms into a place for dialogue, creativity, and connection—bringing together artists whose work sparks reflection and celebrates community.
Participating artists:
@lunafiberstudio
@poisonapplesociety
@adrinadietra
@megthero.art
@elizabethrossi.art
@florenciaulloa
@tem_tribal_art
@damaris_vazquez_photography
@myztico_campo
@khadijah.unique
@waterbysaki
@dancingowlwoodworking
@yaaamilkaaa
@sunday.rebel
@arielmestrella
Throughout November, Artist Talks will take place at CAP ArtSpace, where you can meet the artists and learn more about their creative process:
Fri, Nov 21
6:30–7:00 PM — @poisonapplesociety
7:00–7:30 PM — @sunday.rebel
7:30–8:00 PM — @megthero.art
Mark your calendars—this is one exhibition you don’t want to miss.

Violin, Viola, and Cello Workshop: Getting to Know Your Bow
2025-11-21 18:30 - 21:00 | Community School of Music and Arts, 330 East State Street, Ithaca
Join us at CSMA for a series of workshops led by instructor William Hurley! This workshop is designed to provide information about the history, construction, and common repair issues of violin family bows. There will be opportunities to ask questions. The hope is to provide insight into one of the less-understood aspects of string playing and teaching.

Care Kits for the Homeless
2025-11-22 15:00 - 18:00 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
The Kaleidoscope House is presenting a workshop at Buffalo Street Books from 3-6pm about what care kits for the homeless should look like this time of year. We will also be educating in ways to make your donation more impactful. We plan to charge tickets for $10 with a max cap of 40 in attendance. All the proceeds made from the event are going to be donated to the Gofundme’s of Belal and Yacoub, two families struggling in Gaza under occupation from Israel. We hope to make around 120 bags after the one bag each guest get to keep we will be donating the remainder to a local shelter here in Ithaca. We hope to sell out of tickets for this local event. Both Yacoub and Belal need warmer clothes for the winter they are entering. Text “ticket” to #5855902972 to secure you spot today!

Rolling With Pride: LGBTQ game night at Riverwood Gifts
2025-11-26 17:00 - 21:00 | Riverwood, 116 E State St, ITHACA, N, 14850, United States
Riverwood on the commons offers a safe and inclusive place to let your gamer flag fly! Join us for board games, puzzles, and snacks!

Shop Small Business Weekend in Downtown Ithaca
2025-11-28 - 2025-11-30 | Downtown Ithaca, United States
Celebrate the season by shopping local and supporting your favorite small businesses throughout Downtown Ithaca. Enjoy exclusive deals and festive charm all weekend long. Earn a free tote bag when you make a qualifying purchase at participating locations while supplies last

Downtown Ithaca Holiday Window Display Competition
2025-11-28 - 2025-12-14 | Downtown Ithaca, United States
This festive Downtown Ithaca tradition brings together dozens of beautifully decorated holiday window displays. Stroll the Commons and surrounding streets, discover your favorite designs, and help us crown this year’s winners.
Public voting runs from November 28 through December 14, with winners announced on December 17.
To check out the map and learn more – Click Here

ON THE MOORS OF OMAHA: AN EVENING WITH TREBBE JOHNSON
2025-12-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Join us at Buffalo Street Books with Trebbe Johnson for an author reading and conversation of ON THE MOORS OF OMAHA
About the author:
Trebbe Johnson is the author of Fierce Consciousness: Surviving the Sorrows of Earth and Self, Radical Joy for Hard Times: Finding Meaning and Making Beauty in Earth’s Broken Places, and other books, as well as many articles and essays that explore the human bond with nature. She is also the founder of the global community Radical Joy for Hard Times, devoted to finding and making beauty in wounded places. Trebbe speaks five languages; has camped alone in the Arctic wilderness; studied classical Indian dance; and worked as an artist’s model, a street sweeper in an English village, and an award-winning multimedia producer. She has led contemplative journeys in a clear-cut forest, Ground Zero in New York City, the Sahara Desert, and with military veterans. She lives in Ithaca, New York.
ON THE MOORS OF OMAHA: Essays
Trebbe Johnson neither hides from pain nor romanticizes joy. In the distinctive voice for which she is known, she explores how the true value of a sacred site is not always where we think it is, how a motorcycle ride upended a fear of desire, how it’s possible to make friends with a clearcut forest, and other pieces that bring startling new perspectives to things we often take for granted. These sixteen essays not only chart one woman’s journey through a passionate life, they inspire all of us to open up to the marvels that are waiting to reveal themselves.

Voices of Freedom: Pedro X. Molina's new graphic novel "Milestone's of Democracy in Latin America"
2025-12-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E. Green Street, Ithaca, NY, 14850
Pedro X. Molina, an internationally known political cartoonist, will display panels from his forthcoming graphic novel, Milestones of Latin American Democracy, and discuss his creative process. This presentation is Ithaca City of Asylum’s annual Voices of Freedom event.

CAP-a-Palooza Vintage Art Sale Extraordinaire!
2025-12-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County, 110 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca
Opening: Gallery Night. December 5th: 5pm to 8pm.
Sale Continues: December 6th to the 13th: 12pm to 6pm each day (except Sunday)
Location: CAP ArtSpace, 110 N. Tioga Street, (Tompkins Center of History and Culture, Ithaca Commons)
Donate pre-owned and vintage art before the sale – on December 1, 2 and 3.
All information at ArtsPartner.org
The CAP-a-Palooza Art Sale Extraordinaire is an awesome annual fundraising sale of pre-owned art for the Community Arts Partnership (CAP), held over 8 days each December in the CAP ArtSpace.
Come and look through over 700 pieces of previously owned art donated by community members! The donations are vintage and contemporary, professional and amateur; classic and funky, antique and modern. There are paintings, photography, etchings, prints, small sculpture, pottery, embroidery, and so much more. (Note: Local artists are not asked to donate their own work.)
The sale works well on two levels. Hundreds of people find joy in purchasing and coming to see what we have collected, AND community members feel good about donating their unused art collection to a good cause.
Work is priced low so we can sell as out in 9 days. Prices drop throughout the sale.
We thank our generous annual sponsor of the ArtSpace Gallery Coughlin and Gerhart

Art Opening at MIX Art Gallery ~ A glimpse before waking by Adrienne Wooster & Jeremy Schilling
2025-12-05 17:00 - 20:00 | MIX Art Gallery, 156 E. State Street, Ithaca, 14850
This December, MIX Art Gallery presents a glimpse before waking, a dual exhibition by Adrienne Wooster and Jeremy Schilling. The title gestures toward that hazy threshold between dreaming and daylight… the moment before the mind snaps back into its daily operating manual. Both artists create from a place of awe, trying to hold onto the wonder that can get swallowed by routine.
Wooster’s multimedia series, Cathedrals from Pieces, blends drawing, painting, and collage into figurative and architectural forms. She describes her process as a return to curiosity: a reminder that we’re clusters of molecules spinning through space, somehow capable of love, grief, invention, and joy. That sense of improbable magic fuels her work and her childlike romanticism of the world.
Schilling’s practice investigates the emotional terrain between humans and their environments. In The Overview Effect, he turns toward space travel, exploring the astronaut’s suit as both armor and boundary. His oil, watercolor, and mixed-media pieces capture the homesickness, solitude, and acceptance that accompany exploration and change.
Together, Wooster and Schilling offer a shared inquiry into connection—how we experience the world, how we hold onto wonder, and how we navigate the unknown.
***A special event will accompany the exhibition: on December 12, 2025, the Jesse Collins Jazz Ensemble will perform live at MIX Art Gallery from 7–9 PM.

Synesthetic Perceptions Curated by Jada Haynes and the MACRE Incubator Team
2025-12-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Media Arts Collective + Resource Exchange [MACRE], 415 N. Tioga Street, ITHACA, NY, 14850, United States
“Synesthetic Perceptions” is a group exhibition led by MACRE Artist-In-Incubator Jada Haynes, serving as the leading curator among the MACRE incubator team. Centered on the idea of interactive and collaborative perception across multiple senses, the exhibition invites visitors to engage with poetic imagery, sound-interactive movement, and collaborative collage as living materials that shift and respond within a shared environment.
A Collage Pop-Up Display will unfold in the Main Gallery, featuring works by participants from the artist’s Collaging Between the Lines workshop held on October 26th at the Ithaca Writing Studio, alongside contributions from local Ithaca artists.
Jada’s synesthetic performances will take place at 6pm and 7pm in the MACRE performance space, activating the gallery as a site of shared perception and collaborative imagination.

Busking for Justice
2025-12-05 17:30 - 19:00 | Cafe DeWitt, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, N, 14850, United States
Busking for Justice Series Brings Music and Solidarity to Ithaca
Upcoming performance December 5th at Café Dewitt to benefit immigrants facing threat of deportation
ITHACA, NY – Busking for Justice, a special fundraising concert series featuring local musicians, continues this fall at Café Dewitt in downtown Ithaca’s Dewitt Mall. Concerts take place on the first Friday of each month from September through December, with all donations directly supporting legal aid and bail assistance for immigrants impacted by the threat of deportation.
The series builds on the success of Busking for Good, a two-season community music initiative that raised funds for World Central Kitchen and Loaves & Fishes. Inspired by the generosity of those earlier events, principal organizer Jayne Demakos launched Busking for Justice to channel that same community spirit toward helping immigrants navigate the emotional, logistical, and financial hardships that come with ICE arrests and detentions.
“This music is about more than entertainment—it’s about compassion and solidarity,” Demakos said. “Each act of generosity—by musicians and audience alike—affirms that our community stands with those facing these incredibly difficult circumstances and is committed to upholding the right of due process.”The final event of this series takes place Friday, December 5th from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Café Dewitt, featuring the Ithaca College Jazz Vocal Ensemble & Tristen Jarvis & IC Students.● Tristen Jarvis & Ithaca College Students
We’re delighted to welcome back Ithaca College double bass professor Tristen Jarvis, joined by a small ensemble of students performing everything from classical to jazz.
Tristen Jarvis—upright/electric bassist, producer, arranger, composer, and teaching artist—brings a deep belief in music’s power to heal, empower, and inspire.
Ithaca College Jazz Vocal Ensemble (JVE)
Directed by John W. White, the JVE has a long and rich history of music-making in New York State. Their repertoire spans the jazz tradition—from swing and Latin to contemporary and funk styles—featuring both a cappella and accompanied works.
● When: First Fridays –December 5 | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
● Where: Café Dewitt, Dewitt Mall, 215 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY
● Admission: Free; donations encouraged and gratefully accepted

Theater Skills Lab at The Argos Warehouse
2025-12-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Argos Warehouse, 416 E State St, Ithaca, 14850
Theater Workshops for anyone who wants to explore the art of theater making! Skills lab is an hour-long workshop on Saturdays and Sundays in the month of December at The Argos Warehouse. Students can drop in for $20 a class, Pay what you can, or register for all six classes. Weekend One Dec. 6 & 7: Devised and Physical Theater Workshop, Weekend Two Dec. 13 & 14: Playwright’s Workshop, Weekend Three Dec. 20 and 21st: Performance Workshop. Whether you are a trained theater artist or new to the artform this workshop is for everyone. It is not about experience level, it is about creative engagement and collaboration. Have fun and create your own work in community! To register visit Pandoluci.com

Habitat for Humanity CookieWalk
2025-12-06 11:00 - 15:00 | Center Ithaca, 171 E. State Street, Ithaca
The 11th Annual CookieWalk is back! Browse tables of festive, homemade cookies, select the ones you want and pay by the pound. There is no easier way to have a great variety of fresh holiday cookies at your house without even looking for your measuring spoons. Cookies make a great gift for friends, neighbors, teachers, and caregivers. Don’t wait too long, these cookies are popular and they go fast!
All proceeds help Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins and Cortland counties build affordable housing.
Consider pre-ordering to skip the line and get the best selection
www.tchabitat.com/cookiewalk
Plan your day to enjoy the Winter Holiday Bash on the Commons, then come inside, warm up, and partake of all the CookieWalk has to offer.
Learn more about the Winter Holiday Bash at
www.downtownithaca.com/winterholidaybash

The Downtown Ithaca Winter Holiday Bash
2025-12-06 11:00 - 20:00 | Ithaca Commons, E. State Street, Ithaca, NY, United States
Downtown Ithaca Winter Holiday Bash
Saturday, December 6, 2025 — Downtown Ithaca Commons
Experience the spirit of the season at Downtown Ithaca’s Winter Holiday Bash — a one-day celebration filled with lights, music, and holiday magic!
Kick off the day with Santa’s Arrival (11 AM – 2 PM) and festive activities for families.
At 4:30 PM, kids 12 and under take the stage at the brand-new Elf Hop Kids Silent Disco — a fun, energetic hour of holiday hits and dancing.
As evening sets in, grab a headset and join the Silent Disco (6 – 8 PM) — a high-energy outdoor dance party in the heart of Downtown.

Circus Culture Winter Showcase
2025-12-06 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Circus Culture, 116 W Green St, Ithaca, NY, 14850, United States
Come celebrate circus! Bring your kids, your grandparents, and your neighbors to Circus Culture’s Winter Showcase and cheer on acts devised and performed by our very own students. This is a fundraising event and all proceeds will go towards our scholarship fund. Circus Culture gave out $18,000 in scholarships in 2025!
Saturday, December 6th, 2:00pm & 7:00pm at Circus Culture (116 W. Green St, Ithaca, NY)
General admission tickets are $15. For those who have the means and would like to support us a little extra, there is a $25 ticket option! If you need access to subsidized tickets, please email production@circusculture.org.
Buying tickets in advance is highly recommended – however, we will fit in as many people as possible and there will be standing room if needed!
Doors open 15 minutes before showtime and the performance will run between 45 minutes to an hour. Venue is wheelchair accessible.
For any event, accessibility, or ticketing questions, email production@circusculture.org.
https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/circus-culture/circus-culture-winter-showcase

Felted Woodland Creatures - Wool Ornament Making with Buffalo Street Books
2025-12-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Make some felted woodland creatures with Sheepy Hollow and Buffalo Street Books! Participants will learn how to craft two woodland creature ornaments of their choosing: an owl, fox, badger, deer, and/or bear. All materials will be provided. 🌱🍄🌳🦉🦝 $15 – $25 sliding scale, all materials provided.

Happy Huladays Performance
2025-12-06 14:30 - 15:30 | Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E. Green Street, Ithaca, NY, 14850
A variety of live, festive holiday music by the Ithaca Ukes accompanied by hula dancing by Hula Hut.
Join us at the Tompkins Library 12/6 at 2:30p. At the conclusion of the Winter Festival on the Commons.

QUASAR gifts and toy swap
2025-12-07 10:00 - 12:30 | Riverwood, 116 E State St, ITHACA, N, 14850, United States
QUASAR (Queers United and Strengthening all Resources) is hosting a No-buy toy and game swap for this holiday season, on December 7th at 10 am- 12pm at Riverwood Gifts (116 E state street). Lets Celebrate the holiday season sustainably and with the Spirit of mutual aid!

Free Screening of "Remaining Native" followed by talkback with filmmaker Paige Bethmann
2025-12-07 14:30 - 17:00 | Cinemapolis, 120 W Green St, Ithaca, 14850
The Gayogo̲hó:nǫˀ Learning Project is dedicated to fostering understanding and appreciation of Gayogo̲hó:nǫˀ (Cayuga) and general Indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues. This screening is the fourth in a series of films presented at Cinemapolis by the GLP and offers an opportunity to engage with Indigenous perspectives and narratives across Turtle Island.
This film is a coming-of-age documentary told from the perspective of Ku Stevens, a 17-year-old Native American runner, struggling to navigate his dream of becoming a collegiate athlete as the memory of his great grandfather’s escape from an Indian boarding school begins to connect past, present, and future

"Eat the Reich" TTRPG session at Riverwood
2025-12-07 15:00 - 18:30 | Riverwood, 116 E State St, ITHACA, N, 14850, United States
come join a scary fun TTRPG session of “eat the Reich” at Riverwood gifts! eat the reich, Haunt the reich and Drink all of Hitlers blood!

Why We Walk on Eggshells
2025-12-08 17:30 - 19:00 | Statler Hall, Rm 198, 7 East Ave, ITHACA, NY, USA, 145850
Gail Heriot, a recently retired law professor from the University of San Diego, says that the 1991 Civil Rights act made harassment lawsuits more financially lucrative and launched the industry of training employees in “diversity, equity, and inclusion.” Its excesses have left us all “walking on eggshells” and triggered a backlash. Heriot is an expert on civil rights, employment law, product liability, remedies and torts.

Rolling With Pride: LGBTQ game night at Riverwood Gifts
2025-12-10 17:00 - 21:00 | Riverwood, 116 E State St, ITHACA, N, 14850, United States
join us at Riverwood gifts for a night of fun and board games! Celebrating our LGBTQ community Riverwood is a safe and inclusive place to come hang out and play! Pizza provided by SAL’s pizzeria

Solstice Craft Market
2025-12-11 11:00 - 2025-12-20 17:00 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Swing by BSB on Saturday December 20th for wares from your favorite local artisans. We’ll have over 20 vendors for you to find something for everyone on your list!
Plus… free Oracle Chocolates hot cocoa for members.⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
Art of Yen Ospina
Julian Plum Design
Guppy Moss
KBerg Ceramics
Knafeh Bar
John Vorstadt Studios
Saint Canine Craft Goods
Seed Bomb
Priscilla Dahl Pottery
Weave Wild Studios
Twin Cat
The Grey Moon Homestead
Tatum’s Treasures
Creekwash Designs
The House of Heart
On the Wooded Path
Sheepy Hollow

'A Christmas Carol' Staged Reading
2025-12-11 19:00 - 2025-12-20 21:00 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Get into the holiday spirit and join us for a staged reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
Get into the holiday spirit and join us for a staged reading of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. Ticket proceeds will help Buffalo Street Books reach their fundraising goal!
Special guest: hot chocolate from Oracle Chocolates*
*Complimentary for members
Tickets are priced at $10 for individuals and $25 for groups of 3 or more.

Assemblymember Kelles Holiday Reuse Wrapping Paper Extravaganza!
2025-12-12 15:00 - 18:00 | Assemblymember District Office, 130 E State Street, Ithaca, 14850
Let’s once again make the planet part of our giving this year! The US produces 4.6 million pounds of wrapping annually, and about half ends up in landfills that same year, but together we can start to shift this trend. This holiday season, let’s share the wrapping paper materials we already have. Stop by Assemblymember Anna Kelles’ District Office to pick up free donated new or gently used wrapping paper, ribbon, gift bags, tags, tissue paper, and more! We’ll have treats, good company, and plenty of holiday cheer! Stop by on Friday, December 12th from 3 pm to 6 pm at 130 E. State Street.
