Special Events in Ithaca

January
Light in Winter
The festival celebrates the fusion of music, art, and science with programs appropriate for ages 12 and up. Performances will be held at the historic State Theatre, Cornell and Ithaca College campuses and will feature international performers.  Many related activities are offered for all ages throughout the weekend along Ithaca's Discovery Trail, at the Kitchen Theatre, and Solá and State of the Art galleries.

February
Mardi Gras at the Wineries
It's time to party on the Cayuga Wine Trail! Receive a glass, a string of Mardi Gras beads, exciting prizes, plus a wine and food sample at each of the Cayuga Wine Trail wineries. Costumed guests who visit each winery on Mardi Gras weekend will be eligible to be chosen as King and Queen of Mardis Gras. The King and Queen will be "crowned" at a reception in early spring, receive free tickets, reign at all Cayuga Wine Trail events, and receive tickets to the Finger Lakes Wine Festival.

April
Cayuga Wine Trail Wine & Herb Festival
Receive a fragrant herb or vegetable and taste herb & veggie prepared delicacies at each winery. Take home a glass, recipes and potted plant. Also you will eligble to win our Special Package Giveaway. Tickets required, and valid for both days of the event.

May
National Dance Week
Celebrate dance in our community, start the week of activities with local dancers at a community dance party and continuing through the next week with a variety of dance activities, classes and special events in dance styles such as Belly Dance, Folk, Swing, Contra, to name a few.

June
Ithaca Festival
One of America's best homegrown arts festivals! On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the Festival happens in the heart of Ithaca, NY on the Ithaca Commons, throughout downtown and in DeWitt Park. On Sunday, the entire Festival moves to Stewart Park at the base of Cayuga Lake. The ithaca Festival showcases the work of over 1,000 local artists, including crafters, poets, painters, dancers, divas, comedians, musicians, clowns, acrobats, community groups and ensembles. Ithaca's largest festival and craft show celebrating the local area. Music, performers, and food vendors.

July
Finger Lakes International Dragon Boat Festival
Come watch as Dragon Boat teams race down the Cayuga Lake Inlet off Cass Park. Join the celebration of this multicultural sport and enjoy Chinese Ribbon Dancing, Japanese Taiko Drumming, gospel singing, martial arts demonstrations, and a wide array of Asian and multicultural cuisines from local food vendors. Fun for all ages!

August
Cayuga Lake Triathlon
This USA Triathlon-sanctioned event is organized by the Ithaca Triathlon Club. We will be hosting the USA Triathlon Sprint national Champion, along with an intermediate distance race option. Come experience Central NY's premier triathlon in the heart of the Finger Lakes, just 8 miles north of Ithaca. Athletes swim in Cayuga Lake, bike the rolling hills of the wine country, and run through the gorge that features a waterfall three stories taller than Niagara Falls. Race start is 8am.

September
Apple Harvest Festival, Craft Show and Sale
A special regional festival featuring bountiful produce, apples, cider, baked apple goods. Craft fair, complete with performers, musicians, puppeteers, singers, story tellers, dancers, and band. A gala affair.

October
Art Trail Open Studio Weekends
Find over 50 artists year round and discover exciting art throughout the Greater Ithaca area. Visit artists on our Open Studio Weekends or call ahead to make plans with artists. Explore art studios, talk with artists, learn how art is made, and buy are in a relaxed atmosphere.

November
Turkey Shoot Lacrosse Tournaments
Ithaca, New York State High School Lacrosse tournaments.