Every Wednesday this time of year, the state puts out a fall foliage report. It's built from notes sent in by more than a hundred volunteers, whose job is to go outside and look at trees. I think I may need to look into a new volunteer position!
The new one comes out later today. A couple of weeks ago the Finger Lakes were still mostly green, with Canandaigua & Auburn a little ahead of everyone else, and peak is still looking like mid-October.
So we're in the in-between stretch. Not peak yet, but a few maples along the lake roads have started showing off, the apples are in, and the evenings are calling for some warmer clothes. Maybe not sweater weather, but getting there.
I've got a couple of updates and a few fun things for you, then the events as usual.
🧶 BEANIES, LOGOS, AND MORE 🧶
Thanks for all of the feedback on the Finger Lakes Effect beanie hat poll last week.
I’ve got some designs in progress, mostly centered around trees, lakes, and fall colors. I'm getting feedback from a few designers first, so I can come back to you with better drafts and then narrow it down to the final patch design.
A few early design ideas in testing
At the same time, I’ll be working on an updated logo and asking for your feedback, which is much appreciated. More soon.
🎤 SING YOUR HEART OUT 🎤
Whether you're a kid finding your voice or an adult who hasn't sung since high school, Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier (VEST) wants you in the choir. VEST offers barrier-free vocal ensembles for singers of all ages and backgrounds, and they rely on community support to keep it all running, so consider making a donation.
I got to meet Dr. Jolley last week, and yes, the leader of this joyful choir is named Jolley!
🎃 FREE TICKETS TO FUN 🎃
First response to this email telling me what your favorite part of fall is will get 4 free tickets to the Moore Family Farm Festival in Groton!
A 5-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, apple cannons (yes, CANNONS), bounce area, and more.
Thanks to the Moore family for offering this to Finger Lakes Effect readers!
🔆 QUICK HITS 🔆
Postcards Are Important - October 1 is World Postcard Day and we have our own postcard celebrity in the Finger Lakes. Check out the postcard project and all the work they’re doing to support the community.
Be A Contributor, and you help keep the Finger Lakes Effect going. More of the good stuff, and more people to share it with.
Dinner Club is heading to Canandaigua. Join us on Oct 29.
The Bulletin
Interested in partnering with the Finger Lakes Effect? Reach 13,300+ engaged Finger Lakes readers. I feature local businesses worth knowing. Get in touch here.
Got a community event or shout-out? Submit it here.
Moore Family Farm - Family owned and operated with the fall festival happening now. Pumpkin & tree farm, located in Groton. Tons of activities, great for the family, schools, or even teams.
Word Scramble - Answer in next week’s email
🔔 UPDATES 🔔
Sunrise: 7:02 AM
Moonrise: 8:46 PM
Air Quality: 19 GOOD
Sunset: 6:49 PM
Moonset: 1:05 PM
📅 EVENTS 📅
Top Picks
"9 to 5" (1980) (Geneva - Saturday)
Mural Jam 2026 (Ithaca - Saturday)
Oktoberfest and stein holding competition (Watkins Glen - Saturday)
Wednesday, September 30
Aquatic Invasives (Lakeville) — Learn to identify aquatic invasive species and discover how to protect our lakes in this free educational program.
Regular Produce Auction (Penn Yan) — Browse fresh seasonal produce at this regular auction event.
Name That Tune Bingo! Is Back! (Penn Yan) — Test your music knowledge with Name That Tune Bingo, enjoying live music, drinks, and prizes while playing along on your phone.
Thursday, October 1
Fall Foliage in Colored Pencil with Pat Jackson (Penn Yan) — Learn to draw autumn leaves with colored pencils, exploring techniques with alcohol inks, watercolor, and colored paper.
Hillick & Hobbs Final Sunset Series (Burdett) — Enjoy the final sunset series lakeside with Seneca Lake views, local wines by the glass or bottle, food, and live music.
Friday, October 2
October Gallery Night with Lisa Gillis (Ithaca) — Explore nature-inspired gouache paintings reflecting the beauty of the Finger Lakes landscape.
Live Music at Castel Grisch Winery (Watkins Glen) — Enjoy live music on the winery deck with scenic views and quality wines at Castel Grisch.
Elmira Aviators vs. Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks (Elmira) — Watch the Elmira Aviators compete against the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks in fun junior hockey action.
Saturday, October 3
Penn Yan Farmers Market (Penn Yan) — Shop local produce and support a 50-year farmers market tradition at this weekly Saturday market.
Oasis Game Night: BINGO (Hector) — Spin the wheel and match Hazlitt wines on your BINGO card for prizes at this interactive wine game night.
Civil War Day (Geneva) — Meet Civil War reenactors, explore a Union camp, witness cannon demonstrations, and tour Rose Hill Mansion's first floor.
Opening Reception for the Arena Art Group's 75th Anniversary Exhibition (Honeoye Falls) — Celebrate Arena Art Group's 75th anniversary with an opening reception featuring member artwork.
The Falls Harvest Festival (Montour Falls) — Family-friendly harvest celebration featuring live entertainment, local crafts, and food vendors in historic Montour Falls.
Mural Jam 2026 (Ithaca) — Watch muralists transform walls into vibrant art while enjoying live performances and adding creativity to community panels, October 3-4. Add your own creativity to the community wall.
Fall Fest (Penn Yan) — Celebrate fall with community festivities and seasonal activities.
Oktoberfest and stein holding competition (Watkins Glen) — Celebrate Oktoberfest with live music, beer, food, and a stein-holding competition with prizes and national competition entry.
Try-It: Weaving (Ithaca) — Learn weaving basics using a rigid heddle loom to create a bookmark or mug rug in this introductory class.
Oktoberfest at Hopshire (Freeville) — Celebrate Oktoberfest with traditional beers, games, music, stone-lifting contests, and German-inspired food all day.
Flea Market at Chamberlain Acres (Elmira) — Browse vendors and treasures at this growing weekly flea market with affordable vendor spaces.
QKAtoberfest Beer Garden (Penn Yan) — Relax with craft brews, good vibes, and great company at this Oktoberfest-themed beer garden celebration.
Harvesting Tradition: A collaborative event with Yates County Farm Bureau and Apple Barrel Orchards (Penn Yan) — Celebrate Yates County agriculture with apple picking, cider donuts, wagon rides, tractor displays, and farm activities.
Fall Foliage Paddle(Branchport) — Paddle scenic lake waters and witness stunning fall foliage colors on an educator-led afternoon adventure.Sold Out"9 to 5" (1980) (Geneva) — Watch the classic 1980 comedy celebration of Dolly Parton's iconic workplace film.
Cousins Maine Lobster at Krooked Tusker Distillery (Hammondsport) — Enjoy fresh Maine lobster from Cousins Maine Lobster food truck at Krooked Tusker Distillery.
Seneca Monster (Geneva) — Challenge yourself with a 9-mile or 8-mile event at this scenic race for casual and elite canoe, kayak, SUP, and surf-ski paddlers.
St. Mary's School 5K and 1 Mile Color Run (Cortland) — Run 5K or 1 mile while enjoying a colorful celebration at St. Mary's School.
GirlStrong Fun Run (Lansing) — Join GirlStrong for a fun run supporting confidence and empowerment in young women.
Sunday, October 4
The Seven Wonders (Canandaigua) — Experience The Seven Wonders tribute to Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks with powerful renditions of timeless hits.
Live Music - Madelyn Rose @ Star Cider (Canandaigua) — Enjoy live country and classic hits from Madelyn Rose in a request-friendly, engaging performance.
Gregory Alan Isakov at Concerts at Point of the Bluff (Hammondsport) — Experience indie-folk musician Gregory Alan Isakov live on an outdoor vineyard stage overlooking Keuka Lake.
Recurring Events
Limited Duration - click here
Trivia - click here
Kid Friendly - click here
See you out there!
Thanks for being part of the Finger Lakes Effect.
Adam Moody
