Schools are going to be starting back up, and summer just might eventually start to give way to cooler mornings and earlier sunsets.

For some, that means one last chance to squeeze in lake time.

For others, it’s the excitement of crisp fall air, apple cider, and colorful hikes just around the corner.

With all that in mind, I’d love your input: what should the next Finger Lakes Effect meetup be? (Vote in the poll below!)

🥾 TRAIL OF THE WEEK: Buttermilk Falls Gorge & Rim Trail Loop

The Bulletin

Want to spread the word about your business, a project, a volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to over 5,702 friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.

Danby Food & Drink — Swing by this community hub for local goods and grab a beer or coffee while you’re at it! Live music on Saturdays, snacks, and more.

Lively Run Dairy — I tried the Sheldrake Moon last weekend, a bloomy-rind cheese similar to Brie, and it was amazing. You can pick up one of their delicious cheeses at many stores around the Finger Lakes or contact them for more info.

📅 EVENTS

Top Weekend Picks

1. New York State Fair

2. Sublime @ CMAC – Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center 

3. Silent Movie Under the Stars – 15th Anniversary @ Robert Treman State Park

Wednesday

• New York State Fair (Syracuse) - The state fair starts today and runs through September 1st - get your fill of music, treats, ag competitions, and more!

• Vinyl Swap & Shop @ The Downstairs (Ithaca) – Swap, shop, and spin records at a laid-back vinyl night filled with music, community, and analog vibes.

• Local Lore of the Finger Lakes @ Lodi Whittier Library (Lodi) – Uncover the forgotten waterfall of the Finger Lakes in a free local lore talk filled with mystery and history.

• What’s Cookin’ Jazz Trio @ Brookton’s Market (Brooktondale) – Unwind midweek with smooth jazz standards from What’s Cookin’ Trio in a cozy, small-town setting.

• George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic @ NYS Fair (Chevy Court) (Syracuse) – Funk legends George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic bring high-energy grooves to the Fair stage.

• Music Night with PJ Elliot @ Outlet 111 (Penn Yan) – Unwind with cocktails, conversation, and smooth live music to carry you through the week.

• 90’s Night with Super Critical @ Bundy Museum Annex Theater (Binghamton) – Relive the alt-rock energy of the 90’s with a throwback night of music, nostalgia, and good vibes.

Thursday

• The Business of Art @ Community Arts Partnership (Ithaca) – Artists, learn the business side of your craft in a free workshop on strategy, sales, and sustainability.

• So Good Music Series: 4 Word Days & The High Road @ So Good Ice Cream (Homer) – Chill with live tunes and ice cream at the So Good Music Series in Homer, a sweet summer night out.

• Cheap Trick @ The Great New York State Fair, Chevy Court (Syracuse) – Cheap Trick rocks the NYS Fair with timeless hits and high-energy classics in a must-see summer show.

• Steve Miller Band @ The Great New York State Fair, Suburban Park (Syracuse) – Sing along to timeless hits and soak up legendary rock energy at this unforgettable summer night show.

• Tom Chick @ Shamrocks, New York State Fair (Syracuse) – Kick back with live tunes, cold drinks, and good vibes as music meets fairtime fun.

• Se Leigheas Concert @ The Three Bears (Ovid) – Enjoy lively Celtic sounds, community spirit, and small-town summer charm at this free outdoor concert.

• Jasper String Quartet: Roots @ Skaneateles Festival (Skaneateles) – Experience soaring strings and soulful traditions in a stirring evening of music that bridges cultures and roots.

• Comedy Open Mic Night @ Bundy Museum Annex Theater (Binghamton) – Step up to the mic or just sit back with a drink for a night of laughs, surprises, and comic relief.

• Oliver Burdo Live @ Atwater Vineyards (Burdett) – Raise a glass, savor small bites, and let indie folk melodies drift over vineyard views at sunset.

Friday

• Driftwood @ South Hill Cider – Golden Hour Music Series (Ithaca) – Folk-rock favorites Driftwood light up South Hill Cider with golden-hour music, sunset views, and cider vibes.

• Common Railers @ Finger Lakes Cider House (Interlaken) – Groove to indie rock and roots sounds with the Common Railers over cider and farm views in Interlaken.

• Donna the Buffalo @ Inspire Moore Winery (Naples) – Dance, sip, and soak up summer vibes with an unforgettable night of music in the vineyard.

• Juried Show Exhibit Opening @ 127 Main St (Penn Yan) – Discover fresh creativity and connect with the local arts scene at this juried exhibit opening.

• Ryan Sutherland @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – Unwind with craft brews, lake views, and laid-back tunes for the perfect Friday night escape.

• FREE Music Friday: Gone Too Soon – A Michael Jackson Tribute @ Lincoln Hill Farms (Canandaigua) – Dance under the summer sky with free live music, farm vibes, and a tribute that brings the party to life.

• Alive After 5 Summer Concert Series @ Rye Bar & Restaurant (Elmira) – Kick off the weekend with free live music, food trucks, and downtown summer fun for all ages.

• Sublime @ CMAC – Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center (Canandaigua) – Feel the summer vibes with a legendary show that fuses ska, reggae, and rock into pure outdoor energy.

• Atlas Dance Band @ Treleaven Winery (King Ferry) – Hit the dance floor, sip local wine, and fuel up on fresh bites at this vineyard party under the summer sky.

Saturday

• Silent Movie Under the Stars – 15th Anniversary @ Robert Treman State Park (Newfield) – Watch Rudolph Valentino’s The Eagle with live jazz under the stars at Robert Treman’s 15th anniversary screening.

• Myers Stargazing Tour @ Paddle-N-More (Myers Park) (Lansing) – Paddle into the night for a magical stargazing tour on Cayuga Lake, where the stars shine brightest.

• Low Sensory Morning @ Animal Adventure Park (Harpursville) – Quiet morning at Animal Adventure Park, sensory-friendly access to animals before the crowds arrive.

• Stuff Swap & Community Outreach Fair @ Penn Yan Public Library (Penn Yan) – Swap treasures, share resources, and connect with neighbors.

• The Smith Flea Market @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – A treasure hunt of vintage finds, unique gems, and community spirit all in one lively market day.

• Ithaca Mushroom Walks @ Stewart Park (Ithaca) – Discover the hidden world of fungi on a guided walk full of curiosity, adventure, and woodland wonder.

• Fresh Tortilla Workshop: Tacos! @ New York Kitchen (Canandaigua) – Master fresh tortilla-making in a fun hands-on workshop, then feast on tacos crafted with your creations

• Nate Michaels Live @ The Windmill Farm and Craft Market (Penn Yan) – A day of music, treats, and community fun with a vibrant market atmosphere and family-friendly energy.

• Cultured & Curated: A Wine & (Vegan) Cheese Pairing Experience @ New York Kitchen (Canandaigua) – Sip, savor, and explore bold flavors in a curated pairing of Finger Lakes wines and artisanal vegan cheeses.

• Live Music at the Danby Market: Whistlin’ Dyl @ Danby Food and Drink (Ithaca) – An eclectic mix of soulful storytelling and funky grooves makes for a lively small-town music night.

• Bonnie Raitt with Special Guest Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band @ CMAC (Canandaigua) – Soulful blues, soaring guitar, and a summer night filled with timeless songs and unforgettable energy.

• Season Finale: Bill Charlap Trio @ Robinson Pavilion, Anyela's Vineyards (Skaneateles) – An evening of world-class jazz, rich melodies, and a season finale filled with elegance and timeless artistry.

• Wharton Studio Museum’s 15th Annual Silent Movie Under the Stars @ Robert H. Treman State Park (Ithaca) – A summer night of cinema magic, live music, and starlit skies with a classic silent film experience.

Sunday

• Beer and Bloody Mary Brunch @ Miles Wine Cellars (Himrod) – Sip a beer or Bloody Mary, soak in Seneca Lake views, and enjoy a relaxed brunch at a lakeside winery.

• 360 Hot & Cold Therapy Workshop @ 360 Pronoia (Elmira Heights) – Sweat, plunge, and breathe — a sauna-to-cold plunge wellness workshop for energy, balance, and renewal.

• Alex Myth @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – Unwind with cold brews, summer air, and live tunes that make Sunday afternoons feel endless.

• Cuban Roast & Toast @ Outlet 111 (Penn Yan) – Savor slow-roasted Cuban flavors and sip mojitos as lakeside summer evenings heat up with flavor.

Recurring Events

• Limited Duration - click here 

• Trivia - click here

• Kid Friendly - click here

Got an event we should feature in the Finger Lakes Effect? Click the button below and add your event details!

Forks On The Road: Eats & Drinks

Resilience Bakery: Baking The World A Better Place

The standout was the peach cruffin, a seasonal masterpiece dusted in granulated sugar with just a whisper of cinnamon. The flaky, buttery layers gave way to a bright peach filling that was sweet and refreshing. Every bite felt like summer wrapped in pastry!

Resilience is a gem for those who appreciate seriously good baking. And to our readers—thank you for sending us on this delicious detour. Keep those ideas coming; we can’t wait to discover more with you!

Jeney - The Forkin’ Local

See You Out There

Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!

Adam Moody

Finger Lakes Effect

P.S. The Finger Lakes Effect is always evolving—if you have an idea for the style, look, or topics, hit reply and let me know.