Did you know that the “Ring of Fire” tradition started back in 1938 on Conesus Lake? Locals lit dozens of bonfires around the shoreline to celebrate the 4th of July—and the idea caught on.

These days, we’ve got multiple Rings Of Fire, parades, fireworks, and a full lineup of live music and community events (check out the listings below!).

Speaking of events…the next Finger Lakes Effect meetup is taking shape and I’d love your input.

We’re planning a mid-to-late July meetup that combines a short walk or easy hike with something tasty—like a cold treat or casual bite. The day and time will affect what’s open and whether you can join in, so help shape it by voting below:

🥾 TRAIL OF THE WEEK: Bristol Hills

The Bulletin

Want to spread the word about your business, a project, a volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to over 3,102+ friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.

Finger Lakes Running Co - The Finger Lakes’ go-to specialty running store. Pick up new shoes, try some gear, and support a great local spot.

Local Kayak Rentals - A perfect weekend to get outside and maybe catch fireworks from the water. Tons of great rental spots around each lake—check out the map below for ideas!

📅 WHAT’S HAPPENING

⭐ Top Weekend Picks

1. Fireworks and a place to park 😅 

2. 4th of July Parade @ Downtown Canandaigua 

3. Hammondsport Firemen’s Carnival 

Wednesday

• Public Works: An Ithaca Nerd Night Experience @ The Downstairs

  (Ithaca) – Brainy, beer-fueled night of fun talks by local experts. Learn, laugh, and nerd out with the Ithaca crowd.

• Fair Haven 4th of July Celebration @ Fair Haven Village

  (Fair Haven) – Parades, live music, food, fireworks and a flaming Wall of Fire light up this epic lakeside holiday weekend.

• Whiskey Tasting @ Springside Inn (Auburn) - Sip your way through 8 rare Scotch whiskies and tasty bites at this guided, story-rich tasting night with The Whiskey Lab’s Jay Roberts.

Thursday

• Live Music – The Elderly Brothers @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery

  (Freeville) – Brewery vibes & classic tunes as The Elderly Brothers kick off the weekend with feel-good favorites.

• CFCU Summer Concert Series @ Downtown Ithaca Commons

  (Ithaca) – Free live music on the Ithaca Commons! Rock, funk & folk every Thursday with food, friends & summer vibes.

• Music in the Square @ Centerway Square

  (Corning) – Live music, local eats and small-town charm fill Centerway Square for a perfect Thursday summer night hangout.

• Delaques @ The Nocturnal Cafe

  (Ithaca) – Chill grooves and spontaneous soundscapes fill the room as Delaques brings improv vibes to Nocturnal Cafe.

• Hammondsport Firemen’s Carnival (Hammondsport) - Kicks off Thursday afternoon, continues with 4th of July events on Friday, and fireworks taking place on Saturday.

• Honeoye Lake Fireworks & Ring Of Fire (Richmond) - Celebrate 4th of July week with a fireworks show and ring of fire around Honeoye on July 3rd at Sandy Bottom Beach.

Friday - 4th Of July 🎆

• Fall Creek Brass Band @ South Hill Cider (Golden Hour Music Series) (Ithaca) – Golden hour, cider & big brass energy! Fall Creek Brass Band brings funky horns to the hills of Ithaca.

• Independence Day Party 2025 @ The Inn at Taughannock Falls (Trumansburg) – Lakeside party, live bands & fireworks at the Inn at Taughannock. A classic 4th of July celebration - sold out, but you can see fireworks from nearby Taughannock Falls.

• Night Sky Cruise @ Cayuga Lake (Ithaca) – Stargaze from the lake on this guided eco-cruise. Peaceful, scenic & magical Friday nights on Cayuga Lake.

• 4th of July Bonanza! @ Cayuga Shoreline + O’Malley’s (Interlaken) – Beach party, live music, and a mechanical bull as Cayuga Lake’s wildest 4th of July bash rolls from noon to night.

• July 4th Deck Party @ 3380 NY-14 (Watkins Glen) – Drinks, bites, and fireworks on the deck as the sun sets over Seneca Lake this 4th of July.

• Fireworks Over Seneca Lake @ Watkins Glen Harbor (Watkins Glen) – Fireworks burst over Seneca Lake as Watkins Glen lights up the sky in a lakeside 4th of July tradition.

• July 4th Fireworks Display @ Gaffer District (Corning) – Corning lights up the night with a riverfront fireworks show in the heart of the historic Gaffer District.

• July 4th @ Lincoln Hill Farms (Canandaigua) – Fireworks, live music, games and barbecue vibes under the stars for a fun and festive July 4th celebration

• 4th of July Parade @ Downtown Canandaigua (Canandaigua) – Celebrate with music, floats and local flair as Canandaigua’s Main Street comes alive for the Fourth of July. Come early for the parade, show up later for the Picnic & live music with fireworks scheduled for 9:45pm.

• Sunset Music Series: The Time Riders @ Wagner Vineyards (Lodi) – Live music, wine and golden-hour lake views set the scene for a mellow July 4 evening at Wagner Vineyards.

• Groton Fireworks Show & Event (Groton) - Live DJ, food trucks, and more with fireworks kicking off at dusk.

• Fireworks Spectacular & Racing (Dundee) - $20 General Admission, racing exhibition, fireworks, and more.

Saturday

• Star Party: Mercury @ Baltimore Woods Nature Center (Marcellus) – Stargaze Mercury & the Moon at a free telescope night in the woods with stories, science & cosmic vibes.

• Kipani @ Crooked Mouth Brewing (Endicott) – Kipani blends lush harmonies and raw emotion into catchy diary pop that hits you right in the feels.

• Summer Series: It’s My Party LIVE! @ The Central on Main (Canandaigua) – Retro vibes, girl group hits and big band energy light up downtown for a soulful summer night of fun.

• Thunder Moon Paddle @ Finger Lakes Museum (Branchport) – Paddle by moonlight on Keuka Lake then gather by the fire for snacks under the glow of the Thunder Moon.

• Fireworks Spectacular & Party in the Park @ Eldridge Park (Elmira) – Food, rides, music, and fireworks bring big energy to Elmira’s classic park for a July 5th party to remember.

• The Docksiders – Yacht Rock Experience @ Point of the Bluff (Hammondsport) – Yacht rock, summer sun and Keuka Lake views bring the smoothest vibes to this anniversary show at the bluff.

Sunday

• Ageless Jazz Band @ Brooktondale Community Center Pavilion (Brooktondale) – Big band jazz in the park! Swing, dance & relax with Ageless Jazz Band in Brooktondale. Free & family-friendly.

• Transient Kicks – Loading Dock Series @ Middle Ages Brewing (Syracuse) – Free outdoor show with Transient Kicks bringing raw energy, cold beer, and warehouse rock vibes to the dock stage.

• The Beach Boys @ CMAC (Canandaigua) – Feel-good harmonies, beachy nostalgia and endless summer vibes with The Beach Boys.

• Sunday Supper @ Anthony Road Wine Company (Penn Yan) – Golden-hour supper with local fare, wine pairings and vineyard views in the heart of lake country.

• Summer Concert: The Cool Club & The Lipker Sisters @ Rose Hill Mansion (Geneva) – Lush harmonies, jazz grooves and lakeside charm come together for a soulful Sunday concert on the lawn.

Recurring Events

• Trivia - click here

• Kid Friendly - click here

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👋 See You Out There

Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!

Adam Moody

Finger Lakes Effect

P.S. The Finger Lakes Effect will be evolving as it goes - if you have an idea for the style, look, or topics, hit reply and let me know.