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.
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).
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3 events,
Yiddish Folklife Festival of the Finger Lakes (YFFFL) is a new three-day arts and cultural festival taking place April 25-27, 2025 at Lifelong Community Center downtown, and other venues. Featuring live klezmer music, folk dancing, a community potluck, cooking and cultural workshops, a nature talk, an academic lecture, an open mic, and other community events, this intergenerational, all-ages festival is ... Read More
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A one-off adventure for those who are still getting their footing in the world of Dungeons and Dragons! Limited spots, so grab yours today!
Free
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Venissa Santí is a Cuban-American vocalist and composer whose sound blends jazz, Afro-Cuban traditions, and original songwriting. A Pew Fellow in Folk and Traditional Arts, she has studied in Cuba and released two acclaimed albums, Bienvenida and Big Stuff: Afro-Cuban Holiday (Sunnyside Records), earning praise from Rubén Blades and Danilo Pérez. She is currently developing new music with her trio ... Read More
$10
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0 events,
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1 event,
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The Tompkins Chamber is proud to bring you a L.E.A.R.N. seminar, "Buying and Selling Businesses: Financing and business planning considerations", sponsored by M&T Bank. An overview will be presented by M&T Bank, followed by a panel discussion with representatives from: M&T Bank, Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED), Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Small Business Administration (SBA), Klausner Cook, PLLC, and ... Read More
$10 – $15
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1 event,
The Nocturnal Café (formerly Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar) welcomes you to experience our weekly Open Mic Night hosted by a rotating cast of talented local artists. Come on down to share your song or story! Let's cultivate shared creativity! Showcase your talents and enjoy the experience of creative connection with a welcoming and supportive audience at Ithaca's ... Read More
Free
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4 events,
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.
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WE ARE LA VOZ: RESILIENCE THROUGH ART – OPENING RECEPTION 🗓️ Friday, May 2nd | ⏰ 5–9 PM | 📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca Join us for the opening of We Are La Voz: Resilience Through Art, a vibrant and powerful group exhibition showcasing the work of Latine artists using textile arts as a form of resistance, storytelling, and ... Read More |
2 events,
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Chet Cashman Boxing Programs Present: Spring Fling Boxing Event Date: May 3, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM Location: Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Join Us for an Exciting Day of Boxing! – The Chet Cashman Boxing Programs at GIAC are thrilled to announce the Spring Fling boxing event, taking place on May 3, 2025, at 2 PM. This exciting event will feature ... Read More |
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2 events,
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On May 4, Cornell Media Guild, home to WVBR-FM 93.5 Ithaca's Alternative, is celebrating its 90th anniversary of empowering student-run media and bringing music to Ithaca with the Cornell Media Guild Music Festival. Come down to the Ithaca Commons to enjoy live performances by incredible local bands, meet some of your favorite WVBR DJs, and explore tables from local vendors. ... Read More
Free
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0 events,
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1 event,
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Calling all comedians and comedy lovers! In collaboration with the Downstairs and Comedy on the Commons, come on down to a comedy open mic for some laughs AND to participate in research! Fill out surveys throughout the open mic for a chance to win a $25 gift card to the Watershed/the Downstairs. Sign ups start at 6:30 pm, open mic ... Read More |
4 events,
It’s time once again for all of us to enjoy some amazing writers in our region! The Community Arts Partnership’s 17th annual Spring Writes Literary Festival features 40 free literary events featuring over 100 writers. Events are live in downtown Ithaca from May 7-11, on Zoom from May 15-22, AND writing workshops continue through September. (Registration is Required.) The Festival ... Read More
Free
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🗓️ Wednesday, May 7th | ⏰ 5–6 PM | 📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 🥤 Non-alcoholic drinks + cash bar | 👨👩👧👦 All ages welcome Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to a fun-filled Spanish storytime featuring songs, rhymes, stories, and crafts—all in Spanish! This lively and interactive session is a fantastic opportunity for families ... Read More
It’s time once again for all of us to enjoy some amazing writers in our region! The Community Arts Partnership’s 17th annual Spring Writes Literary Festival features 40 free literary events featuring over 100 writers. Events are live in downtown Ithaca from May 7-11, on Zoom from May 15-22, AND writing workshops continue through September. (Registration is Required.) The Festival ... Read More
Free
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2 events,
It’s time once again for all of us to enjoy some amazing writers in our region! The Community Arts Partnership’s 17th annual Spring Writes Literary Festival features 40 free literary events featuring over 100 writers. Events are live in downtown Ithaca from May 7-11, on Zoom from May 15-22, AND writing workshops continue through September. (Registration is Required.) The Festival ... Read More
Free
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4 events,
It’s time once again for all of us to enjoy some amazing writers in our region! The Community Arts Partnership’s 17th annual Spring Writes Literary Festival features 40 free literary events featuring over 100 writers. Events are live in downtown Ithaca from May 7-11, on Zoom from May 15-22, AND writing workshops continue through September. (Registration is Required.) The Festival ... Read More
Free
Drop in for figure drawing sessions at CSMA, generally held on the 2nd and 4th Friday evenings of each month. If you’re an intermediate or advanced-level artist interested in drawing from the nude model, come join our non-instructed, open sketch sessions. Just grab your own supplies and enjoy an evening of creativity in the company of other artists. |
5 events,
It’s time once again for all of us to enjoy some amazing writers in our region! The Community Arts Partnership’s 17th annual Spring Writes Literary Festival features 40 free literary events featuring over 100 writers. Events are live in downtown Ithaca from May 7-11, on Zoom from May 15-22, AND writing workshops continue through September. (Registration is Required.) The Festival ... Read More
Free
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Ruma DANCE CLASS 🗓️ Saturday, May 10th | ⏰ 7–8 PM | 📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 🕺 No experience needed • Dance in community • All ages welcome Join us for a lively and fun Rumba dance class led by Lizzy Fajardo, a proud Colombian dancer with a passion for building community through movement! No dance experience ... Read More
$10
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3 events,
It’s time once again for all of us to enjoy some amazing writers in our region! The Community Arts Partnership’s 17th annual Spring Writes Literary Festival features 40 free literary events featuring over 100 writers. Events are live in downtown Ithaca from May 7-11, on Zoom from May 15-22, AND writing workshops continue through September. (Registration is Required.) The Festival ... Read More
Free
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SIP AND PAINT CLASS 🗓️ Sunday, May 11th | ⏰ 4–7 PM | 📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 🎨 Supplies included • No experience required • All ages welcome Looking for something fun and creative to do? Join Yen Ospina for a whimsical Sip and Paint Class, where you'll learn to create your own Bob Ross-style masterpiece in ... Read More
$30 – $40
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0 events,
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1 event,
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A boozy reading series featuring authors of the fantastic, the surreal, the absurd, the speculative, and the odd. This months featured authors are Jennifer Hudak, David DeGraff, and Edward Ashton
Free
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5 events,
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Alone in a vast wildlife refuge with little direction and no experience, a Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology student found herself responsible for a project of historical importance—to bring the Bald Eagle back from near extinction. In Return to the Sky, Tina Morris, one of the first women to engage in a raptor reintroduction program, shares her remarkable story that is ... Read More
Free
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Experience our students' hard work and talent at the Ithaca Children and Youth Chorus Spring Concert on Wednesday, May 14th at 6:00 PM in Ford Hall at Ithaca College! Come celebrate a renowned Ithaca youth program and support a great cause – all ticket sales go directly to the youth chorus scholarship fund! Suggested donation is $10 for individuals and ... Read More
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A teach in discussion on gender expression, toxic masculinity, male privilege and more. Exploring queer and cis perspectives. Put on by Queer Anarchy Collective.
Free
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4 events,
It’s time once again for all of us to enjoy some amazing writers in our region! The Community Arts Partnership’s 17th annual Spring Writes Literary Festival features 40 free literary events featuring over 100 writers. Events are live in downtown Ithaca from May 7-11, on Zoom from May 15-22, AND writing workshops continue through September. (Registration is Required.) The Festival ... Read More
Free
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Join Liza Flum for her Ithaca launch of Hover. A reading will be followed by a discussion with poet Benjamin Garcia. About Hover: Poems in this collection focus on queer polyamorous families, considering the ways in which people in radical family structures are both highly visible and erased. From hummingbirds to stars, historical records, and cemetery monuments, Flum searches for ... Read More
Free
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2 events,
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ARTIST WORKSHOPS NIGHT 🗓️ Friday, May 16th | ⏰ 6–8 PM | 📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY Come connect with community and creativity during this special evening of artist talks and interactive workshops featuring two incredible fiber artists: 🧵 Bevi Wallenstein (Bevi) Bevi’s art is inspired by the natural world and explores organic forms through fiber. During this ... Read More |
5 events,
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Join BJM principal, staff, and caregivers for Story Time on Saturday, May 17 at 12 p.m. at Buffalo Street Books! Support Beverly J. Martin Elementary School during this special fundraising weekend! 20% of all sales will be donated to BJM for free student programming.
Free
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Join us for the 5th Annual Rootstock Festival on Saturday, May 17 at the Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Ithaca Commons. This free, family-friendly event features live performances by 14 youth bands and 6 youth dance troupes, plus over 25 youth entrepreneurs launching their new products and services. Co-produced by New Roots, YEM, and Grassroots, Rootstock is a community celebration ... Read More
Free
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2 events,
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LILPAD PUPPET THEATRE: ALFONSO'S MINIATURE ORCHESTRA 🗓️ Sunday, May 18th | ⏰ 5–6 PM | 📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY Join us for a magical puppet show perfect for children and families! Alfonso’s Miniature Orchestra tells the heartwarming story of Alfonso, a young boy living with his grandmother in Southern Spain who isn’t allowed to study music—until he ... Read More |
1 event,
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A creative and restorative workshop for professionals in education, healthcare, human services, the arts, and beyond. Centered on wellness, connection, and self-regulation, in this workshop, we’ll take time to slow down, build meaningful connections, and create together. Through simple, accessible art activities, we’ll explore ways to manage stress, support one another, and find moments of peace amid uncertainty. This workshop ... Read More |
2 events,
State of the Art proudly presents our 36th Annual Juried Photography Show. This year’s show accepted photographs from 63 artists from all over New York state. The jury reviewed 283 images and selected 87 for the show. The exhibit includes landscapes, portraits, abstract, and traditional photography.
Free
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Join us to celebrate Behooved on pub-day! Pre-order now for stickers, a bookmark, and a bookplate! About the Book: A charming slow-burn romantasy featuring a duty-bound noblewoman with a chronic illness, a prince who would rather be in a library than on a throne, and a magical ride through a world of cozy enchantment Bianca knows her duty comes before ... Read More
Free
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4 events,
It’s time once again for all of us to enjoy some amazing writers in our region! The Community Arts Partnership’s 17th annual Spring Writes Literary Festival features 40 free literary events featuring over 100 writers. Events are live in downtown Ithaca from May 7-11, on Zoom from May 15-22, AND writing workshops continue through September. (Registration is Required.) The Festival ... Read More
Free
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SPANISH STORYTIME FOR FAMILIES 🗓️ Wednesday, May 21st | ⏰ 5–6 PM | 📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 🥤 Non-alcoholic drinks + cash bar | 👨👩👧👦 All ages welcome Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to a fun-filled Spanish storytime featuring songs, rhymes, stories, and crafts—all in Spanish! This lively and interactive session is a ... Read More
The Nocturnal Café (formerly Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar) welcomes you to experience our weekly Open Mic Night hosted by a rotating cast of talented local artists. Come on down to share your song or story! Let's cultivate shared creativity! Showcase your talents and enjoy the experience of creative connection with a welcoming and supportive audience at Ithaca's ... Read More
Free
|
5 events,
State of the Art proudly presents our 36th Annual Juried Photography Show. This year’s show accepted photographs from 63 artists from all over New York state. The jury reviewed 283 images and selected 87 for the show. The exhibit includes landscapes, portraits, abstract, and traditional photography.
Free
It’s time once again for all of us to enjoy some amazing writers in our region! The Community Arts Partnership’s 17th annual Spring Writes Literary Festival features 40 free literary events featuring over 100 writers. Events are live in downtown Ithaca from May 7-11, on Zoom from May 15-22, AND writing workshops continue through September. (Registration is Required.) The Festival ... Read More
Free
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Mother of Bourbon - Eric Goodman Mother of Bourbon: The Greatest American Whiskey Story Never Told is the never-before-told story of a pioneering and visionary woman who achieved success in a system designed to suppress her, and against a government that strived to repress her. Mary’s courage and determination are the hallmarks that live on today in Mary Dowling Whiskey, ... Read More
Free
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7 events,
State of the Art proudly presents our 36th Annual Juried Photography Show. This year’s show accepted photographs from 63 artists from all over New York state. The jury reviewed 283 images and selected 87 for the show. The exhibit includes landscapes, portraits, abstract, and traditional photography.
Free
Play board games and chess in our Game Room after school right on the Commons! All age groups welcome.
Free
Drop in for figure drawing sessions at CSMA, generally held on the 2nd and 4th Friday evenings of each month. If you’re an intermediate or advanced-level artist interested in drawing from the nude model, come join our non-instructed, open sketch sessions. Just grab your own supplies and enjoy an evening of creativity in the company of other artists. |
8 events,
State of the Art proudly presents our 36th Annual Juried Photography Show. This year’s show accepted photographs from 63 artists from all over New York state. The jury reviewed 283 images and selected 87 for the show. The exhibit includes landscapes, portraits, abstract, and traditional photography.
Free
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Kitchen Theatre Company is pleased to present EIDOLON YACHT, an exhibition of paintings in the Judith Holiday Gallery by Tim Merrick. Opening Saturday May 24th, 2 -5 pm. Merrick’s paintings are built as much as they are painted, constructed with the precision and material sensitivity of a seasoned carpenter, which he is, in fact.His measured and deliberate action, reveals a ... Read More
Free
Choose something from our library or bring your own! Riverwood has a game space that you can take over for the night and play some awesome games! We don't have it in stock? Ask us to custom order the game.
Free
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7 events,
State of the Art proudly presents our 36th Annual Juried Photography Show. This year’s show accepted photographs from 63 artists from all over New York state. The jury reviewed 283 images and selected 87 for the show. The exhibit includes landscapes, portraits, abstract, and traditional photography.
Free
-
ZINE WORKSHOP WITH YEN OSPINA 🗓️ Sunday, May 25th | ⏰ 4–6 PM | 📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY Join artist Yen Ospina for a fun, hands-on zine workshop! Learn how to create your very own pocket-sized zine using just an 8.5x11 paper. This workshop will guide you step-by-step, all while enjoying music and connecting with community members. ... Read More |
6 events,
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Justin Cox, Alyssa Perry, Hilary Plum, and Zach Savich are coming to Ithaca from the midwest, having written extraordinary books of fiction, poetry, and memoir-for-performance. For this genre-blurring event, our four talented visitors will each read from their new books, all published within the past year, and then Tompkins County Poet Laureate Dan Rosenberg will lead a Q&A. Justin Cox's ... Read More
Free
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7 events,
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ARTIST TALKS & WORKSHOP NIGHT 🗓️ Wednesday, May 28th | ⏰ 6–8 PM | 📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY Join us for a powerful and poetic evening led by Colombian artists Dorelly Johanna Villareal Martinez, Lua Arroyo, and local poet Yessica Martinez. This collaborative workshop invites participants to activate memory through color, using poetry as a guide for ... Read More
The Nocturnal Café (formerly Sacred Root Kava Lounge & Tea Bar) welcomes you to experience our weekly Open Mic Night hosted by a rotating cast of talented local artists. Come on down to share your song or story! Let's cultivate shared creativity! Showcase your talents and enjoy the experience of creative connection with a welcoming and supportive audience at Ithaca's ... Read More
Free
|
9 events,
State of the Art proudly presents our 36th Annual Juried Photography Show. This year’s show accepted photographs from 63 artists from all over New York state. The jury reviewed 283 images and selected 87 for the show. The exhibit includes landscapes, portraits, abstract, and traditional photography.
Free
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Kickoff meeting of the Southern Tier Chapter of Nuclear NY, a nonprofit organization that educates and advocates for nuclear power as part of the energy mix for a sustainable, prosperous, energy abundant future. We'll spend an hour at the Tompkins County Library Borg Warner room and then head over to the Monks on the Commons (120 S Aurora Street) to ... Read More
Free
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ARTIST WORKSHOP NIGHT 🗓️ Thursday, May 29th | ⏰ 7–9 PM | 📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY Spend the evening immersed in fiber, paint, and cultural storytelling with two incredible Latin American artists: 🧶 Ju Quaresma (Viva Acres) — Brazilian-Latina shepherd and fiber artist sharing her wool transformation journey. Learn about her wet felting process, explore her tools, ... Read More |
9 events,
State of the Art proudly presents our 36th Annual Juried Photography Show. This year’s show accepted photographs from 63 artists from all over New York state. The jury reviewed 283 images and selected 87 for the show. The exhibit includes landscapes, portraits, abstract, and traditional photography.
Free
-
CLOSING RECEPTION OF "WE ARE LA VOZ" 🗓️ Friday, May 30th | ⏰ 5–9 PM | 📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY Join us for the closing reception of We Are La Voz: Resilience Through Art, a month-long exhibition showcasing the powerful intersection of textile art and social justice through the work of Latine artists. Curated by Yen Ospina ... Read More |
10 events,
State of the Art proudly presents our 36th Annual Juried Photography Show. This year’s show accepted photographs from 63 artists from all over New York state. The jury reviewed 283 images and selected 87 for the show. The exhibit includes landscapes, portraits, abstract, and traditional photography.
Free
DANCE PARTY WITH APARECE 🗓️ Saturday, May 31st | ⏰ 7 PM – 12 AM | 📍 115 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY Join us for a high-energy dance party to close out the We Are La Voz pop-up gallery space at Orozco Gallery Ithaca! The night will be filled with Latin music, as Aparece, a Peruvian-American DJ, accordionist, and ... Read More
$10 – $20
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