Downtown Ithaca

ComedyHOF Open Mic Night in Room K - K-HOUSE Karaoke & Arts Hub
2026-04-07 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | K-House Karaoke & Arts Hub, 121 W Martin Luther King Jr St, Ithaca, 14850
ComedyHOF Open Mic at K-HOUSE
A focused room for the craft of comedy.
Comedy HOF presents a monthly stand-up open mic in Room K @ K-HOUSE Karaoke & Arts Hub, hosted by Ben Mumford-Zisk
This is a high-energy night for comedians and audiences who care about timing, material, and the work of stand-up.
Each comic gets five minutes in an intimate, attentive room designed for connection. Whether you’re testing new jokes, sharpening a set, or just here to laugh, Room K is a space where comedy is taken seriously — and still fun.
This is where momentum starts! Come early, get on the list, and be part of a growing comedy scene.
📍 K-HOUSE Karaoke & Arts Hub, 121 W State St, Room K (Downstairs), Ithaca, NY
🔁 1st Tuesday of every month
🎙 Hosted by Ben Mumford-Zisk
🎭 Presented by Comedy HOF
🕖 Show: 7:00 to 9:00 PM | Sign-ups begin @ 6:45 PM

FROM THE DUST by David Swinson, with Cole Louison
2026-04-08 17:00 - 18:00 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Please join us for the release of FROM THE DUST by David Swinson, in conversation with Cole Louison
David Swinson is a retired police detective from the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC, having been assigned to Major Crimes. He is the author of the critically acclaimed Frank Marr Trilogy, including, The Second Girl,Crime Song, and Trigger, and the standalones City on the Edge and Sweet Thing. He lives in New York.
Cole Louison covers Upstate NY for The New York Times and is a regular contributor to GQ, VOGUE, and The New Yorker. Recently he was nominated for the National Magazine Award for reporting. His next book is Party House: Saga of a Prep School Rapist. He’s also the Reporter in Residence for Collegetown Magazine.

CLOTHING SWAP & CHILL @ Orozco Gallery
2026-04-08 17:00 - 19:00 | orozco gallery, 115 s cayuga st, ithaca, 14850
GALLERY HOURS | 2-5PM
🗓️ Wednesday, April 8th | ⏰ 5–7 PM
📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY
🎟️ Free | Bring 3 articles of clothing – all leftover clothing will be donated to Catholic Charities
🎨This April, Orozco Gallery opens its doors for a month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture in Downtown Ithaca. Featuring artist talks, live music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, this welcoming sober space invites all ages to gather and celebrate the transformative power of art.
As part of Orozco Gallery’s month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture, refresh your wardrobe sustainably. Bring up to three clean items to swap and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming community space.
🥤 N/A drinks available (cash bar)
💵 Donations welcome
♿ Accessible
🌐 orozcogallery.com / @orozco_gallery – RSVP info: https://forms.gle/QbVYMMwfEcuVkXLMA
Now more than ever, art is an act of resistance and renewal — a way to reclaim joy, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. This month-long series is organized and founded by community maker, curator, and activist Yen Ospina in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, & Latina/o Studies Program at Cornell University.

ARTIST TALKS & WORKSHOPS @ Orozco Gallery
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | orozco gallery, 115 s cayuga st, ithaca, 14850
GALLERY HOURS | 2-6PM
🗓️ Thursday, April 9th | ⏰ 6–8 PM
📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY
🎟️ Free | 👤 14+ | Supplies included
🎨This April, Orozco Gallery opens its doors for a month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture in Downtown Ithaca. Featuring artist talks, live music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, this welcoming sober space invites all ages to gather and celebrate the transformative power of art.
Panaderia Peluche 6-7pm
Melissa Castillo [learn about Debra Castillo] 7-8pm
Curated by Yen Ospina as part of Orozco Gallery’s month-long pop-up, this in-person artist talk pairs storytelling with a hands-on mini workshop. Learn directly from artists and explore creativity together.
💵 Free (donations welcome)
🥤 N/A drinks available
♿ Accessible
🌐 orozcogallery.com / @orozco_gallery – RSVP info: https://forms.gle/QbVYMMwfEcuVkXLMA
Now more than ever, art is an act of resistance and renewal — a way to reclaim joy, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. This month-long series is organized and founded by community maker, curator, and activist Yen Ospina in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, & Latina/o Studies Program at Cornell University.

Jesse Collins Trio live at MIX Art Gallery
2026-04-10 16:00 - 19:00 | MIX Art Gallery, 156 E. State Street, Ithaca, 14850
Experience a special evening of live jazz with the Jesse Collins Trio at MIX Art Gallery. Blending improvisation, soulful rhythms, and contemporary jazz influences, this dynamic ensemble transforms the gallery into an intimate, vibrant listening space. Join us for an unforgettable night where art, music, and community come together in downtown Ithaca right on the Commons.
Limited seating – get there early!
$10 at the door, April 10, 7-9 pm
156 E. State St. (2nd Floor) on the Ithaca Commons!

ARTIST TALKS & WORKSHOPS @ Orozco Gallery
2026-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 | orozco gallery, 115 s cayuga st, ithaca, 14850
GALLERY HOURS | 2-6PM
🗓️ Friday, April 10th | ⏰ 6–8 PM
📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY
🎟️ Free | 👤 14+ | Supplies Included
🎨 This April, Orozco Gallery opens its doors for a month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture in Downtown Ithaca. Featuring artist talks, live music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, this welcoming sober space invites all ages to gather and celebrate the transformative power of art.
Poison Apple Society 6-7 PM
Sarah Lopez | The Fiber Painter 7-8 PM
Curated by Yen Ospina as part of Orozco Gallery’s month-long pop-up, this in-person artist talk pairs storytelling with a hands-on mini workshop. Learn directly from artists and explore creativity together.
💵 Free (donations welcome)
🥤 N/A drinks available
♿ Accessible
🌐 orozcogallery.com / @orozco_gallery – RSVP info: https://forms.gle/QbVYMMwfEcuVkXLMA
Now more than ever, art is an act of resistance and renewal — a way to reclaim joy, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. This month-long series is organized and founded by community maker, curator, and activist Yen Ospina in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, & Latina/o Studies Program at Cornell University.

"Whose Tree is This?" Book Birthday Party with Julian Plum
2026-04-11 15:00 - 16:00 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Join local artist Julian Plum to celebrate the launch of his very first picture book, written by Marilyn Singer. “Whose Tree Is This?” explores an oak tree through poems written from the perspective of thirteen animals big and small—including caterpillars, chickadees, cicadas, screech owls, springtails, blue jays, black bears, crows, and people—that rely on it for food and shelter.
Julian will talk about what it’s like to illustrate a picture book and demonstrate how to draw some of the very cute critters inside. This is an event for everyone, from the smallest to the biggest humans! You’ll be able to take home coloring pages and a map of Ithaca’s very own oak trees to go and visit.

"Where Culture Takes Flight"
2026-04-11 16:00 - 19:00 | Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, 1 Culligan Dr., Ithaca, 14850
Sponsored by MIX Art Gallery, Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, and the Cornell University Sustainable Design (CUSD) group, this free art gala will feature art, music, vendors, and a raffle to win flight vouchers valued at $125! Food will be available to purchase from the airport’s 2nd Landing Cafe.
Parking will be free for this event or take the #32 T-CAT bus from Ithaca.
Enjoy art on display by Josh Parrott, Tia Eytina, Yen Ospina, Amy Hauer, Shawn Bridget Hull, Leslie Ihde, and Shane Eversfield, including two new sculptures! Musical guests include jazz by the Jesse Collins Trio and a cappella vocalists from Cornell. Local artists will have merchandise for sale, and there will be arts tables for kids and families. The CUSD Sustainable Mobility Team will debut a model of their new bus shelter.
Free and open to the public.

DATE NIGHT: BOSSA NOVA JAZZ @ Orozco Gallery
2026-04-11 19:00 - 21:00 | orozco gallery, 115 s cayuga st, ithaca, 14850
GALLERY HOURS | 2-7PM
🗓️ Saturday, April 11th | ⏰ 7–9 PM
📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY
🎟️ Free | 👤 14+
🎨This April, Orozco Gallery opens its doors for a month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture in Downtown Ithaca. Featuring artist talks, live music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, this welcoming sober space invites all ages to gather and celebrate the transformative power of art.
As part of Orozco Gallery’s month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture, enjoy an intimate evening of live bossa nova jazz in a welcoming sober art space with Date Night.
🥤 N/A drinks available (cash bar)
💵 Free (donations welcome)
♿ Accessible
🌐 orozcogallery.com / @orozco_gallery – RSVP info: https://forms.gle/QbVYMMwfEcuVkXLMA
Now more than ever, art is an act of resistance and renewal — a way to reclaim joy, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. This month-long series is organized and founded by community maker, curator, and activist Yen Ospina in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, & Latina/o Studies Program at Cornell University.

Vinyl Soul Brunch with DJ Flex Unger at K-House
2026-04-12 11:30 - 13:30 | K-House Karaoke & Arts Hub, 121 W Martin Luther King Jr St, Ithaca, 14850
K-HOUSE Karaoke & Arts Hub is proud to introduce Room K Brunch: Vinyl Edition, a new daytime programming concept debuting Sunday, April 12th in Room K. This evolving brunch series will blend curated DJ sets, live performances, and elevated brunch offerings in an intimate, community-driven setting.
The series launches with Soul Brunch featuring DJ Flex Unger of @cleanandhumble, spinning a curated selection of soul 45’s from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, setting the tone for a relaxed yet vibrant Sunday experience.
Brunch service will be provided by Farm to Feast NY, K-HOUSE’s café partner, known for its thoughtfully crafted menu and locally driven approach, with expanded days and hours coming soon as programming continues to grow.
Alongside the final day of the Ithaca D.I.Y. Fest, Room K Brunch: Vinyl Edition will serve as a welcoming “fuel-up station” for festival-goers before the day’s lineup of live performances begins.
K-HOUSE is also proud to be an active festival venue, with live music programming throughout the weekend:
Friday shows begin at 12:45 PM,
Saturday shows begin at 12:30 PM, and
Sunday performances kick off at 2:00 PM—immediately following brunch.
This makes Sunday’s brunch the perfect transition point—guests can enjoy a relaxed, music-filled brunch and roll directly into the afternoon lineup without missing a beat.
Throughout the entire festival weekend, Farm to Feast NY at K-HOUSE will serve as a central destination for food and daytime gathering, open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Festivalgoers are encouraged to stop in each day to eat, recharge, and connect between shows, with Sunday’s Soul Brunch serving as the official launch of Room K’s themed brunch programming.
Upstairs at K-HOUSE, the café and karaoke bar & lounge remain free and open to the public throughout the weekend. Guests wishing to attend official Ithaca D.I.Y. Fest performances should note that festival shows require ticketed entry, while Room K Brunch: Vinyl Edition operates on a recommended $5–$10 pay-what-you-can donation at the door.

Ithaca Trans Center Book Club
2026-04-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Join us to discuss ‘The Faggots & Their Friends Between Revolutions’ by Larry Mitchell!
A book club hosted by the Ithaca Trans Center
all book club books have a 10% discount

SIP & PAINT (BOB ROSS–INSPIRED) @ Orozco Gallery
2026-04-12 16:00 - 18:00 | orozco gallery, 115 s cayuga st, ithaca, 14850
GALLERY HOURS | 1-4PM
🗓️ Sunday, April 12th | ⏰ 4–6 PM
📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY
🎟️ Sliding scale $30-50 | 👤 14+ | Supplies included
🎨 This April, Orozco Gallery opens its doors for a month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture in Downtown Ithaca. Featuring artist talks, live music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, this welcoming sober space invites all ages to gather and celebrate the transformative power of art.
During Orozco Gallery’s month-long arts & culture pop-up, paint along in a guided, Bob Ross–inspired workshop. No experience needed — just come ready to create!
💵 Sliding scale (cash or Venmo)
🥤 N/A drinks available
♿ Accessible
🌐 orozcogallery.com / @orozco_gallery – RSVP info: https://forms.gle/QbVYMMwfEcuVkXLMA
Now more than ever, art is an act of resistance and renewal — a way to reclaim joy, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. This month-long series is organized and founded by community maker, curator, and activist Yen Ospina in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, & Latina/o Studies Program at Cornell University.

Yamatai PULSE 2026: Legacy
2026-04-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Bailey Hall, 230 Garden Ave, Ithaca, 14850
Join Yamatai at PULSE 2026 for a stunning concert that showcases the power and excitement of taiko drumming! PULSE is where where we showcase to the Ithaca community all the hard work we put in throughout the year. This is where the long nights, blistered hands, love, passion, and artistic vision all come together into a cohesive, two hour concert for everyone to enjoy. You can see us perform at local events all year, but PULSE is the only place where you’ll be fully immersed in the world of taiko drumming.
Don’t miss the show that has sold out Bailey Hall 9 times consecutively!

LET’S READ + TALK ABOUT CLIMATE - CLIMATE LIT DISCUSSION GROUP
2026-04-15 16:00 - 17:30 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Community-led conversations about climate change, as we discuss “Fen, Bog and Swamp A Short History of Peatland Destruction and Its Role in the Climate Crisis.”
Climate Literature Book Discussions meets the third Wednesday of the month. See 2026 titles here.
Shop with us for 10% off these titles!

LATINE DRAG NIGHT @ Orozco Gallery
2026-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | orozco gallery, 115 s cayuga st, ithaca, 14850
GALLERY HOURS | 2-7PM
🗓️ Wednesday, April 15th | ⏰ 7–9 PM
📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY
🎟️ Free | 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages
🎨This April, Orozco Gallery opens its doors for a month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture in Downtown Ithaca. Featuring artist talks, live music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, this welcoming sober space invites all ages to gather and celebrate the transformative power of art.
Celebrate Latine drag artistry as part of Orozco Gallery’s month-long arts & culture pop-up. Expect bold performances by Queentessential and Skarlet Killz & Noah Phence. Enjoy vibrant self-expression in a welcoming sober space.
🌐 orozcogallery.com / @orozco_gallery – RSVP info: https://forms.gle/QbVYMMwfEcuVkXLMA
Now more than ever, art is an act of resistance and renewal — a way to reclaim joy, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. This month-long series is organized and founded by community maker, curator, and activist Yen Ospina in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, & Latina/o Studies Program at Cornell University.

Artists Talks & Workshops @ Orozco Gallery 4/16
2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:00 | orozco gallery, 115 s cayuga st, ithaca, 14850
GALLERY HOURS | 2-6PM
🗓️ Thursday, April 16th | ⏰ 6–8 PM
📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY
🎟️ Free | 👤 14+ | Supplies included
🎨 This April, Orozco Gallery opens its doors for a month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture in Downtown Ithaca. Featuring artist talks, live music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, this welcoming sober space invites all ages to gather and celebrate the transformative power of art.
Luna Fiber Studios 6-7 PM
Gabriella Evergreen 7-8 PM
Curated by Yen Ospina as part of Orozco Gallery’s month-long pop-up, this in-person artist talk pairs storytelling with a hands-on mini workshop. Learn directly from artists and explore creativity together.
💵 Free (donations welcome)
🥤 N/A drinks available
♿ Accessible
🌐 orozcogallery.com / @orozco_gallery – RSVP info: https://forms.gle/QbVYMMwfEcuVkXLMA
Now more than ever, art is an act of resistance and renewal — a way to reclaim joy, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. This month-long series is organized and founded by community maker, curator, and activist Yen Ospina in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, & Latina/o Studies Program at Cornell University.

Spring Renewal Gong Bath
2026-04-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Library Place, 105 West Court St Ithaca, NY 14850, Ithaca, 14850
🌸 Spring Renewal Gong Bath 🌸
📍 Library Place | 🗓 Friday, April 17 | ⏰ 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Step into a world of calm and let the soothing vibrations of gongs guide you to deep relaxation. ✨ This restorative session combines gong bath sounds with guided meditation, helping you disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with your inner self.
💆‍♀️ Bring a mat & small blanket to get cozy and fully enjoy the experience.
🎶 Led by Gong Master Caryn Sheckler, internationally trained and a Level 2 Kundalini Yoga Instructor.
💲 $15 advance / $20 at the door
🌐 Register today: https://tinyurl.com/LLGongBath
Open to all – come renew your mind, body, and spirit this spring! 🌿

Artists Talks & Workshops @ Orozco Gallery 4/17
2026-04-17 18:00 - 20:00 | orozco gallery, 115 s cayuga st, ithaca, 14850
GALLERY HOURS | 2-6 PM
🗓️ Friday, April 17th | ⏰ 6–8 PM
📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY
🎟️ Free | 👤 14+ | Supplies included
🎨This April, Orozco Gallery opens its doors for a month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture in Downtown Ithaca. Featuring artist talks, live music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, this welcoming sober space invites all ages to gather and celebrate the transformative power of art.
Annie Sheng 6-7 PM
Rory Ruiz Romero Howell 7-8 PM
Curated by Yen Ospina as part of Orozco Gallery’s month-long pop-up, this in-person artist talk pairs storytelling with a hands-on mini workshop. Learn directly from artists and explore creativity together.
💵 Free (donations welcome)
🥤 N/A drinks available
♿ Accessible
🌐 orozcogallery.com / @orozco_gallery – RSVP info: https://forms.gle/QbVYMMwfEcuVkXLMA
Now more than ever, art is an act of resistance and renewal — a way to reclaim joy, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. This month-long series is organized and founded by community maker, curator, and activist Yen Ospina in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, & Latina/o Studies Program at Cornell University.

Children's Storytelling Event - Morning Magic Tales: Rediscovering the Classics and Foundation of Stories
2026-04-18 10:30 - 23:30 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Join us for a cozy morning of intergenerational storytelling held on the Third Saturday of every month, at 10:30 AM. This event is designed not just for children, but for “big people” too, because at heart we never really grow up; offering a chance to rediscover the enduring wisdom and beautiful nostalgia found in classic children’s literature and beloved fairytales. Each session includes a compelling retelling of a foundational story, and sometimes followed by a quick, hands-on workshop or activity that allows children to creatively engage with the story’s theme and/or create their own. It’s an opportunity for a moment of wonder and creativity together.

Earth Day Festival
2026-04-18 12:00 - 17:00 | Ithaca Commons, E. State Street, Ithaca, NY, United States
Join the 2026 Earth Day Festival at the Ithaca Commons on Saturday, April 18,from 12 pm to 5 pm. Enjoy fun, family-friendly activities, resources, food, and music as we celebrate how together we are protecting our planet and communities.
Learn about actionable climate solutions that are both possible and attainable. Explore sustainable ways to reduce waste, lower energy costs, grow and cook food, and more. Together, we can take action to create a livable and vibrant tomorrow!

Babalu's Kung-Fu Your Own Adventures!
2026-04-18 17:00 - 19:00 | K-House Karaoke & Arts Hub, 121 W Martin Luther King Jr St, Ithaca, 14850
A martial arts themed choose-your-own-adventure! No prior experience in martial arts, acting, tabletop roleplaying required. No contact, plenty of snacks!
Free to see, $8 to play!

AFRO-CUBAN: Venissa Santi 3rio LIVE MUSIC @ Orozco Gallery
2026-04-18 19:00 - 21:00 | orozco gallery, 115 s cayuga st, ithaca, 14850
GALLERY HOURS | 2-7PM
🗓️ Saturday, April 18th | ⏰ 7–9 PM
📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY
🎟️ Free | 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages
🎨 This April, Orozco Gallery opens its doors for a month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture in Downtown Ithaca. Featuring artist talks, live music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, this welcoming sober space invites all ages to gather and celebrate the transformative power of art.
As part of Orozco Gallery’s month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture, enjoy an intimate evening of afrocuban music in a welcoming sober art space with Venissa Santi 3rio.
🥤 N/A drinks available
💵 Free (donations welcome)
♿ Accessible
🌐 orozcogallery.com / @orozco_gallery – RSVP info: https://forms.gle/QbVYMMwfEcuVkXLMA
Now more than ever, art is an act of resistance and renewal — a way to reclaim joy, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. This month-long series is organized and founded by community maker, curator, and activist Yen Ospina in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, & Latina/o Studies Program at Cornell University.

LILY PAD PUPPET THEATRE @ Orozco Gallery
2026-04-19 17:00 - 18:00 | orozco gallery, 115 s cayuga st, ithaca, 14850
GALLERY HOURS | 1-5PM
🗓️ Sunday, April 19th | ⏰ 5–6 PM
📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY
🎟️ Free | 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages
🎨 This April, Orozco Gallery opens its doors for a month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture in Downtown Ithaca. Featuring artist talks, live music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, this welcoming sober space invites all ages to gather and celebrate the transformative power of art.
Enjoy a magical puppet performance as part of Orozco Gallery’s month-long arts & culture celebration. Perfect for families.
🥤 N/A drinks available
💵 Free (donations welcome)
♿ Accessible
🌐 orozcogallery.com / @orozco_gallery – RSVP info: https://forms.gle/QbVYMMwfEcuVkXLMA
Now more than ever, art is an act of resistance and renewal — a way to reclaim joy, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. This month-long series is organized and founded by community maker, curator, and activist Yen Ospina in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, & Latina/o Studies Program at Cornell University.

Tompkins County Minimum Wage Convening: The Care Economy
2026-04-21 10:30 - 12:30 | Child Development Council, 608 West Clinton Street, Ithaca, 608 West Clinton Street, Ithaca, 14850
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tompkins-county-minimum-wage-convening-the-care-economy-tickets-1987008730602?aff=oddtdtcreator
Join us for a series of discussions exploring the possibility of establishing a countywide minimum wage in Tompkins County.
Care work matters to us all, as do the wages of care workers. Child care, elder care, healthcare, and care for people with disabilities in homes and institutions are major employers of low-wage workers. Moreover, many of the families they serve have members who are low earners. What would be the impact of a living wage on these organizations, their workers, and the people they serve? How would it affect the availability of childcare? This session will include representatives of not-for-profit organizations, human services agencies, and childcare providers, as well as people who work in those organizations, both in administration and front-line service provision. It will also include a presentation by Dr Anne Marie Brady and Dr Zoe West, senior researchers at Cornell University’s ILR School.
This convening is part of a broader effort to bring together workers, employers, community organizations, researchers, and policymakers to better understand the economic realities facing residents of Tompkins County. We welcome anyone interested in labor, economic policy, community wellbeing, and fair wages to participate.
Come learn, share perspectives, and help shape the conversation.
If you have any feedback, questions, or suggestions regarding the Tompkins County Minimum Wage Convening: Care Economy, we encourage you to complete the survey below:
https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8eMaI9WM2qdl28S

Tompkins County Minimum Wage Convening: Public Benefits
2026-04-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Child Development Council, 608 West Clinton Street, Ithaca, 608 West Clinton Street, Ithaca, 14850
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tompkins-county-minimum-wage-convening-public-benefits-tickets-1987008981352?aff=oddtdtcreator
Join us for the fifth convening in a series of discussions exploring the possibility of establishing a countywide minimum wage in Tompkins County.
Many workers affected by minimum wage increases receive public benefits to help them gain access to healthcare, childcare, and other services. Many of these workers could be lifted out of poverty if they received a sufficient boost to their wages. On the other hand, because many benefits are targeted at low-income households, workers and their families could lose access to these benefits and services. What would the impact of a county-wide minimum wage be on the lives of social services clients with jobs and their families? Would the loss of benefits mean overall loss of resources, or could wage increases make up for the value of lost benefits? This session will include representatives of the Department of Social Services, other service providers with DSS clients, and community-based organizations.
This convening is part of a broader effort to bring together workers, employers, community organizations, researchers, and policymakers to better understand the economic realities facing residents of Tompkins County. We welcome anyone interested in labor, economic policy, community wellbeing, and fair wages to participate.

BILINGUAL STORY TIME @ Orozco Gallery
2026-04-22 17:00 - 18:00 | orozco gallery, 115 s cayuga st, ithaca, 14850
GALLERY HOURS } 2-6PM
🗓️ Wednesday, April 22nd | ⏰ 5–6 PM
📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY
🎟️ Free | 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages
🎨 This April, Orozco Gallery opens its doors for a month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture in Downtown Ithaca. Featuring artist talks, live music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, this welcoming sober space invites all ages to gather and celebrate the transformative power of art.
Celebrate storytelling, language, and crafts during Orozco Gallery’s month-long arts & culture pop-up with Buffalo Street Books as a special guest!
🥤 N/A drinks available
💵 Free (donations welcome)
♿ Accessible
🌐 orozcogallery.com / @orozco_gallery – RSVP info: https://forms.gle/QbVYMMwfEcuVkXLMA
Now more than ever, art is an act of resistance and renewal — a way to reclaim joy, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. This month-long series is organized and founded by community maker, curator, and activist Yen Ospina in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, & Latina/o Studies Program at Cornell University.

Uncle Jimmy's Book Club
2026-04-23 17:00 - 18:30 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
Join Kofi Acree to discuss Clay Cane’s book Burn Down Master’s House!
To register for the event visit: Uncle Jimmy’s Book Club.
All book club attendees will receive a one-time 10% coupon, valid for the week following the book club.

Ellen David Friedman: Keep Going
2026-04-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Autumn Leaves Books, 115 East State Street, Ithaca, NY, 14850, United States
Autumn Leaves Books on the Ithaca Commons is excited to welcome local author and union organizer Ellen David Friedman for the launch of her new book Keep Going: A Guide to Organizing When It’s Hard. The book, illustrated by artist Fernando Martí and published by PM Press, features true stories from workplace activists and lessons from the frontlines. Keep Going will help workers, unionizers, and labor leaders get started and get unstuck when things aren’t going as expected.
“Against the seemingly limitless power of corporations and billionaires, and the cruelty of a government turning against its own people, there are workers everywhere standing up and fighting back. I’ve known Ellen David Friedman for many years. She knows what it takes to organize and give people real hope. This book contains that experience and helps anyone who is building power in the workplace—step by step, facing endless challenges—to keep going.” —‎Senator Bernie Sanders
This event is free and open to the public. There will be a discussion, Q&A, and book signing. Join us upstairs on the bookstore’s mezzanine. Keep in mind, seating is limited.
About the author:
Ellen David Friedman is a retired organizer with the Vermont affiliate of the National Education Association. She has trained and advised thousands of union members, staffers, and officers, and is the architect of the popular Labor Notes workshop “What to Do When Your Union Breaks Your Heart.” She is a regular contributor to Labor Notes magazine and chair of the Labor Notes board. She lives in Ithaca, New York.

MAKE YOUR OWN PAPER DOLL @ Orozco Gallery
2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 | orozco gallery, 115 s cayuga st, ithaca, 14850
GALLERY HOURS | 2-6PM
🗓️ Thursday, April 23rd | ⏰ 6–8 PM
📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY
🎟️ Free | 👤 14+ | Supplies included
🎨This April, Orozco Gallery opens its doors for a month-long pop-up filled with arts & culture in Downtown Ithaca. Featuring artist talks, live music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, this welcoming sober space invites all ages to gather and celebrate the transformative power of art.
Curated by Yen Ospina as part of Orozco Gallery’s month-long pop-up, this in-person artist talk pairs storytelling with a hands-on mini workshop. Learn directly from artists and explore creativity together.
💵 Free (donations welcome)
🥤 N/A drinks available
♿ Accessible
🌐 orozcogallery.com / @orozco_gallery – RSVP info: https://forms.gle/QbVYMMwfEcuVkXLMA
Now more than ever, art is an act of resistance and renewal — a way to reclaim joy, foster dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. This month-long series is organized and founded by community maker, curator, and activist Yen Ospina in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, & Latina/o Studies Program at Cornell University.

Author Reading: Fugitive Tilts
2026-04-24 17:00 - 18:00 | Buffalo Street Books, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
A reading from – and discussion of – Fugitive Tilts with author Ishion Hutchinson who is joined in conversation with Dante Micheaux!
