Back in September 1911, the waters of Keuka Lake in Hammondsport bore witness to something new: Glenn Curtiss, already famed as the “Fastest Man on Earth,” after driving a custom made V8 motorcycle, tested his experimental seaplanes there—craft that could both take off from and land on water.

Bringing “Wings” to Trails: Finger Lakes Effect Meetup – September 21

On September 21st, we’ll be seeing some wings of a different kind—duck wings at Spotted Duck!

Join me Sunday, September 21st @ 1 PM at Spotted Duck, where we'll gather and grab some frozen custard and hang out, then head over to the Keuka Lake Outlet Trailhead around 2 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: Hemlock Lake Hiking Trail

The Bulletin

Want to spread the word about your business, a project, a volunteer opportunity, or give a shout-out to over 6,901 friends in the Finger Lakes? Get in touch.

The Curd Nerd - We swung by on Sunday and were blown away by the selection of cheeses and meats. Super friendly and helpful crew will help you find exactly what you need in your life - more cheese!

Lucky Hare - You know they make great beer, but did you know they’re hosting a 10K run / walk in Watkins Glen on September 27th? Get signed up now and get your sweat on before joining the afterparty at the marina!

📅 EVENTS

Top Weekend Picks

1. Tompkins County Airport Day & Preparedness Expo @ Ithaca Tompkins International Airport 

2. TAP into the MOST @ Museum of Science and Technology

3. Lake Street LawnFest 2025 @ Downtown Elmira

📚 Special Event 📚

• Library Card Sign-Up Month (Southern Tier) - Get access for yourself or a loved one to one of our best resources, the public library! This month you can attend a community of the acclaimed PBS documentary Free For All. Come dressed as your favorite book character, or librarian, for a chance to win library swag.

Wednesday

• A Screening of The Janes @ Cornell Schwartz Center (Ithaca) – A gripping documentary on courage and resistance, followed by a powerful Q&A with its Emmy-nominated director.

• CRT presents “Billy Joel’s Piano Man” with Wade Preston @ Dwyer Memorial Park (Preble) – Broadway’s Wade Preston brings Billy Joel’s classics to life with dazzling piano, soaring vocals, and rock ’n’ roll charm.

Thursday

• Sarah Noell @ South Hill Cider (Ithaca) – Sip cider and soak in views as folk-country songs set a nostalgic, laid-back vibe for a perfect evening.

• Heists, Rebellions & Hackers with Cory Doctorow @ Buffalo Street Books (Ithaca) – A thought-provoking evening of stories and ideas as amazing sci-fi author Cory Doctorow dives into rebellion, resilience, and tech’s future.

• The Irish Lassies LIVE @ LBC (Penn Yan) – Celtic harmonies and lively instrumentals invite you to raise a glass, dance, and sing along with local favorites.

• Devendra Banhart (Solo) with Kath Bloom @ Center for the Arts of Homer (Homer) – An eclectic, intimate night of experimental folk and soulful sounds from two trailblazing artists.

• Medieval Mysteries & Mayhem DeTOUR @ Memorial Art Gallery (Rochester) – Skeletons dancing, creatures creeping, and medieval mayhem make this quirky art tour unforgettable.

Friday

• Joe Crookston in Concert @ The Cherry Arts (Ithaca) – Foot-stomping rhythms, soulful lyrics, and stories that will leave you laughing, moved, and fully inspired.

• Sim Redmond Band @ Finger Lakes Cider House (Interlaken) – Feel-good roots and global grooves meet orchard vibes as Sim Redmond Band brings their signature sound to the stage.

• Harmonic Dirt @ Local 315 Brewing Company (Warners) – Sip local craft beer and unwind to Americana folk-rock vibes in a laid-back evening of music and brews.

• Syracuse Festa Italiana @ Downtown Syracuse (Syracuse) – Italian flavors, lively music, and community spirit come together in a festive downtown celebration. Friday, Saturday, & Sunday.

• Donna the Buffalo @ South Hill Cider (Ithaca) – Golden-hour cider, community spirit, and roots rock grooves come alive with Finger Lakes legends Donna the Buffalo.

• TAP into the MOST @ Museum of Science and Technology (Syracuse) – An evening of unlimited tastings, local bites, and community spirit at Syracuse’s biggest food & drink fundraiser.

• Ashley McBryde @ Point of the Bluff Vineyards (Hammondsport) – Grammy-winning country star brings powerhouse vocals and heartfelt stories to a stunning wine country stage.

• Star Party: Saturn and Farewell to Summer Skies @ Baltimore Woods Nature Center (Marcellus) – See Saturn at its yearly best, glimpse Titan, and say goodbye to summer skies in a guided stargazing night.

• Hamilton @ Landmark Theatre (Syracuse) – The Broadway phenomenon arrives in Syracuse with its revolutionary story, iconic music, and electric energy.

• Better Than the Book: Silence of the Lambs (Ithaca) – See the chilling classic Silence of the Lambs in Cinemapolis’ staff-curated “Better Than the Book” series.

• Name Brand Covers: Emo & 2000s Alt-Rock Tribute (Syracuse) – Relive the 2000s with a high-energy tribute to emo and alt-rock hits like Misery Business and Ocean Avenue.

• Zine Workshop @ Card Carrying Books & Gifts (Corning) – Cut, paste, snack, and create in a playful DIY workshop that mixes art, words, and community vibes.

Saturday

• Tompkins County Airport Day & Preparedness Expo @ Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (Ithaca) – Soar into a day of flights, balloons, races, panackaes, and hands-on fun the whole family will remember.

• Lake Street LawnFest 2025 @ Downtown Elmira (Elmira) – Elmira comes alive with music, food, and family fun as Lake Street turns into a lively community festival.

• Oktoberfest @ Liquid State Brewing Company (Ithaca) – Celebrate Oktoberfest with Festbier, music, contests, and a final taste of Silo’s beloved food truck fare.

• Sippin’ in the Stalks @ Moore Family Farm (Groton) – Sip and stroll through a corn maze with hidden tastings, live music, campfires, and festive fall fun.

• Guided River Paddle @ Chemung River (Corning) – Glide down the Chemung River, a guided paddle blending scenic views with stories of history and nature.

• Migration Celebration @ Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Ithaca) – Bird walks, live shows, and hands-on fun fill the day as the Lab of O celebrates migration in Sapsucker Woods.

• Blues on the Bridge @ South Washington Street Bridge (Binghamton) – All-day blues, big crowds, and festival vibes take over Binghamton’s bridge for a free community music fest.

• A Walk Through History Cemetery Tour @ Benton Rural Cemetery (Penn Yan) – Step back in time, hear stories of the past, and experience history brought vividly to life.

• La Dolce Vita @ Auburn Public Theater (Auburn) – Fellini’s masterpiece unfolds on the big screen, a lush and iconic journey through beauty and decadence.

• Ende Brothers @ Laurentide Beer Company (Penn Yan) – Acoustic harmonies and craft brews set the tone for a laid-back evening of music and good cheer.

• Scuba Jerry @ South Hill Cider (Ithaca) – Jam grooves, orchard views, and sunset cider make for a laid-back evening of Garcia-inspired music.

• Bands & Brews Concert Series Finale @ Mirabito Stadium (Binghamton) – Baseball, brews, and live music wrap the summer series with a finale set by The Voice alum Alyssa Crosby.

• Bareroots Festival 2025 @ Thornden Park (Syracuse) – Original music, art, and community spirit come alive in a park festival designed to inspire creativity.

• A Night at The Woods @ Baltimore Woods Nature Center (Marcellus) – Owls calling, mushrooms glowing, and a night walk that awakens the mysteries of the forest.

Sunday

• Demo Day: Artist Alley Studio Demonstrations & Open Studios @ The Gallery at South Hill (Ithaca) – See creativity in action as local artists open their studios and share live demos in this hands-on art experience.

• Cutler Flea Antiques & Vintage Market @ Broome County Regional Farmers Market (Binghamton) – Vintage treasures, artisan finds, and local flavors fill a curated market made for browsing and discovery.

• KlezFest @ Jewish Community Center of Syracuse (DeWitt) – Kosher food, klezmer music, and family fun come together in a joyful celebration of culture and community.

• Ryan Sutherland @ Abandon Brewing Company (Penn Yan) – Craft beer, countryside views, and laid-back live music make for the perfect Sunday afternoon unwind.

• The ’60s: Society & Song with Gathering Time @ Valley Folk (Corning) – History, harmony, and the spirit of the ’60s come together for an afternoon of stories, music, and nostalgia.

• 33rd Annual Founder’s Day Concert @ Dewitt Park (Ithaca) – Bold fanfares, heartfelt melodies, and classic Americana fill the park in a free community tradition.

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!

100 Miles On The Finger Lakes Trail - Update

About one month to go until the 100 mile trail run entirely on the Finger Lakes Trail to help support the local non-profit that maintains these amazing trails for all of us - the Finger Lakes Trail Conference.

We’ve passed the 60% mark - thank you!

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

A big shout out to one of the sponsors of the Finger Lakes 100 fundraiser - Woodpepper Bread!

Not only are they supporting us, Dane also make amazing bread in Ithaca. Do yourself a favor and swing by Wed-Sat for a loaf (or 2…or 3) and say hi to Dane!

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.