Canandaigua caught my mind’s eye while writing up this week’s newsletter - turns out that the name comes from the Seneca language and means something close to “the chosen spot”.
I’m not a linguist, but it does seem like a good coincidence that Canandaigua was also the chosen location for the upcoming Dinner Club - April 30th, to be exact. Details here if you’re ready to join the fun.
Ok, let’s get into it. Lots to cover and a fun announcement below!
🚨 EVENT GUIDE IS LIVE 🚨
Good news: the Finger Lakes Effect Event Calendar is now live!
You can check it out right now by going here: https://fingerlakeseventguide.com
Browse the by date, use the calendar view, or explore via the map. Use town or lake filters, or search directly by keyword.

Can’t see the image above? Click here to visit the site directly.
If you know someone who organizes events in the Finger Lakes, please share the site with them - free to submit, easy to use, and part of the Finger Lakes Effect community.
Do you have feedback or ideas for the event calendar? Get in touch here.
👋 Become A Contributor 👋
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
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Got a community event or shout-out? I want to hear about that too.

Personal Best Brewing - In search of a good time? It might be waiting for you at Personal Best Brewing in Ithaca. Great beer, big space, full-sized shuffleboard, and more. Check out the website for details on how to get discounts and free shuffleboard!
🔔 UPDATES 🔔
Sunrise | 6:37 AM |
Sunset | 7:39 PM |
Moonrise | 1:45 AM |
Moonset | 10:04 AM |
Air Quality | 40 GOOD |
Pets: Need a running buddy? Link up with Nova!
📢 Around The Lakes 📢
Safety
If you're planning to get out on the water soon, the sheriff's offices in Yates and Schuyler counties are asking boaters to keep their eyes open: last week's rains washed a lot of debris into Seneca, Canandaigua, and Keuka lakes. Worth staying alert if you're heading out with the warmer weather towards the end of the week.
Community Milestones
Speaking of boats, Discover Cayuga Lake has a new boat coming in to replace the MV Teal, and they're letting the community help pick its name. If you've got ideas or just want to weigh in on what they should call it, they're taking suggestions. Just remember, Boaty McBoatface is already taken.
Farm To Table
Farm to Feast shared their story and food in a great conversation. Watch it here here.
📅 EVENTS 📅
Top Picks
Electrical Box Art Quest @ Thompson Park (Ithaca - Saturday)
Opening Day Presented by Motul at The Glen @ Watkins Glen International (Watkins Glen - Saturday)
Sci-Fi/Action 35MM Film Festival @ Palace Theatre (Syracuse - Friday)
Wednesday
Spring Break at the DC @ The Discovery Center of Southern Tier (Binghamton) – A fun-filled week of themed crafts, interactive activities, and live story sessions for curious young explorers.
Screening & Discussion: “In Old Arizona (1928)” @ Cayuga Museum of History & Art (Auburn) – A classic Western film screening followed by an engaging discussion and Q&A with a guest curator.
Networking@Rev: Campus to Community Connections @ REV: Ithaca Startup Works (Ithaca) – A dynamic networking event connecting campus innovators and local professionals to spark collaboration and new opportunities.
TALK: Our Health Care Crisis and What Can Be Done About It (Hammondsport) - Come together for a public talk and discussion with a retired pediatrician and small business manager to discuss real world issues.
Thursday
Artist Talks & Workshops @ Orozco Gallery (Ithaca) – An interactive evening of artist talks and hands-on workshops celebrating creativity, storytelling, and community connection.
Near the Forest, by the Lake: Discovering Nature Close to Home @ Mann Library (Ithaca) – A thoughtful book talk exploring local ecosystems, seasonal wildlife, and the quiet wonders of nature close to home.
Perfume Genius (duo) @ Center for the Arts of Homer (Homer) – An intimate duo performance blending haunting vocals, emotional depth, and artful indie pop soundscapes.
Science on Screen: Exploring Terroir in A Good Year @ Cornell Cinema (Ithaca) – A film screening and educational talk exploring wine, terroir, and viticulture through A Good Year, featuring expert discussion and tasting insights.
Friday
Opening Weekend Pep Rally @ Watkins Glen International (Watkins Glen) – Kick off the racing season with live music, networking, and trackside views at this lively community pep rally.
Ithaca D.I.Y. Music Festival @ Multiple Locations (Ithaca) – A multi-day grassroots music festival featuring diverse performances, local vendors, and vibrant community energy across Ithaca.
Eighties with the Ladies Dance Party @ Northville Arts Center (King Ferry) – A retro dance party celebrating 80s hits with DJ sets, themed vibes, and lively throwback energy.
Seatweaving: Build & Weave a Low Stool @ Hammerstone School (Ithaca) – A hands-on workshop teaching woodworking and weaving skills to create a functional, handcrafted stool from scratch.
Plant Bingo & Sips @ Liquid State Brewing Company (Ithaca) – A fun-filled bingo night where every round wins a plant, paired with drinks and lively community vibes.
Jenner Fox & Jeremy Elliott w Cuchulain (album release) @ Sunwood Studios (Trumansburg) – An intimate studio concert featuring acoustic folk storytelling and a special album release in a cozy setting.
Sci-Fi/Action 35MM Film Festival @ Palace Theatre (Syracuse) – A nostalgic film festival featuring cult classics, Godzilla marathons, and rare 35mm screenings across a full weekend lineup.
The Electric Light Orchestra Experience @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – A vibrant tribute concert celebrating ELO’s iconic sound with orchestral rock hits performed by Evil Woman.
Caviar & Grits @ Stone Bend Farm (Tompkins County) – A live soul-funk performance by Caviar & Grits bringing vibrant grooves to a unique greenhouse venue setting.
Women of Americana: A Celebration of American Music @ Corning Museum of Glass (Corning) – A live concert celebrating Americana music, honoring influential artists and traditions through performances by contemporary musicians.
Saturday
Loren & LJ Barrigar Concert @ Willard Chapel (Auburn) – A live performance by an acclaimed father-son guitar duo blending jazz, gypsy swing, and acoustic favorites.
Pat & Owen LIVE @ Steuben Brewing Company (Hammondsport) – A live music performance by Pat & Owen featuring laid-back tunes in a brewery setting overlooking the Finger Lakes.
Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana @ Bailey Hall, Cornell University (Ithaca) – A vibrant flamenco performance blending music, dance, and global cultural influences into a powerful evening experience.
Kitestring Live @ Brewers Kitchen and Taproom (Ithaca) – A lively Saturday night of live music, great food, and relaxed vibes with Kitestring.
Electrical Box Art Quest @ Thompson Park (Ithaca) – A fun, scavenger hunt-style running adventure exploring Ithaca’s painted electrical boxes with flexible routes and an after-party.
Opening Day Presented by Motul at The Glen @ Watkins Glen International (Watkins Glen) – A unique driving experience where participants can take their own vehicles onto the iconic Grand Prix circuit for a good cause.
Second Saturday Family Fun: Free Play! @ Cortland Free Library (Cortland) – A fun open play session for kids and families featuring creative building toys and imaginative activities.
“Where Culture Takes Flight” @ Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (Ithaca) – A free art gala featuring local artists, live music, vendors, and family-friendly activities in a unique airport setting.
Like A Hurricane – A Tribute to Neil Young @ ONCO Fermentations (Tully) – A lively tribute performance celebrating Neil Young’s iconic songs from CSN&Y, Buffalo Springfield, and Crazy Horse.
Pressing Strings Live @ Atomic Tom's (Binghamton) – A soulful live performance blending funk, rock, and rhythm-driven grooves for an energetic night of music.
The Empire State of Drag @ Clemens Center (Elmira) – A dazzling drag showcase featuring performers from across New York, celebrating bold artistry, unity, and high-energy entertainment.
Yagody Live @ Lansing Area Performance Hall (Lansing) – A captivating performance of modern Ukrainian folk music blending tradition and contemporary sounds in a dynamic live show.
Sonya Vai Live @ Crooked Mouth Brewing (Endicott) – A lively comedy showcase headlined by Sonya Vai, featuring a lineup of stand-up performers in a relaxed brewery setting.
Sunday
Room K Brunch: Vinyl Edition with DJ Flex Unger @ K-HOUSE Karaoke & Arts Hub (Ithaca) – A soulful brunch experience blending vinyl DJ sets, live vibes, and community energy in an intimate setting.
The Peking Acrobats @ Smith Opera House (Geneva) – A dazzling live performance by The Peking Acrobats featuring incredible feats of strength, balance, and agility with traditional and modern acrobatics.
Sip & Paint (Bob Ross–Inspired) @ Orozco Gallery (Ithaca) – A relaxed, guided painting workshop inspired by Bob Ross, inviting all skill levels to create and unwind.
Yamatai PULSE 2026: Legacy @ Cornell University - Department of Music (Ithaca) – A powerful taiko drum concert blending tradition and innovation with high-energy rhythms and captivating performances.
Syracuse Speed Dating (Ages 55–60s) @ Seneca Street Brewpub (Manlius) – A structured speed dating event where singles can meet multiple potential matches in a fun, social setting.
Science Connections: World Quantum Day! @ Sciencenter (Ithaca) – An interactive, family-friendly event exploring the fascinating concepts of quantum physics through hands-on activities led by Cornell’s Physics Graduate Society.
Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood @ Crouse Hinds Theatre (Syracuse) – An improv comedy show featuring Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, delivering unscripted, audience-driven humor in a fast-paced live performance.
Recurring Events
Limited Duration - click here
Trivia - click here
Kid Friendly - click here
✅ READY FOR THE INSIDE FLX SCOOP? ✅
Finger Lakes Insider - This isn’t just a longer event list. It’s a curated, month-ahead game plan so you can lock in the fun stuff early, discover stuff 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

