Based on reader recommendations we headed to Resilience Bakery this past weekend—wow. If you’ve ever had one of their cruffins, you know what I’m talking about. Ours was stuffed with peaches and didn’t last long…

Honestly, it reminded me just how many hidden gems there are in the Finger Lakes.

Speaking of which, the Tompkins County History Center just launched a cool little “Tompkins Treasure Hunt” where you explore, solve puzzles, and can win a treasure chest with $10,000 in jewels!

And another local treasure? The Finger Lakes Trail. I’ve spent countless hours out there, and this October I’m running 100 miles on foot from Bath to Ithaca while raising money for the Finger Lakes Trail Conference—the non-profit that maintains these wonderful trails.

Want to help support the trail—and my attempt to not fall apart mid-run? You can find out more here. Even a small donation helps, and half of all funds raised go directly to protecting and maintaining the trail.

🎉 Finger Lakes Effect Winner 🎉

We had an early-morning-riser win the Finger Lakes Effect hat giveaway last week!

Sheri was quick to open and read the email and replied back 22 minutes after it went out - since she’s in the area we ended up meeting at the Finger Lakes Cider House for a glass of cider and to get the hat into her hands (and head).

Thanks again to everyone who replied. Hoping to have more hats soon—maybe even a Version 2 in the works!

The Bulletin

Want to spread the word about your business, a project, a volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to over 4,922 friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.

The Corner Brew - serving up amazing drinks, food, and my favorite coffee cake around. Check them out in Dryden!

Resilience Baking - Grab a peach cruffin like we did, and try one of their many other tasty treats—or order an entire cake.

Looking Back

It’s been great getting out to see more events, restaurants, and places as I uncover and collect them for the newsletter.

If you’re out and about and have a great picture from an event listed in the newsletter send it in - I’d love to feature some in the newsletter or the Finger Lakes Effect Instagram.

📅 EVENTS

Top Weekend Picks

1. Auburn Summer Homecoming

2. Wayne County Fair

3. Fillmore Days & Bathtub Races @ Fillmore Glen State Park

Wednesday

• Wayne County Fair (Palmyra) - Head north for a week of events—from agriculture to yoga to watermelon eating contests, you can find it all at the fair.

• Community Art Night: Collaborative Mural @ Penn Yan Public Library (Penn Yan) – Create, connect, and leave your mark—join a playful outdoor mural where every shape tells a story.

• Ice Cream Social @ Pulteney Free Library (Pulteney) – Sundaes, sprinkles, and small-town smiles—cool off with sweet treats and feel-good fun for all ages.

• The Greater Finger Lakes Jazz Orchestra @ Geneva Lakefront Summer Concert Series (Geneva) – Breezy jazz, golden-hour views, and big band energy—let the lakefront swing carry you into the evening.

• What’s Cookin’ Jazz Trio @ Brookton’s Market (Brooktondale) – Unwind midweek with smooth jazz, good vibes, and a cozy evening that feels like a local secret.

• Music at the Museum ft. Qu4tro @ Cayuga Museum of History & Art (Auburn) – Live tunes, tacos, and summer vibes under the ginkgo tree in this pay-what-you-wish concert experience.

• Fly Fishing Film Tour @ Riseform Brewing Co. (Marcellus) – Epic casts, cold brews, and wild rivers—an outdoor film night made for adventure lovers.

• Mike Brown @ Lucky Hare Brewing (Hector) – Grammy-nominated tunes, lakeside brews, and midweek chill make this Friendsday set one to savor.

Thursday

• A CAPPELA! – The Binghamton Vibes @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – Pints, harmonies, and open-air fun, enjoy an upbeat a cappella night at the brewery with classic-meets-modern vibes.

• Welcome to Yates Networking Social @ Scout Vineyards (Penn Yan) – Mingle over wine with locals and newcomers alike at this laid-back social in the heart of wine country.

• Music in the Stacks: Featuring Ziggy and Miles @ Seymour Library (Auburn) – An intimate hour of exquisite guitar, quiet awe, and music that lingers long after the final note.

• SO GOOD Music Series: Wise Bones + Molly & The Ringwolds @ So Good Ice Cream (Homer) – Live music, warm evenings, and ice cream under the sky, sweet summer vibes served by the scoop.

• History Hour: Presidential Artifacts & Stories @ Phelps Mansion Museum (Binghamton) – Original artifacts, untold stories, and a rare night of presidential history you can literally hold in your hands.

• Forge the Gorge Trail Run @ Fillmore Glen State Park (Moravia) – Scenic trails, waterfall air, and post-run pizza—forge your own gorge-side adventure at golden hour.

• Beers, Bikes & Barges @ Lunkenheimer Brewing + Erie Canal Trail (Weedsport) – Ride the historic canal trail and end with a cold craft beer, bikes, brews, and summer bliss in motion.

• From Beethoven to John Williams w/ Calidore String Quartet @ Skaneateles Festival (Skaneateles) – An elegant journey from Beethoven to the big screen—string quartet mastery in a lakeside church setting.

Friday

• Auburn Summer Homecoming (Auburn) - Celebrate the best of Auburn August this Friday, Saturday, & Sunday with live music, crafts, food and more!

• 2025 Ithaca Artist Market @ Ithaca Farmers Market (Steamboat Landing) (Ithaca) – Art, jazz, and lake breezes, wander a waterfront wonderland filled with creativity, flavor, and local flair at this annual event.

• Terrapin Station @ Finger Lakes Cider House (Interlaken) – Lose yourself in golden-hour jams, orchard air, and the feel-good rhythm of a summer night well spent.

• Friday Sunset Music Series ft. Dean Goble Band @ Wagner Vineyards (Lodi) – Wine, music, and sunset views blend into a perfect lakeside evening—Friday nights never looked so good.

• Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots @ Osmote Winery (Burdett) – Sunset views, sizzling grill plates, and sparkly rock energy light up the lake at this summer wine country jam.

• Train + Edwin McCain @ CMAC (Constellation Brands–Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center) (Canandaigua) – Big hooks, big voices, and starry-night sing-alongs—this lakeside concert hits all the nostalgic highs.

• NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series @ Watkins Glen International (Watkins Glen) – Engines roar, fans cheer, and the Glen comes alive for this epic Friday of high-speed thrills and summer energy.

Saturday

• Fillmore Days & Bathtub Races @ Fillmore Glen State Park (Moravia) – Bathtub races, pie eating, pedal cars, and park fun collide in this delightfully quirky summer celebration.

• Shark Fest @ Museum of the Earth (Ithaca) – Get hands-on with shark teeth, fossil digs, and deep-sea science in this fintastic family-friendly adventure.

• Yummy Burgers with a Side of Jazz @ Bet the Farm Winery (Trumansburg) – Savor sizzling burgers and smooth jazz in the vines—easy summer joy with big local flavor.

• Women Swimmin' for Hospicare @ Ithaca Yacht Club (Ithaca) – Swim at sunrise for a cause in this heartfelt lake tradition that unites strength, community, and purpose.

• Guided River Paddle @ Chemung River (Toll Bridge to White Wagon) (Waverly) – Paddle a wild stretch of river and learn the secrets of the Chemung on this scenic summer float with a local guide.

• Festival of Art & Crows @ Willard Memorial Chapel (Auburn) – Auburn's crow-loving art fest blends live music, local artists, and hands-on fun for all ages under the tents.

• FLX Improv Workshop @ The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes (Corning) – Sharpen your wit and let loose in this laugh-filled improv workshop led by two Finger Lakes comedy pros.

• Scout Vineyards’ 5-Year Anniversary Celebration @ Scout Vineyards (Penn Yan) – Celebrate five flavorful years with wine, tacos, and live music at this laid-back vineyard party in Penn Yan.

• The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman @ Auburn Public Theater (Auburn) – A stirring portrayal of strength and survival, this powerful play traces one woman’s journey from slavery to civil rights.

• Live at the LBC: Payton Clark @ Laurentide Beer Company (Penn Yan) – Cold craft brews and live tunes fill the air at this no-reservations-needed local hangout.

• Blueberry Moon Paddle @ Saunders Finger Lakes Museum (Branchport) – Glide through moonlit wetlands and end by the fire in this magical evening paddle under the Blueberry Moon.

• Garlic.band @ Seneca Stag (Penn Yan) – Feel-good grooves and garlicky vibes spice up the night at this high-energy local favorite in Penn Yan.

• Victor Music & Food Festival @ Mead Square (Victor) – Bands, bites, brews, and fireworks—downtown Victor lights up with music and flavor in this summer street fest.

• Towpath Day 2025 @ Camillus Erie Canal Park (Camillus) – Canal boat rides, music, food, crafts, and heritage fun fill this festive Erie Canal bicentennial celebration.

Sunday

• Guided Guitar Jam @ The Downstairs (Ithaca) – Jam, solo, and grow—this hands-on session blends chill grooves with real-time guitar coaching for all levels.

• "Reimagination" Exhibit by Teresa Bakota Yatsko @ The Gallery at South Hill (Ithaca) – Celestial skies and microscopic life meet in this meditative exhibit celebrating the earth’s fragile beauty.

• Jim E. Leggs Trio @ Grist Iron Brewing Company (Burdett) – Live tunes and lakeside brews set the vibe as the Jim E. Leggs Trio brings rhythm to a summer afternoon.

• Steve Grills & The Roadmasters @ Steuben Brewing Company (Hammondsport) – Blistering blues riffs, cold brews, and lake views collide in this high-energy set from a true blues master.

• Ashley Wineland @ Eldridge Park (Elmira) – Authentic country vocals and heartfelt stories bring a big dose of twangy charm to this free park stage show.

• Oasis Sunday Music: Horse Stories with Jaimie Lee & Kate @ Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards (Hector) – Wine slushies, chill folk vibes, and summer air make this vineyard set a perfect Sunday afternoon unwind.

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!

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.