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).
Join us for a celebration of fall at the Apple Harvest Festival! Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Ithaca as you explore local vendors offering delicious apple treats, handmade crafts, and unique gifts. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and the crisp autumn air while savoring everything apple—from fresh cider to sweet and savory apple-inspired dishes. It's the perfect way to ... Read More
Ithaca Farmers Market returns to DeWitt Park on Tuesday afternoons this summer! Come to the shady oasis of DeWitt Park (corners of Cayuga and Buffalo St) on Tuesdays from 11 AM to 2P PM to grab lunch and shop for your weekly groceries including seasonal produce, locally raised meat, dairy, cheese, and other fresh or prepared grocery items. We welcome ... Read More
Join us at CSMA for a one-day dance workshop! Experience a unique blend of Hip Hop History, Dance, Music, and Culture, providing a comprehensive learning experience beyond the basics and what is portrayed in mainstream media.
Join us for a one-time introductory figure drawing workshop! In this workshop, we will use a variety of art materials, techniques, and artistic approaches. Students will learn basic techniques of drawing the human form, including anatomy, observation of the human form and fundamental exercises in gesture, contour, outline, and tonal modeling. Basic drawing knowledge is strongly suggested for this workshop.
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
Pinot Noir: The "Heartbreak Grape" featuring regions: Burgundy, Central Coast, Margaret River, Finger Lakes This course has been designed for members of our extended community who want to learn more about wine in a way that fits into your schedule and your budget. Each week, we will dive deep into a different internationally-recognized grape varietal, learning about its classic characteristics, ... Read More
Case 84: Adopted in the U.S.A, is an immersive journey through Edward's experience growing up in Philadelphia as a transracial adoptee and touches on the influence of American media on identity, complex family dynamics, and ultimately what it means to be an American. There are silly, introspective, and also painful moments in the show, including Edward's trip back to Seoul, ... Read More
Experience the vibrant world of Hispanic and Latiné art at our exciting group exhibition running from October 2 to November 26! Curated by Yen Ospina and Loreto Molina, this showcase promises a captivating array of artwork. Join us for the opening receptions on October 4 and November 1, from 5 to 8 PM, where you can meet the artists, explore ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
Gallery Night Ithaca is a walkable tour of art openings and other special cultural events in and around downtown Ithaca, New York from 5:00-8:00 PM on the first Friday of every month.
Get ready for a vibrant celebration at the 3rd Annual Heritage Fiesta, taking place in the Press Bay Parking Lot on October 5, with a rain date of October 6! Founded and organized by Yen Ospina, this lively event runs from 11 AM to 6 PM and promises a rich a showcase of culture & tradition for everyone to enjoy. ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
About the Event: Author and biographer Gordon Sander will be in store to talk with artist, and subject of his book Rooms, JJ Manford. About the Book: When Gordon Sander ’72, BA ’73, began an artist residency at Risley Residential College in 2002, he was returning to familiar ground. The author, photographer, and journalist had come back to the Hill ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
Ithaca City of Asylum presents "Comedy, Puppets, and Fantastical Tales," a family friendly evening of stories, free of charge, at 6 p.m., Oct. 7, Kitchen Theatre Company, 417 W. State Street, Ithaca NY. Performed by Arthur Groys, ICOA artist in residence and an Artist Protection Fund Fellow.
Ithaca Farmers Market returns to DeWitt Park on Tuesday afternoons this summer! Come to the shady oasis of DeWitt Park (corners of Cayuga and Buffalo St) on Tuesdays from 11 AM to 2P PM to grab lunch and shop for your weekly groceries including seasonal produce, locally raised meat, dairy, cheese, and other fresh or prepared grocery items. We welcome ... Read More
About the Event: Join us in exploring exceptional works of climate fiction! We'll use a different book each month as a jumping-off point for talking about our collective climate future. If you can't read each month's book cover-to-cover, that's okay--but the more you read, the more meaningful the conversation. Led by aspiring climate writer Wendy Skinner, with guest poets and ... Read More
Join us for the opening of Present Conversations II, a dynamic group exhibition showcasing the works of BIPOC artists, curated by Yen Ospina through Orozco Gallery Ithaca. The exhibition is up November 1st - November 27th, at CAP ArtSpace, located in The History Center at 110 N Tioga St, right in the heart of the Ithaca Commons. Throughout the month ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
Friends of the Ithaca Farmers Market (IFM) invites the community to join them for a lively Oktoberfest-themed harvest celebration! This special fundraising event will take place on October 10th from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Ithaca Farmers Market, located at Steamboat Landing, 545 Third St, Ithaca, NY. Oktoberfest at IFM promises an evening of beer, food, music, and ... Read More
This workshop by artist Anna Warfield offers an overview of the various ways in which artists can generate income and delves deeply into the topic of crowdfunding. She will cover what makes a successful crowdfunding campaign and offer insight into the strengths and weaknesses of various crowdfunding platforms. Come with an open mind, and a readiness to think creatively about ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
Tickets are $20/person. Pre-registration required. Although Ithaca might be better known for its gorges, vibrant community, and colleges, it also holds a macabre past. Find yourself face to face with the most haunted archival items in our collections (original murder masks, and items from unsolved crimes!) and explore the Haunted History of Downtown Ithaca with Heritage Ambassadors Sherri La Torre ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
About the Event: Join us for a very fun (and spooky) reading with author Damara Allen! About the Book: The legend of the Pied Piper meets Sal and Gabi Break the Universe with a touch of Coraline in this spooky and suspenseful middle grade adventure about a boy whose wish goes horribly wrong and his fight to reunite with his ... Read More
About the Event: Peter Fortunato will read from and sign copies of his new poetry collection World Headquarters. Peter Fortunato has published several other poetry collections, the novel, Carnevale (from Fomite Press) and a memoir, Desert Wind: My Life in Qatar. About the Book: The three sections of World Headquarters resonate with and reinforce the interconnectedness among the local and ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
As a part of the United in Kindness Event Series and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Advocacy Center Center of Tompkins County is hosting an all-ages story hour!
About the Event: We are Local Poets for Harris, a group of writers who want to inspire fellow citizens to support the joyful, compassionate, and just vision the Harris and Walz team have for our country. We will have an open mic for local writers to share three minutes of poems related to the importance of standing up for democracy, ... Read More
Join us for a special afternoon celebrating the legacy of one of the Ultimate Reentry Opportunity Initiative founders, Audrey Cooper. Featuring a keynote address on communities supporting reentry housing; our inaugural Audrey Cooper Award, with complimentary Mediterranean nibbles and Open Spaces Cider pop-up cash bar.
Ithaca Farmers Market returns to DeWitt Park on Tuesday afternoons this summer! Come to the shady oasis of DeWitt Park (corners of Cayuga and Buffalo St) on Tuesdays from 11 AM to 2P PM to grab lunch and shop for your weekly groceries including seasonal produce, locally raised meat, dairy, cheese, and other fresh or prepared grocery items. We welcome ... Read More
Polishing Shakespeare by Brian Dykstra Directed by Margarett Perry Starring Brian Dykstra, Kate Levy & Kate Siahaan-Rigg A dotcom billionaire pays an esteemed American theatre company to translate Shakespeare into English (Wait. What?). A world premiere comedy based on an (unbelievably) true story. ‘To sell out or not to sell out–is that the question?’ FOUR STARS! “An exhilarating, entertaining rollercoaster ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
Polishing Shakespeare by Brian Dykstra Directed by Margarett Perry Starring Brian Dykstra, Kate Levy & Kate Siahaan-Rigg A dotcom billionaire pays an esteemed American theatre company to translate Shakespeare into English (Wait. What?). A world premiere comedy based on an (unbelievably) true story. ‘To sell out or not to sell out–is that the question?’ FOUR STARS! “An exhilarating, entertaining rollercoaster ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
About the Event: Join us to celebrate the release of Janna Barkin’s new book A Grand Love: Stories for Grandparents of Transgender Grandchildren. About the Book: A Grand Love is a book of personal stories and observations from the perspectives of the author, grandparents of transgender grandchildren, and transgender people themselves. Transgender people have never been more visible in our ... Read More
Tickets are $20/person. Pre-registration required. Although Ithaca might be better known for its gorges, vibrant community, and colleges, it also holds a macabre past. Find yourself face to face with the most haunted archival items in our collections (original murder masks, and items from unsolved crimes!) and explore the Haunted History of Downtown Ithaca with Heritage Ambassadors Sherri La Torre ... Read More
Open Studio Weekends! Explore local artist studios during the beautiful fall foliage in Tompkins County! Join us on October 12-13 and October 19-20, from 11 AM to 5 PM, where over 30 artists on the Greater Ithaca Art Trail will open their studios to the public. This free, self-guided tour invites you to embark on an art-filled adventure, discovering unique ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
About the Event: Across genres, styles, and forms, feminism is alive and well in contemporary literature. Aggeliki Pelekidis's Unlucky Mel (Cornell University Press, 2024) is a humorous and moving feminist campus novel and Aida Zilelian's All the Ways We Lied (Keylight Books, 2024) is a heartfelt family saga focused on four sisters. Please join us for a lively reading and conversation about their stories and publishing ... Read More
Open Studio Weekends! Explore local artist studios during the beautiful fall foliage in Tompkins County! Join us on October 12-13 and October 19-20, from 11 AM to 5 PM, where over 30 artists on the Greater Ithaca Art Trail will open their studios to the public. This free, self-guided tour invites you to embark on an art-filled adventure, discovering unique ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
Celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the African Diaspora and explore the plants of the exhibit, “Seeds of Survival and Celebration: Plants and the Black Experience.” Join us for a conversational dinner to enjoy a traditional West African meal, prepared by Chef Kuukua of Asempe Kitchen, while learning more about the plants used in dishes across the United States, Caribbean, ... Read More
Ithaca Farmers Market returns to DeWitt Park on Tuesday afternoons this summer! Come to the shady oasis of DeWitt Park (corners of Cayuga and Buffalo St) on Tuesdays from 11 AM to 2P PM to grab lunch and shop for your weekly groceries including seasonal produce, locally raised meat, dairy, cheese, and other fresh or prepared grocery items. We welcome ... Read More
oin us for an essential conversation on October 23rd, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, where we’ll address the brain health challenges faced by all first responders—from dispatchers to law enforcement, EMS, fire, ER clinicians, parole, and probation officers, along with their loved ones. Licensed therapist Alev Ates-Barlas and USMC combat veteran and 16-year law enforcement officer Sergeant Blair MacDonald ... Read More
Polishing Shakespeare by Brian Dykstra Directed by Margarett Perry Starring Brian Dykstra, Kate Levy & Kate Siahaan-Rigg A dotcom billionaire pays an esteemed American theatre company to translate Shakespeare into English (Wait. What?). A world premiere comedy based on an (unbelievably) true story. ‘To sell out or not to sell out–is that the question?’ FOUR STARS! “An exhilarating, entertaining rollercoaster ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
Looking for a ghostly October game night? Embrace the Halloween season and join us in playing a macabre game of Mysterium! We have a wide variety of board games you can choose from to help you decompress. $5 suggested donation.
Polishing Shakespeare by Brian Dykstra Directed by Margarett Perry Starring Brian Dykstra, Kate Levy & Kate Siahaan-Rigg A dotcom billionaire pays an esteemed American theatre company to translate Shakespeare into English (Wait. What?). A world premiere comedy based on an (unbelievably) true story. ‘To sell out or not to sell out–is that the question?’ FOUR STARS! “An exhilarating, entertaining rollercoaster ... Read More
Halloween in Downtown Ithaca is all about creating a safe and secure trick-or-treating experience for families. On Halloween, local merchants will be giving out candy, creating a fun trail through downtown where kids can enjoy the spirit of the holiday. Come dressed in your best costumes and explore the Commons while collecting treats from participating businesses!
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
Tickets are $20/person. Pre-registration required. Although Ithaca might be better known for its gorges, vibrant community, and colleges, it also holds a macabre past. Find yourself face to face with the most haunted archival items in our collections (original murder masks, and items from unsolved crimes!) and explore the Haunted History of Downtown Ithaca with Heritage Ambassadors Sherri La Torre ... Read More
Don’t miss a magical experience as the Latino Civic Association presents "Pedro y la Odisea del Paraná," a captivating puppet show by acclaimed Argentinian puppeteer Leonor Lipszyc. Hosted in collaboration with The Kitchen Theatre Company, this enchanting performance will take place on October 26 at 2:30 PM and October 27 at 10:30 AM. The show, performed in Spanish, is a ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
Polishing Shakespeare by Brian Dykstra Directed by Margarett Perry Starring Brian Dykstra, Kate Levy & Kate Siahaan-Rigg A dotcom billionaire pays an esteemed American theatre company to translate Shakespeare into English (Wait. What?). A world premiere comedy based on an (unbelievably) true story. ‘To sell out or not to sell out–is that the question?’ FOUR STARS! “An exhilarating, entertaining rollercoaster ... Read More
Join staff from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Wild Birds Unlimited to discover how to attract birds to your outdoor space. Learn practical tips on bird feeding, including the best foods, feeders, and native plants to support local bird populations. Receive guidance on how to create a safe environment for your feathered visitors. Wild Birds Unlimited will showcase a ... Read More
SOAG’s October exhibit features photographs by Harry Littell and mixed media work by Jane Dennis. Littell’s series, “Parts and Service,” depicts the stillness and mystery of urban landscapes at twilight, including scenes in Ithaca, Cortland, and Binghamton. Dennis’s sculpture and paintings explore “A Cold War Childhood.” Space race, rockets, and duck and cover drills; what effect did it have on ... Read More
About the Workshop Series: Yield Everything, Force Nothing is the title of a Jean Valentine poem and hopefully a blessing over this workshop series. In these three classes, we will yield to our intuition, write expansively, and try to forgo the everyday pressures of linear thinking. I will gently guide you through fun, multi-step interactive prompts and we'll engage in ... Read More
Ithaca Farmers Market returns to DeWitt Park on Tuesday afternoons this summer! Come to the shady oasis of DeWitt Park (corners of Cayuga and Buffalo St) on Tuesdays from 11 AM to 2P PM to grab lunch and shop for your weekly groceries including seasonal produce, locally raised meat, dairy, cheese, and other fresh or prepared grocery items. We welcome ... Read More
Job seekers are invited to join us for the 28th annual World of Skills job fair on October 30th at 9am to noon. The event will take place at the Hotel Ithaca, where over 30 employers will be available to discuss job and career opportunities. The first 20 job seekers will receive door prizes, and there will also be a ... Read More
A Halloween themed live Middle Eastern music and belly dance show like you've never seen before! Taksim Ithaca with amazing dancers Pixie, Anya Hamer, Alicia Free, (and hopefully Ellen George!). No cover. Tips welcome.
Celebrate the Halloween season as ten actors bring Bram Stoker's thrilling narrative of the world's greatest vampire to life in a one-night only presentation of DRACULA or The Un-Dead! A spoken word event with sound effects, drawn from the novel.
The Northeast & Mid-Atlantic regions of Puppeteers of America, proudly present “Puppet Homecoming 2024” our next biannual regional puppetry festival to be held for the first time in the commons section of Ithaca, NY. Are you a fan of the art of puppetry, or maybe you’re not sure yet. Our festival will have something for all puppet interest, from the ... Read More
Gallery Night Ithaca is a walkable tour of art openings and other special cultural events in and around downtown Ithaca, New York from 5:00-8:00 PM on the first Friday of every month.
Join us for the opening of Present Conversations II, a dynamic group exhibition showcasing the works of BIPOC artists, curated by Yen Ospina through Orozco Gallery Ithaca. The exhibition opens on Friday, November 1st, from 5-8 PM at CAP ArtSpace, located in The History Center at 110 N Tioga St, right in the heart of the Ithaca Commons. This exhibit ... Read More
Join Buffalo Street Books for a conversation with Jennifer Kabat and Chris Holmes. They will be discussing Kabat's debut memoir for a special live recording of the Burned By Books podcast.