You'll discover Downtown Ithaca in a major way by visiting The Commons, Ithaca's award-winning center for commerce, attractions, entertainment, and so much more!
The Commons
You’ll discover Downtown Ithaca in a major way by visiting The Commons, our award-winning, four-block pedestrian district where local culture is not a slogan, it’s the daily rhythm. Step off the sidewalk and into a place built for wandering: street performers, public art, patio tables, window displays, and the kind of storefronts where the owner might also be the maker.
At its heart, The Commons is a living corridor of independently owned shops, boutiques, galleries, services, and eateries, with Press Bay Alley and DeWitt Mall only a short stroll away. Whether you’re here to browse, meet friends for dinner, grab a coffee, or spend an afternoon exploring, The Commons is the easiest way to feel what makes Ithaca, Ithaca.
Shop and explore
Shopping on The Commons ranges from thoughtful gifts and paper goods to clothing, books, jewelry, specialty foods, and creative experiences. You’ll find beloved staples like Buffalo Street Books and Odyssey Bookstore, local favorites for gifts and souvenirs like Sunny Days, plus places that invite you to do something hands-on like Poured Candle Bar.
Browse current shops and services in our directory
Dine, from casual to special-occasion
Downtown Ithaca is a choose-your-own-adventure dining scene. If you’re planning an elevated night out, you can build it around standouts like Simeon’s American Bistro, Thompson and Bleecker, Mia Tapas Bar, Mercato Bar and Kitchen, Le Café Cent-Dix, and Monks on the Commons. Prefer something quick, bold, and satisfying? Keep it casual with spots like Tacos CDMX, Viva Taqueria, Thai Basil, Casablanca Pizzeria, Sushi Osaka, and more.
Browse current dining options in our directory
Arts, landmarks, and places to linger
The Commons is also where Downtown gathers. From live performances at nearby venues like State Theatre and Cinemapolis, to seasonal public art and district landmarks like the Bernie Milton Pavilion and the DeVincentis Water Fountain, this is Ithaca’s most walkable mix of culture, history, and everyday life.
One gift, endless choices
Want to support local businesses while giving someone the freedom to choose? The Downtown Ithaca Gift Card is accepted at a wide range of shops and eateries across the district.
Purchase a Downtown Ithaca Gift Card
Signature events on The Commons
Downtown Ithaca’s biggest traditions happen right here, transforming The Commons into a festival ground, a concert venue, a holiday promenade, and a year-round stage for local creativity.
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- Apple Harvest Festival
The region’s classic fall weekend: apples, local food, crafts, family fun, and live music, all centered on The Commons with the Finger Lakes season in full color.
Learn more about Apple Harvest Festival - Beginnings Credit Union Summer Concert Series
A free weekly summer concert tradition on The Commons featuring a wide mix of genres and a lively, welcoming crowd. Bring a chair, meet friends, and let Downtown carry the evening.
Explore the Summer Concert Series - Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off
A winter-to-spring ritual that turns Downtown into a warm, buzzing tasting trail, with friendly competition, local pride, and a whole lot of comfort in a cup.
Learn more about the Chili Cook-Off - Winter Holiday Bash
A one-day celebration that makes Downtown feel like a storybook: seasonal activities, lights, music, family moments, and the kind of warmth you only get in a walkable community.
See Winter Holiday Bash details - Shop Small Business Weekend
A kickoff to the holiday season built for real shopping: local deals, downtown energy, and a reason to spend your dollars where they matter most.
Learn more about Shop Small Business Weekend - Holiday Window Display Competition
A Downtown tradition that turns storefronts into mini galleries. Stroll, vote, and watch the district transform into a holiday walk worth repeating.
Explore the Holiday Window Display Competition - The Comfort Food Trail
A seasonal tasting adventure designed for winter cravings. Wander Downtown, try featured dishes, and let the trail guide your next favorite bite.
Explore the Comfort Food Trail - Gallery Night Ithaca
A first-Friday celebration of art and culture with receptions, exhibits, and creative stops you can walk to, all anchored in the Downtown experience.
See Gallery Night dates and details - Sidewalk Showcase
Free outdoor performances that turn an ordinary evening into a Downtown moment, with rotating acts and a casual, street-level vibe.
Learn more about Sidewalk Showcase - Downtown Ithaca PRIDE Week
A celebration of community and visibility with events on and around The Commons, built to be joyful, welcoming, and truly Downtown.
Explore PRIDE Week - Halloween in Downtown Ithaca
Seasonal fun across Downtown, with family-friendly traditions and a district that shows up for the spooky season in full spirit.
Explore Halloween in Downtown Ithaca
- Apple Harvest Festival
Looking for what’s happening right now? Browse the full Downtown calendar for upcoming events on The Commons and beyond.
Attractions on the Commons
Visitors Center
110 N. Tioga Street, on the Ithaca Commons
Tompkins Center for History and Culture | (607) 273-7482
Whether you're looking for maps, sites to see, or events to attend, they've got you covered. Whether you need directions, help planning for a visit, information about the vibrant arts scene, or just need help finding your favorite shop, they're the one stop for all things Ithaca. When you visit the Visitors Center in person, you'll find friendly staff, plenty of brochures for local sites and venues, visitors guides, plus maps and information for most of the major performing arts organizations in Tompkins County.
Downtown Visitors Center Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Special holiday hours may apply. Stop in or visit online at VisitIthaca.com or Ithacaevents.com.
The History Center in Tompkins County- Exhibit Hall (located inside the Tompkins Center for History and Culture)
110 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca Commons/Bank Alley
Tompkins Center for History and Culture | (607) 273-8284
The History Center in Tompkins County is a state of the art museum and research space highlighting the histories of Tompkins County and the Finger Lakes region. Learn about the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫˀ (Cayuga), the establishment of Cornell University, Ithaca College and the growth of local industry and agriculture. The History Center changes exhibits on an annual basis (Exhibits open in February and are on display through December each year), highlighting different stories and objects from our collections. Explore thehistorycenter.net/exhibit-hall for details on the current exhibit. We are located inside the Tompkins Center for History & Culture and admission is free! Discover unique events, guided tours, and hands on crafting workshops offered seasonally at thehistorycenter.net/events.
Exhibit Hall Hours:
Wednesday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm
Special Events & Holiday Hours can be found at thehistorycenter.net/events.
Research Library & Archives: By appointment. Contact: archives@thehistorycenter.net
Sagan Planet Walk
The Ithaca Science Center's Sagan Planet Walk is a walkable scale model of the Solar system. The model scales the entire Solar system— planet size and distances between them —down to one five billionth of its actual size. Consisting of 11 obelisks situated along a 1.18 km (0.73 mi) path through the streets of downtown Ithaca, the Planet Walk leads from the sun at Center Ithaca to Pluto at the Ithaca Science Center. Taking this tour is a wonderful way to learn about science and explore downtown.
