Twelve chilies. One table. We brought our own slow cooker to a Chili Fest last weekend at a friend's house and it did not disappoint. If you didn't do something similar, the Ithaca Chili Fest is this Saturday.
This weekend we're Canandaigua-bound with a long list of food and fun to check out. Got a must-see (or eat) recommendation? Hit reply and let me know!
Let’s go!
⏭️ HERE’S WHAT YOU SAID SHOULD COME NEXT ⏭️
I'll be working on building out the event calendar for the Finger Lakes — better filtering, easier browsing and submitting, and more.
Who wants to help inform the way this goes?
Would love to show a few dedicated readers what I’ve got so far and get some input so it is something we all love using.
I’m looking for a mix of perspectives, so I won’t be able to connect with everyone. If you're willing to spend 10 minutes on a video call, check out the site in development, and give me your honest feedback, I'd love to hear from you.
❇️ DO YOU LIKE CLEAN CARPETS, TOO? ❇️
I was talking with Lesa StPierre recently. She and her husband Michael have been running Quality Care Carpet Cleaners out of Auburn for over 30 years. 4.9 stars on Google, voted #1 in the CNY region five years running. That kind of track record doesn't happen by accident.
With spring coming up, it's a good time to think about getting your carpets, rugs, or upholstery freshened up after a long winter. They cover Auburn and the surrounding area.
Check them out at https://www.qualitycarecarpetcleaners.com or give them a ring at 315-255-0178
🍽️ HEAR THOSE DINNER BELLS? 🍽️
The first Finger Lakes Effect dinner club was a success!
In addition to eating some very tasty food, everyone had a great time meeting others from the area (and one who made the drive from up north).
Some really nice words from some of the attendees:
"The food was amazing and the company was great!"
"I am so happy I signed up for this! It was so nice getting to know people in the area and just chatting among people who share the same community. The food was great and the vibes were great for just meeting people for the first time!"
"Very enjoyable! It was great to meet others who had similar interests and had unique experiences to share!"
Ready to join in the fun? The next event is scheduled for March 26th, and you can find all the details here.
👋 Become A Contributor 👋
The Finger Lakes Effect is 100% free to read, independently owned, and locally operated (it’s me, my wife, and two cats).
Your contributions go toward keeping the Finger Lakes Effect going so we can have more fun, build more connections, and not have each edition filled with ads. I appreciate any and all support from this great group! — Adam
The Bulletin
Partner with us: Reach 10,400+ engaged Finger Lakes readers. We feature local businesses worth knowing. Get in touch here.
Got a community event or shout-out? We want to hear about that too.
Correct “un-scramble” will be shared in next week’s newsletter
Lucky Hare Brewing - If you’re looking for great beer + food, belly up to the bar (or have a seat!) at their Hector or Watkins Glen Marina location. Also, put September 19th on your calendar - together with Lucky Hare I’ll be directing the 2nd running of the Hare Prix 10K with a great post-run/walk event.
🔔 UPDATES 🔔
Sunrise | 6:37 AM |
Sunset | 5:59 PM |
Moonrise | 7:35 PM |
Moonset | 7:20 AM |
Air Quality | 53 MODERATE |
Pets: Rocket says hi, he’s got a great derpy Husky face 😀
📅 EVENTS 📅
Top Picks
The Big Lebowski (1998) @ Smith Opera House (Geneva - Friday)
Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off @ Ithaca Commons (Ithaca - Saturday)
2026 Annual Penn Yan Wing Walk @ Downtown Penn Yan (Penn Yan - Saturday)
Wednesday
Billie Bakhshi Art Reception @ Lodi Whittier Library (Lodi) – Art, intuition, feminine archetypes, quiet magic, wine country vibes, and a soulful midweek opening.
Steak Month @ Rose Tavern (Canandaigua) – Rotating steak specials, lake views, classic cuts, cozy March dining, and elevated comfort flavors.
Ornithology Art Night @ Baltimore Woods Nature Center (Marcellus) – Bird sketching, feathers and fine detail, creative nature vibes, and a cozy hands-on art night.
What’s Cookin’ Jazz Trio @ Brookton’s Market (Brooktondale) – Live jazz, cozy market vibes, classic standards, and an easy midweek night out.
Tabletop Role-Playing Game Brainstorming Group @ Tompkins County Public Library (Ithaca) – Storytelling, strategy, creative worlds, and community vibes for tabletop adventurers.
Thursday
Improv Night @ Liquid State Brewing Company (Ithaca) – Live improv, craft beer, big laughs, unpredictable comedy, the perfect Thursday night vibe.
Three Lakes Sampler @ Schweinfurth Art Center (Auburn) – Floor-to-ceiling student art, vibrant creativity, and a free cultural stop in Auburn.
Homebrewed Comedy @ Prison City Pub and Brewery (Auburn) – Craft beer and stand-up comedy in an intimate speakeasy setting.
Billy Idol Should Be Dead (Documentary Screening) @ Movie Tavern Syracuse (Camillus) – A feature documentary exploring the life and legacy of rock icon Billy Idol.
Concert: The Ocean Blue @ Center for the Arts of Homer (Homer) – Alternative rock icons live in an intimate regional arts venue.
Friday
First Friday Kickoff to Brave Brews Weekend @ Downtown Auburn (Auburn) – Downtown crawl vibes, craft drinks, live art, Fire & Ice energy, celebrate Women’s History Month in style.
Gratitude in Detail: Paintings Inspired by Nature @ State of the Art Gallery (Ithaca) – Nature-inspired art, vibrant paintings, a downtown gallery opening, an inspiring Friday evening.
Keb’ Mo’ @ State Theatre of Ithaca (Ithaca) – GRAMMY-winning blues, soulful storytelling, legendary live music, a powerhouse Friday night.
Wind in the Willows @ Clemens Center (Elmira) – Classic story magic, live theater, forest adventure, family-friendly storytelling on stage.
Unplugged Extravaganza! @ The Dundee Library (Dundee) – Board games, cozy vibes, screen-free fun, unplug and connect with a relaxed afternoon.
Ithaca Gallery Night – First Friday @ Downtown Ithaca (Ithaca) – Walkable art night, gallery hopping, meet local artists, downtown creative energy.
Lasky x Salati | Exhibiting Artists Panel Discussion @ Roberson Museum (Binghamton) – Artist talk night, First Friday energy, behind-the-scenes creative conversation.
Li’l Anne Small Band @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – Zydeco grooves, craft beer, danceable vibes, lively Friday night at the brewery.
The Big Lebowski (1998) @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Cult classic screening, historic theater vibes, nostalgic Friday night movie energy.
The Boys in the Band @ Cider Mill Stage (Endicott) – Classic groundbreaking drama, intimate stage production, emotionally charged theater night.
Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra @ Ford Hall (Ithaca) – Live symphony performance, full orchestral sound, refined Friday night music.
Music Unbound: From Stage to Screen with Michael Abels @ Cornell Cinema (Ithaca) – Pulitzer-winning film composer live, panel + horror screening, cinematic music night.
Saturday
Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off @ Ithaca Commons (Ithaca) – Bold chili flavors, lively crowds, downtown energy, a festive winter food celebration.
From Grapes to Glass: Winter Dormancy @ Bet the Farm Winery (Trumansburg) – Vineyard learning, winter pruning, wine and lunch, a scenic, hands-on wine country experience.
SPIF’s Birthday Open House @ Spacecraft Planetary Image Facility, Cornell University (Ithaca) – Touch meteorites, explore Mars in VR, space fun for all ages, a stellar Saturday afternoon.
Both Ends of the Rainbow @ Schweinfurth Art Center (Auburn) – 1,000+ colorful artworks, local students & seniors, free gallery stop, creative Auburn energy.
2026 Geneva Indoor Market @ Finger Lakes Welcome Center (Geneva) – Lakeside market, 29 local vendors, wine & cider tastings, cozy winter shopping vibes.
Specialty Tour: The Real Housewives of Auburn @ Seward House Museum (Auburn) – Historic drama, powerful women, playful storytelling, downtown Auburn vibes.
Women's Weekend Whiskey & Wood Burning with Suzanne Frazer @ Hollerhorn Distilling (Naples) – Whiskey tasting, wood burning art, Women’s Weekend vibes, creative distillery energy.
2026 Annual Penn Yan Wing Walk @ Downtown Penn Yan (Penn Yan) – Wing crawl, downtown hopping, vote your favorite, Keuka Lake comfort food vibes.
The Belmar Parade Day Mile @ Broome County Public Library (Binghamton) – One-mile parade route race, downtown crowds, festive St. Patrick’s Day energy.
Spruce Up Your Conifer Knowledge @ Nevin Welcome Center (Ithaca) – Guided winter garden walk, learn conifer ID, fresh air, nature vibes.
The Gallery at South Hill Photography Group Exhibit Artists Talk @ The Gallery at South Hill (Ithaca) – Artist talk, local photography exhibit, creative community vibes.
VINES Garden Bowl @ Ripics Carousel Lanes (Binghamton) – Bowling fundraiser, support local food access, team fun with purpose.
Rekt Brew Fest @ Arnot Mall Event Center (Horseheads) – Craft beer tasting, live music, high-energy indoor brew fest vibes.
15th Annual Gala @ Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel (Watkins Glen) – Lakeside gala night, dinner, music, dressed-up fundraising celebration.
A Sparkling Murder Mystery @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – Interactive mystery, dinner and drinks, dramatic twists, historic venue charm, theatrical night out.
The ARTS Council’s Fashion Show – Tilted Paradise @ Corning Museum of Glass (Corning) – Runway glamour, bold fashion, cocktail social, museum backdrop, high-energy after-party dance vibes.
Sunday
Classic Movie – Taxi Driver (1976) @ State Theatre of Ithaca (Ithaca) – Iconic 70s cinema, big screen nostalgia, a powerful and classic Sunday film experience.
Women's Weekend: Yoga & Health Tonics with Hayley Parker @ Hollerhorn Distilling (Naples) – Slow flow yoga, spring renewal, health tonics, women’s weekend vibes, brunch-ready bliss.
Natural Perfume Class – “Perfumes & Cocktails” @ Envious Handbags (Ithaca) – Craft your own signature scent, sip botanical cocktails, intimate Women’s Day experience.
TOiVO Spring Forward Community Dance @ Stone Bend Farm (Newfield) – Rustic barn dance, live folk rhythms, community vibes, feel-good Sunday energy.
Community Seed Swap @ CCE-Tompkins Education Center (Ithaca) – Seed swapping, spring garden dreaming, local growers, hands-on learning, community green vibes.
Recurring Events
Limited Duration - click here
Trivia - click here
Kid Friendly - click here
✅ READY TO BE A FINGER LAKES INSIDER? ✅
Finger Lakes Insider - This isn’t just a longer event list. It’s a well-curated, month-ahead game plan so you can lock in the fun stuff early, discover gems you’d miss otherwise, and stop last-minute scrambling (and annoying calendar overlaps).
Thanks for supporting the Finger Lakes Effect!
See You Out There
Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect!
Adam Moody
