Fall is definitely on the way in, and I hope you’re soaking up this stretch of warmer weather while it lasts.

September in the Finger Lakes is a special time — the air starts to shift, the leaves are hinting at color, and everywhere you go you can feel that mix of summer winding down and autumn gearing up.

We’re right in the middle of grape harvest season, with winemakers across the region busy gathering their grapes for the next great creation.

And just like those grapes, it’s time for us to gather, too!

🥳 Upcoming Event - Sunday 🥳

Join us Sunday, September 21st @ 1 PM at Spotted Duck, where we'll gather and grab some frozen custard and hang out, then we’ll head over to the Keuka Lake Outlet Trailhead around 1:30 or 1:45 PM. From there, we’ll enjoy an easy ~3-mile walk (or however far you’d like to go), tracing part of the waterway that once provided power from water mills and a commerce canal.

This meetup is free, but registration is required—just two quick clicks right here:

🥾 TRAIL OF THE WEEK: Cayuga Trail

The Bulletin

Want to spread the word about your business, a project, a volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to over 7,200 friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.

Finger Lakes Effect Meetup - frozen treats and a waterside walk? Yes, please! Join me and other subscribers this Sunday at 1pm for frozen custard at Spotted Duck near Dresden, then we’ll head over to the trail for a group walk. Free event, registration required.

Hare Prix 10K Run/Walk - Join the inaugural running of the Hare Prix 10K in Watkins Glen. Run a historic course and enjoy the after party at the Lucky Hare Marina finish line in downtown Watkins Glen along with your free drink!

📅 EVENTS

Top Weekend Picks

1. Sip, Savor & Stage: An Afternoon of Arts, Elixirs, and Eats @ Downtown Seneca Falls

2. Conversation with Cory Doctorow

3. Oktoberfest @ Binghamton German Club

Wednesday

• Adam Sandler @ Upstate Medical University Arena (Syracuse) – Comedy icon Adam Sandler hits the stage with big laughs and classic charm, a one-night-only tour stop in Syracuse.

• Faculty Recital – Jared Wallis, Trumpet @ Ithaca College Center for Music (Ithaca) – Trumpet and piano unite in a stirring recital of classics, contemporary works, and soulful folk melodies.

• Sip & Pour Candles (Skaneateles) – Sip, create, and unwind with candle-making, a cozy hands-on night of craft, conversation, and warm glow.

Thursday

• 360 Immersive Sound Bath! @ 360 Pronoia (Elmira Heights) – Sink into soothing vibrations, crystal bowls, and lavender calm, a one-hour journey of deep relaxation.

• Artist’s Talk: Kunié Sugiura @ Johnson Museum of Art (Ithaca) – Hear artist Kunié Sugiura share insights on her six-decade career, with exhibition viewing and reception.

• Jimmie Allen – Stories Behind the Songs Acoustic Show @ Middle Ages Beer Hall (Syracuse) – Acoustic country soul, stories behind the songs, and craft beer in a historic hall for one unforgettable night.

• Surf Renegades @ South Hill Cider (Community Concert Series) (Ithaca) – Soak up a sunset evening of cider, community, and lively surf-rock energy under the late-summer sky.

• Discover Improv @ The Cherry Arts (Ithaca) – Dive into improv with playful games, shared laughs, and the joy of creating in the moment together.

Friday

• X Ambassadors – The VHS(X) North American Tour @ State Theatre of Ithaca (Ithaca) – High-energy alt-rock takes over the stage in a two-night hometown tour stop, closing with an unforgettable night.

• Rev Ezra Josh Chamberlain Duo @ Finger Lakes Cider House (Interlaken) – Folk-rock storytelling and fiddle-driven rhythms set the stage for a night of connection and movement.

• 360 Community Swap Shop with MB Creative @ 360 Pronoia (Elmira Heights) – Swap, style, and sip, a no-waste community night with treasures, creative fashion tips, and local bites.

• From Cuba to ’Cuse Farewell Celebration: Dinner & Show @ Community Folk Art Center (Syracuse) – Savor Cuban flavors and vibrant music in a farewell dinner celebration marking 15 years of culture and community.

• GoGone @ Hopshire Farm & Brewery (Freeville) – Soulful ballads and raucous bluesy tales, a Friday night of live music, craft beer, and community vibes.

• Ladies of Laughter Stand-up Comedy w/ Becky Veduccio & Maureen Langan @ Schorr Family Firehouse Stage (Johnson City) – A powerhouse comedy night of sharp wit and big laughs as Ladies of Laughter returns with a new season.

• Terrorama – 35MM Film Festival @ Palace Theatre (Syracuse) – A night of cult horror classics on 35mm film, from Fulci to Raimi, gore and thrills at the historic Palace.

• Bundy Museum Ghost Tours @ Bundy House (Binghamton) – Explore haunted history in a Victorian mansion where IBM began, a ghost tour blending chills and legacy.

• Switchfoot @ del Lago Resort & Casino (Waterloo) – Grammy-winning rockers light up del Lago with soaring anthems and high-energy sound in the Finger Lakes.

• Conversation with Cory Doctorow (Ithaca) - The well-known author who coined the term “Enshittification” will be at Cornell for a moderated discussion.

Saturday

• The Fall Windmill Car Show @ The Windmill Farm & Craft Market (Penn Yan) – Classic cars, crafts, and fall flavors come together at The Windmill for a festive community Saturday.

• Sip, Savor & Stage: An Afternoon of Arts, Elixirs, and Eats @ Downtown Seneca Falls (Seneca Falls) – Craft drinks, bold bites, and live arts weave together in a cultural crawl through historic Seneca Falls.

• Day of Caring @ YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County (Ithaca) – Carnival games, food trucks, and community spirit come together in a lively day of fun and giving back.

• Día de Muertos Mask Making Workshop @ Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts (Trumansburg) – Celebrate culture and creativity with sugar skull masks, face paint, and flower crafts in a festive workshop.

• Intro to Hiking @ Cayuga Nature Center (A Wander in the Woods) (Ithaca) – Learn hiking basics on a guided walk through Finger Lakes woods, a beginner-friendly step into the outdoors.

• Party for the Park – Stewart Park Fundraiser (Ithaca) – Step into an era-themed night of music, food, and community spirit at the 10th annual Party for the Park.

• Endicott Apple Fest @ Washington Avenue (Endicott) – Apples, food, music, and fall fun line the streets of Endicott at a 40-year autumn festival tradition.

• Moonchot’s Thai Cuisine + Music w/ Cooper Scotti @ Apple Barrel Orchards (Penn Yan) – Global flavors meet local sounds, a laid-back afternoon filled with fresh tastes, music, and seasonal vibes.

• CNY Living History Center Music Fest (Cortland) – An afternoon of folk and rock favorites, a farewell show, and a fundraiser that brings music to history.

• Oktoberfest @ Binghamton German Club (Binghamton) – Steins raised high, German flavors, and festive music bring Bavarian tradition to a lively autumn celebration.

• Terrapin Station – Loading Dock Series @ Middle Ages Brewing (Syracuse) – Free outdoor tunes, cold craft brews, and easygoing vibes make for a relaxed late-summer Saturday gathering.

• Twilight at Tanglewood @ Tanglewood Nature Center (Elmira) – An evening of tastings, music, art, and nature, where fall flavors meet starry skies and wildlife encounters.

• Live Music: Quona Hudson @ Seneca Stag Brewing (Penn Yan) – Craft brews and soulful songs flow together for a relaxed Saturday night in the heart of the Finger Lakes.

• Latino Multicultural Festival @ Ithaca Commons (Ithaca) – Music, dance and flavors light up downtown in a vibrant evening of culture, rhythm, and community spirit.

Sunday

• Burlesque Buffet Brunchlesque! (Ithaca) – Sassy performances and brunch bites collide in a cheeky, decadent midday celebration of glamour and fun.

• Porchfest 2025 (Ithaca) – Stroll the streets and catch live music on porches, stoops, and lawns in Ithaca’s iconic community festival.

• Beer 101: Unlocking the Secrets of Hops, Malt & Yeast @ New York Kitchen (Canandaigua) – Sip, taste, and learn how hops, malt, and yeast shape every pour in this fun, flavorful beer class.

• Saltonstall Open House: Readings + Art (Ithaca) – Discover fresh voices and visual art in an open-air gathering that celebrates creativity and community.

• Clint Black @ Point of the Bluff Vineyards (Hammondsport) – Country classics, vineyard views, and a legendary voice make this a night to remember.

• Salsa Sunset Cruise @ Discover Cayuga Lake (Ithaca) – Dance into the sunset with salsa beats and lake views on a cruise of rhythm, fun, and golden-hour magic.

• Downtown Fall Fest @ City Hall Commons Atrium (Syracuse) – Autumn vibes with cider, donuts, crafts, and local vendors at a cozy, family-friendly downtown fest.

• Puzzle & Pints @ Factory by Beer Tree (Johnson City) – Race the clock with puzzles, enjoy craft brews, and compete for a trophy in this playful brewery showdown.

• ONCtOberfest 2025 @ ONCO Fermentations (Tully) – Celebrate Oktoberfest season with new brews, live music, and festive German-Irish eats in Tully.

• Bob Piorun Band @ Willard Memorial Chapel (Auburn) – Live music, historic charm, and community spirit come together in a rare afternoon chapel concert.

• Blues Bash Benefit @ Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Syracuse) – Blues grooves, smoky barbecue, and community spirit come together in a benefit full of soul.

• Fall Harvest Risotto Workshop @ New York Kitchen (Canandaigua) – Hands-on cooking, rich flavors, and fall harvest ingredients make risotto the star of this workshop.

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!

Supporting The Finger Lakes Trail

Love the Finger Lakes Trail & want to be involved in and support a 100 mile effort that benefits the Finger Lakes Trail Conference? Click below!

Still time to get involved and donate - find out more here.

Thank you to a wonderful sponsor of the Finger Lakes 100 fundraiser - Cayuta Sun Farm

Not only are they supporting us, they make delicious pork that you can get your hands, and mouth, on. Do yourself a favor: check out their website and swing by the Ithaca Farmers Market to grab some while supplies last!

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.