5 things to do in Tompkins County this weekend
Plan your visit and discover what’s happening this weekend.
Art & Entertainment News
Latest in Art & Entertainment News
Holiday traditions bring community cheer
Tompkins County holiday traditions light up homes, farms, and schools with festive cheer and community spirit.
Newfield nonprofits prepare for community meals, festivals and new traditions next year
Newfield Community Events in 2026 include Old Home Days, town meals, and local traditions highlighting volunteerism and community service.
Scottland Lights: 15 years bringing Christmas in lights and music to Groton
Scottland Lights Groton offers 15 years of synchronized Christmas lights and music, a beloved holiday tradition in the Groton community.
Ithaca Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to the State Theatre Dec. 12 to 14
The Ithaca Ballet Nutcracker brings 70+ dancers to the State Theatre Dec. 12–14, featuring Clara, the Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, and guest artists.
Enfield rings in holiday season with market and “Deck the Halls” event
Enfield holiday events return with a festive market and family crafts, bringing seasonal cheer to the community.
Holiday concert at Ford Hall Dec. 13
The Ithaca Concert Band holiday concert returns Dec. 13 at Ford Hall with classic Christmas favorites, a kids’ segment, and the traditional “Sleigh Ride.”
Trumansburg Community Chorus readies inspiring winter concerts
The Trumansburg Community Chorus performs “I Dream A World” this December, celebrating hope, reflection, and community in inspiring winter concerts.
The gift of an experience: Local businesses offer hands-on holiday fun
Holiday experience gifts in Tompkins County include candle making, gourd crafts, and pottery workshops for creative seasonal fun.
Free showing of “Remaining Native”
The film “Remaining Native” screens free at Cinemapolis Dec. 7, with director Paige Bethmann joining for a talkback on culture and healing.
Music, hot dogs and Santa: Newfield to host tree lighting celebration
Newfield Christmas Tree Lighting returns Dec. 6, offering music, Santa, food, and community fun for all ages.
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Tech gifts for the holidays – and why fiber internet makes them even better
Explore the best holiday tech gifts and see how fast fiber internet from Empire Access helps your new devices perform their best this season.
TCPL to host listening session at GIAC as library prepares new strategic plan
TCPL strategic plan draft for 2026+ will be discussed at a community listening session Nov. 19 at GIAC. Share your input to help shape the library’s future.
Community spirit, timeless traditions for this year’s Dryden Holiday Celebration
The Dryden Holiday Celebration brings Santa visits, hayrides, crafts and a tree lighting on Dec. 6.
New bakery and coffee shop brings community and homemade treats to Newfield
Morning Moon Coffee and Bakery opens in Newfield, offering homemade treats, coffee and a cozy community space run by Amy Heffron.
Public invited to Veterans Day Celebration at Ithaca College
Ithaca College hosts Veterans Day Celebration with student and faculty speakers, music, and community recognition events.
Nutrition and community: Newfield CSD hosting second annual fall harvest dinner
Newfield fall harvest dinner highlights local, nutritious foods and student involvement in the farm-to-school program.
Julianne Costa: Art teacher and published photographer
Julianne Costa, Groton art teacher and published photographer, inspires students while sharing her award-winning photography.
Murder, spirits and a wild, hairy man: Remembering Newfield’s spooky history
Discover Newfield's haunted past with ghost stories, a wild man, and historic murders, preserved by the Newfield Historical Society.
Ithaca cemetery preserves history, welcomes Halloween visitors
Volunteers help preserve Ithaca City Cemetery, while visitors enjoy historic tours and Halloween events celebrating the city’s past.
Spooky season comes alive across Tompkins County
Discover Halloween fun in Tompkins County with trunk-or-treats, haunted tours, parties, and spooky events for all ages.
Renew Ithaca hosting trunk or treat party on Oct. 25
Renew Ithaca trunk or treat party on Oct. 25 features candy, games, face painting, and family fun, open to the entire community.
Rootwork Herbals hosting campout and fire cider events to celebrate community
Rootwork Herbals fall events include a medicine-making campout and fire cider celebration, promoting community at the Jane Minor BIPOC Garden.
Protagonist Books & Coffee thriving
Protagonist Books & Coffee in Dryden is thriving as a local hub for readers, writers, and coffee lovers.
TCPL open house to mark 25th anniversary of historic move to East Green Street
Tompkins County Public Library celebrates its 25th anniversary at East Green Street with an open house, crafts, dance, historic displays, and special events.
Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots’ music featured in upcoming film ‘Out of Order’
Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots celebrate two songs featured in the upcoming film Out of Order, premiering at the Chelsea Film Festival in NYC.
GIAC hosting Halloween Spooktacular event on Oct. 31
The Greater Ithaca Activities Center will host its Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 31, featuring Trunk-or-Treating, Pumpkin Painting, Costume Basketball, and volunteer opportunities for the community.
Friends of the Library book sale returns Oct. 11
The Friends of Tompkins County Public Library will hold their annual Fall Book Sale in October. Explore thousands of books, DVDs, and collectibles while supporting local literacy programs.
Volunteers bake hundreds of pies ahead of Brooktondale Apple Festival
Volunteers prepare hundreds of pies for the 62nd annual Brooktondale Apple Festival. Learn how community members like Beth Osborne and local students contribute.
Running to Places to perform free production of Annie Jr.
Running to Places Theatre Company presents Annie Jr. with free shows Oct. 11–19 at Hangar Theatre, offering family fun and community access.
Cornell University Department of Music presents keyboard extravaganza sequel
Keyboard Energies II at Cornell showcases faculty and students performing on 17 instruments in a genre-bending program, free and open to the public.
Groton Community Choir prepares for its 75th year of performances
Groton Community Choir begins rehearsals for its 75th holiday season, honoring tradition while welcoming new members and talents.
10th Annual Ithaca Cupcake Baking Contest
Join the 10th Annual Ithaca Cupcake Baking Contest on Oct. 18 at the Bernie Milton Pavilion. Home bakers can compete for prizes, share recipes, and celebrate mental health awareness.
October book launch to benefit Library Foundation
Attend Lamar Herrin’s book launch for Pure Products on Oct. 4 at Tompkins County Public Library. Free event; donations benefit the Library Foundation.
SouthWorks and Ithaca Murals to host inaugural mural invitational
Join the Ithaca Mural Invitational at SouthWorks on Oct. 4-5 for murals, workshops, and community art activities with local and national artists.
A Day in the Life of… Dan the Snakeman
Dan the Snakeman reptiles brings snakes, turtles, and alligators to schools and events, giving kids and adults a hands-on learning experience.
Designing a better tomorrow, today: Todd Nau
Todd Nau, manager of Finger Lakes ReUse’s Triphammer location, earns Hometown Heroes Award for leadership, creativity, and community impact.
Playful collages by Dianne Lynn on display at Ulysses Philomathic Library
Dianne Lynn collages are on display at Ulysses Philomathic Library with a reception and printmaking demo on Sept. 27.
Cirque Us: Stories at The Cherry Artspace in Ithaca
Acclaimed troupe Cirque Us presents Stories on Sept. 20–21 at The Cherry Artspace, blending circus, theater, and community storytelling.
Quilts weave together art, history and community
Tompkins County Quilts celebrates artistry and community at the Years of Traditions show, Sept. 20–21 at TC3 Field House in Dryden.
Covered Bridge fest coming to Newfield
Join the second annual Covered Bridge Fall Festival in Newfield on Oct. 11. Enjoy vendors, music, food, and family-friendly activities.
Ulysses’ Library Bash aims to strengthen community ties
The Ulysses Philomathic Library hosts its Big Library Bash Sept. 13 with music, activities, and community fun in Trumansburg.
Apple Harvest Festival brings fall flavor, live music and student energy to downtown Ithaca
The Ithaca Apple Festival returns Sept. 26–28 with 150+ vendors, live music, family fun, and apple-themed treats across Downtown Ithaca.
Cornell Music presents organ and keyboard concerts
Cornell Music presents free concerts Sept. 11–17, featuring organist Amanda Mole and piano performances inspired by nature and Bach.
New York State’s only Reproductive Rights Film Festival expands to two weekends
The Reproductive Rights Festival returns to Ithaca with films, panels, and community events highlighting abortion access and reproductive justice.
Ithaca artist premieres solo show ‘Koans at the End of Life’ on hospice and healing
Ithaca hospice worker Kira Lallas premieres her moving solo show, Koans at the End of Life, exploring healing, mortality, and presence.
Community Connections – George Mann’s international Labor Day musical tour
Ithaca folk musician George Mann shares songs of labor and justice on his international Labor Day tour, from London to Cork.
A Day in the Life of… Crossroad the Clown
Frank Towner, aka Crossroad the Clown, shares what it’s like to spread joy and laughter in Tompkins County for nearly 50 years.
Aly Evans: Delivering compassion and a hot meal
Aly Evans, executive director of Foodnet Meals on Wheels, is honored as a Hometown Hero for her compassion and leadership.
Groton youth score high in national fine arts competition
Groton youth fine arts group earns national recognition at the Assemblies of God Fine Arts Festival, with multiple top scores.
Ithaca Is Books returns with authors, fair
The Ithaca Is Books festival returns Sept. 11–14 with author talks, a book fair, children’s events, and community programming across Ithaca.
Groton Olde Home Days: Connection, fun and food
Groton’s three-day festival begins with the opening of the Playland Amusements Carnival Midway at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 in the Speedway lot on Main St.
Enfield Harvest Festival to celebrate 50th year
Enfield Harvest Festival marks 50 years on Sept. 20, 2025.
Chris Allinger announces last show, Bobby Bones to take over Morning Drive on Q Country
Q Country Morning Show: Chris Allinger retires, Bobby Bones takes over in 2025. Tune in now!
Trumansburg band Mama Look! to host music retreat
The folk trio, made up of Amy Puryear, Uniit Carruyo and McKenzie Jones, is organizing the trip to Scott's Farmhouse at Oquaga Lake, hoping to draw interested Tompkins County residents for a weekend of harmonious learning.
John Simon and Cal Walker with Sing Me a Story! Read Me a Song! July 19
Children’s Reading Connection and the Tompkins County Public Library will present John Simon and Cal Walker with Sing Me a Story! Read Me a Song!, July 19, at 1 p.m., at TCPL.
Hangar Theatre celebrates 50 years with a season of music, magic and mystery
Hangar Theatre Anniversary celebrates 50 years with vibrant shows. Explore the 2025 season of music, magic, and mystery!
Holiday traditions bring community cheer
Tompkins County holiday traditions light up homes, farms, and schools with festive cheer and community spirit.
Newfield nonprofits prepare for community meals, festivals and new traditions next year
Newfield Community Events in 2026 include Old Home Days, town meals, and local traditions highlighting volunteerism and community service.
Scottland Lights: 15 years bringing Christmas in lights and music to Groton
Scottland Lights Groton offers 15 years of synchronized Christmas lights and music, a beloved holiday tradition in the Groton community.
Ithaca Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to the State Theatre Dec. 12 to 14
The Ithaca Ballet Nutcracker brings 70+ dancers to the State Theatre Dec. 12–14, featuring Clara, the Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, and guest artists.
Enfield rings in holiday season with market and “Deck the Halls” event
Enfield holiday events return with a festive market and family crafts, bringing seasonal cheer to the community.
Holiday concert at Ford Hall Dec. 13
The Ithaca Concert Band holiday concert returns Dec. 13 at Ford Hall with classic Christmas favorites, a kids’ segment, and the traditional “Sleigh Ride.”
Trumansburg Community Chorus readies inspiring winter concerts
The Trumansburg Community Chorus performs “I Dream A World” this December, celebrating hope, reflection, and community in inspiring winter concerts.
The gift of an experience: Local businesses offer hands-on holiday fun
Holiday experience gifts in Tompkins County include candle making, gourd crafts, and pottery workshops for creative seasonal fun.
Free showing of “Remaining Native”
The film “Remaining Native” screens free at Cinemapolis Dec. 7, with director Paige Bethmann joining for a talkback on culture and healing.
Music, hot dogs and Santa: Newfield to host tree lighting celebration
Newfield Christmas Tree Lighting returns Dec. 6, offering music, Santa, food, and community fun for all ages.
Sponsored Sponsored content Tech gifts for the holidays – and why fiber internet makes them even better
Explore the best holiday tech gifts and see how fast fiber internet from Empire Access helps your new devices perform their best this season.
TCPL to host listening session at GIAC as library prepares new strategic plan
TCPL strategic plan draft for 2026+ will be discussed at a community listening session Nov. 19 at GIAC. Share your input to help shape the library’s future.
Community spirit, timeless traditions for this year’s Dryden Holiday Celebration
The Dryden Holiday Celebration brings Santa visits, hayrides, crafts and a tree lighting on Dec. 6.
New bakery and coffee shop brings community and homemade treats to Newfield
Morning Moon Coffee and Bakery opens in Newfield, offering homemade treats, coffee and a cozy community space run by Amy Heffron.
Public invited to Veterans Day Celebration at Ithaca College
Ithaca College hosts Veterans Day Celebration with student and faculty speakers, music, and community recognition events.
Nutrition and community: Newfield CSD hosting second annual fall harvest dinner
Newfield fall harvest dinner highlights local, nutritious foods and student involvement in the farm-to-school program.
Julianne Costa: Art teacher and published photographer
Julianne Costa, Groton art teacher and published photographer, inspires students while sharing her award-winning photography.
Murder, spirits and a wild, hairy man: Remembering Newfield’s spooky history
Discover Newfield's haunted past with ghost stories, a wild man, and historic murders, preserved by the Newfield Historical Society.
Ithaca cemetery preserves history, welcomes Halloween visitors
Volunteers help preserve Ithaca City Cemetery, while visitors enjoy historic tours and Halloween events celebrating the city’s past.
Spooky season comes alive across Tompkins County
Discover Halloween fun in Tompkins County with trunk-or-treats, haunted tours, parties, and spooky events for all ages.
Renew Ithaca hosting trunk or treat party on Oct. 25
Renew Ithaca trunk or treat party on Oct. 25 features candy, games, face painting, and family fun, open to the entire community.
Rootwork Herbals hosting campout and fire cider events to celebrate community
Rootwork Herbals fall events include a medicine-making campout and fire cider celebration, promoting community at the Jane Minor BIPOC Garden.
Protagonist Books & Coffee thriving
Protagonist Books & Coffee in Dryden is thriving as a local hub for readers, writers, and coffee lovers.
TCPL open house to mark 25th anniversary of historic move to East Green Street
Tompkins County Public Library celebrates its 25th anniversary at East Green Street with an open house, crafts, dance, historic displays, and special events.
Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots’ music featured in upcoming film ‘Out of Order’
Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots celebrate two songs featured in the upcoming film Out of Order, premiering at the Chelsea Film Festival in NYC.
GIAC hosting Halloween Spooktacular event on Oct. 31
The Greater Ithaca Activities Center will host its Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 31, featuring Trunk-or-Treating, Pumpkin Painting, Costume Basketball, and volunteer opportunities for the community.
Friends of the Library book sale returns Oct. 11
The Friends of Tompkins County Public Library will hold their annual Fall Book Sale in October. Explore thousands of books, DVDs, and collectibles while supporting local literacy programs.
Volunteers bake hundreds of pies ahead of Brooktondale Apple Festival
Volunteers prepare hundreds of pies for the 62nd annual Brooktondale Apple Festival. Learn how community members like Beth Osborne and local students contribute.
Running to Places to perform free production of Annie Jr.
Running to Places Theatre Company presents Annie Jr. with free shows Oct. 11–19 at Hangar Theatre, offering family fun and community access.
Cornell University Department of Music presents keyboard extravaganza sequel
Keyboard Energies II at Cornell showcases faculty and students performing on 17 instruments in a genre-bending program, free and open to the public.
Groton Community Choir prepares for its 75th year of performances
Groton Community Choir begins rehearsals for its 75th holiday season, honoring tradition while welcoming new members and talents.
10th Annual Ithaca Cupcake Baking Contest
Join the 10th Annual Ithaca Cupcake Baking Contest on Oct. 18 at the Bernie Milton Pavilion. Home bakers can compete for prizes, share recipes, and celebrate mental health awareness.
October book launch to benefit Library Foundation
Attend Lamar Herrin’s book launch for Pure Products on Oct. 4 at Tompkins County Public Library. Free event; donations benefit the Library Foundation.
SouthWorks and Ithaca Murals to host inaugural mural invitational
Join the Ithaca Mural Invitational at SouthWorks on Oct. 4-5 for murals, workshops, and community art activities with local and national artists.
A Day in the Life of… Dan the Snakeman
Dan the Snakeman reptiles brings snakes, turtles, and alligators to schools and events, giving kids and adults a hands-on learning experience.
Designing a better tomorrow, today: Todd Nau
Todd Nau, manager of Finger Lakes ReUse’s Triphammer location, earns Hometown Heroes Award for leadership, creativity, and community impact.
Playful collages by Dianne Lynn on display at Ulysses Philomathic Library
Dianne Lynn collages are on display at Ulysses Philomathic Library with a reception and printmaking demo on Sept. 27.
Cirque Us: Stories at The Cherry Artspace in Ithaca
Acclaimed troupe Cirque Us presents Stories on Sept. 20–21 at The Cherry Artspace, blending circus, theater, and community storytelling.
Quilts weave together art, history and community
Tompkins County Quilts celebrates artistry and community at the Years of Traditions show, Sept. 20–21 at TC3 Field House in Dryden.
Covered Bridge fest coming to Newfield
Join the second annual Covered Bridge Fall Festival in Newfield on Oct. 11. Enjoy vendors, music, food, and family-friendly activities.
Ulysses’ Library Bash aims to strengthen community ties
The Ulysses Philomathic Library hosts its Big Library Bash Sept. 13 with music, activities, and community fun in Trumansburg.
Apple Harvest Festival brings fall flavor, live music and student energy to downtown Ithaca
The Ithaca Apple Festival returns Sept. 26–28 with 150+ vendors, live music, family fun, and apple-themed treats across Downtown Ithaca.
Cornell Music presents organ and keyboard concerts
Cornell Music presents free concerts Sept. 11–17, featuring organist Amanda Mole and piano performances inspired by nature and Bach.
New York State’s only Reproductive Rights Film Festival expands to two weekends
The Reproductive Rights Festival returns to Ithaca with films, panels, and community events highlighting abortion access and reproductive justice.
Ithaca artist premieres solo show ‘Koans at the End of Life’ on hospice and healing
Ithaca hospice worker Kira Lallas premieres her moving solo show, Koans at the End of Life, exploring healing, mortality, and presence.
Community Connections – George Mann’s international Labor Day musical tour
Ithaca folk musician George Mann shares songs of labor and justice on his international Labor Day tour, from London to Cork.
A Day in the Life of… Crossroad the Clown
Frank Towner, aka Crossroad the Clown, shares what it’s like to spread joy and laughter in Tompkins County for nearly 50 years.
Aly Evans: Delivering compassion and a hot meal
Aly Evans, executive director of Foodnet Meals on Wheels, is honored as a Hometown Hero for her compassion and leadership.
Groton youth score high in national fine arts competition
Groton youth fine arts group earns national recognition at the Assemblies of God Fine Arts Festival, with multiple top scores.
Ithaca Is Books returns with authors, fair
The Ithaca Is Books festival returns Sept. 11–14 with author talks, a book fair, children’s events, and community programming across Ithaca.
Groton Olde Home Days: Connection, fun and food
Groton’s three-day festival begins with the opening of the Playland Amusements Carnival Midway at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 in the Speedway lot on Main St.
Enfield Harvest Festival to celebrate 50th year
Enfield Harvest Festival marks 50 years on Sept. 20, 2025.
Chris Allinger announces last show, Bobby Bones to take over Morning Drive on Q Country
Q Country Morning Show: Chris Allinger retires, Bobby Bones takes over in 2025. Tune in now!
Trumansburg band Mama Look! to host music retreat
The folk trio, made up of Amy Puryear, Uniit Carruyo and McKenzie Jones, is organizing the trip to Scott's Farmhouse at Oquaga Lake, hoping to draw interested Tompkins County residents for a weekend of harmonious learning.
John Simon and Cal Walker with Sing Me a Story! Read Me a Song! July 19
Children’s Reading Connection and the Tompkins County Public Library will present John Simon and Cal Walker with Sing Me a Story! Read Me a Song!, July 19, at 1 p.m., at TCPL.
Hangar Theatre celebrates 50 years with a season of music, magic and mystery
Hangar Theatre Anniversary celebrates 50 years with vibrant shows. Explore the 2025 season of music, magic, and mystery!
